I have been friends with Martin Smith for many years. Over the years he has done a number of nice things for me, but the one I will remember most is receiving a phone call at work about 6 years ago. Upon answering the phone I heard a voice say, "I have someone here who wants to say hello." Then I heard the voice of one of my keyboard heroes, Woolly Wolstenholme. That day I spent about twenty minutes (at Martin's expense, mind you) speaking to someone who I had admired for more than 34 years. Woolly was very nice and easy to talk to. I don't remember everything we talked about but it was something I will never forget.
Later, in 2009, I was fortunate to work with Woolly and BJH at ROSfest. From our first greeting he could not have been a warmer, nicer man. Actually, everyone in the band treated me like a brother. I spent about half the weekend with the band and I had a chance to have Woolly sit in my hotel room and show me all sorts of things on the Mellotron (386) that I just happened to have in my room. We spent time chatting about our lives and his music. He told me that this was still early in his musical career... That he wasn't winding down or even just cruising along. He told me that he had written lots of song and had a head full of ideas. He seem so optimistic. By that time, I was 7 months into my sobriety. I enjoyed one drink with Woolly. It is the last one I have had and will remain such.
Woolly and Martin were best friends, so I can imagine the pain Martin and all of those close to Woolly must be feeling. As you all know, I recently lost my brother. In a way, we have all lost another. He was truly a decent man and a great talent.
Some of my treasured memories of a great performer and a very nice guy.