Today I received a very sad phone call telling me of the death of a good friend James Candy. James died in a car crash on the afternoon of 18th December.
James and I had known each other for since 2000 when we met in the car park of Bath Spa’s university at the start of the very first Rhythm Course. Like a couple of saddo’s clutching our stick bags we got to know each other well over that week and being that we only lived about 4 miles from each other we saw as much of each other as possible. James and I were very different, he was an amazing reader and was rapidly becoming a first call pit player in the area. He dreamed of playing the West End shows and I know that he was making good progress with that dream when he was tragically killed.
Over the last 8 years we often met for breakfast or a pint and talked about how lucky we were to earn money from what we loved. We talked about players and albums and he always answered the phone or left me a message along the lines of ‘Hi James, it’s Vinnie – I can’t do the Sting gig; can you do it…..’ Without fail.
James’ favorite drummer was the late, great Carlos Vega. James loved his playing, but could never understand why someone who was living their dream and doing what they loved would take their own life. James never took for granted what he did and relished the opportunities that he worked so hard to create. A true professional, always. Kind, courteous, sarcastic (in the right way!!) and a good friend. It fills me with great sorrow that just as James was really achieving the heights that he wanted to get to, this was bought to an end. He was one of my favorite musicians.
Right now, I’m struggling to come to terms with this loss. James was someone who I grew up with, played alongside, depped for and was always keen to hear about what was going on in my world, just as I was his.
I will miss you very, very much mate, and thanks for everything.
RIP