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pip pyle - guestbookThe Guestbook is now closed for comments
"I posted this on the Planet Gong forum, but I have to add that I was so glad to meet Pip's Kids:- Ah, wotta coupla months! I went to Pip's funeral. When I heard that he had died I felt as though I had been hit in the lower gut by a swung scaffolding pole. I spent a few days in a daze. For me, during my time in Gong, Pip had been both a musical beacon, and someone really solid that I could rely on when I was wobbly on tour (it happens to us all). Playing with him was a great delight. I felt like I was surfing over his rhythms. Beautiful! And then there was the added impact of knowing that it was Pip on Camembert, Pip on Hatfield and the North, Pip on Continental Circus and Obselete: those albums that had meant so much to me as a late teen, where I had learnt about playing, and music meant so much.
"I just found out, two months after the fact, I thought you were on tour with Hatfield... I am so shocked, and I will miss the delicate and accented drumming you worked to such perfection. "Seven year Itch" opened my eyes to your songwriting and sealed the fate emotionally you are the best. I will miss you, and be saddened by all the music that we'll miss that was still in you. Pip Pyle rock on, heaven just gained prog's finiest drummers."
"Thanks for changing the way I listen to music forever. Cheers Mate!"
"Grazie per le emozioni che hai regalato con la musica che sgorgava dal tuo cuore e dal tuo "drums". Non è tardi per dirtelo. Arrivederci."
"Just stumbled over the video of the funeral which was a total shock. I never grew tired of listening to Pip's music since first hearing the Hatfields the early 70's on John Peel. Wonderful stuff, thanks Pip"
"Gentle, unforgettable... my tears and my memorial... could your beat guide my path longer"
"I met Pip in Marseille some time in the nineties at the Espace Julian where he was gigging with In Cahoots. My late friend Jean Pierre and I chatted to him about David Bedford and schoolgirls. My friendship with Jean Pierre had come about largely through our mutual love of Canterbury bands. I had studied at Canterbury University in the seventies and that sound had a wide audience in France. I remember introducing him to the woman who was with us as "a living legend" to which he drying replied
"more like a dead one." Now alas it's true."
"I saw Pip in last July at the burg Herzberg Festival in Germany. I think there were not a lot of french people in that festival.But after the Hatfield and the north's gig I met all the band at a Bar except Pip. I remember Richard bought me mojito and the organist say me in an excellent french that Pip spoke better french than him and that he lived in Paris, thing that didn't knew. It was a very good concert, a very good moment. Thank you Pip for the concert, thank you for the music, thank you for Hatfield, thank you for Gong.Repose en paix. Gilles."
"Pip was my favourite drummer in several of my favourite bands over several years....love to his family, and thanks to Pip himself."
"I've seen a Hatfield's concert a few months ago in Gorizia (italy) and Pip has been great! It's really a shock for me, i'm really sorry. Good trop,
PIP!"
"I would like to direct all the folk who have Pip in their hearts that there are some great photographs of Pip from june 1971 when he played with Gong at Glastonbury. They are on the Paul Misso Website. Perhaps Pips' Kidz can get a link up and running, or better; ask Paul if they can publish them here"
"love u love love ppppppppppppppppiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiippppppppppppppppppp"
"love"
"Pip Darling According to the Bardo Thödol, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, today: 15 October 2006 is the 49 day putting an end to your passage in the Bardo
meanwhile your soul found a favourable reincarnation. I realise you’ll be reborn in the same generation as Elton and I do believe you’ll meet again in the Spirit of a Love Supreme"
"ofmtkw ixmvb fijtsd nmudx dnobrg dluigxwv rxond"
"Una gran p{erdida de unos de los actores principales de la escena del Canterbury."
"SUCH A LOSS A WONDERFULLY ENLIGHTENED MUSICIAN. REST IN PIECE FRIEND, ALTHOUGH WE NEVER MET I FELT LIKE I KNEW YOU, YOU INSPIRED ME MUSICALY. THANK YOU PIP. YOUR A MATE TO MUSIC"
"Hi Family and Friends of Pip. I met Pip in Nyc about 10 years ago and we jammed out in a rehearsal room with friends. Pip was such a great drummer and a funny person to match. I am super sorry to hear of his passing away. My condelences to Family and Hatfield and the North. RIP Pip!"
"Ciao Pip... la musica rimane sopra ogni cosa perché è il tessuto del mondo e tu ne hai intrecciato un po'. Grazie."
"J'apprends seulement maintenant que tu nous as quitté... bien tôt...c'est toujours trop tôt... J'avais gardé un fort souvenir, chaleureux de notre rencontre un soir au Triton, lors d'un concert de Magma je crois (peu de temps avant ton concert dans ce même lieu); cette soirée et notre conversation avec toi et ta jeune femme française c'est comme si c'était hier. Je ne sais pourquoi j'avais gardé un souvenir si présent qui me revenait parfois en tête, mais l'instant était simple, vrai, humain, chaleureux, rare. J'aurais aimé qu'il puisse se reproduire espérant te revoir lors d'un concert, mais tu es parti dans les limbes des rêves, loin de nous. je te souhaites bon voyage, Pip, homme de bien! Je te salue en pensée, et te dis bonjour aussi, toi qui partageais amoureusement ses jours depuis quelques années. J'ignore si, toi qui demeure seule, sans Pip à tes côtés te souviendra de moi et mon copain avec qui j'étais, mais bon...je te salue et te transmets mes meilleures pensées, de tout coeur, ainsi qu'à ses proches."
"I first heard Pip play on Gong's "Camembert Electrique" just about thirty years ago, and then discovered the unbelievably rich Canterbury scene, where he kept popping up on album after album . . . and I was never disappointed by anything I heard - a truly gifted and inventive player and, based on all the comments here and elsewhere, with a heart as big as the misty isles and a sense of humor to go along with it. "RIP" may not be so much of a misnomer as some have suggested, as I get the impression that Pip was always at peace behind his kit. To his family and close friends who must surely feel this loss moreso than a simple and faraway fan such as myself, I offer you my most sincere and heartfelt condolences, and thanks for sharing him with the rest of us."
"Hi, this is just to say a few words about Pip Pyle. The first and last time I ever spoke to him was at the bar of a club he was about to play with Phil Miller's In Cahoots in my hometown Marseille. I was the typical shy silly fan and asked him how long his solo album was going to be (7 year itch) he smiled and he replied : "about that long" with his hands showing the size of a cd. Thanks for the joke Pip and thanks for all the music. RIP PIP"
"oops sorry , i meant 1980s electric drums ." "fantastic drummer - saw him (i'll say 'you' too actually , who knows you might be around in some other form) play with in cahoots in 1984. loved your philosophy of 'why use a big kit when so much can be accomplished with a smaller one' also, pip one of the few who could make those 90s electric drums not sound naff !
rip sir. is sad that only the H in Heap is now with us. that was a fantastic group. "
"Pip, this may be across the mists of time from a galaxy long long ago and far far away, or the Red Cow and Juniper Blossom anyway, or possibly exotic Hackney... I've just heard of your untimely moving on and it's made me very sad, there's too many of us leaving too young. To most
people here you were an inspiring drummer (guess you were... haven't seen you play since Bruno's and Delivery, and I vaguely remember the second Glastonbury...) but to me you were simply a nice guy and a mate. Time, it seems, waits for no man. I'm so sorry to hear of this, and I send my heartfelt sympathy to all your family and friends."
"thanks for all the good drums over the years----Ellis "
"I miss my dad so much, I always thought he was just unbreakable and unstoppable. But when I get sad, I come to this site and read what you have all written about him, and it makes me feel so comforted knowing how loved he was, by everyone who knew him. Thank you all for your kind words and support, and those who came to the funeral, Thanks to each and every one of you, for that brilliant send off. He would have been chuffed."
"I first met Pip at the age of 11 when I became a fellow son of Dame Joyce Franklin. He left school soon thereafter and became an inspirational, if unconventional, role-model. With a few friends I dogged his musical footsteps, forming a band we tried to cover the Delivery canon. Later while running a club at Triad in Bishop's Stortford I got to know Pip well. Rapid Eye Movement and Pip and Elton's band were semi-resident bands and the quality of music that audience received for a hat collection was remarkable. Sam would often be along as a drum roadie and entertain us during the sound check; I can still remember the warm glow of pride illuminating Pip's face. We only met a few times during the intervening 25 years, but there was always quick recognition and a hug. Pip was a hugely warm and generous person, I'll miss him."
"Encore un mec bien de plus un excellent batteur qui est parti, trop vite. J'aimais beaucoup "jammer" avec lui, il barrait dans tous les sens et c'était génial. Merci pour tout ça... So long Pip..."
"I saw Pip and the Hatfield in Rome (march 2006). 2 hours and more of great music I will never forget. I began to follow him and his groups thirty years ago. Pip will continue living in our hearts. Buon viaggio Pip."
"The first gig I ever saw in my life was a Hatfield gig when I was a schoolboy. The last one I went to was Hatfield at Mean Fiddler last year - the best part of thirty years later. It was as if I was at my first gig all over again and the years had rolled away. Pip was on fire on both occasions. His work has never brought less than a smile to my face until now - I am in tears. As Philip Larkin says 'What remains of us is love' - thank you Pip for the love you have left in your music. You really can't do much better than that."
"Condolences and so sad to hear about Pip."
"Recently I closed up shop with my E-newsletter TONE CLUSTERS, and there is a Pip obit in same's last issue which although it is nowhere near as well-put
and as representative as Dave Stewart's on the Hatfield web site, any member of Mr. Pyle's family, any of his friends or any fan wishing to have a look may Email me at [email protected] and I'll send it along. As before, my love to Pip and my condolences to his loved ones and friends."
"I would like to add my condolences to Pip's family. I have been a fan of Pip's work since the mid seventies. He signed an autograph for me in 1980 which said, 'Hi Colin, I work at the fair! Wonderful sense of humour, wonderful guy. Will miss him."
"I mean sorry is is NOT for sale" "I got some requests, but sorry, the dvd footage is for sale, just for personal use and the band."
"Just saw the video footage of the funeral of Pip Pyle, impressive, cheerful, optimistic, Richard Sinclair singing to the partly colourful crowd. I do hope the dvd footage I made of the last gig of Pip and Hatfield in Feerwerd, Groningen Netherlands will reach his relatives, so please Alex or/and Richard, hand a copy to them, cause it was such a great concert. If not please contact me, and I'll send you one.It contains the biggest part of the concert."
"I
was just playing the Hatfields on my turnplay; surfed on the web to
have some news on the band and, couldn't believe it, found out Pip was
dead. Thank you very much Pip, your music is always shining. I won't
forget you." "Bizes aux anges Pip!" "Salut l'artiste.
Tu vas me manquer.
Ton pote Olivier." "Very sad to read
of Pip's death. Haved loved the Hatfields music for over 25 years, and
their recent appearances at the Borderline were perfect. My thoughts go
out to his family and friends." "I just
wish to say thank you from a very tearful fan for all of the pleasure
that I have received over the years. Pip was for me, the quintessential
drummer of the Canterbury sound. His work in Hatfield, Gong, National
Health & many other bands gave shape to a wonderfully refreshing
sound that was always inspiring & made you feel good to be alive.
His drumming provided much more than a backbone for the other musicians
to create over the top of. His spark brought the drums to the fore,
& created a new syntax which became the Canterbury sound. We are
forever in his debt. Thanks again for eveything Pip." "Pip,thanks again for the drumsticks." "C'est
à de nombreux concerts & jam sessions avec le groupe de rock-blues
AXONE que j'ai pu connaitre PIP PYLE ainsi que son jeu de batterie !!
j'y ai découvert chez lui un style de batteur très atypique (je suis moi
même batteur en autres dans le groupe AXONE).Nos jeux ainsi que nos
styles musicaux divergés considérablement ,mais jamais de "rivalités",je
pense .Juste le respect du musicien de l' un envers l' autre.En bref,
c'est un batteur que je n'ai jamais vraiment compris,dont je ne remet
absolument pas en causes son talent ! Je l'ai souvent vu "jamer " avec
les musiciens du groupes AXONE et quelques soit le styles musical qui
était joué,son accompagnement à la batterie était toujour executé avec
un enthousiasme et un plaisir sans précédent.Pour sur , il était donc
MUSICIEN ! ! ! Au nom du groupe AXONE (Tony:guitare ; René:bass ;
Didier:drum)
Rest in peace,PIP." "I've
just heard of Pip's death. I'm now sitting here, tearful, listening to
the first two Hatfield albums. 'Hatfield and the North' will always be
my favourite album. I never met Pip, but I've known him for 35 years.
God bless you Sir. Rest in peace." "Hi
there. Just thought I'd let you know, in case you didn't already, that
there's an obituary published by the Guardian as of yesterday, penned by
myself several weeks ago. Bits got slightly mangled in the
sub-editing, namely the first paragraph, which erroneously implies that
Pip's first ever gig was in Holland with Hatfields, and in the last,
which implies that he was still with Muriel. I wanted to apologise for
any offence caused by either error, neither was on the version I
submitted to the Guardian, and I'll see what I can do to get them to
correct this, with your blessing.
I only met Pip a couple of times, but corresponded with him a fair bit
and his music has resonated through the last 20 years of my life. My
favourite memory is of him playing with Gong in Glasgow in the early
nineties in a venue called the Arches, trains rumbling overhead and Pip,
Daevid and Steffe hammering out the staccato rhythms of 'Dynamite'. Pip
looked genuinely overwhelmed by the ecstatic reception the band
received and looked like he never wanted to leave the stage. Yet I'll
remember him just as much for the album 'Up', very much at the other end
of the scale. He was just so amazingly versatile. We'll miss him.
Phil Howitt
Facelift Magazine " "I've
just returned from abroad and find the bad news only today. Before
leaving I've took with me some Hatfield and Canterbury music, as I do in
every travel. Thanks Pip for all the enjoyment you gave. May you enjoy
forever in the Great Concert in the Sky with Elton, Syd, Nick, and
Janis, Jimi, John, George, Jim, Tim, Jeff ... " "Some of the most beautiful music I ever have heard, the music will live on, thanx Pip." "When
Syd Barrett passed away in July he probably told God that he'd need a
great drummer to work with. With Pip and Syd jamming together Heaven
must be a very noisy place today. May God rest you well Pip." "So
sorry I couldn't make it to your curtain call, but God Bless you just
the same, all my memories of times spent with you are good - and how
often can you say that?
See you at the next one.
Love, dat Missile bass" "The funeral
is in 5 hours, I'm in Hawaii, 11 hours behind -- on my way to the pub to
drink to the man while his physical being is still on the same plane.
Sad and happy that he was."
"By the way, I think Pip left us with the greatest drum solo of all time: Phlakaton! I'll smile even more when I hear it!"
"In the last few weeks I had been nicely wrapping myself in nostalgia particularly through National Health and especially through Hatfield and the North. I was stunned and deeply saddened when I heard the news of Pip's death - as I'm writing this (Big) John Wayne is socking psychology on the jaw and I'm reminded of what a wonderful percussionist Pip was. I count myself fortunate to have seen Pip playing with the 'Health way back in Strathclyde University about 1980. I feel a sense of loss but it's nothing compared to what his family must feel and I send my heartfelt thoughts to them. He was a great drummer, a thouruoghly nice guy but above all he had a family. God bless and thanks for the music Pip."
"Pip, sad, sad news. You were a lovely bloke. Rest in peace."
"thanks Mr. Pyle for all your music in my life.You will be greatly missed"
"What sad news. Pip was a great influence on me, both as a drummer and composer. I always loved that quirky humour in such songs as Fitter Stoke... Boohoo, first Syd, then Pip."
"thank you, mr. pyle. much love."
"Thanks for sharing your music, that accompaies us since so many years. May you be part of the eternal song."
"At the Progman Cometh Festival in Seattle, WA on August 16, 2002, at The Moore Theatre, before a PIP PYLE'S BASH performance,Hugh Hopper, with HUGHSCORE, said, and it's a quote, I wrote it down: "We're going to do a short set because PIP PYLE's coming out, and he needs a lot of room." Love ya, PIP, now you have all the room you need - Only saw you that one time, but it was great - Thanks for Hatfield and all that other stuff! - CC"
"Farewell to one of the Greats. Thanks to Pip for many years of excellence in music. Rest in Peace."
"Pip - a great and unique brother in law, always with a warm welcome and time for each of us. We will remember our visits over the years to Hatfield Heath, the house of many green rooms and drumkits in the garage. Goodbye Pip"
"MANY years ago I found "Of Queues and Cures" by National Health. The opening chords of "Binoculars" will ring forever inside my head. Later on, it was "The Rotter's Club" and "Fitter Stoke has a Bath" - 'if everyone's in need of me, I'm drowning in the bathroom". Perusing through the credits, I discovered both were written by the drummer, Pip Pyle. The world is a bit sadder, but the music remains, and those chords are still ringing. Hasta siempre, amigo."
"Farewell
to one of the greatest drummers of all times. I had the honour of
playing with him in the early eighties. Life and soul of the party and
all in all a proper bloke. As innovative behind the drumkit as Steve
Vai, or Allan Holdsworth are with their guitars. I've seen them all, but
Pip you are the best!!! " "I
wasnt lucky enough to know Pip but like my mate Mike Efstathiou
regarded the Hatfields etc as my heroes ever sine I first heard them in
the seventies. Still play all the albums today and think back to all
those magic gigs.Who else but the hatfields could play a gig in a
catholic boarding school as the monks looked on in stunned amazement?
God bless and thanks for so many happy memories. " "I
met Pip whilst Stage Manager at De Melkweg (The Milky Way) club in
Amsterdam during the 80s and 90s. In Cahoots were on the bill, and I
mixed the sound. It was a privilege to work with all my heroes from the
Soft Machine, Gong, Caravan and Hatfield days.
Rest in Peace" "I
was saddened to read (belatedly) of Pip's passing. As a fellow drummer
from DownUnder I've been a fan of Pip's since hearing him on Gong's
"Camembert Electrique" and the Hatfield albums back in the '70's. His
drumming on Gong's "Tried so Hard" in particular was an influence on me
I've never quite shaken off... My condolences to Pip's family and
friends." "We're so glad that Hatfield got back
together and we had a chance to see them again at the Southampton gig.
Brilliant as always. You will always be with us through your music." "On behalf of the surrey university band THE BRAINS TRUST 1975-1977 and Ian Gibson
Dion Barker and myself
I give thanks for the charming creativity that Pip Pyle brought to his graceful and
clever drumming .The last gig
at the Borderline made me happy.
It was a joy to spend time with Pip and Alex after the gig.
Unfortunately you won,t be coming to stay at my house in france now.
Aurevoir mon ami.
" "AT least i was lucky to meet you
and the other group guys in nearby Rome last march during
Hatfield & the north tour...The
music you played through the '70ies is best part of my youth soundtrack,bye Pip" "ik
zag Pip als drummer van H&tN; in Vlaardingen, ergens in '73 en was
direct fan van zijn drumstijl. ook in andere projecten zoals Equipe Out
zal Pip in mijn beleving voortleven. Mijn innig medeleven aan alle
familie en andere vrienden." "You'll be much missed, old chap. You gave so many people so much pleasure. A drummer like no other and a great guy to boot.
Jeff Merrifield - Monkeys Jazz Club." "Thanks
so much for everything, from those wonderful 70s compositions and
albums, to that latest gig at the Borderline, which left a smile on my
face 'til it was wiped off by this saddest of news. Pip's combination of
genius and down-to-earth humanity was rare and special. It enabled him
to produce such a wonderfully creative synthesis of complexity and
whimsy, giving huge pleasure to so many. Who among us could hope to
leave as great a legacy?" "Thank
you for all the music. You are probably my all-time favorite drummer.
You and your various band-mates have had a great influence on me and my
music, and delivered so much pleasure over the years. I found myself
always judging other drummers by comparing their cymbal technique to
yours. You could cook 'n groove like no one else! God bless." "PIP
was certainly one of the best and fine drummers on the progressive
music scene.He largely contribute to the latest HATFIELD archives CD,
let's hope there will be more to his memory.
PIP will be sadly missed.
François, from Nancy " "Bill
Bruford and Pip Pyle... In a league of there own! The two best Brit
Prog/Jazz drummers ever! I finally got to meet Pip after 34 years as a
fan, at NEARFEST in Bethlehem PA, USA this past June. Great show and
great meeting the Hatfield Guys. I, like everyone else was/am stil
stunned at the news of his passing...he will be sorely missed by all who
listened to him!" "nobody
but you could give thats sort of sweet and tender bear hug, the one you
truly give me few days before you deserted our land, the land of
england.I miss you Pip, and I keep thinking it's one of your trick...you
can't be gone just like that... or perhaps somewhere your funny hat was
calling you on a druming dreaming doo-dahs!I love you hi pi peep.A Pip
like you ne peut pas casser sa pipe comme ca sans "coup fait rire." Well
I cannot trust you this time for I did not want you to go solo... So
let us know your new address cose I'll come and take you there.At the
moment here you are shelted in the warmth
of our hearts bien a l'abri et
bien au chaud. "Comment ca va toi?"" "
I met you in Mestre on Hatfield tour in Italy april 2006 after I've been waiting
30 years.You were so friendly
and playing only you could do
it.Now we miss you but we've still your music for ever.
Thanks Pip. Hi!" "October 94, Gong 25,
London. I'm there from Canada to celebrate the big birthday and the
publication of my book 'Wrong Movements - A Robert Wyatt History', and
witness Pip's two day marathon with Gong and Shortwave. Hugh introduces
me to Pip, who then leads me upstairs to the musicians lounge, where
around a table with Hewins and Miller, Pyle and King hold court over all
things historical on 'Delivery' for a future planned article. The
stories and laughs flow...but I digress; in fact the very first thing
Pip says to me post introduction is, "Where's your book? Get one." Pip
rifles through it till he finds the photo of 17 year old Robert in Deya
at Graves' guest home sunning himself, bare from the waist up. Pointing
to it forcefully Pip exclaims, "There's a problem here. That's not
Robert! That's Sam!" I chuckle, but Pip remained animated in his
insistance, "That's Sam - exactly!" That was Pip. " "I
only met Pip twice as a fan at Phil's house.
I have real lovely memories of such short times.
I must have become an embarassing mad fan from the start as I told you
that Hatfield music makes me dream of the English countryside and this
really made you laugh !
The second time I received a very kind present from Pip.
My condolances to your family and to everyone who loved you.
" "I
was... struck. Pip, you were too young to pass away! You were, and
still remain, my all-time favourite drummer and your art will make you
immortal. Your music touches my heart... I think they have saved a
convenient drumming-stool for you in musicians' heaven... Your beat will
accompany me in my life... Bye" "I
would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind
words and thoughts. We are receiving stickers already and I have some
lovely scans, but keep them coming.
The family of Pip would also like to invite all Pip’s friends ( we don't
know all of you so you could turn up and pretend)to the funeral at
Parndon Wood Crematorium, Parndon rd. Harlow, Essex CM19 4SS
on
Tuesday 19th September at 12 noon.
We are not encouraging flowers but donations to 'Musicians Benevolent
Fund' can be sent to The Funeral Directors, there address is:
Daniel Robinson & Sons
c/o Jo Setterfield
3 Bullfields,
Sawbridgeworth,
HERTS
ENGLAND
" "Deeply
sad that we only had brief but eventful meetings. My heart goes out to
all 6 of his children and all the ladies who loved the rascal." "I
am sadley reading the notice I got in my mail about one of my most
likable drummers ever
and I am terribly shoked about it
but as I know and most canterbury lovers his music will live for ever
with us and remembered together with pierre morlain m.h.s.r.i.p. as as
seriuos and dominant drummers in my opinion in the canterbury scene.
" "NOOOOOO!!!!
I am shocked by this tragedy. Pip is the best. Pip your interperatation
and ability and groove are on a plane of their own and unmatched. I met
Pip in LA with Gong, such a true inspiration, I am sure that he will be
missed by all that were close to him. Pip , the one and only, glad you
were here and did what you did." "Your music will always be remembered. Your greatness is s till to come. Thank you for being." "Very
saddened to hear of the bad news. I'll always be appreciative of his
fine work with the Hatfields, National Health etc. I had the pleasure to
meet him for a quick pint at a NH gig in Stafford in the late 70's
& found him to be an affable down to earth guy, happy to fraternise
with the audience on equal terms - a great guy, a very talented drummer
& a great loss! His music lives on." "Pip a continué la grande tradition des batteurs: il souriait naturellement et ce sourire se traduisait dans son jeu, ses compositions, ou ses lyrics, et ce depuis DELIVERY...Il est le batteur que j'ai le plus entendu et chaque fois je souriais en l'entendant.Dans ce monde déjà dur, c'est douloureux de perdre un tel enchanteur.
C'était un homme (de) bien."
"I've just returned from holiday in Austria, and was stunned to hear of Pip's death. My MP3 was full of prog/jazz etc, but it seemed ironic, almost spooky to me that as I drove home, the track playing was 'It Didn't Matter Anyway' from Hatfield & The North's Live cd. As a drummer, it has always been refreshing to listen to Pip's playing and unique style, from an era where drummers played with passion and feeling, not robotics and monotony. Real drummers are a dying breed and will be sadly missed, RIP Pip Pyle."
"I've been a fan since '78, when I discovered National Health among the chaff at the local record store. Pip's humor and drumming then led me to all the great Canterbury bands. Thanks, Pip, for all the music, especially for Hatfield's amazing first album. (And I hope you've looked up Steve and Elton.) But my own great loss can not measure up to his family's or his friends. RIP..." "HATN, National Health and Gong are the best bands! I'm sure you know how much enjoyment you have given us all over the world. Bye."
"Hello Pip. Merci
pour ton amitié, ta gentillesse, ton humour et ta musicalité. Les
moments que nous avons partagés sont, pour moi, inoubliables. See you,
dear Pip." "BBC
6 music (digital radio) played a little tribute to Pip on Sundays
Freakzone 10th September including a 1974 BBC session. It's 1hour 55
minutes in if you use'Listen Again' till next sunday." "you will be truly missed..." "ehi Pip, your sound is in the air and it always will shine, forever. " "Had'nt
seen you in a long while and now it's at a funeral instead of the
Borderline gig we should have come to. Well, one more grande bouffe, and
over 30 years' worth of tunes and tales to think of. Knowing first hand
the mayhem you could cause at border crossings, I trust the processing
at the Pearly Gates is now back to normal efficiency, and that HM
Customs did not risk another 5 hours of the Spanish Inquisition tape on
your final trip home. Thanks for all of it Pip." "Trying
to take a band photograph with Pip larking about was never easy but
always a whole lot of fun. A sad loss to the world. RIP Pip" "Many
thanks to Pip Pyle for many of the happier moments in my life. To a
schoolboy, an adult and a musician, Pip has been an inspiration in all
the best ways. I will miss him. " "Pip,
you provided an important path for my musical journey, and still
influence my direction after 30 years. I continue to enjoy your
inventive phrasing and driving beats.
Listening to your music washes away from my soul the dust of everyday
life.
Thanks Pip" "And they say there's a Dog! Thanks Pip. Love your work." "Dear
Pip, I missed a great Person but not your soul. You're playing in my
heart, forever and we're drinking a beer in a long night, with music and
love. see you, Pip." "
The magical thing about records is that the musicians can still be with
us, their music being part of the soundtrack of our lives. For 30 years
the Hafields music has been an important part of my life. Here's to the
next 30!
Gone...but still in my iTunes...
Thank you Pip."
"Dear Pip, It's hard to understand that our last meeting in Zaandam last year was also a last farwell. There are more and more friends gone forever. It will be a good place in heaven with so many good people over there. We'll miss you Pip. My condolances to your family and all of your friends."
"This is just too sad.......Rather isolated here in mid-America so never got to meet you. Still, somehow you seemed to have much to do with my life! The drumming... and oh, those lyrics! I am out of words for now..... "Give me non-stop laughter. Dispel disaster.""
"I'm an American who only got to know Pip through his recordings, primarily with Hatfield and National Health. I thought he was a tremendous drummer and songwriter with a great sense of humor. The world is a little less musical and a little more serious with his passing."
"Words seem so inadequate... Pip
played on some of my all-time favourite albums, wrote some of my
all-time favourite pieces of music, and literally never seemed to miss a
beat. Those of us who never knew the man cannot possibly feel his loss
as keenly as his friends and family, but feel it we do... Thanks for
everything, Pip." "thank you Pip" "I
am truly saddened by the news of Pip's passing. Many is the hour I have
spent listening to Gong, Hatfield, Alan Gowen and others, to which he
contributed his immitable style. While i was never fortunate enough to
have seen any of the aforementioned live, they have always been a large
part of my musical life her ein America. Rest in Peace, the music of the
angels will have a helluva drummer now." "Pip's
contributions have given my life a definite uptick. His good cheer and
optimism was evident throughout his body of work. He was a force for
good." "I
meet this great person at the Baja Prog Fest in Mexicali, Mexico, last
year i was impressed by his way of playing the drums set, even that i
heard it in records from the past, the night of the goodbye party we
joke a while with Pip, me and two other friends from my home town,
another border city in the north of Mexico named Juarez, and we joked
and had some tequila with him, my friend Marco even gave it a present
that he liked, i will remember that moment all my life, god bless you
Pip. Alfonso& friends " "I
never knew Pip other than as a fan of HATN etc, but his drumming and
humour touched my life. I saw him live only recently after many a long
year and it felt like meeting an old friend again. I am stunned at his
loss." "Pip, you were a beacon to so many that aspired to be as good. And you still will be."
"Superb drummer and musician.A very tragic loss.. :("
"Dear Pip, I heard the sad news from Bill Bruford, when, incidentally, your
name came across our conversation. I was in shock. Your exquisite sound
and your "humour" will be missed. Mes sincères condoléances à tes
proches. " "Los latinos, especialmente los mexicanos sentimos mucho la perdida de Pip..gracias por tu musica..." "Dear
Pip, everybody loves you when you're gone, but we all loved you while
you were here. Condolences to those he left behind. Martin." "My
heart sank when I heard the news. A truly great drummer, much
underrated and undoubtedly my favourite. Please accept my humblest
condolonces on his passing." "So sad and with no words, Pip. I still can't believe. Have a good time, there. " "Bye-bye
Pip... Although I never met you, I heard so many teapotty story about
you from your Gong days that I thought I had. A special thanks for those
wonderful Hatfield albums!"
"Very sad news, indeed. Phlakaton echoes across the ether..."
"I had the good fortune of seeing Hatfield and the North at NEARFest this past June. It was a magical night. Pip, my life is a little richer having had that experience. I will treasure it always." "I heard the news on the day that the Crocodile Hunter guy was killed by the Sting Ray barb. I know which loss saddened and shocked me more. If the world was a just place Pips` passing would have been a day of national grief."
"Great music. Thank you."
"Pip was one of those unfortunate musicians who excelled at what he did and went by relatively unnoticed. I absolutely loved his sense of humor and his classy and tactful drumming. He should have had the same recognition as Bill Bruford, in my opinion. Pip - Wherever you are, thank you for the tremendous amount of enjoyment
and enrichment you have brought to my life. As a member of Hatfield and National Health, let alone everything else you have done, you have contributed greatly to it. I will miss you, as many will miss you."
"You are personally responsible for making my life better. I will miss your art. Peace."
"I am deeply sadened by the loss of Pip and send my Love and condolences to his family. I have been touched by his ever shining brilliance, and I am very fortunate to have witnessed his music. I am forever grateful.. THANKS PIP"
"The Prog world will miss you. Thanks for the wonderful music you blessed me with. Your music will live forever!"
"Sad, sad, sad news. Such a loss to music. With deepest sympathy to his family and friends." "I am so sorry to learn of Pip's death. In my university days Hatfield, National Health & Gong provided me with many wonderful hours of listening pleasure. I still listen & enjoy those bands - what a wonderful legacy! Condolences to his family."
"I shall never forget your play at Hatfeild's gig in Tokyo last year as long as I live.
"Sayonara" and "Arigatou"." "Devastated by the news of the sad loss of Pip Pyle. The loss to music cannot be measured but your legacy lives on in your wonderful music. Rest in peace Pip, a unique man with unique tallent. God bless."
"Je suis vraiment ému nous avions joué ensemble avec Patrice et Hugh pendant les belles années I remenber " seven sisters " Your music."
"I
was born too late to see Hatfield in their heyday (i was 3ish) but had
finally got tickets for October in Canterbury, and now you won't be
there! Thankyou for creating the musical equivalent of perpetual motion,
hatfields work will roll on forever out there, it exists in its own
bubble of excellence, all welcome inside, just loosen up to enter. Sorry
to have missed you Pip." "So sad for knowing you are not with us anymore.
But your music will lived on.
Thanks for all your music and all the pleasure it give me.
Long live Pip!" "I've never seen you,
Pip, live on stage but I met many of your very old Canterbury and French
friends. If I could visit your funeral I would like to stomp
"Phlâkatön" for you. Your music will always stay forever in my brain." "I
only had the opportunity to meet Pip once, in Kentish Town in 1983 at a
gig with Phil Miller, Elton Dean, Peter Lemer and Richard Sinclair.
But I've followed his work since Hatfield and the North first emerged on
my radar when their first album was released. News of his death is
terribly sad - so young, and so much more to do. His death is a tragic
loss, but his impact will be felt for many, many years to come." "I
met Pip only once, by chance, and he was friendly despite my being at
that time (c1980) a rather annoying schoolboy-fan clearly far more
interested in interrupting a private conversation (between Pip and Phil
Miller) than in anything actually worthwhile. Since then, however, I
have enjoyed many Pip gigs...starting with Rapid Eye Movement, and the
last, at the Borderline, just a few weeks ago. It's been good.
" "A true musician, an amazing drummer,
and though I never got to meet him I did see the "the Health" when they
played in pennsylvania,usa.I was totally set free that night,many years
ago, and will never forget!! best wish's to his family, and please keep
his music alive!!!" "What
dreadful news! I was so looking forward to seeing Pip play again with
the reformed Hatfield & the North. I first saw Hatfields in 1972 in
Cambridge and the first thing that caught my attention was Pip's
drumming - hardly appearing to move while producing this amazing energy
and drive alongside great subtlety. It was the beginning of a lifelong
love for all the Hatfields' music. I saw them many times in the 70s but
never since they reformed. Perhaps another compilation could be released
in Pip's memory? Thanks for adding this dimension to my life, and
giving me such joy." "Your music
still takes me away for a moment, and instant vacation from daily life. I
greatly cherish the work of Gong and Hatfield. " "Just was there, watching him play in NYC(2006) with Hatfield & The North. He will be missed and remembered forever.
" "A sad day for musicians (& drummers) everywhere. Thank you for helping keep the humour in music.
" "The music will live on"
"My
condolences to family, friends and fellow musicians and associates. Pip
represented a paradigm for me musically while discovering Hatfield
& The North back in the early 70's.
He will be greatly missed and remembered for his artistic diversity and
creativity."
"Wow I'm saddened by Pips
untimely passing, he was usually right on the beat and it seems ironic
that his set was over so soon. Indeed I caught him live far less often
than I would have liked. He was part of many of my favorite virgin
bands...its a great loss.
It also demonstrates that none of us know how long we have and therefore
we should live accordingly. Bye Pip we will miss you !" "Read about Pip's death in the Indie on a 'plane to Italy - I was gutted. Saw him with the Hatfields in the 70's and recently as well as National
Health on the South Bank in 1978, In-Cahoots etc. - brilliant!!! I am so sad. Love to his family and loved ones. "
"What a bad timing by this super good drummer, much too early,. .. and what a loss for the talents, humours and ideas you had..... Will miss you, but success overthere,...with Miles or Frank." "So sorry to hear of Pip's untimely death. He will be greatly missed. I remember seeing him playing with Hatfield and the North back in the 70's. They were great then and stil sound good today. Please pass on my condolences to his family. John Nixon, Reading, Berks"
"Very saddened to hear of Pip's death. TOO YOUNG by a long chalk. One of my favourite drummers - i am still amazed at the bass pedal action on those hatfield albums - what an extra-ordinary sense of time. I finally saw Hatfield last year thankfully. This is just not fair. RIP Mr Pyle"
"I saw you few weeks ago in Rome with Hatfield & North. I still can't believe." "YOUR BANDS WERE A HUGE PART OF MY YOUTH AND I'LL MISS YOU AND YOUR DRUMMING. X"
"Sadly I only got to see Pip play once - with Hatfield in Swindon last year.
But he was an inspirational drummer and I will treasure the memory"
"R.I.P." "Pip was the best drummer I ever played with (in BRAINVILLE, with Hugh Hopper and Daevid Allen). I will forever mourn his absence."
"Dear Pip - lovely man, great drummer. You will be missed.
" "instants
chavirés... thanks pip for your brilliant playing, creative, sensitive,
always moving, truly progressive; you deserve to be recognised among
the five or six greatest british drummers, alongside bruford, hiseman,
palmer, marshall or evans. I was lucky to see you play alive and talk
with you at the travers. i will never forget it. still i'm sad. RIP" "Wow...first
Syd Barrett leaves this earthly plane, and now Pip. I only have a few
Pip Pyle albums, but I really liked the Hatfield debut, as well as
National Health. His playing was also a key highlight on the Gong
"Birthday Party Live" set. (note to self: get "Rotter's Club" and more
Pyle stuff too)
Thank you Pip for all your many contributions to recorded music over the
years. Au Revoir!"
"What a musician, & what music.
Thank you Pip"
"you may want to tune in at
www.radiopopolare.it this Sunday Sep 10, 2006 at 10.30pm (Italy time)
for a heartfelt tribute in loving memory of Pip Pyle"
"I
met Pip Pyle in Pontiac, Michigan in 1996. He was extremely pleasant
and his playing was superb. When we talk drummers, Pip Pyle is a style.
Yep, if that makes any sense. We miss him already!"
"I saw the reformed Hatfield & The North last year at the Boderline in
London and it was one of my highlights of the year. I also saw him a
couple of times with In Cahoots as well. I was just as shocked as when I
heard that Pierre Moerlin had passed away, two men cut off in the prime
of life. Thanks Pip for the joy you have brought me and many others
seeing you perform."
"Condoleances to Pip's family, friends and fellow musicians at his sad loss. He was a great musician and friend.
We still can't believe it. We will miss him. R.I.P. Pip. " "t'ayant connu dans le temps je garde un excellent souvenir de nos relations avec Dave Srewart à l'époque de REM et je suis toujours resté fidèle à
toutes tes musiques. mes meilleurs condoléances à la famile et aux proches
"
"I've been a Pip Pyle fan since Camambert Electrique and The Hatfield albums and always felt he was under appreciated here in America. I will
miss his signature style; he was one of the best and I will definitely
miss him. My condolences to his family, friends and fellow musicians.
The Hatfield and the North performance of Pip's "Shipwrecked" on the
Bedrock is one of finest live performances ever filmed. Thanks for all
the great tunes." "Buon viaggio Pip, Non ti dimenticheremo." "From 94 to 2003 we've been having a regular trio practice, Elton, Pip and
myself in Pip's attic at Chennevières.We reached sometimes that point of
fusion which occurs when three improvisers stimulate each other to
incandescence, you musicians know what I'm talking about.In these
moments, none of us would ever want to be in any other place.
When Elton left, Pip and I played our souls out for our missing mate.
When Pip left, I stood in front of an empty drummer seat.
May this house be forever haunted with all the great music that has been
resounding between its walls, my band is gone.
"
"A superb drummer, great composer and lyricist, an excellent cook (his lamb curry recipe should be in every kitchen), generous, loving and
lovable mate,husband, boyfriend and father but above all, the greatest
snorer I've ever lain awake all night listening to in stunned
admiration. The windows are still rattlin' at my place a twelevemonth
later. Behave yourself in Heaven (if you can.) IC"
"Pip a produit une musique profonde et insondable, et maintenant avec le Néant insondable et profond, il ne font plus qu'un."
"The loss of one loved is the greatest of all. Pip a great one, gone. Pip, RIP it up up there. "
"Hey Pip, just got this Equip'Out boot from '86 where you play a tune I don't recognise - can I play it over the phone so you can tell me what it is ? Oops, sorry, your line's been disconnected, it seems. Old habits die hard ! There's so much more I needed to know. And how can we come to terms with your absence when your music's such a strong presence in our lives ? You're immortal now, there was really no point in doing this to us. I just hope there really is an afterlife and that Elton, Alan,
Steve M. and everyone else was really there waiting for you to join them in an eternal jam. So long, mate..." "Up ya Bum Pip, See you later, Jacko"
"Pip tu nous as laissé à moi et à Norbert de merveilleux souvenirs, notamment lors de ton séjour cet été en Bourgogne où tu as dansé la musique antillaise comme un pro. Ta cuisine nous manquera aussi ainsi que tes fredonnements. Nous sommes tous très tristes de ton départ. Le panama que tu m'as offert, je le garde précieusement. Merci pour tout et surtout pour ta merveilleuse musique."
"It looks like al has been said bwlow - just posting to express sadness and grieving at this loss - even more so for close friends and relatives! May he live forever! Peace!"
"Depuis que j'ai 17, j'étais accro à sa manière de jouer, à la fois "exacte dans la durée" mais déconstruite dans le temps. Un peu comme procède la Nature...ou bien les tableaux du Picasso. Guère de batteurs ont eu cette approche, à la fois honnête et destroy, aussi en phase avec le réél... Pip ira rejoindre Keith Moon, mais sur cette Terre nous manquerons de feeling et de spirit sans Pip."
"I am just so sad to hear Pip's passing :( "
"After years (and years) I recently dug out my Hatfield and the North lp and gave it a most pleasurable listen. What fun you all created for our many pairs of ears throughout the world. I passed through the vapors of a community of DJs and musicians in Connecticut in the seventies who were devoted to the sounds of Pip and his brethren and the influence on my own aesthetic has lasted to this day. The friend I met through the sighting of the Hatfield album in California in 1978 see below) tipped
me off to this sad news. May Pip's drums skittle, rattle and rumble in peace."
"Very sorry to hear of Pip's passing but grateful for his creativity and important contribution to great music that really matters. Longtime fan of "Canterbury" - just delighted again recently in "Hatfield and the North" and its great sounds in the car player! After reading now of Pip's other extensive work I have some more homework - and a lot more listening - to do. Sincere condolences to family and friends and best wishes from the great state of Maine, U.S.A."
"Farewell Pip. great memories of Hatfield and National Health. A virtuoso drummer - second to none. god Bless. Alf"
"Last time I met
Pip was at his last gig on august 26th. After the gig me and my pal Wim were invited around the dining and drinking table with the hatfields. It was a long time ago I had tears from laughter. First met him in 1984 (still long hair ) with incahoots; is this your french? was my first quistion as I noticed how bad his french was --then-
stumbling semi lingual with his then -girlfriend sophia., helped out with the organisation of their tours later which meant housing, feeding, transporting them.
There are tons of great stories about and from Pip during these tours. Just before the birth of his youngest son, we were invited with complete family at his Paris home..never seen anybody so entertaining for ALL present.
If there ever is going to come a book about all this...aymeric??"
"7sisters reste encore et toujours dans ma tête et votre disparition semble irreelle.Merci pour la magie ,la fraicheur et l'humanité.Sinceres
condoléances à ceux qui vous aiment ."
"Pip,
Thanks for your contribution for the improvement of the Human kind.Your music
enhanced our souls,minds & bodies enlightening our lives.Keep north
for eternity. My sentiments for your beloved, Thomas" "Pip vient de
quitter définitivement son public... je n'ai pas connu de musicien aussi
proche, lui qui aimait bien boire une bière avec ses fans les soirs de
concert. Je suis triste et j'éprouve une grande déception car il
abandonne trop tôt ses collègues musiciens pour suivre Elton, parti déjà
rejoindre Alan.
Ta batterie nous a donné beaucoup de grande musique, je ne cesserai de
t'écouter pour apprécier ta frappe encore et encore." "A
true gentleman, who I had the pleasure of meeting and spending some
time with during the brief Gong Shapeshifter tour. My condolances to his
family and friends for their loss. " "Very
sad news with this disparition of Pip Pyle. I know fast every record of
him since "Delivery". He was a great musician, also very good composer
(on the Hatfield records for example), and seemed to be a very nice
person. Very sad... My condolences to his family and to his close
friends." "Pip, you'll always be in our hearts and minds...we'll never forget you, your wonderful music and excellent drumming." "It
was in the mid-1970s, with a few other crazy kids in New York City,
that I listened to the Hatfields as pop music. It was in 1978 at art
school in California that I was spotted holding a copy of "Hatfield and
the North" by someone who would become my friend and stay so to this
day. It was in years after that, as a musician, I would describe that
same album as my "Abbey Road". It is now that I thank you, Pip, if
belatedly, for your part in all that. I have learned that you were right
- shaving is boring. So now at least you're free of it. To your family
and friends, my condolences and wishes for peace and happiness. Good
Luck, always." ""Should go down a storm in the States"? Well, Pip, you and the Hatfields and National Health, et. al. went down a storm in my head and heart. Bon voyage to you and condolences to your family." "I'll never forget you and the Hatfield. Your music has been & 'll be the sound of live. By Pip"
"Avec Elvin, le plus grand batteur de tous les temps. Heureusement, son oeuvre restera immortelle.
Tu iras au paradis, Pip!
Et je me rappelerai toujours de tes conseils et de tes encouragements...
" "In
Cahoots, National Health and Hatfields, you amazed and inspired me with
your sublime drumming, music and songs. There won't be another teacher
of your ilk. Best Wishes to all Pips family and friends. Steve x " "I
had the opportunity to see Pip play five times in five different
combinations of musicians, and I was never less than amazed by his
drumming. On top of that he wrote many of my favorite Hatfields tunes
and also composed much of the excellent BASH material. I only met him
briefly but he had a joyful vibe that has clearly touched many. Let's
celebrate his legacy by listening to and sharing his music with others!" "Pip
Pyle was one of the finest drummers to ever grace a drumkit. He wasn't a
banger but was an example of what playing with dynamics and finesse are
all about. We've lost a fine musician and as a fellow drummer I've lost
a great teacher. " "So sorry to hear the news. This is a tradgedy for the music world but importantly his family . " "My
deepest condolences to family, close friends and fellow musicians. His
music will be forever in our hearts ... Rest in Peace Phillip." "vraiment vraiment triste ... Pip ? tu veux un camembert ?" "sorry for the typo...
clelbrate , should of course be _celebrate_.
" "wish i would have had
the chance to see/hear him play in person, but glad nonetheless that we
have the recodings to continue to enjoy (here's hoping that there is a
vault full to keep us entranced for some time to come).
but let's not let sadness overwhelm us, instead let's _clelbrate_ his
life and his music!
ps: is there anything that we as fans, individually or collectively, can
do to help his family in any way?" "My
deepest condolences to family and close friends.....
Pip's passing is a great loss, and his contributions to the world of
music will be remembered and celebrated for MANY years to come." "j'ai
vu jouer Pip plusieurs fois,une fois avec National Health et d'autres
fois avec Gong.Il etait un musicien accompli.Quel merveilleux batteur.
Quand j'ai appris la nouvelle,cela m'a vraiment touche.J'etais supposer
de le voir encore au festival de musique progressive de Montreal le 15
septembre.Mais il ne sera pas la.Mais il est dans mon coeur.J'ai
plusieurs disque ou il joue.Je vais les ecoutes en pensant a lui.Que la
paix soit en lui.Bye Pip.
Bruno saint laurent--Toronto." "The light's gone out but the flame still burns via the music.
The Hatfields in particular regarding Pip have given me so much pleasure over the years that I'm surprised they're still legal.
If I was of the right gender to have a cleavage I'd drop a lobster down it right now by way of tribute.
" "I'm terribly sad ... and angry. Pip, your voice is gone but not the music; it's printed deep inside ... thanks for all!"
"Pip's music enriched my life in a way that mere words cannot convey! To say that he will be missed is such an understatment. I hope that his labels will keep his CDs in print for many years to come so that his incredible legacy is ustained."
"Bon voyage, Pip. It was a privilege and great fun knowing you (and occasionally playing music with you). Thanks for all the tunes and breakage. My condolences to all his children, and particularly little Tom in France... As Pip wrote on an Equip'Out CD he gave me: Boilk!"
"Sad news indeed. My condolences to Pip's family, and to the many friends, musicians who played with him."
"I'm absolutely devasted about my drum idol Pip Pyle. I could not believe it. I mean I could not believe this. I never felt this kind of shocking loss. It was a like baseball hitting me in the head from left field. It was like Tony Williams death. I never met or saw Pip but I was sure planning on it and like Tony never happened. I should of went to that NYC show and it was like I should of really gone to that Hatfield show. I even wrote in here to buy him a drink. Im sure he read that. His musicianship was just amazing. This is going to hurt for a very long time. Pip to me was part of two special bands that were really one band. Two bands that made music that was out of this world. Im going to miss you Pip."
"I
was privileged to see Pip this summer in NYC (and several years back
also in New York) with the Hatfield gig and am now sorry that I did not
offer to buy him a drink. What an animated and lovable person he
was..." "How
do you say what words won't?
I interviewed Pip for TONE CLUSTERS Magazine in 1998 during the Robert
Wyatt tribute gig weekend at the Kniitting Factory in New York City
(Brainville was playing as well); had a most jolly time, not
surprisingly his answers were a lot funnier than my questions. Later I
treated him to a cab ride uptown (well, I offered to buy him dinner but
he had an appointment at a jazz club to sit in with somebody or
other...). One hopes they knew how lucky they were. I certainly did.
Illness kept me away from the recent Hatfields reunion gig in NYC but
I'll spin the music again over the next few days as I have done
for the last 33 years. Yeah, how do you say what words won't? Let
the music do it.
That was Pip's solution. My love to Pip, my condolences to his family." "I
am right now, unusually speechless. I knew Pip and his family well
before I left to live in Texas. Being so far away makes me feel the loss
even more. My heart goes out to Alice, Jo Jo, Kizzy, Jack and Sam. Rest
in Peace Pip
[email protected]" "I
am right now, unusually speechless. I knew Pip and his family well
before I left to live in Texas. Being so far away makes me feel the loss
even more. My heart goes out to Alice, Jo Jo, Kizzy, Jack and Sam. Rest
in Peace Pip " ""The
wall of shock took awhile to climb over, yet the waves of sadness
persist. Our guest room was prepared for your impending visit, and our
studio ready to be tuned with fine wine for analogue Coltrane Quartet
recordings - only the best for you mate! Alas, we are left with your
wonderful music and our great memories. Peace be with you and your
family." " "God
bless you, one of the most creative , kind and talented HUMAN instead
of finest DRUMMER of Britain, now on Heaven .I'm sure.Your music let us
remember you much longer, as your Earth life...Binoculars.. forever.Fly
in PEACE ,beatiful man .We so wanted to see you here in Moscow just one
time ( i asked Richard last year....)...but now only on our dusty
shelves with records and in our souls.
And we always shall be with you." "My
wife Michele and I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences. I had
the honor to meet Mr. Pyle, long one of my most favorite musicians, on
the occaission of Hatfield's inaugural show in New York City, last June.
He will be sadly missed by his fans in the United States. :-(
" "Terribly
sad; I remember seeing Pip so recently at the Triton gig for Elton; now
they'll have to do one for him. Lets make it a party.
" "I just listened to "7 Year Itch" with tears in my eyes.
Goodbye, Philip." "Thank's a lot for your music
Bruno Barito" "So sorry to hear the news, and condolences to all the family. was a pleasure to know and work with him." "Pip,
dans le top de ma liste des grands batteurs de jazz rock et de
progressive... et de très bons souvenirs de concerts dans différentes
formations où il apportait sa contribution rythmique et musicale. Je
l'ai même vu jouer avec un plâtre au pied !!!! (au Dunois, dans les
années 80...)
Peace and drums when you'll touch the sky..." "condolences to family and friends at this sad loss." "My
condolences to family and fellow musicians. I was at his last fine
performance with Hatfield & the North on 26.08.06 in Feerwerd,
Groningen" "Bernard et Cécile,
APRES ELTON TU EST PARTI AUSSI, CETTE INSUPPORTABLE NOUVELLE NOUS REND
PROFONDEMENT TRISTE. NE RESTE QUE LA MEMOIRE DES JOURS HEUREUX PASSE EN
TA PRESENCE LORS DES CONCERTS, CHEZ NOUS, CHEZ TOI A CHENNEVIERES, AVEC
LES AMIS.C'EST UNE PARTIE DE NOTRE VIE QUI SE DETACHE, LE VIDE NOUS FAIT
PEUR!
MAIS IL RESTE TON OEUVRE QUI PERENISERA TA VIE DANS NOTRE MEMOIRE.
NOUS T'EMBRASSONS TOUS PIP
(1977/2003 SCANDINAVY EXPRESS, EUTERPE NOORD)"
"I'm really saddened by this. R.I.P Pip" "This
is really sad. I had the pleasure of hanging about with Pip at Baja
Prog festival and he was a really amiable bloke: Really genuinely
interested in everyone around him and also a real laugh." "How
sad. One of the finest drummers of his generation. Years of fantastic
music and I was lucky enough to see you with Hatfield last year. My
condolences to your family and close friends. You will be sadly missed
and never replaced." "Thanks for 35 years of fine musical recordings. Say hi to Alan and Elton, and keep smashing the plates." "Very
sad to hear the news of Pip's passing.I feel that a little bit of me
has gone too. I will spend the day playing all of the recordings I have
with Pip on , in memory of a truly unique and talented musician." "The finest drummer of his genre and a genuinely nice guy.He will be sadly missed." "great musican
thanks" "My condolences to his family and his fellow musicions.
I watch the footage of his last gig at Feerwerd, Groningen over and over again.
Half way between heaven and earth.
" "The
loss of Pip has hit us hard here in Birmingham, it was so good seeing
Hatfields play last year, I remember Pip wonder what happened to the
Cover of his copy of Camembert Electrique, after a party..well if anyone
could pull off stockings and suspenders, Pip could! My condolences to
his Kids, family, friends and the musicians that surrounded him" "WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT" "My
two times of interviewing Pip for Expose magazine (USA) were always an
opportunity to speak with someone who had been there and still had a
positive outlook. Just as Elton passed on earlier this year there is no
one to fill those shoes." "Just
a little addition, his stage announcemounts during a Hatfield Gig
(Manchester Uni) a long time ago were so suitably witty and scathing (he
gave good scathe, I gather) that the gig, crowd and music all lifted
and left even the unfans rather cheerful...gawd Bless ya wherever you
are." "Dear Pip thank you for:-
Teaching me that funny card game (what did you say it was called? "Picker?"), the one where you end up with all the money.
For making French riot policemen with guns and dogs look and feel like little lost boys.
For making the road, wherever it led and wherever it was, like home, and the world a playground.
Introducing me to café correcto - but I still don't think it works.
For all the laughing.
For being there and caring.
And most of all for the joyous, thoughtful, exuberant music.
And the answer is still gnu.
How missed you will be." "Gracias,
Pip, por enriquecer mi vida con tu música y con tu maravilloso talento.
Los momentos que he vivido y que viviré arropado por los discos que
grabaste los cuento entre los más especiales de mi vida." "Pip
Pyle, prêter oreille à ton jeu et à tes compositions demeure et
demeurera un des plaisirs de la vie. Là-dessus, aucune (Belle) Illusion
possible. Merci et au revoir!" "It's
been heart warming and educational to see the remeberances of Pip Pyle.
Some from friends, most from fellow seekers of the gift of music. I
didn't know Pip, except through his music. So, as God must surely have
intended, Pip's giving of his music sustains and inspires us beyond his
passing. Thank you Pip for all you have done, and will do again.
" "Au revoir Pip - without
doubt my favorite drummer and although I only met you once I will miss
you more than words could ever say." "One
of the last great memories I have of Pip is when Glass helped roadie
and do sound for Hatfield at this past BajaProg 2006. We were hanging
out with the band in the green room before the show and Pip was
entertaining us with stories of the late great Elton Dean. Elton's
passing really hit Pip hard and he had written these great words to
honor him which Hatfield inserted into an Alex Maguire song. They played
it that evening and there were few dry eyes amongst those of us that
knew what Richard was singing. And of course, Richard delivered the song
with the sensitivity and grace that few singers have. It was at this
time I realized what a GREAT lyricist and poet Pip was. . I mean the
humor and wit not withstanding, this man had a deep soul. . I hope he is
peaceful wherever he is. And of course that there is a bar eternally
open just around the corner. . . " "It
is a sad day when the world loses someone like Pip. I enjoyed his show
at NearFest2006 in June and am glad I had the opportunity to hear him
live. I have been a fan since Hatfield and Gong. I mourn his passing." "I
saw Pip twice during the last year with Richard, Alex and Phil, in
Swindon and in Deal for the Hatfield gigs.
He was even better than when I last saw him playing in the 70's and such
great humour! He will be missed by all of us here in Canterbury and
real music lovers the world over.Still can't believe it.." "Sorry
for the typos. One more thing--all my sympathies to Pip's family and
those he leaves behind; the sudden nature of his death underscores the
need to stand up for your beliefs while you can...Pip's willingness to
stay true to his vision is an inspiration to us all." "Hello,
It
has been a tough year for creative music, with folks like Derek Bailey
and Elton Dean leaving our company and now this...
BUT
Like many, I was mightily impressed with Pip Pyle, from the first time I
heard him on Davyd Allen's "Banana Moon" LP through the Hatfields, and
later. He was an exceptional drummer (his work on Absolute Zero's
"Smashing Icons" CD is revelatory--he was the rock equivalent of great
jazz drummers like Andrew Cyrille--and I was ecstatic that he was
playing with my old friend Enrique Jardines. I never met Pip, but I will
greatly miss his spirit, his independence, and his unique artistry.
Your influence will be felt for a long, long time. You have given the
world a great gift. I would like to focus on what he left for everyone
and the inspiration he provided for many of us. What he has given us can
never be taken awat!--Gary Gomes" "The
Hatfields were a big part of my musical education and the chaps were
very friendly and encouraging whenever I went to see them. I was very
sad at the last Hatfield gig at the Winning Post in Chertsey back in
75(?). I am very sad that I won't see Pip again - maybe in the great jam
session in the sky..." "I
saw Pip at the 100 Club for the Alan Gowen Memorial Concert, where my
bruv was taking the photos that appeared on BAWIS, and a few times after
with In Cahoots. He was an inspiration and will be missed." "I
saw Pip in 2004 with Pip Pyle 'Bash with just 14 people in Spirit of 66
Bar in Verviers Belgium. He was so kind with me and my girlfriend, he
sign our cds too. RIP PIP. You was a phenomenal drummer and a great
person." "RIP Pip;
Your playing was unique and
unforgetable. You will be missed." "Hatfields... National Health... a MASSIVE part of my early teens... this is really sad news... all love to his family..." "It's
ironic that this is the 1st time I've even looked on dad's site.So
comforting to hear people's kind words.I never knew he was quite that
famous!Personally his music gave me a head ache...can I say that?! But
on the dad front,he was,as in all other aspects of his life, the most
lovable pain in the arse in the world.I simply adore him.Nothing will
ever fill the hole he's left in my life." "Very sad to hear of Pip's passing!RIP Pip...." "I'm very sad" "I
have such wonderful memories of Pip. His musicianship and love of life
are going to be so sadly missed by everyone who knew him. I hope that
Pip's family might be able to feel comforted in the knowledge that as a
musician and as a friend, he had and deserved our respect. Safe journey
Pip ... It was a privilege to have known you." "Pip
- your music has made me happy since the day I discovered The Rotter's
Club at the age of eleven or so. This is what I should have told you
when we met in Verviers and Paris last year but somehow we always ended
up discussing our respective back ailments. When you see Elton up there,
tell him we miss him too. Thanks for the music, mate." "As
Jakko has said further down the page, Pip could be in turn irritating
as shit and then a totally lovable teddy bear. I have experienced some
of the best music of my life with him, and at other times he has been
such a pain in the ass that I never wanted to see him again.
Like Elton Dean, he went out as he lived - doing what he wanted, the
silly bugger.
I won't say Rest in Peace, because I can't imagine Pip resting in peace
anywhere for more than a few minutes. He's steaming away up there with
Elton and Alan Gowen. " "i've
just heard the news, and would like to pass on my condolences to the
family. he recently played with us at the earthheart festival in
somerset, and i have fond memories of him recording at hoxto studios way
back. love danny " "Pip
- you were always one of my favorite drummers & you will continue
to be an inspiration when i'm rockin' the tubs myself. thank you." "Pip
was a very favorite musician of mine as far back as Hatfield. We would
humorously e-mail on occassion and I did a phoner with him for my radio
show Classic FM in March 2005, and seperate phoners with the other
Hatfields for their 2005 release, Hatwise Choice.
My tribute to him is a re-airing of this interview this Friday 9.1.06
along with his music. I hesitate to use this forum for the show, but
forgive me as I do it for all of you as well. Classic FM airs Fridays
6-10pm ET (match your time zone) and webcast available at
www.netradio100.com -or- www.z889.com
God bless Pip's family and all of you. I miss you Pip.
Cheers! " "Pip, I know that you, Elton, and Alan are all playing beautiful music up there together. RIP" "I'm
a fan from the old Hatfield days (my college days)and he influenced my
drumming for sure. Family and friends, bless you. " "I
was so saddened to hear the news of this great loss to, first and
foremost, Pip's family and friends and secondly to all of us music
lovers for whom Pip's pure drumming magic has provided plenty of
memorable moments. He will live on in his music, at least...
R.I.P dear Pip. You left a beautiful mark on this Earth. " "Pip
was a great inspiration to me both as a drummer and a composer. I got
to see him at NEARfest and was joking around with him and Phil Miller
about Pip borrowing my practice pad (a black rubber pad drummers use to
practice or warm-up) at a National Health gig in 1979 when a band I was
in opened for them. "I think I still have that!" he said (he doesn't).
He was a warm, friendly guy on both occasions and I feel honored to have
connected with him however briefly." "Pip RIP"
"My best friend..... I can't imagine life without you around....It's unbelievable how much I already miss you. it hurts so bad. I love you, always..."
"I first heard Pip in 1971 on Camembert Electrique. I've seen him play between the early 70s (with the Hatfields) and last autumn at Wavendon (also with the Hatfields). What has shone throughout has been Pip's humanity and genuineness, and his pleasure in the reality of life - only he could have written 'Fitter Stoke has a Bath' or titled it so because of his child's comment. Thank you for all the enjoyment I've had from your music for the past 35 years."
"Pip inspired us greatly. Particularly his work with in cahoots. Our deepest sympathies to friends and family. May he rest in peace."
"Rest in peace, mate. You were one of the best." "A scholar and a gentleman." "Until
June 2005, I used to think of Hatfield and the North just for their
music, and the tales they evoked. In Fasano I have known them, and Pip.
Through him and his great empathy, his talent to feel at his's ease only
out of artificial patterns, I understood something more as well about
Canterbury Sound.
He was a beautiful soul.
He was able to uncover the other people's soul, as his music is too.
Such artists never die.
He is with all of us, in the land of Gray and Pink.
Thank you, Pip." "I
saw Pip and the Hatfield in Fasano(Italy) in june 2005. In that
splendid occasion I perceived its deep humanity and I made one beautiful
and smiling photo with him. That photo is in frame in my house, near to
the cds of Pip and the Canterbury Sound, the music that it has
accompanied and will accompany until to the end my life. It's one
enormous and tremendous loss. From today I feel more alone,even if I
know that he will always live in my heart. It has been wonderful to know
you, Pip, and thanks to you for the joy that you have given to me." "RIP
Pip - so glad to have seen Hatfield's reform having been a big fan
first time round. Loved the way at the Borderline the band just mingled
with the fans. Went out and bought the original 2 albums on CD this
morning. My vinyl copies are well worn. There's other great stuff in the
catalogue but this was an inspired band. " "What a sad news! I wanted to see your playing again.
Goodbye..." "This
is terrible. I saw The Hatfields at the Borderline recently. It was as
great as the first time in 1973 (?) at Reading University. I was
enjoying Pip's scottish accent on the BBC trailer just yesterday. In any
case he left a great legacy forever. Thinking of his family now." "Love to Pip's family - both close and extended." "I
just wanted to add thoughts to those already expressed elsewhere. I
didn't know him but just loved what he played. His sounds will last
forever." "I'm
stunned. Pip was THE drummer for most of my favourite music, from
Hatfields, Health through to his solo stuff. Much, much too young to be
gone. Many, many thanks for the best music I've heard and deep
condolences to all his family and friends." "So
very sad to hear the news.I was privilged to meet Pip a few times,
& enjoyed his company as much as his music. My condolences to all
those close to him. RIP Pip." "Goodbye, Pip. Thank you for all the funny emails.
This is a stunningly sad end." "I
first saw Hatfield and the North in 1973 (?) with Gong on the Beat the
Crisis tour which cost just 44p to get in (that was important as I was a
student!). It's a tribute to Pip and the other Hatfields that I'm still
playing their tunes 33 years later - 'The Rotters Club' is still an
all-time favourite. Rest in Peace, Pip, you made some great music." "i never got to see pip play, but at least i got to buy him a drink once. a fine musician, who'll be much missed." "So
glad to have seen one of my all-time favorite drummers with Gong in
1996, at the Seattle fest in 2002 (Bash's debut), then again with
Hatfield in Bajaprog this year. Such a pleasure to spend some time with
him after the Hatfield gig too. What an adventure that was!
Pip's music has never been from my stereo in 25 years, and never will
be. Rock on Pip!" "On
behalf of the kids, Alice, Jo Jo, Kizzy, Jack and I, we would like to
thank everybody for their kind words and thoughts in this dark time. We
are all stunned and in great shock to find out about Pip's death. He was
a great father and friend to us all and we miss he terribly. We keep
thinking he is going to jump out at us and shout Hah ha Ha hah!!! I'm
rambling so I'll go now. Thanx again for everyone's support.
Sam (Howard Ellidge Wyatt Pyle)" "It's
still not sinking in. I still expect the phone to ring and hear Pip
trying to persuade me to do something that I don't want to do, or be in a
bar with Pip insisting that I drink something that I don't want to
drink. Though the annecdotes are plentiful enough that we will never run
out of them, and the charm of his music combined the wit of his lyrics
will ensure a place in many hearts forever. I would much rather he were
here, irritating the shit out of me and making me laugh so much I feel
like puking.
When it does sink in, eventually, I will miss him terribly.
All my love Pip." "So sad to hear
this news. Saw Hatfield & The North earlier in the year. There was
still so much enthusiasm for the music and Pip's drumming : oustanding. " "It's
a great shock for me to hear that Pip died on Mondaymorning 28/08 in
Paris after I saw him playing on Saterdaynight 26/08 in Feerwerd (The
Netherlands) with Hatfield & the North.
He was my favourite drummer with a very specific own style.
We will miss him, but remember him while playing his records." "Barbara
and I are still reeling from the shock, but these messages are a
consolation. Pip had a big character, big heart and big talent, and his
departure leaves an equally big, unfillable vacancy. Goodbye to a dear
old friend." "A magnificant drummer the best. As a wordsmith for Richard Sinclair's music all I can say is brillant.
" "How sad.. I feel fortunate that I got to see him play with the Shapeshifter Gong.
:( Amazing talent--too young.. :(" "God bless, dear Pip. Sleep tight. "Let's Eat Again Real Soon"..." "GRRRR AARRRGGGHHHH
:>(" "Dear young Pip. Such a wonderful musician and composer/lyricist - and a lovely bloke to boot.
He leaves a huge void and will be massively missed by so many.
I still can't quite believe he's gone. Too young, too sad.
- Nick.
" "Very sad to hear of Pip's passing. Luckily, he will live on in his recordings. " "What
a tragic loss. I will remember him from the prog festival gig in
seattle a few years back. I had to listen to the first Hatfield and The
North cd yesterday and really listen close to his drumming and
compositions.
goodbye Pip." "Pip,always an inspiration,your music will live on,peace." "One more great loss for the world of music! We will all remember you and cherish your music, as documented on your recordings." "I
had the great privilege of attending Pip & Hatfield's performance
at NF '06 and admired his finesse behind the kit, as well as the
heartfelt sensitivity he showed when introducing the Elton Dean tribute
piece "Psychic Warrior."
My deepest condolences." "We
were very sorry to hear of Pip's passing. It was a pleasure to deal
with him and a privilege to be involved in promoting the recent Hatfield
& The North compilation. Pip was rare in that he was both an
exceptionally talented musician and a genuine and decent human being." "Bye Pip xx" "Dear Pip - RIP! Thank you for the music, you will always have a place in my heart. See you in the other world..." "Thanks
Pip ... wherever you are now, you'll give the rhythm... but your
smile,your friendship, your jokes and your music stay in my heart" "Dear dear Pip.... not just a drummer - BUT a dear friend ! !
I will miss you and your humour.
Rob Ayling
Voiceprint Records" "Not
only a wonderful drummer, but with the Hatfields an amusing and
cleverlyricist. I sadly never had the pleasure of meeting Pip but he
seems to have been an eloquent and likeable guy. Another very sad loss
to music in a year when we have lost some inspirational people.
Meanwhile, I shall head for the hi fi and remember Pip in the best way
possible.
" "Been
a fan ever since the first Hatfields albums.
I did "meet" Pip once when In Cahoots were playing in Nottingham in the
1980's - he was do dry that he dashed offstage and nicked some of my
mate's beer between numbers.
Pip - you'll be missed." "...
Youth's not a matter of age but of spirit ... Hail the child in the man
... but I wonder ... Who's the next one to come close to the
impersonation of John Lennon, Eric Idle, Peter Pan and Apollo in one
body ... ? ... 'cause Pip just left the building ... Pip forever ..." "I'm have been lucky enough to met PIP here in Venice recently.
He will be missed a lot.
Riposa in pace." "My love & prayers to Pip's family. The world has lost a wonderful man." "I am so sorry for you. It doesn't seem real. Heavens beat will sure change.
-Your friends in LA" "Arigato & Sayonara" "Not
sure what else to say but thanks for all that you shared, and all the
joy and pleasure that brought to my life and ears. It's obvious you
touched many lives deeply in your life, your work and your passing. " "I
am so happy to have seen and met PIP at nearfest. He was one of my all
time favorite drummers-brilliant! Thank you and your friends for helping
me get through the rough spots in my life." "RIP Pip, your 36 years of percussive contributions will be treasured. May Elton and Steve be waiting for you..." "Peace" "Yesterday was one of the saddest days I had in many years. It was the day you, dear Pip, left our World. Your wonderful music and your smile will always be with us, deep in our hearts.My deepest sympathy for the family." "bye pip. thanx for everything."
"I've just heard the news,
and don't really know what to say except that Pip Pyle was without a
doubt the most melodically gifted drummer I have ever known and was, on
the one occasion I was fortunate enough to meet him, a most affable,
erudite and good-humoured man. I am devastated to hear that one so
talented and so youthful in outlook has been taken so soon. My
heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Pip." "RIP
Pip - Thank you for the beautiful music and great times we shared -
always a laugh to be had with you. What a gift, if only for a moment in
time. Peace - Kris" "Bye bye Pip Bye bye
Thanks for the music
You'll be missed
A BIG hug to your family + friends" "I've heard that Pip died this weekend. Any news on this?" ""Mortality, if there's a reason / We know not what it is"
Peace Philip, my friend, and rest in Heaven.
28 August 2006"
"Rest in peace, dear Pip and thanks for everything you gave us of your humour and rythmic energy..." "Sad you've gone from here now Pip. Thanks for the music and the good spirits." "RIP PIP; May the beat go on." "au revoir mon ami
of all the drummers better or worse, you were my favorite.
28 August 2006"
"Very sorry to hear the news." "Rest In Peace" "Have a great journey." "Pip, rest in peace. I know you, Elton, and Alan are up there playing some beautiful music."
"Sad. I feel so sad. I can't imagine it's true. Gare du Nord... His last travel. Our latest lost. Pip... I love you... Hatfield, my music familly. My heart. National Health. My early years. Deep thoughts to all friends and familly. Before a word was said. Again. Daniel"
- - - - - - - - Pip passed away on August 28th 2006 - - - - - - - - "Hi Pip - I see someone's done the 'what drum sticks do you use?' joke so I'll save that for Bill Bruford. Listen up, everyone: Pip is a fantastic, inventive, hard-working, musical drummer, an interesting composer and an accomplished lyricist. One of the best musicians I've worked with, and a very funny, entertaining bloke too. It's been, as
they say, a pleasure. All the best mate!" "Dear Pip,It was so nice to meet you at the Elton Dean Memorial (Club100).
Here is the picture we took there:
http://www.berevoescu.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=topn&cat;=0&pos;=4
I can hardly wait to see you again, with Hatfield, at the Montreal Festival, in September 2006.
Jean, the Israeli-Romanian fan :-)
" "dear boy you look utterly spliffing! no toggle switch or backround fungus to mention.
Long may you fondle the bagpipes of the mews.
Knock on grandly into the pink mist & purple glaze for there are few of us left standing who have solved the maze......" "Quelle parcours!!! je suis fiere de t'avoir rencontrer pip merci pour tes leçons de batterie que tu m'as donner et qui m'on fait avancer enormement.J'ai hate de lire ton livre quand il sera ecrit.Tu est un très bon compositeur très bon drummer,good lover.Compose encore et encore tellement c'est bon de t'ecouter jouer avec tout tes amis."
"Hey Pip!! Tom Hughes here from Nektar. Hope all is well. Really was a pleasure hanging about and drinking with you. You were also like a really good radio station on the bus back to San Diego! Haha! Come to England and meet my friends! We're fucking brilliant! Cheers! Tom."
"Dear
Pip - After Mitch Mitchell, Robert Wyatt, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones,
Christian Vander, Pierre Moerlin and all the other greats, i have now
discovered you, and want to thank you so much for greatly inspiring my
approach to the drumset in so many ways. I am just now listening to a
tape (received through trader circles/no money!) of an EQUIP`OUT show at
Chateau de la Bousserie,Fontenay-Aux-Roses April 26,1985 and it blows
me AWAY....
I hope I´ll be able to see you somewhere near Hamburg, Germany sooner or
later. Stay well" "Pip
- It was great hanging with you at BajaProg and catching up on
everything. Hope your foot is healing well. Hope to talk to you again
soon. " "Pip
- it was very nice to meet you in Mexico at BajaProg, and wonderful to
finally get to see you play in person. Thank you and Alex for the
beautiful tribute to Elton Dean - there were many tears in the audience
during that song. Hope you will record it at some point.
And I hope you know how much happiness you have brought to the world
through the years with all of the projects you have been involved in. I
can always count on quality music if you are a part of it.
Take care of the foot..." "Mike Ratledge recently seen out and about in daylight! Discuss..." "Memo
to Pip Pyle:
Re: Claus Oldenbilge (drummer)
The abovenamed has just signed a 210 year contract with my nerve-gas
retailing consortium "Happy Daze" and is currently unavailable for
comment." "Hello Pip, I
hope you don't mind me asking for your help here. I am currently
managing a new confusion band "Draught Urine" and we are confusing jazz,
madrigals, and baroque and roll music. However, we have a big problem
at the moment because our guitarist, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, has
just written a new Jazz Opera "The Tragic Mute" which is written mostly
in 11 / 4 time but with a few bars of 7/8 thrown in. Unfortunately our
drummer, Claus Oldenbilge, is having a lot of difficulty playing
anything that is not in 2/4 time. We have tried everything, including
nerve-gas, psycho-horological shock treatment and intravenal injections
of Campbells Condensed Cream of Mushroon Soup but he just won't
respond. He has now taken to his bed and spends most of his time playing
old albums of Sousa Marches backwards. I am nearly reaching breaking
point over all this and I think you are the only person who can save us.
Please call me as soon as possible and let me know how much you charge
(weekdays only excepting Saturdays and Sundays) " "Anyway,
I was showing John (McLaughlin) the chords to "Raspberry Fields" when
in walks his guru, Three Chimneys, and starts building a three-quarter
scale model of the Eiffel Tower out of Askeys Wafers. So we had to go
out and find a shop that sold Evo-Stik, by the way, what sticks do you
use ?" "Oh
how I remember it just like it was yesterday, I plugged my guitar into
the transformer for your Hornby Dublo Train Set counted up to seven, and
off we went - do you remember, you forgot the two bars rest at page 92
and I threw a satsuma at you. Then Benjy walked across the tables
treading in everyone's dinner and the Dalai Llama struck half past
thirteen to the power of John. And to this day I still don't know your
IQ. So many drummers, so little time.............." "Gluten
Mortgage Pip, do you remember those evenings in Audley End with Benjy
Le Fevre when I gave you a lecture on the lost art of sausagenometry" "Get the fucking name right, it was SOFT STOOL not SOFT HEAP" "HI PIP CAN A FRIEND AND ME COME VISIT AND CHAT. WE'LL EVEN TAKE YOU TO YOUR FAVORITE PUB AND IT WILL BE OUR TREAT" "I think it is joss sticks charles"
"I was thumbing through my old albums last night with my 21-year old son and came across "The Rotter's Club"...I had forgotten how much I liked your music...thanks for the great music!" "DEAR PIP MANY THANKS FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL AND MAGIC TOUCH/ FROM ITALY"
"Greetings Pip, Will you be playing/touring in the UK with a band - November, December 2005? I want to hear your music - it's been ten years at least. Too long! All the best, friend."
"just received hatfields choice and its amazing your drumming is just incredible i hope for a second volume and a remixing of the two hatfield albums" "Why did Dave have to leave. I have had for 20 years have this dream of a reunited orignal Hatfield playing live in New Jersey USA and I was witnessing this with my mouth down to the floor"
"Hi pip, I left message on your email passed on by Hugh Hopper, in the event it somehow does not reach you, I'm sending second message via your web site. i recently video recorded the softs and would like the chance of covering the hats in glasgow at the ferry -- who are fine about letting me record at the venue if i get permission. It's a single camera shoot, and I get some nice footage. Please get in touch if you need to know any more info. All recording I do -- copyright is fully respected. Regards allan mack 0141 579 1819"
"Pip - yo da man !"
"what sort of sticks do you use?"
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