His first music promotion work was at Farnham Common village hall, in 1967, and he went on to promote venues around the Home Counties, the most famous and longest lasting of which was the Nag’s Head, High Wycombe. Here, he put on blues legends such as John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, as well as the likes of Marc Bolan, Thin Lizzy, Status Quo and David Bowie while they were making names for themselves.

He moved to London, setting up the National Blues Federation to promote blues in Britain. At this time Ron began promoting at the 100 Club, where he continued to book top blues names, as well as acts ranging from rock n’ roller Duane Eddy to soul legend Jackie Wilson. Ron also sang for several years with the High Wycombe-based Brewer’s Droop, whose Cajun-influenced R&B and outrageous stage act made them a favourite of the college and festival circuits. One incarnation of the band featured Mark Knopfler, later of Dire Straits.

In February 1976, Ron saw the Sex Pistols at, what was then known as, High Wycombe Technical College. He realised their potential straight away. He booked them for a residency at the 100 Club, in London and later promoted the 100 Club punk festival, featuring the Pistols, Clash, Damned and Buzzcocks, amongst others, and which has gone down in history.

The venue became the home of punk and throughout 1977 Ron booked what would become some of the biggest acts of the era The Police, The Jam and The Stranglers for example.

As punk faded, Ron returned to the Nag’s, where he remained a source of opportunities for up and coming acts such as U2 and Marillion, with Bill Clinton and Tony Blair in the audience on occasions. Ron moved to Staffordshire in the late 80s and ran a blues club in Birmingham for several years, where his reputation attracted top names to cross the Atlantic.

It is with deep regret that I note the sad passing of Roger Dean on 3 August 2008 following an illness. I first met Roger in the 1970s at The Carriers Arms in Watlington, Oxon. We'd been playing at the same jam session for weeks when I mentioned that he had the same name as the guitarist on the album Live At Klook's Kleek by John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Oops! One and the same guitarist!

There's a fascinating website about Roger at www.rogerdean.info - check out the Guest Book to begin to understand how much he was admired, loved and respected.

PAUL DARRINGTON R.I.P.

It is with much sadness that I have to announce the passing of my brother Paul Darrington on 21 December 2006 following a short illness. He was a great brother, much loved by all who knew him, and a jovial, supportive personality at many gigs over the years. Our thoughts are with his wife Julie, son James, granddaughter Scarlett, my sister Susan, her daughter Laura, and our parents, Peter & Brenda. We will all miss him deeply.

There just aren't enough words.

NIMROD PING R.I.P.
It is with deep regret that I note the sad passing of Nim on 3 July 2006 following an illness. He was a lovely guy and I had the pleasure of his Baroque piano playing on many occasions. His friendship, encouragement, and tips about what was hot are missed deeply.