Shocking news today. Chris Dagley (above) was killed when returning from a gig at Ronnie Scott’s on his motor bike. Aged just 39, there can be nobody who brought such energy and enthusiasm to his work as a musician. Friends from MYJO and NYJO, Colleagues at Ronnie’s, people who remember recording sessions such as an important CD with Clare Teal are talking about him today with the warmth and affection which is the norm for the British jazz community.
This is a cruel and utterly tragic loss.
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UPDATES
-RONNIE’S BENEFIT On Monday September 20th Ronnie Scott’s is hosting a benefit gig for Chris’s dependents. Details HERE.
– HOW TO DONATE Following a conversation with Chris’s family today (Aug 20th)
People who would like to send donations to support Chris Dagley’s family should send a cheque payable to
CHRIS DAGLEY (BSCC) MEMORIAL
to the Funeral Directors
HC GRIMSTEAD
164 FIELD END ROAD
EASTCOTE, PINNER
HA5 1RH
– OBITUARY A full obituary by John Fordham in the Guardian can be found here.
– FACEBOOK PAGE A memorial page on Facebook with several video clips
-FUNERAL Chris Dagley’s funeral was on Thursday 12th August at noon, at Breakspear Crematorium, Breakspear Rd, Ruislip HA4 7SJ
-BENEFIT GIG AUG 22ND Andy Panayi has organized a benefit concert DETAILS HERE
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Whenever we were in Ronnie Scotts, my husband and I usualy had the table nearest the drummer's kit. We were absolutely delighted with the brilliance of Chris's playing and we always shook his hand after his set to let him know how much we enjoy his playing, he in turn was always modest with his thanks. We were on holiday and didnt hear the sad news about Chris until we returned. Such a great loss. Our deepest Condolences to his family.
Confirmed to play in Ronnie's on the 20th to help raise funds for Chris's Family are: Natalie Williams, Jamie Cullum, Claire Martin, Mike Lindup, Phil Gould, Carleen Anderson, James Pearson, The Ronnie Scott's All Stars, Jim Mullen, Selena Jones. More names to be confirmed shortly.
Chris Dagley Concert Update for Ronnie's on the 20th
Also appearing on the bill will be Liane Carroll
My husband and I were shocked to hear the sad news, we saw Chris play at Ronnie Scotts this year and we were amazed by his talent and energy. Our thoughts go out to his family xxx
Boaters in Canbury Gardens Kingston will be putting on a memorial gig to Chris Dagley
Sunday 23rd January, 8pm – A Tribute to Chris Dagley
A special evening to celebrate the life of one of the UK's finest drummers. Chris was one of the first drummers to play at Boaters when the gig began in 1990 and was an integral part of the growth of the gig as he played here so often. During the last four years he had been the resident drummer at Ronnie Scott's, but his sheer talent and versatility had also seen him play with the likes of Marti Pellow, Gary Barlow and Claire Martin. Tonight's gig sees a gathering of friends to pay tribute to this much loved man and peerless drummer. Some of the special guests appearing tonight include Natalie Williams, Carleen Anderson, Rick Astley, Ian Harrison, Neal Wilkinson, Ian Thomas, Pete Cater, Darren Altman, Mornington Lockett, Scott Garland, Lisa Graham, Laurence Cottle, Sam Burgess, Simon Carter and many more.