We’re aware that some people couldn’t make it to the memorial service in Liverpool. We set up this online book of celebration to give anyone a chance to share their memories of Colin and his music, along with any messages for the family.
We have now closed the Book of Celebration to new entries but all previous entries remain below to view.
589 entries.
Colin's music has been something that we have consistently returned to since we first heard him in the 1980's. An incredibly poetic lyricist with a beautiful voice, we were fortunate enough to see you in 2015 at Selby Town Hall. Thank you for enriching our lives.
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The world is a lesser place without you Colin , having talked to you numerous times I will miss your humour ..have a safe journey and wherever you end up remember to sing them paradise lost .. A true gentleman and most of all a phenomenal singer /songwriter ..
Fred
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Fred
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Thank you so much for your music, it came with me at many moments of my life to help me to understand there was always a way and I could manage. Thank you for the music that will always come with me to remind me there will be always a way and I will be able to manage. "Life should never feel small".
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I started listening to Black's music as a youngster about 25 years ago. It was his music i used to listen to over and over during my studies in the years after school, it would always bring me such peace.
Then incredibly one day, several years later, i heard on the radio that he would be playing a gig at a small venue only a few km's down the road from where i lived that same evening!!! I went and waited outside the door a few hours in advance, fearing i might not get one of the few tickets still available at the door. I managed to get in and even had a conversation with Colin after the gig. It was incredible meeting and talking with someone I had admired for such a long time.
Such an incredibly tragic loss, but his memory and music will live on. Thanks for the music Colin.
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Then incredibly one day, several years later, i heard on the radio that he would be playing a gig at a small venue only a few km's down the road from where i lived that same evening!!! I went and waited outside the door a few hours in advance, fearing i might not get one of the few tickets still available at the door. I managed to get in and even had a conversation with Colin after the gig. It was incredible meeting and talking with someone I had admired for such a long time.
Such an incredibly tragic loss, but his memory and music will live on. Thanks for the music Colin.
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His was a consistent and original voice, in both sound and creativity. He gave the world what he had to give better than most manage to do. I'm grateful for his songs and music in my life.
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Never got the chance to catch Colin live, living here in Australia. But his music has always been alive for me, with every album, each a brilliant shining light, in an often darkened world. Like a friend you can rely on. And his music will continue to shine on brightly in this neck of the woods. And his spirit will never diminish. Strength and healing to family & friends.
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Nothing comforting. Slowly are running down aching memories inside my cold head. His sense for touching, lived emotions, all touched by glancing deep moved humor. Nothing comforts. I'm with you.
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We miss you so much..my heart is with you all by listening and celebrating Colin's soul..his music..his sweet voice still flourish my life..and will again as long as i breathe..my kindest thoughts go to his family to keep faith and courage..bisous from France ♡
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To have listened to your music and spoken to you at various concerts. Thank you and we never Say Goodbye but hope to see you again in a different life. Reach for them stars Colin because you are one in a million. God Bless x
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I got to know Colin Camilla and because our first borns started school together and remained friends. Colin and I met on their first day at school, nervously watching them go off to the classroom..
We talked. He was unusually open and candid. I remember him telling me how much he loved his wife- real heart on the sleeve stuff.
I then met Camilla and we spent hours running class teas and stalls and all of that stuff you do at primary school. And we did some partying too!
The music came later- they were recording abbey road live together and it came out that he was Black. The first time I heard the two of them sing together all of the hairs on my head stood on end I was so moved.
Many a time I've introduced people to his music and described his voice as the most searingly beautiful thing I've ever heard. He was also a beautiful man with a beautiful wife and a family. We so missed them when they moved to Ireland. Colin and I talked recently - shared some happiness and sadness which we had been through.
I'm so sorry I can't be in Liverpool tonight in that wonderful cathedral. A majestic place to celebrate a majestic man.
You are so loved by so many Colin. And that's really big x
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We talked. He was unusually open and candid. I remember him telling me how much he loved his wife- real heart on the sleeve stuff.
I then met Camilla and we spent hours running class teas and stalls and all of that stuff you do at primary school. And we did some partying too!
The music came later- they were recording abbey road live together and it came out that he was Black. The first time I heard the two of them sing together all of the hairs on my head stood on end I was so moved.
Many a time I've introduced people to his music and described his voice as the most searingly beautiful thing I've ever heard. He was also a beautiful man with a beautiful wife and a family. We so missed them when they moved to Ireland. Colin and I talked recently - shared some happiness and sadness which we had been through.
I'm so sorry I can't be in Liverpool tonight in that wonderful cathedral. A majestic place to celebrate a majestic man.
You are so loved by so many Colin. And that's really big x
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Colin ... thanks for such a great and sweet moments in my life. You will always be the best. Rest in peace.
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Your music, poetry wrapped in melodies arising from NASA, came into our lives to give us the impossible magic of invented words.
Your voice has thrilled us so many times and still continues to do so, 20 years later ...
Thank you for filling many times in our lives ...
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Your voice has thrilled us so many times and still continues to do so, 20 years later ...
Thank you for filling many times in our lives ...
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Goodbye to one of the good-guys. A passionate, talented musician who gave the world a portion of his soul. Taken away too early. A very sad loss to us all.Thinking of his brave family at this very sad time.
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Ein ganz toller Musiker geht von uns.Seit den 80zigern begleitet mich seine Musik,und auch weiterhin ein Leben lang!Colin,mach es gut!
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It is way beyond words how much the song 'Wonderful Life' meant to me when I first heard it. I remember thinking 'right the game is over, no one can write a more beautiful song'. Colin however had a number of them, among my favourites are 'Fly Up to the Moon' with Sam Brown, 'All We Need Is The Money' and lately 'Grievous Angel', which should some day play at the end of an Oscar-winning drama. It makes me sad to think about the music Colin would have done in the coming years, but at the same time I am grateful for the music he made during his career. That music will stay with us forever.
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So sad he's gone and gladly we have his music by which we will remember him always.
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Hi Colin
Physically gone... However, your wonderful music will survive--a precious gift for all of us, and there is that special place of energy in this world where we all can meet anytime we want. See you there!
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Physically gone... However, your wonderful music will survive--a precious gift for all of us, and there is that special place of energy in this world where we all can meet anytime we want. See you there!
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Your music and spirit will live on! what amazing works you left for all of us to enjoy. You are so tapped into some greater spirit to come out with such beautiful melodies and words! thank you!
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Colin once talked to me on email about my sad unused recording studio (and our mutual hair loss). It was a real treat after being a fan for so long. When I was a teenager with breaking voice, I used to try to emulate his high notes. The funny anecdote is when I was singing 'the BIG one' walking down my grandparents echoing hallway - out came my Dad! He burst out laughing - no doubt doubting his teenage boys sexuality... I think I stormed away. But I always remembered that.
'Thank you for the music' and good luck to your family.
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'Thank you for the music' and good luck to your family.
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Thank you for your music, Colin. You had such talent, such an amazing voice, and so much still to offer. I wish I'd got to meet you and tell you this. You will never be forgotten.
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