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I have just seen a report on the Sky group on Facebook that Francis has passed away after a short illness.

Unable to confirm this but will keep looking.

George

Sadly, it's true.

I am absolutely gutted.

I communicated with Sky's former manager a couple of hours ago and he confirmed it. Also, various members of Curved Air have been paying their respects online...

https://www.loudersound.com/news/curved ... ed-aged-73

Francis had an amazing career, played with some top bands, sessions, toured with the Shads etc, but for me his score for "The Long Good Friday" is his outstanding achievement. Fantastic music for one of the greatest British movies ever. RIP.

Andrew

Some years ago, I bought a four-track 12" promo single of Sky, which includes the tracks "Toccata", "Carillon", "Vivaldi" and "Cannonball". The version of "Toccata" sounds very similar to the Local Heroes' recording "Toccata In D Minor". Anyway, a great selection of tracks. Also, Francis played on Brian Bennett's album "Voyage", which I like very much. I read that Francis died on May 12th, so exactly 46 years after his concert with The Shadows at the Royal Albert Hall. The world has lost another great and legendary musician. Rest in peace Francis...

Am i not correct that he only did one night with the shadows ?

Sad news indeed RIP Francis.

phil kelly wrote:Am i not correct that he only did one night with the shadows ?

I saw Francis with The Shadows in the seventies, most likely in Sheffield at the City Hall, but it could have been Halifax as I once went there to see them around that time.
Bruce told me that he didn't enjoy his time with The Shadows and actually fell asleep on stage during the show. I can't remember how many shows he lasted, but I do remember seeing him

dave robinson wrote:Bruce told me that he didn't enjoy his time with The Shadows and actually fell asleep on stage during the show. I can't remember how many shows he lasted, but I do remember seeing him

I think Bruce mentioned that in his book - I certainly remember reading the story somewhere. Sad news about his passing - far too young .

Cliff

phil kelly wrote:Am i not correct that he only did one night with the shadows ?

No. Not correct. He did the entire 20 Golden Dates tour of May 1977.