Keith Harwood aka Keith Uren
18th July 1998 Keith collapsed on stage at Seasalter, near Whitstable at the age of just 48.
I say we do mind Keith, you've left the stage forever. Tribute to Keith Harwood by Mick Cork - Folkestone Herald July 30th 1998
Difficult accepting that someone you knew well has left this mortal coil so soon, albeit - if we could choose - on stage, where he belonged. Keith Harwood was a talented solo performer, though I knew him better as a member of what I believe was his first ever band - an early 70s rock outfit, somewhat bizarrely named Captain Black, after the type of pipe Keith had been smoking one practice night.
At a mutual friend's wedding reception I had been persuaded to come of (some kind of) retirement to back this nice little folk duo - Keith and Andy (Reynolds) who sang nice little folk ditties like Jamaica Farewell, chastity Belt and assorted Simon and Garfunkel songs. I'd like to think that I, along with my old friend. drummer Bill Regan, helped bring both of them into a broader spectrum of sounds. (I seem to recall that Keith said his dad was a bandleader, so his range of appreciation was never going to be limited).
In those days, his early 20s, Keithy boy always seemed a little insecure - but then weren't most people at that age? certainly most artistes and performers have had that about them. It somehow goes with the territory. We had good times. Keith loved the music of David Bowie. I owe him for turning me on to that. And colin Blunstone (ex-lead singer of the Zombies, who later became a pretty close friend of Keith's). I can still hear yer man doing Blunstone's 'Say You Dont Mind' a great song of its kind, and surely a unique choice in any local outfit's repertoire. When the rest of us fancied a beer, we'd leave the stage to Keith and he'd sing Vincent -"starry starry night" and all that. But we'd still listen. It was worth it. If I could meet him now I'd probably say - to his face - he was always a poser in the nicest sense of the word. What solo artists aren't? It takes bottle to get up on stage and perform. In a band you can hide if needs be and take strength in numbers. On your own you've got to be a bit special, have something special.
Keith had that something about him and deservedly enjoyed a very successful solo career around the pubs, the clubs and the cabaret circuit, both at home and abroad.
He also played bit parts in The Bill, Minder, and probably a lot more.
But it was as an important part of the local music scene for longer than he'd care to admit that he'll be remembered most. "That's me in the corner, that's me in the spot - light" he sang in my local, in what will now forever be the last time I saw him - and more especially - the last time I heard him perform. In the spotlight. Where he belonged.
Left - The famous Medallion Man Gig. Devised by Barry the landlord at the The White Lion and finely executed by Chris of the Gig Guide. Half a million newspapers later Keith turned up for the gig and carried on as usual without batting an eyelid, ignoring the cheesey grins of landlord, staff and fans (they knew who would be performing from the wording alone) Keith knew his audience, and posing was part of it. He did it so well. - Ed Bands: Keith & Andy - Captain Black - Solo - New Dimensions - Keith Harwood Band - Keith Harwood & Lee (Guitar) Robinson |
This Page is Dedicated To Keith Harwood
THE MELODY FADES BUT THE MEMORY LINGERS ON, If you knew Keith as we did, he always had the words to create emotion. APACHE
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