Our dear friend Chris Sayer passed away 19 April 2010 - We miss him dearly. (Xenia Marita and Bernd Riebe)
If you wish to say some words, please let us know, we will put them here. - contact

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I used to work with Chris in the band called 'Spyke', when he lived in Hastings. He became a good friend ...We worked together from 1970~1973 and on various other occasions thereafter, and although we ceased working together on a regular basis, we remained friends and often socialised in each other's houses...My partner Monica and I will always remember Chris with affection, and, as well as the songs on your web-site (Ian and Monica Williams)

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Chris was my neighbour and friend and epitomised the true meaning of gentleman!.I will miss him dearly. (John Mc Namara)

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I am sad to hear the news about Chris. I was playing the drums with him in Treehouse for the past few years. I will remember him as a driven musician with a great sense of humor. It 's always been a pleasure to make music with him. Straight forward, uncomplicated. I will miss him. - (Bas Paul)

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With the deepest respect Chris. We will all miss you. Rest in Peace - (The TinPub)

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I was lucky to have known Chris when I lived in Schull.  We formed a band, 3 of us, aptly named "Nobody's Perfect" (dreamed up by Chris).  That was a few years ago, but Chris will always stand out in my mind as one of life's lovelier people.  He was a naturally sweet, kind, gentle and fun person and a dear friend to many..  Rest in Peace Chris - hope you're still making music.. (Noreen)

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Was sad to hear the news that dear old Chris is gone, I first saw Chris playing in a skiffle band at a fete right near my house in Hollington, it must have been 1958/59 I was around 11 years old it was the first live band I had ever seen, it was fantastic and I was hooked, I went home and made a T-chest bass. A couple of years later Chris and his band were playing at the local youth club in Wishing Tree Road by now fully electric and rockin, me and my mates got to talk to Chris and Henry the bass player and we asked them about this chord or that riff until they,d had enough. By 1963/4 the band were named THE TALISMEN they were the best by miles around the Hastings area playing classics like My Babe, Work Song, Shame, Shame, Shame etc, always finishing the set with the main  riff from the Jazz Messengers Moanin.They were a punchy R@B trio in the same vein as The Pirates and The Big Three and the best place to hear them was the cellar of the old Regent Hotel.
 Thursday night gigs were legendary not just for the music and atmosphere but for the banter between Chris and Henry and for the jokes at the expense of poor old Alan Jensen who ran the gig and the local record and music shop. By this time me and a couple of school mates had started a band we needed amps and guitars, I was having trouble convincing my parents that letting your 15 year old play R'N'B in sweaty pubs and clubs was better than doing your homework, but Chris came to the rescue, convincing them that it was actually a sound investment bringing a lifetime return, a visit to The Regent by my mother to hear. The Talismen clinched the deal and I got my first electric bass, a Hofner Senator, which I still have , though I don't gig it as that 32 guinee investment is now worth about £1200. Well over the years when I bumped into Chris maybe outside his antique shop in Tower Road, where he'd sit in the sun reading, or at a gig or playing guitar in our band  Soul-x-press, Chris would say "Remember when you brought your mum down the Regent and we played And I Love really quietly so she'd get your guitar old son". Yes, Chris, everyday, God Bless old son Rock on CHRIS SAYER  my first guitar hero. (Len Benton)

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Ich schreibe erst heute ein paar Zeilen zum Tod von Chris, weil es so lange gedauert hat, bis diese schlimme Nachricht meinen Kopf verlassen konnte und in meinem Herzen ankam. Jetzt erst habe ich wirklich realisiert, dass ich Chris niemals mehr wiedersehen werde. Jetzt erst kann ich um ihn stumme Tränen weinen. Ich habe in Chris einen jungen Freund verloren. Zum einen, weil ich ihn erst vor fünf Jahren kennenlernte, zum anderen, weil Chris in jeder Beziehung jung geblieben war. Er war so lebensfroh, spontan und liebenswert! Wie konnte es nur geschehen, dass er uns so früh verlassen musste. (Xenia, May 17, 2010)
Only today I am able to write a few lines about Chris death, because the message took so long to leave my mind and reached my heart. Only now I have realized that I will never see Chris again. Only now I can shed silent tears for him. I have lost a young friend. First, because we met only five years ago, and then, because for me Chris has stayed young in every respect. He was so full of life, spontaneous and kind! Chris had to leave us so early, how could this only happen? (Xenia, May 17, 2010))

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I cannot explain my grief and shock at Chris’ passing. We’ve been close friends since the early 1960s and remained friends following his move to Ireland. On his regular return visits to Hastings we would sometimes gig together with other musical associates of which Chris had very many. Now and again the phone would go at 9 – 10:00 at night. “Hi Ginger, I’m at the studio with Clive and I need someone to put the bass down on a song I’ve written, would you mind coming over? After several hours of trying to understand and play the sometimes complex arrangement Chris had in his head, not on paper, I’d complete the session and crawl into bed at 3-4 in the morning - Job done! His silent return to Ireland was as sudden as his arrival but I always felt pleased and flattered to be asked - being in his company was a privilege I shall always remember and cherish. I’ve known Chris since 1963 when we were in competing groups in Hastings. Chris played in the TALISMEN and I played in the CONFEDERATES. His “magic” and personality complimented his musical and vocal talents so much so that don’t know of a musician from that time that didn’t experience the dropping jaw when Chris cut loose on guitar solos and harmonies with his close colleague and bass player, Henry Harvey. Our relationship became very close in 1969 when he and Paul Burton, a former competitor from the TUXEDOS, who then joined me in the CONFEDERATES, asked me to join them in forming a country/folk trio. This trio was named after my father and manager of the CONFEDERATES – SPYKE, having a father who was so notorious on the local music scene has its blessings and drawbacks I can tell you. On the road we went and certainly broke some new ground – Supporting the bingo players in the former De Luxe cinema (we were almost drowned out by the noise of coins falling into the one armed bandits). We also supported many of the big bands that came to Hastings like Bob Miller and the Millermen at the White Rock Theatre. Not bad for a trio without a drummer! Paul Burton left after 18 months leaving Chris and I to continue alone which was an experience I wouldn’t have changed for the world. We played anywhere and everywhere and Chris’ ability to hold the audience close to him and his music was unforgettable. Caravan parks, seedy nightclubs, you name it we played it. Musical evolution moved on and we agreed to import a drummer. Terry Chedzoy from the CONFEDERATES was a natural choice and so we progressed to a more rock based style and left folk music behind. Ian Williams joined in 1971 and SPYKE then enjoyed a peak of popularity with the language school students, particularly at the Alexandra Hotel on Hastings seafront. We played there 3 nights a week in addition to other gigs at weekends, busy, busy, busy, but the group became really tight. In 1973 Chris left the group for a break and to charge his musical batteries. However, the musical “itchy feet” came back and he started all over again. He never stopped and continued plying his unique talents ion groups such as SWIFT HALF, THE WEATHERMEN, and several others. He also co-organised 3 “Big Beat Reunions” on the Pier in 1987, 1988 and 1989. Those nights have never been matched for their success and audience support and never will in my opinion. In addition to playing, he made it his mission to encourage and support song writers through his annual Song Writers Competition held at the White Rock. His energy with this venture was unlimited and his ability to gain sponsorship, participation and commitment was herculean – nobody refused Chris! Chris will be missed more than he could ever have imagined, however, we do have valuable memories of him and I’m pleased to be able to point anyone who wants to relive the magic of such a terrific personality to another WEB site for pictures, songs and videos of Chris - http://jinksthegroup.website.orange.co.uk/ There are also some old videos of Chris and SPYKE available on YouTube - Search for “gingermil1946” videos or this link to start you off YouTube - Rock on Chris! – Thanks for the friendship the memories and the unforgettable music. (Peter (Ginger) Millington)

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So sorry to read about the loss of Chris. Had the pleasure of playing with Chris, Henry, Pete, Dennis, in the group called 'Revival' back in the 85 / 86, what a great time we had. Chris and Henry were gents in there own rights Chris will be sadly missed by the people who enjoyed his company. Chris, where ever you are carry on Rocking. RIP (Dave Sadie)

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I was his drummer in the Weathermen for around 9 years. We did our last gig on New years day1982. He moved to Ireland and I lost track of him. He was a good friend and an always experimenting Guitarist. Shocked to hear of his death!! (Ralph Balcombe)

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I had the great privilege of being the first and only Mrs Sayer. Chris and I remained friends and were in contact regularly, right up to his hospitilisation. I shall remember him with great fondness and have lots of happy memories of the 70's times with the bands Spyke etc. ( Ginger, Ian ,Terry, Ralph and Colin to name but a few, also their partners). The cat on the top right of the web page is our old cat" Tigger", whom we both adored., despite his appearance! You were a wonderful friend for all these years and a brilliant musician! I am blessed to have met you Chris and for you to have been godfather to my daughter Cassandra. I will never forget you. Sleep tight. With Love, Irene X.

Chris on YouTube - American Pie - Bad Moon Rising - Irish Rover - Good Night Irene