Friends pay tribute after rocker dies (From Worcester News)

Friends pay tribute after rocker dies

7:10am Wednesday 25th November 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

FRIENDS have paid tribute to a “larger than life” man who made a big impact on the Worcester music scene.

John Bryan, a founding member of the local band Strandz, died on Tuesday, November 10, after suffering a heart seizure brought on by natural causes.

The 56-year-old, who was born in Liverpool, lived in Worcester during the 1980s. While here he met his wife Amanda and formed the band Strandz with Ray Clark and Lol Cook.

In 1984 the group released their first single and began touring Britain. Their music was championed by broadcaster Richard Skinner and reviewed on BBC Radio One.

“John was quite a motivator,” said Mr Cook. “Ray and I had been playing together for years and when we met John we found someone who was willing to go for broke.

“He was that kind of guy. He was always determined to make it.”

Mr Cook described his first meeting with Mr Bryan as memorable.

“I’d heard about this big, over-the-top musician. We were in the Swan with Two Nicks and I looked across the dance floor and there was this guy covered in crazy foam.

“I can remember he had this top with a picture of Toyah Wilcox on. We got talking about writing and recording and that was it.”

The band, which released numerous singles over the years, made their last record in 1989.

Mr Bryan then moved from his home in Richmond Hill, off Wyld’s Lane, back to his native Liverpool to be closer to family.

“John loved Worcester,” said Mr Clark. “He’s already missed by so many people. He’s irreplaceable.”

Mr Bryan’s funeral and memorial service is taking place in Liverpool today.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)