I’ve just got back from 3 fabulous gigs with Jonas Bareiter and Janosch Brenneisen in Dordrecht (NL), Quickborn (DE) and Groningen (NL) to find out that Wolfgang, who ran one of my favourite clubs, The Musical Box in Remscheid, sadly passed away this weekend. I am shocked, lost for words and so sad.
I will be forever thankful to Wolfgang for having given me a chance as a young no-name blues musician to play at his club. February 2008. It was the start of an almost yearly pilgrimage to his club. A highlight of my German tours. He was so friendly, so welcoming and shared many a great story with me both in person and now and again on the telephone. I had a close relationship with “Wolle”, closer than with any other club owner and only recently we had talked about going to a concert together (we’re both Status Quo and ZZ Top fans!).
Now Wolfgang is in blues heaven, hopefully enjoying a Tequila and some kick ass blues. Thank you for your help, encouragement and for letting me play my music in your wonderful club. I will miss you but those wonderful memories will stay with me forever (my second album launch party, our love of Quo’s April, Spring, Summer & Wednesdays, great home cooking, the cosy backstage area, all my tour posters plastered on your walls and my first ever sold out show… funny stories… big bear hugs…).
R.I.P. my friend. I will miss you.
P.S. this is a photo of Wolfgang at my last show in January of this year. What a night!
