James Candy RIP
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
December 20th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Unfortunately I am still speechless, but just wanted to say what a beautiful piece that was.
I think I’ve felt every emotion over the past 24hrs, and now in my head I have the Queen song No One But You:
A hand above the water
An angel reaching for the sky
Is it raining in heaven -
Do you want us to cry?
And everywhere the broken-hearted
On every lonely avenue
No-one could reach them
No-one but you
One by one
Only the Good die young
They’re only flying too close to the sun
And life goes on -
Without you…
Another Tricky Situation
I get the drowin’ in the Blues
And I find myself thinkin’
Well – what would you do?
Yes! – it was such an operation
Forever paying every due
Hell, you made a sensation
You found a way through – and
One by one
Only the Good die young
They’re only flyin’ too close to the sun
We’ll remember -
Forever…
And now the party must be over
I guess we’ll never understand
The sense of your leaving
Was in the way it was planned?
And so we grace another table
And raise our glasses one more time
There’s a face at the window
And I ain’t never, never sayin’ goodbye…
One by one
Only the Good die young
They’re only flyin’ too close to the sun
Cryin’ for nothing
Cryin’ for no-one
No-one but you
RIP James. xXx
December 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I too was devastated when I heared the news of James’ untimely death yesterday. He was introduced to me by the Bristol Schools’ Music Service as someone who could help accompany the lighter repertoire of the Bristol Schools’ Chamber Choir. He came with the choir on our Barcelona tour a year or so ago, and my goodness didn’t he do a wonderful job. A modest, likeable young man whose sense of rhythm was imaginative,and whose sense of pulse was rock solid, and totally reliable. He was well admired and liked by all the youngsters, and entered into the spirit of the tour as well as the many concerts in which he helped us with an admirable enthusiasm.The last time I saw him he was in ‘the pit’ at the Bristol Hippodrome, supporting the band with his excellent playing. As one who has met with some success in the music education business, I felt he was destined for very high places in the music theatre/band world. It is a cruel stroke of fate for such a life to be cut short in this way. I am glad I knew him and had chance to admire his work from the piano, and from several auditoria. Robert Latham, Director Bristol Schools’ Chamber Choir 1993-2008, adjudicator, and teacher.
December 20th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
James work for the Bristol Arts and Music Service while I was manager and we toured Barcelona with our choir
He was a true gentle man and i am so sad at his untimely death
He was a valued collegue and a superb musician
A tragic loss
December 20th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I was a member of Bristol Schools Chamber Choir and will always remember the support and help throughout our tour and concerts. He was truly a genuine and decent person and his contribution to music will never be forgotten.
December 21st, 2008 at 12:48 am
James has played for Cameo on a number of occasions and we are shocked to hear this tragic news.
A great drummer and a really nice guy.
Rob Tyley
Chairman, Cameo Orchestra
December 21st, 2008 at 12:56 am
I had the honour of working with James, including a tour of Barcelona with the Bristol Schools’ Chamber Choir.He was a true professional and everyone who new him could not fail to like him and admire his ability to fit in and become part of the team.
He will be sorely missed.
Mike Kearley, (Bristol Schools’ Chamber Choir 1991-2007)
December 21st, 2008 at 1:14 am
I have only met a few times but every time I had he was always smiling and laughing.
He was a awsome drummer, he will be dearly missed.
such a great man and a tragic lose.
He will always be rememberd.
December 21st, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Thankyou Hester , very nice words , he couldnt wait to introduce me to you at the rythym course and said i had to come to see Thomas Lang, Simon Phillips , Pete Riley – to see the double pedal stuff .On a recent trip to London – we talked in my car about you , he said you were a great guy , and we both said what a good drummer you were – we loved our drummers talks – just like he would have done with you – and yep we used to leave messages to each other – for instance ” Hi its Simon Phillips , can you dep for my fourthcoming TOTO world tour !! I called James “TECHNICIAN” as he was a more technical player than me – a great reader – with James advice he inspired me to be better – introducing me to lots of different world drummers – always supportive and interested in what i was doing . Music was his life along with his family and friends – i agreed this week it was a good thing to do , and he bought a tom tom after seeing how fast we got to london – this was to be his lucky call – EVITA – he was nervous – to play in front of the regular drummer last thursday – i said “what the hell are you worried about ?” you will blow him away – which im sure he did – he also said that Farron was depping for the Weston Show – and what a good player he was – and he would look after his babies…his new Tama Starclassic green drum kit – they were his pride and joy – there is pain and tears but the legend lives on through all of our hearts and his fellow drummers drum sticks – my best mate and brother in Rhythm – Candyman will never be forgotten -R.I.P
December 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I only met James a couple of months ago when he agreed to dep for us, but before meeting him I had heard alot about him, I am friends with some of his friends and just by association felt that I knew him, he was is talked about very fondly, and I lose count of the number of times he was refered to as “top drummer” or “hes such a nice guy”, when I did meet him he was as described, he was friendly and welcoming. We had a great gig and we all looked forward to the next time. This news has come as a terrible shock to me and I deeply regret that I will not be able to meet and play with this top guy again. My love to all his family and friends – RIP.
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Just herd the sad news about James.
He was a committed teacher with Bristol Arts and Music Service as well as a fine musician.
He will be missed by his pupils in his schools and by me personally as a friend.
My thoughts are with his family at this time.
Best wishes.
Andy Gleadhill
Head of Bristol Arts and Music Service.
December 24th, 2008 at 1:39 am
I work for Bristol Arts and Music Service,often I worked in the same schools as James and our paths crossed. He was always so cheerful, and warmed any routine day with his wonderful smile.
I shall miss our snatched conversations between pupils, and I know he will be greatly missed by his pupils, and collegues.
My thoughts are with the family, it seems even harder as it comes so close to Christmas.
RIP
December 24th, 2008 at 2:27 am
Hi James.
I didn’t hear about James until today. Ian (Mathews)rang and gave me the bad news.
I didn’t know James too well , but he was spoken of in high regard on the local scene , not only by drummers, but musicians of repute that had worked with him in the past.
It’s good to know that you have vivid and happy memories of your friendship with James, and that you can hold those thoughts in your heart and mind for ever. I hope that can ease you through this tragic time.
We have lost too many great musicians from the West Country in recent years and each one is a devastating blow to come to terms with.
Time is the healer but friends and memories help you through the initial shock and pain .
I would be happy to listen if you would like to talk about James , any time.
Love and thoughts
Mike H
December 24th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I first met James when I started work when I was 16, a great chap, he will be sadly missed. James then left work and we lost contact.
I then met him again when he played the drums for the shows I performed in and it was lovely to see him again.
After all of this, my son decided he wanted to have drum lessons at school and to my surprise his drum teacher was James. Matthew really enjoyed his lessons and will miss James greatly and his friendship.
Thinking of his family
December 25th, 2008 at 11:37 am
I have known James for several years and was devastated to hear this tragic news only yesterday. A great guy who I will remember for his laughter and smile. James, you will be missed. My thoughts are with your family and friends.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:42 am
James I can’t believe you had to leave us so soon.
You were a big inspiration to me, a consummate professional, a great player and most importantly a great person. I will miss you terribly, but I will never forget you.
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 am
I am absolutely devastated to hear this sad piece of news.
I first met James in 1999 when we worked together in Portishead.
We shared a love of music, beer, women, jokes, curries etc etc.
His band at the time were called “Fantastic Day” and I got them to gig at many a party, wedding bash and xmas party.
I even had the honour to get on stage and sing 4/5 numbers with him and his bass mate Rob and a couple of work colleagues at a christmas do.
We kept in touch and I must have received one of the last xmas cards he wrote to invite me and my mrs Debs to his panto at W.S.M.
A lot of my friends knew him and we are going to try and organise a tribute night at Coalpit Heath CC in the very near future (he played there with his band many times – maybe it can be a night for charity?)
Any of his friends, ex band members or anyone interested in coming along or performing, then please contact me on chollis@blueyonder.co.uk and we’ll take it from there.
RIP James – as you always said “Keep it real”.
January 5th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I’ve just returned to work for the start of a new term at cotham school and heard the very sad news about our lovely ‘eye candy’. He will be sorely missed by music staff and students at cotham. Fridays certainly will be quiet, as im used to james, two students and two drum kits in the room next door! James, thank you for all your hard work and dedication and for all your work with the students. i will miss your smiley face and your permanent good mood! Rest in peace xxx
January 6th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
James taught the drums to pupils at Ashton Vale Primary School. He was always smiling, patient and a truly inspirational teacher.
James was much loved by both pupils and staff and will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
The World has lost a great musician eager to share his talent and enthusiasm with others.
January 6th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
James has been teaching me how to play the drums
for 18 months. He was a great teacher and friend and he was also very funny. I will miss him but never forget him. R.I.P James love Warren (age 9).
January 6th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Today i got told from my head teacher that Mr Candy had died. i was the youngest person Mr Candy Taught the drums to in my school and he put in 100% effort so he could try and make me an amazing drummer like him.
Mr Candy has taught me drumming for 2 years now and i have enjoyed every minute of it.
I will continue playing the drums but my lessons will never be the same and no-one could ever replace him.
I will never forget him but i will miss him very much.
R.I.P
Love Mitchell Jones aged 7 waycroft school x
January 6th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Today my mum told me the sad news that James has passed away. He had taught me how to play the drums for over a year now, he was a great teacher and very funny.
I will miss him greatly and my lessons will never be the same again.
R.I.P
Love Jack Dumper (aged 11) Ashton Vale Primary School
January 7th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I had only been drumming just over 4 months
when i started i didnt know anything but
james taught me so much he was a excellent
teacher no one will replac him for me.
R.I.P.
LOVE BRANDON (aged 11) ashton vale priamry school
January 7th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Im Really sorry to hear that james died he teached me for 3 years and every lesson i got better because of him. Air Balloon Hill Junior School Will sadly miss Him. James really helped me he told me all about his concerts.
RIP
Alex WIngrove 12
Hanham High School
January 7th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I’m maggy and james taught me drums for a bit no drum teacher wil ever replace him.
his loss is terribele and i will think of him when i play the drums he helped me so much how could anyone forget james,
i will sertenly not…
maggy mccormack-thomas 10
ashton gate primary school
January 10th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
James had been teaching me the drums at Ashton Gate Primary School for the last couples of years.
Lessons were fun to come to when I new he was going to be there. I loved his colourful collection of converses and he always noticed when I wore mine to lessons too.
He always said nice comments when I got a new beat right and I remember him saying at the end of every lesson ‘don’t miss me too much’ and I would always say ‘I won’t’ but I will now.
I will carry on practising on my drum kit and perhaps I might be lucky enough to be as good as James.
Gracie Pepworth
Age 9
Ashton Gate Primary School
January 31st, 2009 at 8:06 am
When I met james in 2000 he immediately struck me as someone special. He was passionate, ambitious and driven. He was smart, funny and he was a real pleasure to be around. We kept in touch after the course and I later taught him at my house in London. James was extremely talented, focussed and totally humble. Teaching him was easy and so much fun.
I remember thinking that he really had all the right stuff to be a huge success in this business and it was a joy to watch him grow as a musician and learn with such passion and enthusiasm. I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a very special man and musician. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
February 1st, 2009 at 12:13 am
James was the first person I met at the Rhythm Bath Spa Course 2000, and after a few minutes it felt like I was talking with someone I had known all my life. His enthusiasm and humour immediately put me at ease, and all of a sudden I began to look forward to the rest of the week a whole lot more. Funnily enough, the next two people I met were also called James, we all hit it off straight away and spent much of the rest of the week together. It was one of the best weeks of my life with some of the nicest people I’ve met( James Candy being very much one of them)- and being able to be able to immerse ourselves totally in drums! Talking about music, and swapping stories about Vinnie and Carlos Vega. After one night out in Bath, James slept on my dormitory floor. I remember marvelling at his ability to sleep on a cold, hard floor and then bounce out of his sleeping bag the next morning with great energy and still look immaculate! + he was the only person I know to have Gadd’s “Fifty Ways” DOWN. Although I regrettably lost touch, I have thought of James often and kind of always assumed that we would hook up again some time and carry on without missing a beat . It was just today by chance that I picked up a copy of Drummer magazine and learned of this terrible loss. I am still dazed by the news and feel terribly sad. Lots of Love.
January 1st, 2010 at 1:27 am
A year on and James, we still think and talk about how lucky we are to have know you.
RIP