Feb 29 2008
MIKE SMITH: December 6, 1943 - February 28, 2008
ROCKNOTE: Our regular post, with Moulty Moulton’s interview, will return in the next entry. For now, I bring you this special report:
It’s hard to really know how to put this into words, Rockaholics, so I’ll give it to ya straight:
Mike Smith, the legendary organist/lead vocalist of the Dave Clark Five, is dead.
As many of you know, the man with the most magnificent ”growl” in the business was suffering from tetraplegia after a terrible fall at his Spanish hacienda in 2003 (see: http://www.therockrelic.com/glad-all-over-2/). Friends ranging from Peter Noone to Bruce Springsteen and “Little Stevie” Van Zandt helped raise attention to and funds to relive Mike’s plight. Paul Shaffer of “The Late Show with David Letterman” organized a benefit on his behalf, with stars like The Zombies, Peter and Gordon, Billy J Kramer and others.
No doubt, we’ve lost a giant in the industry. From his amazing vocals to his warmth for fans, young and old – to his amazing determination to live and show his love for both fans and family – Mike will definitely be missed by every Rockaholic throughout the universe.
Now, I’m not gonna end this post with my regular tagline. Rather, let me just share what has been posted on Mike’s site concerning his passing. Before I do, remember, I’ll see ya on the “flip” side:
“Mike Smith, the lead singer and keyboard player of The Dave Clark Five, one of the premier bands to emerge during the 1960’s “British Invasion”, died today from pneumonia at Stoke Mandeville Hospital outside of London. His devoted wife, Arlene, who is known as Charlie, was by his side. Smith was 64 years old. Smith, who was due to be inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame with his band mates on Monday, March 10th, was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit yesterday morning with a chest infection, a complication from a spinal cord injury he sustained in September, 2003 that left him a tetraplegic (paralyzed below the ribcage with limited use of his upper body). Smith had been in the hospital since the accident, and was just released in December 2007 when he moved into a specially-prepared home near the hospital with his wife. Prior to his hospitalization yesterday, arrangements were being made to transport Smith to New York so he could personally attend the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.” “According to Smith’s agent, Margo Lewis of TCI in New York, “These last five years were extremely difficult for Mike. I am incredibly saddened to lose him, his energy and his humor, but I am comforted by the fact that he had the chance to spend his final months and days at home with his loving wife, Charlie, whom he adored, instead of in the hospital, and that he was able to attend a recent concert in London by his good friend, Bruce Springsteen. He was extremely excited and honored to have been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and I am glad that he will be remembered as a “Hall of Famer,” because he was in so many ways.”“Dear friends,I spoke with Charlie Smith just moments before receiving the above press release. She told me that Mike passed away peacefully last night, confident of heaven, after exchanging “I love you” with her. Mike’s health had declined rather suddenly this past week. While the above press release mentions some celebrities, Mike was also very thankful to his many fans/friends who sacrificially gave to provide him his wheelchair, his van, and most of all, the encouragement and prayers needed to continue these past years. Mike will have a better view than any of us at the R&R Hall of Fame Induction, not to mention an even more glorious induction into eternity.
This website will not pass out further specifics, exept as directed by TCI or by Charlie Smith. I cannot respond to your e-mails to answer further questions at this time. If you would like to send a sympathy e-mail (no downloads, pics, music or e-cards), feel free, I will collect them, and send them on to Charlie. The e-mail address here is theboltons@rpa.net In our time of sadness, let us remember that his music and memory live on in many of us. He has left this world a better place, and has gone on to a place that is better still. - RKB”
? Seems like he opened up a nest of hornets over there with that statement!
Over the past few posts (and with the help of Ron and his website), I’ve chronicled a man whose career has not only perked up a lot of musical ears, but made a tremendous mark on the British Invasion. More specifically, he wrote the songs that put the Dave Clark Five over the top here in America.
UK newspapers are reporting that the Sir Paul/Heather Mills battle is already settled, with her receiving about $108 million. She’ll get a lump payment of $40 million (tsk … I know it’s not much, but … she’ll find a way to survive …), and the rest of it’ll be paid (hey … nobody said I couldn’t add commentary!) in equal installments each year until daughter Beatrice turns 18. Now, Mills will get custody of their offspring, but Sir Paul will have equal visitation rights. He’s also setting up a $2 million trust fund for the child.
The former frontman for The Animals will be reuniting with the group WAR, with which he recorded two LPs in the past. In fact, it’s the first time in 37 years that they’ve played together. The gig’s gonna be on April 21 at Royal Albert Hall … and, yes, they are gonna distribute a DVD of the show.