Richard Solly, 1956–2014

'Beyond the Pale' was very sorry to learn, several months after the event, of the death just before his 58th birthday of our friend and fellow-fan Richard Solly: see below for links to some of his contributions to this website, which give a sense of his inimitable quirky humour and perceptive musical and social insights. 

Our sincere condolences go to his widow Anne, and to all whose lives were influenced and enhanced by Richard. We understand that Homburg was played at his funeral.

If you wish to send a donation to the Addenbrooke's Neuro-Critical Care Unit in Cambridge UK, or to Redwings Horse Sanctuary, please refer to this link.

RIP Richard (pictured, right, with Anne after Procol's 2001 gig with the Hallé Orchestra)

Richard had the good fortune to see a clutch of prime Procol London shows in the mid 70s, and he kindly sent BtP reminiscences, with associated pictorial memorabilia. The 21st century gigs were a welcome addition to this series, as were his reviews of latterday Procol releases and re-releases. He also contributed fine creative work in our 2001 'Too Many Poets' competition (see here, here, here, here and here) and contributed an 'ideal setlist' here (and a 'Dear Santa' here, and an 'In honour of my favourite Procol album feature.'). In all these writings his irrepressible zest for music, his love of writing, and his very genial humanity shine out brightly:
 

1974 Crystal Palace	1974 Wimbledon Theatre	1975 London Palladium	1976 Earls Court Olympia	1977 Hammersmith
(Rhythm Kings 2000)	Manchester 2001	Croydon 2002	Milton Keynes 2003	Islington 2003
2005 UCL Bloomsbury	The Well's on Fire	Union Chapel DVD	Ledreborg on DVD and on CD	2009's first reissues, reviewed
A Salty Dog (reissue)	Home (reissue)	Salvo reissues 5, 6 and 7	All This and More	Spirit of Nøkken

More concert reports at 'Beyond the Pale'