Rest in Peace

It is with great sadness that I write and advise you of the passing of my father, Keith Cannon.

Dad sang with the Brothers Grimm, Human Nature and several other line ups, but now is upstairs rocking on with

I used to hire 'Barry Drive' and 'Arthur Circle' and their offspring 'Itchy Feet' at the Stockade in the late 80's.

Although I haven't seen Neil or Loui, I did run into Pat Italiano late last year and he assured me that the lads were going strong then.

I organised a Charity Night for a sweet young thing to raise money for her and all the duo's etc offered their services.

John McDonald on lead and vocals, Kieran Roberts on bass and vocals and a few others. John was doing 'Sultan's of Swing' and Kieran, who was classically trained in Oboe and conducting and could play bass, organ and sing, was joined by Loui who then gave him a lesson on harmonics. Everything Kieran played, Loui went over, under, around, in between, and just turned a great song into an experience. John even lost the words a couple of times he was so in awe of what was going down.

Me, a non musician, just swore at the sound guy for not bothering to tape that part of the show.

And to top it off, Loui was very laid back. I always thought of him as world class but there were no pretensions with Loui. He looked like an grey Bikie, as rough as diamonds, but he was nature's gentleman.

I played in two bands with Loui Cerviatti, the James Jamison Group and Good Vibrations.

I haven't seen Loui for a long while but that doesn't make it any less of a shock.

Loui, as anyone who payed with him knows, was about as easy going as you could get, yet he was a genuine

I am so sorry that he has died and although we weren't the Beatles, it doesn't make his loss any less important.

I will miss that fact that I won't be able to catch up with Loui. I am sure I am not the only one.

We need to realise that people like Loui gave the framework for an era in music and our lives that ain't coming back.

A mighty fine bass player, not a bad singer by the way, a generous friend and a piece of Canberra history.

It seems that as you get older you only keep in touch with pals when you have sad news to pass on or it's someone's birthday.

After a long illness our pal Alan Cook has passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday 12th April.

I'll tell you this, there must be a mighty band up there, but a real killer down there!

Cherished son of Noell & Maurice (deceased). Much loved brother of Jeff, Tony, Peter, Margo, Phil, Carmel & brother-in-law of Pui Tin, Laraine, Liz, Andrew, Lena & Steve. Special & multi-talented uncle of Candice, Nicholas, Michelle, Tamara, Diona, Sean, Arri, Jarad, Sam, Tahnee, Chrishan, Kalem, Lee, Emma, Alyce & Skye. And great-uncle of Nana's 14 great-grandchildren. Raconteur & music blogger extraordinaire to a legion of cyberspace fans.

I only new Rod briefly over the years, but he was a major part of me doing this web site. Last week I was even thinking about dedicating this site to him.

The reason ... if it wasn't for Rod I might not have been involved in the 'Canberra Music Scene' for it was Rod who approached me in 1973 and asked if I would like to roadie for Wally & The Wombats as he was off to London.

I jumped at the chance to work for the Wombats as I considered them the best band in town.

Wally and the Wombats were by far the best band I came across in the Canberra Music Scene - their harmonies were brilliant and made my job as roadie a pleasure. I also remember salvaging some "rollings" which I had dropped from the purple carpet in my red and white Kombi van and lighting up. I have never seen six guys exit a van so quickly as we puffed on among other things carpet fibres!!!
For the record, I went on to live in London and, for several months, rehearsed in a band fronted by Martin Quittenton, co-writer of Maggie May and You Wear It Well and Rod Stewart's regular guitarist in the early days.
Unfortunately, the band did not get off the ground and I went on to work for Dial-a-Bass in London before retiring a year or so later.
I relish the time spent with Astral Plane especially Rob Thomsett and also the early days of Folk Blues and Beyond and that amazing jug band with Kevin Abbey and Guy Holden.

The next time I saw Rod was in London 1974. I had gone over there with John Gill and we caught up with Rod for lunch and by then he was "Kilgore the Hairdresser" working at Crimpers. They were the dogs bollocks when it came to hairdressers in London.

Rod came back to Canberra and I caught up with him in the 80's when he came into Airsound studios and wanted some albums transferred to cassette.

The last contact I had with him was last year when we were trying to find out who had named him affectionately 'Rod the Retarded Roadie' ... the same person/persons that named me 'Barry the Backward Roadie'

Rest in Peace Rod ... & if you have a jam with Willie I used to play Red Rooster in A.

Loving brother and brother-in-law of Marcelle and Roy, Mike and Barbara, Tony and Penny.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Theo to be held in the Tobin Brothers Chapel, 101 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen on TUESDAY 2 January 2007 commencing at 11am.

Theo Moody was well known among the Canberra musical
fraternity, having played in numerous bands since the sixties.

Annette Lipscombe (aka Sloane) went on to play with several notable bands,
including Annie and the Armadillos.
Sadly, Theo Moody, drummer, passed away on Christmas Day 2006 after a
brave battle with cancer.

Theo is sadly missed but happily remembered
by the people who knew him.
Regards
Peter O'Brien

Funeral Prayers for the repose of Stephen's soul will be offered in the Chapel of the Norwood Park Crematorium, Sandford Street, Mitchell on Friday, 29 December 2006 commencing at 9am.

Canberra Avenue, Forrest on Monday, 8 January, 2007 commencing at 12.15pm.
Steve played drums with The Bachelors, The Bitter Lemons, The Kinsmen, Sounds Unlimited & Mick & The Mercurys.

They had enjoyed a happy marriage over 43 years! She told me this:
A private family ceremony will be held at the

Norwood Park Crematorium, Mitchell, ACT, at 9.00am, 29 December 2006.
A memorial service for Steve, to which his many friends and associates are invited, will be held

from 12.15pm on Monday, 8 January 2007, at St Christopher's Cathedral, Manuka, ACT -

to be followed by drinks and conviviality in Steve's memory.
There was a wonderful article by Ian D. Marks about The Bitter Lemons (for which, of course, Steve played drums), published in FOFFLE magazine issue #19.

It includes photos and well-researched memories about the band and early 60s Canberra.

I intend to photocopy said article and send it to Cynthia, because Steve was part of all that.

And of course, there is much interesting info to be had from Baz's website
Vale Steve Senz, one of nature's gentlemen.

Longtime Canberra drummer, sound & recording engineer running Shoestring Studio died accidentally on the 14th of December. Wes most recently played with 'Wolf' & 'Pepperjack'.

Smithy played with Copper Kettle, Cactus Jack among others as well as fronting his own band Smith & Co.

thankyou for making a hard call.... I got on to the nurse looking after Willie, and she tells me he was 'more stable' today.....she tried to put me on to his phone but he was sleeping, and the phone didn't work anyway.

I cant sleep.

I wish the three of us could have a drink right now.

Thu, 24 Jun 2004
My thoughts are with Willie 'Ian' Winter at the present moment in time...you are a true friend...all the best

Ian Willie Winter, former guitarist for Carson, Daddy Cool, Stevie Wright, Ray Arnott,

The Murrumbidgee Orchestra, The Willie Winter Band and god knows who else is in hospital in Melbourne.
A prayer or two for his family.
Regards
Stephen Devine
Meyer Sound Australia

Fri, 25 Jun 2004
Hi Paul,
just heard the sad news that Willie Winter is very ill.

Hi Billy
Thank you for your message - would rather it have been under happier circumstances.

Please excuse me copying others into this email, but I am trying to "network" to let dear Willie's friends know.
The news I have is somewhat sketchy, but here goes:

Last night I phoned the hospital and a very kind nurse, Carolyn, told me that Willie's family had authorised concerned friends to be told about his condition.

Not long to go before the final curtain.
I was able to get a message through to him (he hasn't got a phone by his bed) - perhaps you might want to try the same?
Managed to get onto Warren Morgan last night, and tried to get some other contacts.

Barry McCulloch (you'd know him) is a very close friend of Willie, and he can be contacted.
Baz is naturally anxious that some of Willie's closer friends also be notified.

So, if you've got the resources Billy, we would like at least the following people to know, and maybe show their support one way or another...
can you please try to alert these guys:

Broderick Smith, Ross Hannaford, Ross Wilson, Gary Young, John Paul Young, Kevin Borich, Ronnie Peel, etc etc.

I am reluctant to speak in past tense, but god I loved that dear, sweet, gentle man!

I know I won't be the only one to be shattered by this news, been crying all day...
Thanks and fond regards
Paul

I agree, we got to do something in Canberra at some stage, on some stage.
But who the fuck will play guitar?
Can't keep from crying.
John S.
Billy Thorpe

His playing and character contributed to every body he played with, myself included.

Thank you for the kind words and please keep me informed on what's happening with Willie.
Regards
Billy Thorpe

Since you & I both spoke last, I've learnt that Ross knows of the news about Willie.

Managed to get onto Warren Morgan, and received a couple of lovely, sincere emails from Billy Thorpe, who mentioned that all the people we were trying to track down (Brod Smith, JPY, Borich etc) had been informed of the situation.

And it's nice to know how strong and supportive the Aussie music fraternity can be in times like these.

F'rinstance, Mike Rudd rang me yesterday, and although he has only fleetingly met Willie, he (not untypically) proffered some very comforting words, knowing that Willie is a dear friend to me, as he is to so many others.
As for Willie's condition, I rang the Austin hospital again yesterday and was told that there is no change - he is comfortable and stable and fairly upbeat.

Hi Steve
Thanks for letting us know.
Thoughts are with Willie and his family
All the best
Brian Fogwell

He said beautiful things, I said them back to him ...
Just been for a long walk in the frost ...

Didn't help at all.
May we both be as brave as our Willie.
Call you later mate.
John S.

thanks Baz,
keep me posted...if you see him or Nin, let them know I'm thinking of them.

be back in Aust on the 9th July, or before if I can swing it..
Kendal
Barbara Whitehead

There are no strangers in this world, just people you haven't been lucky enough to meet and love.

Tue, 29 Jun 2004
Baz,
Hope that wasn't out of line my posting the news of Willie on scars ...

Since I had my heart attack I get a bit teary about stuff like this and I was just imagining how it would feel to be in Ian's position and to get messages from friends and people who only knew him through his work.
Stevie Wright has passed on a message as he remembered Ian well and was deeply moved by the news ...

please let me know the situation on Wednesday as I will be playing several tracks of The Willie Winter Band ...

what Daddy Cool tracks did Ian play on.
Take it easy ....I am aware how close you two would have been and how you would be feeling at this time
"Celebrate my life don't mourn my death"

Wee Willie Winter, what a great guy and of the musicians that I have played with he is one of three completely unique as people.

The other 2 guys who are that genuine are Vince Melouney, Guitarist and the late beautiful Duncan Macguire, bass player and a beautiful person Like Ian.

It was 1974 in fact that you and I were on stage together behind Neil Johns playing Steely Dan's "My Old School" etc in Blackfeather.

I remember the original song you wrote that we performed at every show in Sydney and Canberra.

I remember calling round to your place in Randwick in those days a couple of times.
I do and always will have fond memories of having the privilege and pleasure to have worked with you.
Love in Memories
Ray "goldfingers" Vanderby (keyboards)

Dear Baz, and Pam.
Willie has been moved into the Palliative Care unit, only three min from home.

This facility tries to provide a 'normal ' environment within a hospital setting.
Willie is still mentally alert, but time and changes in his body are having its effects on
him.

The cancer has now spread to his veins and arteries which means every
moment is critical.

The hospital have been excellent at this.
Ian, has asked me to express - his - " heart felt appreciation for all the love, best
wishes and support he is receiving at this time"
Sincerely,
Nin

I have been following Willie's condition through Barry who's gracious emails have kept me and many others informed. Everyone I know who knew Willie is aware and truly saddened by his condition.

Please tell him from me that we all cherish our times with him and tell him that JPY, Pig and I raised a glass to him the other night laughing over old times and what maniacs we all were.

Same gentle man he always was.
Back in Melbourne in the late 60's and early 70's there was a rare time when there was a true sense of community and family amongst all of us who played, lived and laughed together and had so many great times in the Melbourne clubs.

Please let Willie know that he was always, and will always, be considered an important member of that family and that we are all thinking off him.

In case you may not have been included in Baz's mailing list, I thought I'd forward it for your information.
Allow me to make the observation that, as with other battles during his life, Willie seems to be fighting this to the last, so good on him!

It's somewhat of a relief to know that he is not in pain, and that he is in good care.
We will keep you all informed when further news comes to hand.
Thanks for all your expressions of concern, affection and support for Willie.
Paul Culnane
Ross Wilson

hi paul,
thanks for yr willie emails. i am o/s & for reasons unknown can't open
yr attachments. although i have surmissed that ian is ill can you give
me more info? i rtn to oz mid-july.
regards,

I hope you don't mind if I pass this e mail onto some of the other members of the supper club (who would all know Willie), some of whom have been asking me about an update since Steve Devine's e mail?
Stay strong.
Kind regards
Stan

Hi Guys,
I think it's wonderful that you are keeping us informed about Ian's odyssey.

If you are able, I would be obliged if you could send my my most heartfelt wishes to an old friend.
We experienced many good times together and I would like to remind Willie of the times when he and Max lived in the terrace back of Crown Street.
Max's stuffed calamari was the top of the menu and the desserts were always on the nose!
I got to know Willie very well about that time even though as a Sydney boy I had spent a lot of time in Canberra ('68-'77) knowing him only as a legendary figure -one who had touched stardom with all the pitfalls and rewards that went with it in those heady days.
The blues will live forever and Willie's got the blues big time right now.
Rock on tall guy - we're praying for you
Mike Hamer

I have known Willie for 31 years ... he came to my 21st, along with the rest of Wally & the Wombats.

He was in hospital for 3 weeks and was stoked at all the messages/visits and calls that he received.

Willie was a gentle man, a mighty friend and a gifted musician, and I'm just glad that he was a large part of my life.

Dear friends
It is my melancholy task to inform you that Ian "Willie" Winter passed away at noon today (Wednesday 14/7/04), following a serious illness brought about by cancer and attendant medical complications.
Ian's partner Nin has asked his friend Barry McCulloch and myself to try to notify as many of his friends as possible of this sad news.

We would ask that you please pass it on to whoever you know that Willie knew.
Nin told me that Willie left us without suffering major pain, gratified by all the support and love you folks showed to him in various ways during his final days.
There will be funeral notices placed in this coming weekend's Melbourne and Canberra papers.

The funeral is set to take place at the Faulkner Cemetery, Melbourne on 23 July 2004.
It goes without saying that we have lost a man who epitomised the oft-misused term "gentleman".

I suggest we should celebrate his life, and to that end I humbly attach a photo I took of him, circa 1980.

That's the image I'll carry around with me anyway.
Pray in your own way for the repose of his soul.
Thank you
Paul Culnane

I remember seeing him as support for Kevin Borich Express in the late
seventies, Upstairs in East Row "The Stakeout (scrapeout).

Willie and KB
jamming at the end of the shows was always a guitar duel par excellence.
respectfully yours
Schooner

Sad news indeed.......I knew it was happening and dedicated a half hour to Ian's music a fortnight ago.....
I'm on air again tonite for Mojos and Jellyrolls but rather than go overboard I'll just play one song....In my mind "All Along The Watchtower" was a song that Ian made his own......do you Canbranongs think this would be most appropriate
TJ

I do believe Ian Winter sent me a demo CD last year; of covers he dun.
I'll find it & give him a li'l spin on "Cruizin' fora Bluezin" next Saturday.
(for the Perth listners)
One less sweet man on this Earth
Jayme

I don't come from Canberra , but I sure know where Ian Winter's heart was,
man and when he fired on the guitar, he was incredible.

It was with great sadness that I heard the news that Ian had passed away today ...

"Scotty" told a couple of weeks ago that Ian was terminally ill & when he messaged me with the news today,

I couldn't really believe it.
Oh what a life it was back then 10 foot tall & bullet proof.

Wasn't it just last year that the Brother's Grimm became the FIRST Canberra group (featuring Ian on rhythm guitar) to release a record for national distribution?

Though I hadn't seen him in recent years I loved CARSON and actually saw them 'live' on the very first John Mayall tour at the STATE Theatre in Sydney !
Cheers,
BEACH

Hello Barry
I hope that you are feeling a little bit better today and I know that receiving the final news was certainly a relief as the pressure of waiting is sometimes a little hard to handle.
My memories of Willie are always combined with a smile and I think that is the greatest joy for me when I think of him.

I sat up until 1:00am perusing your site and I reckon you have done a fantastic job.

It was a lot of fun to see some of those pics and when it came to Willie and all you guys, I was overcome with memories which I had up until now completely buried somewhere, in the recesses of my brain.
By the way, I noticed that there was a flyer for the Ritz which announced 'Lets go dancing' by Blue Moon Productions, that was Gavan's (my brother) promotion company and Gavan and I did that flyer.

Actually, I think I have one left somewhere.
I also noticed that there is only one photograph that I took of your Kevin & the M O band at the ANU bar and so that means that there are several others which I do have and I will find as they are pretty funny especially the one of Steve Maughan doing the Kiss thing with his tongue poking out.
Was really good talking to you yesterday and I hope that you found it a little cathartic to remember some of those silly things that we did with Willie.

I am sorry to hear news of the passing of Ian Willie Winter from my old rock'n'roll buddies from the Canberra days. Whilst Willie was not close to me, he was indeed a wonderful guitarist and musician whose talent went largely unnoticed by the main body of the local music industry although he axed his way on stage with many of it's major acts.

If you have the opportunity to include this news in your wide range of editorial coverage's, specifically the Industry section within The Drum Media, I believe it will provide Willie and his family a nice piece of well deserved and appreciated acknowledgment.

Hi Barry
You know, I was reading all of the emails about Willie on the Canbarry news and it just made me cry, was good to let it all out and realise how lucky I was to have been a friend and to have shared in his life.
I guess up until now, I never really thought about the impact that he had on my life, but upon reflection, it appears that his gentleness and kind regard for everyone around him was ultimately felt by us all.
He was just such a sweet person, so lovely to others and even though we laughed about the way he would keep us waiting for hours sometimes, it was one of those loveable traits that we all forgave.
Had some of the best times with Willie - some of the craziest and wild moments in my life.

Best of all I got to listen to him play over and over and feel the intense sensations which would always be part of watching him and listening to his music.
Several weeks ago, when I discovered that my friend Geoff ( who grew up in N.Z.), was the only person aside from Willie, who I had since met , that had ever listened to Tommy Bolin.

So Geoff and I had our little tribute - playing 'Teaser' and 'Private Eyes' and a little of 'The James Gang' L.P's and giggling our heads off and when I retold the story of Willie's love for T.B's guitar playing.

I was unaware of Willie's illness and looking back I realise that playing that music and laughing along with the memories was somehow my subconscious connection with Willie as he lay gravely ill.
I will cherish my memories
Amanda E

…an affectionate remembrance of Ian “Willie” Winter. 6 November 1949 – 14 July 2004. Guitarist beyond compare. Personification of the term "gentleman". Remembered with love by many.

Oh crumbs, I don’t think I can do justice to this so-called eulogy. Somebody else might choose to do so in proper detail, while I’m left heartbroken and absolutely smashed by the loss of such a beautiful man and true friend. He passed away on 14 July 2004 after a short but fraught battle with severe cancer, liver and heart complications.

You can read all about Ian’s contribution to Aussie music on a comprehensive website created by one of his closest mates, another cool guy, Barry McCulloch. Check this out, enjoy and celebrate – it will give you Willie’s full story, narrated in large part by the man himself: …look at this and fall in love with Ian, and cop the magnitude of what he accomplished, before you read on. You’ll see that he did much good!

I can come up with a couple of very nice stories though (among many I could choose from), and that’ll be enough to illustrate how great he was (in so many ways)…

Your humble writer was the live sound engineer for the band Ian played with in Canberra ; they were called Kevin McLaughlin & the Murrumbidgee Orchestra (cool, huh?). They released but one single, a co-write between the singer, George Bennett and Willie, called Thunder On The Mountain, backed by a version of Wreckless Eric's Whole Wide World. The quintet was hot as fuck, they rocked, and Willie was their lead guitarist. This was late-70s, and the scene was rockin’, let me tell you.

At that time drugs were prominent, and it’s no secret that Ian indulged in various things like that from time to time. That’s his business. No need to dwell on that small detail. But one Saturday night, the band was due to play at “The Floyd” gig – very important. Willie lived nearby to me, and used to pick me up in his white Ford Zephyr sedan (a “Z-car”!). I was required to do the sound, but during the afternoon, I recklessly dropped an acid tab, didn’t I? By the time Willie came around, I was peaking. I told him: “your hair is changing colour man, you look so psychedelic to me”. Ian Winter was ALWAYS so psychedelic to me. His suggested solution: “Come on man, you gotta get it together to do the gig for us”. No judgement, no pack-drill. Just an eagerness to go out and play – a measure of the man’s gentle and entirely selfless nature.

He administered some “medicine”: a very strong cup of coffee, laced with a bit of opium, together with the strongest mo-fo of a joint you can imagine, just to get us going (soundtracked by one of his favourites, Lonnie Mack). Ian said he’d protect me and he did. When we made it to the gig, I may have disgraced myself in some ways, but the band played a blinder, and I can still remember how friggin’ great it sounded (down to me, off me ‘ead, and extremely loud!). If I'm not mistaken, the group opened, appropriately enough, with a stormin' rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Rock & Roll". Willie was natural: he just played his arse off as he always did, throwing shapes and launching white-hot typhoons of guitar pyrotechnics. That night he was dressed in a billowy white shirt and kinda tight black jeans (I remember salient details like that). He looked, and played, just fine! He always had a contingent of girls ogling him, as he bent the notes and grimaced while he poured out his soul (sexy fucker!). He always had a contingent of guys ogling him, as they envied his supreme axe prowess: “He took it all too far, but boy could he play guitar!”. That night in particular, he was just a rock god, but this image epitomises what I, for one (and I don't think I'm alone), always felt about Willie.

Another memory is of when our hero got up one night to jam with the Richard Clapton Band, at the same venue, “The Floyd” (a funky and fondly-remembered rock-house in Woden, Canberra ). Not content with putting his head through the ceiling, Clapton cast aside the remaining vestiges of his dignity when he chased Ian all around the place, shouting: “Where’s that Willie, I want more Willie!” The audience resoundingly agreed…

I’ve got a heap of recordings to prove what a brilliant guitar-player Ian was (one particular live recording of Mondo Rock prompted Ross Wilson to note – words to the effect of – that he had never heard anyone else feel the music in quite the same way that Willie did). I can’t prove what a great guy he was, that’s just abundantly evident to those who knew him. But I can still feel the warm vibe of how nice it felt when we hung out together, and hugged and stuff, like mates should.

Ian was popular with punters and fellow musicians alike. Among many bands he played with were Daddy Cool, Carson, Mondo Rock, John Paul Young’s All-Stars, Kev & the MO, The Willie Winter Band, oodles more. Right up to his passing, he was working on new material with his partner Nin. She assures me this stuff will see the light of day. Bring it on! Let me go away now and pray for Ian Winter’s sublime soul (ooh yeah – he had a glut of “soul”). You should too, in your own way, for he was such a fabulous person!

Dear Barry,
Regretfully I am not able to attend Willie's funeral service.
I hope it's a nice day and not too waring on all.
If there is anything we in Sydney can do to assist in Willie's commemoration or help with the family, please advise.
Stay well & regards
Stan
Wendy Stockdill

Dear Baz and Pam,
I was very saddened to hear about Willie, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you,
Wendy.

I've known Ian since he was a skinny sixteen year old when he came to audition for our band.

I was the guitarist in that band and he scared the shit out of me he was so good,

This is why we in Darwin (and everywhere) need your website, otherwise wouldn't have known.

Thank you.
I read the Messages yesterday and called Frenchie, now living in Port Elliot SA, to tell him - he said Willie was

He said the last time he saw Willie was when you guys were with Ray Arnott & The Rude Dudes, and stayed at his place in Lefroy St.
It would be over 20 years since I saw Willie too; he was a great man indeed.

So I've been playing Carson 'On The Air' - similar shot on the back cover to that on your Willie tribute, only he is a bit younger and his thinner arms are playing that Junior.

Playing 'Daddy Cool Live' too and the CD 'Winter in Canberra' you sent me is even more precious now.
Our sincere condolences to Willie's family and to you Baz.

We'll be in touch.
I guess the wake will be taking place as I write this so have one for us.
Love and best wishes
Calo.
Robert Calaby

1970
I was getting ready to return to England following the death of my father when I met Alan Britton at the ANU jazz club. We weren't really into modern jazz but you could get blues records under the Jazz banner and we jumped in feet first.

Everyone had made plans to leave Canberra and try their luck in some bigger ponds.

There was never any pressure to achieve but the fire was always bubbling just below the surface of those few gigs.

Ian was a guitarist like no-one else, never greedy, never rushed, he would build a solo like a piece of Architecture with huge slabs of sound.
We'll miss him ..Thanks Ian!
This is another mini chapter in the Ian/Willie story.

Through Bazza's good work with the website I hope we can piece all the history together
Rest in Peace Willie

I was fortunate to have played with Ian round 76 in one of the early renditions of Mondo Rock.

In that band was Barry (big goose) Sullivan who recently passed away and Trevor Courtney on drums.

I remember Willie to be a great slide player and once he got going you never did know where he would end
up.
My condolences to all his family and friends.
Peter Laffy
Dave Scotland

Willie and I had a kind of mutual admiration thing going, and it always brought the best in my playing if I was going on stage before or after Willie.

He always pushed the boundaries when he played and that’s something that I respected about him – for a guitarist, the guitar is your voice and Willie’s voice kind of wrapped itself around and enveloped you in a warm way – much like his friendship.

Hi Baz,
Just a few brief words about our friend Ian.
I first met Ian when we were in the "Brother's Grimm".

Ian worked part time as a driveway attendant at the service station in Lyneham and I used to pull in for fuel and have a chat.
Over the years we stayed in touch and often seen him on his visits to Canberra.

I remember the blow we had at the Durham a few years ago when he was in town with Scotty.

It was good.
Ian was a mighty fine player and certainly set the standard for guitar playing in Canberra.

He was a wonderful kind, thoughtful person I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with him and to know him.
Rest in Peace Ian
John Thompson

John Stockdill
Sat, 19 Aug 2006
Happy Birthday Mr. Bassman...congrats on the move, a brave decision, so much looking forward to dropping in for tea and cookies.
It must be 27 years ago that I auditioned for The Willie Winter Band.

Just for the record, I worked physically harder on that first gig in Belconnen than any other subsequent gig.

After that four hour gig, I was sure Willie or yourself were going to give me the drop, but we celebrated together in very, very fine style ( will always remember Frenchie asking me to hold his glasses and watch, he really sorted a few nasty blokes for us in about three seconds!!)
You welcomed me into the band, and it was a gargantuan time for me.

A very special memory. We had some very weird times. Remember the gig at the Ffloyd, or maybe the Steakout, anyway, I had no monitors.

Could not hear the vocals. Apparently you announced a drum solo. I figured the gig was over, and I walked to the bar and ordered a drink!!!

I was more than a little paranoid on the way to the bar, three hundred people staring at me!!
Willie loved that.
Anyway, drink some single malt for me.
Happy Birthday and God bless
Stockdill

Well I'm writing over the midnight hour to send you some wishes for the 6th...not to upset you, but to let you know that I am missing being able to say "happy birthday" to Willie as we have over so many years, and i know you must be missing being able to do that still so very much tonight. we have got cause to celebrate with the victory in the States, yes. I just wanted to tell you that both Todd and I are thinking of you. not a year goes past we don't remember Willie's birthday. all the cards sent back and forth, all the phone calls and good wishes exchanged on this date for so many years. Willie once told from Christmas St. he kept all the cards and letters near and dear to his heart over the years he kept put away in a special box and he never lost any of them. yours were in it and so were ours. we may not have hung out together in Sydney Baz, but Willie spoke of you so often that I felt I knew you anyway. he told me before a visit down there (around his birthday & you & he did a gig and some mates showed up with a gift for him?) in the late 90's that when he went down to Canberra he forgot all about Melbourne. he was home with his closest friends then. so I'm very grateful that we are all able to stay in contact, particularly on days like today. he would want that very much and he wouldn't want you to be sad. he would want you to know that he's still around us and knows we haven't forgotten today's date at all. and that you are hanging in there for him, as his dearest mate. this year and next I'm determined to keep an eye on the Nighthawk for Willie. give it my best shot. it may take some time but its something I know Willie would want to be with you or at least keep a check on what happens to it for him if I cant find a way to get it yet. we only lost touch up here because of Nin about 2 year before he left us. anyway its the least I can do for Willie now. except send you Todd's and my best wishes and love for the 6th. I hope you don't mind me writing tonight, Baz. I just felt Willie would want me to check in with you and I always feel he's smiling down on us whenever we contact each other. all the best for today. "Fuzzy Guitar" is going on my page now. your beautiful tribute for Willie. thanks, Barry.
with love Marianne and Todd xox