tribute by elaine wayman
I met Carl way back in 1968 when he
was singing with The Move, wow what a show, each group member wearing a
different coloured suit and Carl out front "playing" with the
microphone. Even then hearing his fantastic powerful voice sent shivers down my
spine.
My friend Avril
and I went miles every weekend to the Move gigs and we were avid fan club
members, waiting every week for the latest newsletter to drop through our
letterboxes. I think we must have been the biggest Move fans ever! We were heart
broken when Carl left the band, but since then I have followed his solo career
very closely from the times when he was in panto, when he started at the Talk of
London, Lunchtime with Wogan, The Pink Windmill with Rod Hull and Emu, Blood
Brothers and many more shows along the way.
I have always enjoyed The Hollies music, so I was thrilled when he joined the
band some five years ago and that's when I met Helen and I'm proud to say that
we have become firm friends too. Together we've travelled many miles to see Mr
Wayne and I have made lots of new friends through going to the concerts. I've
introduced my friends to Carl's music too and they in turn have been devastated
to hear the very sad news of his passing. No matter how busy his schedule
might have been he always had time for a chat.
The last time I saw Carl was at Wisley back in June, a lovely hot sunny
afternoon, drinking wine and picnicking with new friends and listening to his
beautiful voice. I text'd him on his birthday to say Hi and thought it strange
not to hear back from him, little did I know that he was in hospital. My
thoughts and prayers were with Carl, Sue and Jack constantly and still are.
There's so much more I want to say ...but I'm just so proud to be able "to
call him my friend". While we listen to his music he'll always be with us
and if you look out tonight at the sky I'm sure there will be an extra twinkly
star.
Love ya Carl,
Elaine
Wayman xxx