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.
Your music shaped my teenage years and will always mean so much to me. Sleep tight ❤️
you touched with your music more people you could have imagined. You inspired people more than words can express. Through the poetry of your song I learnt English. You could never know or realize the cultural void you left behind...Rest in peace our unique Black ...with the eternal white in your heart...
Words can't express my sadness at the light our lives have lost. You will be mourned.
In a shallow world your musical legacy is deeper than what's known to the populous ...but that one song was and does mean so much. Thankyou. Have a Wonderful next Life.
You are in Heaven, Your new home, enjoy it.
Thank you, Colin! Thank you for everything! You will be sadly missed... XXX
Colin- Thank you for 35 Years of wonderful songs that have left there mark upon my own life. A singer, songwriter, poet and word-smith and a complete Gentleman you were all of these. But you was different, you had a gift to tell a beautiful story through a song. The last time I cried like this was when I lost my father, but now your are singing to him in heaven. You made it into Radio 2 Singers Hall of Fame, I said I would do it again for you just wish you was here to see it, your words to me "Actually Rather Chuffed!!". I will treasure your song's. God Bless Colin - You was a friend to all of us.
Colin Vearncombe was truly a great guy. Last year I got the opportunity to interview him and I was so happy to do so. A fantastic person and a true artist. You will be missed Colin, thanks for the good memories!
No words can express the gratitude I feel about the gifts I've been receiving along these years: your songs. Fly now to the moon and beyond, spreading your talent and sensitivity. Your grateful listener. Thank you so much.
Conocí tu música en los 80, en España tu música sonó muchos años, después seguí tu carrera con interés, disfrutando en cada paso. El último me permitió conocer a la persona, gracias a los vídeos y comentarios que ibas poniendo. El día del accidente no me lo podía creer. Mucho amor a los tuyos, y siempre estarás entre nosotros.
“Heroes are falling”
I consider myself very lucky to have come across Black at a Thompson Twins gig in 1982. Colin’s voice had an instant impact on me & I was hooked!
What a journey it has been.
“You raise me up”
It is difficult to explain how much Colin’s music has touched me over the years. The anticipation of new material, the joy of hearing his songs for the first time & being swept along on so many emotional journeys followed by the warm comfort felt when returning to a song that has become an “old friend”.
I am sat here listening to a playlist of his songs & I am struck how consistently they manage to pull at your heartstrings, they are truly beautiful.
Fortunately, I have been able to share most of this journey with my wife, as she also became a huge fan of the music. Last year her birthday coincided with the release party of Blind Faith, an opportunity too good to miss! As birthday presents go, it will not be surpassed.
I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the great man, but so desperately sad that this will not be repeated.
Whenever we listen to the album, we are returned to that evening where the songs were performed acoustically in a room filled with anticipation. The songs didn’t disappoint, how could they? And neither did Colin, a real gentle-man. He was a man that gave of himself, especially in his music. In fact, Colin put so much of himself into his songs that I think most of his fans felt that they knew him, or were left wanting to know him.
I am struggling to cope with the thought that there are no more songs to come from Colin’s beautiful voice, no more amazing concerts to go to, but I am finding the greatest comfort in the “old friends”.
Long may it continue.
“Dying young takes all the best”
Rest In Peace
I consider myself very lucky to have come across Black at a Thompson Twins gig in 1982. Colin’s voice had an instant impact on me & I was hooked!
What a journey it has been.
“You raise me up”
It is difficult to explain how much Colin’s music has touched me over the years. The anticipation of new material, the joy of hearing his songs for the first time & being swept along on so many emotional journeys followed by the warm comfort felt when returning to a song that has become an “old friend”.
I am sat here listening to a playlist of his songs & I am struck how consistently they manage to pull at your heartstrings, they are truly beautiful.
Fortunately, I have been able to share most of this journey with my wife, as she also became a huge fan of the music. Last year her birthday coincided with the release party of Blind Faith, an opportunity too good to miss! As birthday presents go, it will not be surpassed.
I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the great man, but so desperately sad that this will not be repeated.
Whenever we listen to the album, we are returned to that evening where the songs were performed acoustically in a room filled with anticipation. The songs didn’t disappoint, how could they? And neither did Colin, a real gentle-man. He was a man that gave of himself, especially in his music. In fact, Colin put so much of himself into his songs that I think most of his fans felt that they knew him, or were left wanting to know him.
I am struggling to cope with the thought that there are no more songs to come from Colin’s beautiful voice, no more amazing concerts to go to, but I am finding the greatest comfort in the “old friends”.
Long may it continue.
“Dying young takes all the best”
Rest In Peace
I have never met Colin but have been a fan ever since I saw him live back in 1989. Having 4 of his albums means he's always around the house and in the car. Such a sad day but hope his wife and family can find comfort in his legacy. You are in my prayers xx
An angel on earth now singing for us in heaven. Youe wonderful life lives on in your music. RIP Colin you will never be forgotten,
So many memories bookmarked by your music mate. Thank you so much for the legacy and the emotion it will always hold. Cheers.
I was devastated to hear the news of Colin's death and would have liked to have attended the service tonight but I am away on a course this week so it was impossible.
Thinking of all of Colin's family and friends at this sad time. We met Colin a few times after his concerts in the last few years and will miss him and his music.
Thinking of all of Colin's family and friends at this sad time. We met Colin a few times after his concerts in the last few years and will miss him and his music.
Your music was the soundtrack to my university years. Wonderful Life was the anthem of my youth. Rest well and make music wherever you are.
Such a sad loss to lose a great singer/ songwriter, your music has brightened my life over the years through good and bad times, and will continue to do so,thankyou,
It was my first year in college, 1988, out in the big world on my own, and feeling like a little fish in a big pond. A final-year student named Barbara took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. Part of my "education" was to be introduced to "some real music", by which she meant Black :)
I fell in love with the sound of his voice, his meaningful lyrics, his incredible range. It was the beginning of a beautiful journey. ..
I don't know of another artist who's work has been more personally meaningful to me.
I remember my dad threatening to confiscate a particular album because of a rather dodgy-titled track. Lol!
Following Colin's music over the years as we grew up, I always felt like I belonged to a very special club of "those who knew".
His interaction with fans on Facebook proved to me how real and unpretentious he was. I will treasure our brief conversation for as long as I live.
It's been a really hard start to the year, and we've been saying our goodbyes since 26 January, but tonight feels so final.
I don't want our journey to end. I'll do my best to make sure the music never fades.
But for now, sweet dreams Colin. See you on the other side.
I fell in love with the sound of his voice, his meaningful lyrics, his incredible range. It was the beginning of a beautiful journey. ..
I don't know of another artist who's work has been more personally meaningful to me.
I remember my dad threatening to confiscate a particular album because of a rather dodgy-titled track. Lol!
Following Colin's music over the years as we grew up, I always felt like I belonged to a very special club of "those who knew".
His interaction with fans on Facebook proved to me how real and unpretentious he was. I will treasure our brief conversation for as long as I live.
It's been a really hard start to the year, and we've been saying our goodbyes since 26 January, but tonight feels so final.
I don't want our journey to end. I'll do my best to make sure the music never fades.
But for now, sweet dreams Colin. See you on the other side.
Colin.your music played a huge part in the character discovery of an awkward teenage boy in Dublin..along with your city neighbours, OMD, you helped the teen angst drift away! So, my friend..on your journey to the stars and beyond, be the star you were to thousands in this realm. Thank you for a Wonderful life soundtrack..God Bless to your family..strength and love to you all...xxxx
RIP Colin. I'm so sorry to lose your talent but have a back catalogue of wonderful songs and memories to ponder over. Smile your sweetest smile in paradise