remembering Eric...

Following Lee's comment...

Worked with Sam for 5 years...totally respected the man. Never had the nerve to thrust my red vinyl 7" of Thunder and Lightening at him and ask for a signature!

Deaf School's albums changed my musical world!

Thanks for the tunes.

Worked with Sam (aka Eric) for 4 years, great fella', good laugh. Fond memories. God bless ya'. Ricko

First met Sam in 1984. Geoff Davis introduced us and he went on to produce two indie singles for the band I was managing at the time The Pressgang. We were a shambles, didn't know what a recording a studio looked like,but Sam licked us into shape and although we were never going to make it, he made sure we came out with two credible singles which I'm still really proud of today..... thanks for the memories Sam, your encouragement and lovely demeanor mate. The band and I loved every minute of your company, and I'll always remember that bevvy with you and Cheryl at the Albert pub in Lark Lane!

Alan, thank you for mentioning Tim. We have a new section under construction that will commemorate both Eric and Tim. If you (or anyone else) have any personal memories or photos of Tim and Eric that you would like to contribute, please send them in - please use the contact link on the home page.

Never forget Tim Whittaker RIP

So very sad to hear the sad news. Is there a Deaf School in heaven? Maybe Sam will start one up!

Deaf School Forever!

so sad to hear the news, capaldis cafe still my favourite, i remember the empire gig supported by darts, i thought life couldnt get any better ,the place was bouncin, i was right, thanks for everything

As a fan of Deaf School going back to the days of the Demontford Hall (now Uni of Liverpool Guild of Students), I was so saddended to hear of Sam's passing.

1973/4 was a golden time in Liverpool for great music - especially from Deaf School - and "Eric" was a great contributor to that.

Sleep easy Sam.

A huge shame. From the Back of the Moon to today and essential part of the soundtrack of my life.

Sam, Paul Meereis and me were thick as thieves on the 1970 Birmingham Art College Foundation Course. We had talked about going as a group to Liverpool but I also wanted to work with Art Language people at Hull so I ended up there. But I spent quite a few eventful trips across the northern counties to Upper parly and other dives frequented by Paul and Sam, and saw Deaf School from its start.

Sam was also at that time a Baggies fan which was another bond.

Just so angry that I'd lost touch with him so badly that I've only found out a year late that he has passed away. I do recall his asthma as far back as 1970 and it seemed to hinder him a bit.

But Meereis, if you read this, get in touch... I'm on 07958.542872 living in Wembley.

Peace and love to Sam's family and comrades all.

hi guys,

really sorry to hear about sam..losing a friend is hard enough..i know its harder when it`s someone you`ve shared a stage with and a musical life together. i always have very fond memories of all you..i booked you @ wolves poly in 1977 after hearing "taxi" on the john peel show sitting in my room in paris.and thanks for the great gig! very best wishes to you all. i hope to catch up with you at a gig sometime.

all the best

Steve Hill

Just thought I'd catch up with you after listening to first album again...I knew Eric had been ill but I still feel so sad. Saw him first at Eric's (where else?) and then along with Darts at the Empire...what a show. I will miss you Eric X

farewell sam .....great memories from erics and all the other golden days

I bought all of the Deaf School albums as soon they came out. I was a teenager in Chicago. I have never stopped listening or loving the music of Deaf School. Eric Shark will never die because he will be loved and remembered for helping to create such wonderful music and bringing happiness to so many people around the world. I believe there is a heaven and I believe the sound system and the acoustics there are the absolute best. I look forward to hearing Eric's new compositions when I arrive at that big concert hall in the sky. Thank you! From the other Eric.

God Bless!! I was a backing singer for you lot when we all got together..way back when at Liverpool Art College!!.....lol....couldn't afford the air fare to go with you!!..but have always 'kept up' with you all over the years!!..p.s...got airfare now!!!!!...smiles...Penny x

RIP Sam.... I was at the New Picket gig a couple of years ago, the music is still so relevant, the tunes take me back to my youth "nights like these always end the same I'm just driving, driving in the rain"

From newcastle uni in the 70's to the magnificent academy concert in liverpool recently, the band were quite simply the best. Every band member is a part of something very special, and eric will never be forgotten. A music that means so much to their loyal fans, touching them in a way that others will never understand. God bless you eric, may the band stay strong and do your special song writing talents justice once more.

Just heard this sad news. We had such good times with the Biscuits and Gone To Earth on tour. Good days. Thinking of you, Ben, Sarah and family at this time. God bless. RIP Sam. X.
Mick Bawden.

I HAD A SPECIAL NIGHT IN DURHAM WHEN I FIRST SAW DEAF SCHOOL AND TO THIS DAY THAT NIGHT WAS THE MOST SPECIAL OF MY LIFE!

Jay, yes I was at Brunel that night when the Sore Throat singer dropped down in front of me (I had established my place at the front in anticipation of the main event). For anyone concerned, he recovered! I don't remember the set becoming acoustic - I just remember Deaf School being excellent as always. I would put it at spring 1977. We must try to put together a list of DS gigs from the beginning until now - I'm sure that between us and the band we have the material to do that!

Its 197? Brunel University Uxbridge. I'm standing at the bar watching the support, Sore Throat. I'm standing at the bar next to Bette and Eric when the lead singer falls down electrocuted. When DS take to the stage there's a fire courtesy of ther wiring but Eric never misses a beat in the now accoustic set. I should have realised then there would be no going back, I will miss him.

Sorry about the passing away of eric was at the everyman for another great gig last night. Deaf School were great influences for many artists and will go down in history. Way ahead of there time and great memories forever

Sam/Eric...............i was at the everyman last night,,,you are sadly missed the show was done in your memory, i cant believe you wernt sat at the table that you sat on at the side of the stage in September :(....... I am sure you were looking down on the guys in approval.......god bless you Sam you have left some amazing songs behind ,,,,you are indeed sadly missed xx Lynne

So sorry to here the passing of Eric/Sam. Deaf School provided part of the soundtrack to my early life, my nephews and nieces have also benefited from listening to the great music the band produced, so the legacy lives on! Eric/Sam of course was very important part of the overall Deaf School 'package', visually, theatrically and musically. There is a link in that Sam taught both sisters at St John Boscoe school (Art) and when they told me who their Art teacher was well I was blown away and slightly envious. Anyway my deepest sympathies to Sam's/Eric's family, friends, loved ones and of course the band. Also thank you Sam/eric for being part of movement that was truly inspirational to a whole generation of fands and bands alike, rest in peace and rock on! Love, Steve Cody xxxx.

Sam you wonderful man I'm so sad to hear you've left the stage so early. I have fond memories of the days we toured together. You were such a great voice and performer with tremendous prescence, and a gifted writer too. I'll never understand why Deaf School failed to achieve the success their combined talents deserved. So sorry I missed the Everyman gigs last year. My belated condolencies to Joan and your family, and of course to the rest of the band. In tribute I think I'll go and play your favourite hit - the one that rocks. All my love JP x

its been awesome to live through the same era as deaf school-the music will live on for generations to come.cant wait for the everyman in 2 weeks time.

mike

Very Very Sad to see the passing of Eric, you will always be remembered.

Eric, your music made a younge Winnipeg boy very happy. Saddly, I never got to see you live. All the best on the other side. See you soon.

Wow Mark - amazing to hear from you, how great you found us ...even under such sad circumstance, Sam would have been really pleased. Actually we have just today mixed a couple of Sams tracks from the last live shows we did in Liverpool and he was in incredibly good voice, you will be able to hear that stuff on here soon.

Yes, I hear you re the secondary market gigs, we did work for those didn't we. Tucson, with the surly Hells Angels we managed to convert, I decided to run along the bar (without kicking their beers over) as I remember, Dallas Liberty Hall and Armadillo World Headquarters Austin with the super long lead for Wanna Be Your Boy, Atlanta, Ohio, Washington, Boston, Portland, Denver..yep hard work some of those but I think we won on most nights..and we lost Corky laing along the way..couldn't take the heat right!
Yes The Everyman show for Sam will be something special, a one off, shame you can't be there.

Don't be a stranger!

Lots of love, Enrico

Still too sad for words. For many many months back in the day Deaf School was THE MOST important thing in my life.

I was PRIVILEDGED to have been part of the first DS tour of America.
I was honored to have had the chance to have creative input in staging the
most challenging musical presentation I have ever witnessed.
I was burdened for the rest of my life with telling people about the single most entertaining and intelligent ensemble to ever grace a stage.
While there are lots of easy memories from the NY and LA gigs, it was in the secondary markets, playing to handfuls of jaded journalists, record execs, and handfuls of real music fans that Deaf School raised their game
to a level that few contemporaries can be bothered with.
With so many focal points shifting around the ever changing musical
background, It was the Shark that often tied it together with his suave demeanour. If life is about the memories that you leave behind, then I'm
sure there are a few hundred punters who will never forget his zealous
dashes into the crowd to reenforce his feelings about the proceedings.
As with Tim's passing, Sams death leaves me sad for his family, those who knew him, And for the six of you. Bittersweet; I'd just listened to
"what a way to end it all" for the first time this century the day I learned this sad news. Although it's a big job, I'm sure the School and friends will
rise to the occasion in Liverpool and honor and celebrate his/their
memory. Love to you all!

Great memories for me and my friends, Eric (Sam) shared his unrivalled suave cool with us right to the end. Thank you and RIP Sam

The everyman concert will surely be a tribute to Eric. Too be honest all through the years thought off Enrico as the main man. Then at the Xmas concert when he stood in for Eric! The voice of Eric was distinct and I didn't realise how till then he was an integral part of Deaf School. I will cherish the many times I saw him. Capadi's Cafe foreverxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

To ALL the band members, and other fans............it will never be quite the same again - through nobody's fault. But I'm sure everyone will do Eric proud in April, and raise the roof.
NB

Deaf School were/are an amzing band and Eric Shark was an intrical part of the band. We will all miss him. Thanks for the memories Eric.

I only met Sam a couple of times,but when we did I found him a softly spoken & warm man,a Gentle Man.
So sorry to hear of yours(& our) loss.
Love & Good Health,
Lee.

As the elder brother of Tim Whittaker, who died one horrible weekend in July 1996 when I was visiting him in Liverpool from Italy where I now live, I remember the great gigs by the band in the 70s and mixing with lovely gentle Sam and the other wonderful people I felt I knew as family with my privileged "backstage" pass. Deaf School deserved to have had much more success and fame than they had at the time - but at least their name lives on with glory.

To all the loyal fans, friends and band members who have said such kind words - thank you. Sam was the light of my life but he has left me with so many wonderful memories that I am grateful for the time we had. I dreamt the other night that he was beside me and we were putting our arms into one sleeve, which perhaps sums up our lives together! Thank you again - his wonderful words, voice and imagination live on with us. Love and peace Joan

I was on the train, heading to Bristol, listening to 'Hi Jo Hi' on the iPod and thought I'd check the Band's web site for updates. That was 19 Jan and the update I saw was a complete shock. RIP Eric. We saw you at the Everyman at the table directly in front us. What a fantastic performance by the band, but above all I recall Eric taking the time to talk to people betwen songs. Our thoughts are with Eric's family and other memebrs of the Band.

I bought the US double LP from an import shop around 1980 on a friend's recommendation that 'they're a good band' - I was skint, so it was a daft impulse buy as I didn't know DS myself - bit too young. I've since come to regard 2nd Honeymoon as one of my absolute favourite LPs of all time, but the track that stood out by miles then was Eric's Capaldi's Cafe on Don't Stop the World.
Terribly sad, condolences to all who knew him, or knew of him.

the sort of love i had for sam will never be lost

I would like to thank Sam's family for giving fans of the band the opportunity to attend his funeral today; I'll be forever grateful that I was able to be there at the 'celebration of his life'.

Uncle Tom, What a great send off for you today albeit it was too soon for you to go. I'm really enjoying my Deaf School Scrapbook which you made us for Christmas! Lots of Love Emily X

Rest in Peace Eric, thank you for being such a huge part of this legend band that made my 'growing up' days so exciting. My thoughts are also with your family - Jeanette (Godalming, Surrey).

Here in Norwich thoughts go to Erics family and friends and to the band at this sad time.
Nigel

I feel like I have got to know more about you in these past few weeks than I ever knew about you, all the messages from people you have inspired are really heart warming. I hope your having a nice glass of stout with Nana and Grandad. Love always Amy xxx

Big ethereal hug from MARILYN CASTLETON.

deepest condolences to all involved. a great performer who will be sorely missed. R.I.P.

Joni

r i p eric a legend that will be sadley missed your music will go on forever

You brightened up my schooldays for which I give thanks. Roundhouse early 77 I was there and you shone as ever.
Good on you - will be missed

Such sad news Sam. The mad years back at Myrtle Street seem a lifetime away. And now they are. What a star. Joy

I first saw deaf school back in the late seventies when they played at erics, i still remember to this day the impression the band made on me. Sam was always the one we would copy by looking in the mirror smoking a ciggy he was and always will be a legend to me and thousands of fans. God bless Eric.

We last saw Eric at the gig at the Hope Street Festival in summer,we had our two teenage daughters with us,and while we chatted to Enrico and Bette`s husband,Eric was making his way back into the Blackburne and i remember him just looking over and asking our little group if we had enjoyed the show and how nice it was to see us-he didn`t know us,it wasn`t false,the man was genuinely being nice! My eldest daughter asked me `does he know you Dad` to which i had to answer no...sadly.I`m one of the younger fans of the band {40} but i know that i`ll never stop listening to Deaf School,probably been playing their songs for over twenty five years,and have recently produced two
compilation cds ,and included Deaf School on both releases.Talent is talent ,end of story! My thoughts and prayers are with Erics family,friends and obviously the remaining band members. God bless. Paul.

This is such sad news. While I (selfishly) regret that I never got a chance to see Sam sing in person, my condolences go out to the friends, family and bandmates who have lost a friend. Speaking as someone who merely "got to know" Eric from the records, I hope it's a small comfort that his brilliance and spirit and that one-of-a-kind voice will live forever on many turntables and in many hearts. Best wishes from across the pond.

So very sorry to hear about Sam. I was at the final show at the Everyman in September. Thanks so much for the great music and the great nights out. If i was technically gifted (which i am not!), I would post 'whichway's' YouTube video of What a Way to End it All / Shake some Action - great footage of Sam on stage from about 5-6 mins in. Absolute quality video - 'What a Way to End it All' - Indeed!!!!!! Thanks Sam and God Bless You.

Eric Shark....A true legend, A true gentleman, who will be sadly missed. we shed a tear this day, but you have made us smile for years... RIP Sam...
my deepest sympathies to the family and friends you have left behind
Steve Holmes Blackburn

Sam, you were one of the best and a lovely man, god bless and keep on rockin', RIP.

And everybody knew we was rogues........Inspirational on every level....A gentleman who will be forever remembered and missed.

He was as solid as a rock. He was warm. He was a laugh. He was clever. He was cooler than Coke. I always looked up to him but he never looked down to me. At the heart of the band from day one and he'll continue to be in our hearts. Average

I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Sam and talking to him after gigs at Erics, Oxford and the recent Playhouse events was a honour. He had the rare gift of really listening and appreciating Deafsters whenever the time. Sam was the steady rudder that steered the course with his lyrics and performances.
On behalf of all fans my condolences to the Davis family for their tragic loss.
God bless you and keep you Sam

Peter Prowse, Sheffield

To Sam (Eric) and family

Rest in peace, Eric - you will be sorely missed. I will be thinking of you on the 19th even though I wont be able to make it up to the service.

Maybe a drive past Capaldi's can be arranged for Eric on route to St Clares next Tuesday.

We first heard this very sad news from a posting on flickr about Capaldi's Cafe and would like to express how sorry we all feel about this.

my dad, Mr Capaldi would like to say how he recalls how the band used to show up in our cafe in the 70s, tired out after having done recording sessions ..."hey! we have just made a record about your cafe - hope ya dont mind, ..thanks!"

So now we would like to say Thank YOU very much for writing this song about us, we have felt proud and honoured throughout the years to be able to mention this in conversation to many, many people - we did not ever stay in touch but please dont think we had forgot, we even still have a copy of the record on vinyl!

With sympathy and respect to the band and Eric's family.

Mr Capaldi and all the Capaldi family.

I am deeply saddened by Eric's ( Sam's ) passing.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Deaf School and Eric's family ,friends
and fans. I love Deaf School and feel very lucky to have played a show
with them at CBGB's back in 1977

RIP Sam

Thanks for the music,good times and great memories
you have given to our family.

I have very fond memories of Sam, from the earliest days at Hope St, and those chaotic early performances, such good times. My thoughts are with you.

Sandy Bright xx

So sorry to hear the very sad news from James Ward. My very best wishes to all his family, friends and of course the rest of the band at this difficult time. Bob P x

I feel privileged to have seen Sam perform at one of The Everyman Gigs, and he carried off his role in that superb cabaret setting to perfection.
I hope he enjoyed those performances as much as my wife and I did sitting 2 tables away in awe.(judging by the brief chats he kept having with Enrico I suspect he did)
What a star.What a legacy.

really sad news indeed.thoughts are with his family. r.i.p.

Such sad news. What a time we had at school and when we first went off to college. I will miss you as I have missed you all these years. A different time, a different place but the same Sam. God Bless.

Eric

Thanks for the great memories of Deaf School concerts past. Our thoughts are with your loved ones.

This is all very sad news, especially coming after some fantastic gigs over the last couple of years. Eric left us with great songs and some great memories. The comments show the respect everyone had for him, not only as a great singer, but also as a person who will be sorely missed by all. My condelances to his family and many friends out there.

Sam, I heard the news a few days back and was very saddened to hear you were no longer with us. Not that I had seen you for some time, far too long to be honest. The times we spent together touring the world will always remain a happy time for me and made that much more enjoyable by being in your company all the time. My thoughts are with your family at this difficult and I thank you for all the fond memories I have. Lots of Love Richard

I have only just heard this sad news. Sam was a great bloke, he got me in to see Deaf School in '88 when I never had a ticket and the venue (Hardman House) was sold out. He also invited us into residents lounge at Hope St Hotel after the picket gig, for a few drinks. A real gentleman who recognised the fans of Deaf School as mates, well that's how he made us feel. His talent was obvious and his friendliness was a real bonus. My condolances to his family and loved ones.

All my prayers & deepest sympathy to Sam's family.
One more star in the heaven.
Sam Davis - RIP.

Happy times, happy memories now made sad. Bless you Sam and see you mate. Kevin X

It was a privilege to work with Sam. Those band members I have spoken are still reeling from the shock and we will miss him enormously. Paradoxically, he was an all-out adventurer who never pushed himself into the limelight. His last performances at the Everyman are proof of his creative spirit and his fantastic dedication. Despite such a cruel illness we never heard him complain. What a trooper!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_sinclair_liverpool_photos/2359050698/

Worked with Sam for a short time. Lovely bloke, a real gent, enjoyed our chats. Will be missed. The world needs more people like him.

Sorry to hear the sad news. Best wishes to his family he will be sadly missed by all.

This Band has played a very important role in my life and Sam was a very big part of that, I was lucky enough to have a lengthy conversation with Sam in 2007 and he came across as a very kind gentleman, this is a very sad loss and on behalf of all the "Wood Green Boys" God Bless Sam

Really sad news. Sam was so integral to the band even though he seemed to occupy less of the limelight than Enrico and Bette. He penned 8 of the songs on the three W. Bros lps, mainly with Clive, about a quarter of Deaf School's recorded output. Capaldi's Caff remains a classic. I will be adding my tribute to him on tonight's BBC Radio Merseyside Drive Time show.

'Hand me my coat and my beret, I'm going home to Rock Ferr-ey'

Sam, great lyricist, wonderful voice and a very cool fella.. as we all saw once again at The Everyman, we will all miss him.

Enrico

Oops!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mac-collection/3941387484/in/set-72157622402398384/

Pic of Eric from those now legendary Everyman gigs

R.I.P. Eric.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/radarsmum67/3552545196/

Heartfelt sympathies to Joan and Family, Friends and Bandmates. Mr Davis was my favourite school teacher ;) and growing up with Deaf School with my dad being a big big fan! Thinking about you at this sad time. Love the Murray Family.

Attended the Friday Everyman gig and Eric/Sam was in great form despite his poor health. Even sitting down he had the moves... a genuine trooper.

Much sadness. Singing along to Capaldi's, hairbrush in hand, will take on a new significance. Condolences to All of Youse.

Very sad news about Sam. Heartfelt sympathies to his Family, Friends and Bandmates. From first seeing Deaf School in 1976 to the recent Everyman gigs listening to Sams great voice within this unique band has given me so many great memories. One of the memorable moments from the Everyman gig was meeting Sam along with the band after the show. When I am listening to Capaldis Cafe I will think of the good times. David x.

I went to all the nights at the Everyman and thought Eric was excellent. This is so sad, sat close to his table on two night and he was having a ball.
The music lives on.

So sad, Liverpool will be a less cool city without you. Thank you sam.

Eric was super cool singing at the table at the Everyman last year it really made for a unique atmosphere at that concert. RIP Eric Shark you were great.

Really, really sad to read about Eric this morning. Brought a lump to my throat in the office - nobody else would get it.
Saw DS maybe 10 times since 76 & really admired Eric's fortitude since 2006 (was it? Jamaica St). Always sang loudest to Eric's leads, especially in the car, trying to recapture his cool. Singing along with Him now will be emotional. I'll miss him but know I'll be singing with Eric til my number's up.

Bye bye, Sam. Thanks for the memories and that fab voice.

Thank you for the music.

Thanks for the memories Eric - you will be sorely missed by Deafsters everywhere.

Sam (Eric) will be sorely missed-i had the pleasure of a few drinks with him before the mountford hall gigs back in the 70's..aTRUE GENTLEMAN always...
my condolences to all his friends and family

After the highs of 2009, this is a sad start to the new year. R.I.P. mate

"What a week this has been........"

so much love and appreciation

Cliff