The ShadowMusic Web Community

by Ian Miller » Tue Nov 11, 2014 2:06 pm

Hi All

I have just learned of the sad death of Charlie Watkins of Watkins Electric Music, WEM. He died yesterday at the age of 91.
My thoughts are with his family.

Here is a link to the announcement in MIPRO: http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/news/read/charl ... ins/019421

Ian

by neil2726 » Tue Nov 11, 2014 4:28 pm

Sad new - we owe him so much from our early years - good gear at affordable prices!

by spencer scott » Tue Nov 11, 2014 6:27 pm

Have just had the news that Charlie has passed he was reported to have been 91 years
He was a "legend" in his own life time.
Charlie Watkins R.I.P.
Spence..
spencer scott

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by tommybird » Tue Nov 11, 2014 6:51 pm

He made a lot of young guitar players very happy with his copycats. plus all the club vocalists had to have one .
RIP.

GoldenStreet wrote:

Mikey wrote:Back in the day if you didn't have a Copicat you probably had a Rapier or a Dominator or a Westminster - it was a long list.
A sad loss but a lasting legacy. Rest in peace Charlie.

Brings back more memories of the old Bells of Surbiton mail order catalogues.

Bill

Found this....an aladdin's cave

http://www.guitarrepairsuk.com/bells_catalogue.htm

by bor64 » Wed Nov 12, 2014 12:37 pm

Industry pioneer, Charlie Watkins, has passed away aged 91.

The British engineer became known as the ‘Godfather of modern PA’ for his ground-breaking approach to loudspeakers and PA for outdoor rock events.

Having established his own company, Watkins Electric Music, in 1949, he became renowned in the 60s and 70s when ‘WEM’ PA systems in the kilowatt range became standard for British festivals, such as the Isle of Wight Festival and Glastonbury.

In 2011, Watkins received the Audio Pro International Lifetime Achievement award

Thanks for the great echo's Charlie! RIP.

Rob

Met him several times. A real character with lots of stories to tell.

RIP Charlie

50 years ago! Just come across this feature from the December, 1964 issue of Beat Instrumental...


Bill