The following, written by our chairman Trevor Byford, was sent out to all members of "The Friends of The Shadows Guitar Club Southend" this afternoon. I am posting it here rather than starting another thread via the Club page:
Dear Friends of the Shadows Club Members,
- Steve 1.jpg (14.66 KiB) Viewed 22146 times
We have had some very sad news recently, about the sudden death of one of the club's finest guitarists. Steve Reynolds has consistently impressed us all with his excellent, amazing playing at the club meetings. Back in the day, Steve's Dad was a huge Shadows fan, and little Steve, aged 8 or 9, used to sit there watching 'The Shadows Live' video when he couldn't sleep. Then one day he went to see The Rapiers, and as soon as he heard 'Saturday Night at the Duckpond' (and that amazing Colin Pryce-Jones sound), by his own admission, he was hooked!
Messing about on his sister's acoustic, half-size guitar, at the age of 9 or 10 he continually badgered his Mum & Dad into buying him a 'Fender Stratocaster' but made do, for the moment, with a black 'Encore', thin bodied, no trem, one pickup guitar he got for Christmas that year, tactfully bought for him in case he lost interest. But by the age of 11 or 12, and still bugging his parents, his Mum & Dad bought him a brand-new Red 'Fender Squier Stratocaster' costing £129. Now he was on his way . . .
I remember when he first arrived at our Shadows Club as a raw beginner, with some wrong notes and gaps, but oh boy! did he learn fast and improved month on month at an incredible pace. He was obviously very interested in guitars and Hank's sound and had a natural ability. He was so brave too, entering 'Britain's Got Talent' on ITV in 2014.Now that takes real nerve and courage!
- Steve 2.jpg (15.15 KiB) Viewed 22146 times
Lately, he also had his own 'YouTube' channel, offering technical advice and an enormous number of videos of him playing Shadows material, as well as tunes made popular by other artists. He also organised his own Covid-19 "Lockdown Live stream show" with a feature of playing requests, chatting and tips.
As you probably know, he also formed and led, 'The Wannabe Shadows' as lead guitarist, a popular and well-booked band. His knowledge of our musical environment and how to get 'That Sound' was truly amazing, and showed a deep love of what we do; and wasn't he a talented musician!
Everyone loved his playing of Shads stuff, but he also played and introduced what was for the club, a different kind of music in his renditions of non-Shadows stuff as well. It was so beautifully played, that other club members now branch out in other directions too, which enhances our listening pleasure.
I remember when he was able to get me a rare valve Meazzi Echo machine and told me of an old beat up one that was for sale in Belgium. He organised the purchase for me and arranged to get it restored by Amanda from Birmingham, famous for refurbing old Meazzi's. Many thanks Steve! The exercise took rather longer than we thought, but he was always pushing to get it finished, for which I am eternally grateful and I love it.
His death has truly shocked those who have heard of his untimely passing away. I still can't believe we will not see him again at the club, and it will not be the same again. What a guitar hero and genuinely helpful, nice guy. We will miss you so much Steve, as a player, and a friend. Who's going to tell us about all the new gadgets available now?
We would like to extend, on behalf of the guitar club, our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and share with them our terrible, irreplaceable loss. Once we find out when his funeral is, we will be sending a floral tribute in the shape of a Red 'Fender Stratocaster' on behalf of all our club members.
With great sorrow and admiration, for Steve, who filled his short life with so many achievements.
Trevor Byford.
(Chairman)
RIP Steve Reynolds, musician and friend.