A salute to trouper first class Boz Burrell
I spoke to Mel Collins on the phone today at his home in Germany. News of Boz’s death was a surprise for Mel and as you would expect, he was greatly saddened by the passing of his old bandmate.
Mel wanted to add his own tribute to the many that have come in from Boz’s many fans and admirers.
Mel wanted to add his own tribute to the many that have come in from Boz’s many fans and admirers.
Boz performed a gargantuan task back in 1971 by learning to play bass and singing Peter Sinfield’s wonderfully convoluted lyrics when he joined the band that I was in at the time, King Crimson.
How he managed it I don’t know but he did. His natural musicianship and amazing ear, combined with his enthusiasm for life proved he was a giant amongst us. Plus he had “a lucky face” – a favourite phrase of his.
Boz turned me onto so many jazz greats from Charlie Haden to Mose Allison, and had a fantastic record collection which he loved to share with us learners.
May the fourths be with you, dear Bozzell.
Mel Collins
Mel and Boz onstage at their last gig together in Crimson, 1st April 1972 at the Municipal Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama
(photo courtesy of Chuck Bryant)
(photo courtesy of Chuck Bryant)
