KEVIN PETER NEILL
passed away peacefully at his home on 13th March 2010

This section of our web site will be a lasting memorial to Kevin. If there is anyone in the business who knew him and would like to express their thoughts, please email jonathanyoung47@hotmail.co.uk

“In Kevin we have lost a great entertainer and a great guitarist but most of all a dear friend”
John Stokes and Jonathan Young.

“As a friend and colleague he was supportive, wise and thoughtful. His death is a huge loss.
Roy Walker.

“One of the nicest men in the business who always had time for a friendly chat and an exceptional musician”
Don Reid

Kevin will be missed by audiences and fellow entertainers alike. His wonderfull  guitar skills and captivating smile lit up stages all over the world. He’s left us with so many happy memories.
Jimmy Cricket

Marty Wilde writes:

"Joyce and I first met Kevin in the early 60s when we toured a lot together in those wonderful big shows that toured around our country and always found Kevin to be a real tonic on any hard touring day - there was always that big smile - a warm Northern accent- and a fantastically positive attitude which I know played such an important part in the huge success that the Karl Denver trio had.

So sad to hear of his passing, please convey our condolences to Claire and the family, and if there is a heaven up there you can bet your life his guitar will be playing - and that flashing smile will be charming all the angels.

So thanks Kevin for all the wonderful happy memories."

"The impact this lovely man had on my life far, far outweighs the length of time I spent in his company.  He was a man of words and I remember a long chat we had about different people and their use of the English language but most of all he was always happy to talk about music.  Not only to talk about it but to play it and to pass on all kinds of information, playing tips and suggestions of “try it this way”.  I never ceased to be entertained by Kevin on and off stage.  He was a hero who became a friend and I never saw him without that big beaming smile that lit up rooms all over the world.  Thanks Kev, you were a superb musician, a lovely man and the warmest of human beings."

Pete Martin (Hanky Park)

From Geoff Jones:

"Kevin has been to Australia several times with both The Karl Denver Trio & The Bachelors, I was involved with Kevin on six tours of the Bachelors in Australia.

In those tours I don’t know of any musician who made a bigger impression & made more friends than Kevin. His magic personality both on & off stage was infectious & the sadness felt by Kevin’s passing in Australia by musicians, artists & the punters he met, would not be matched by any other country outside of Great Britain.

He made friends wherever he went, especially in Sydney where he played golf with V.A.G.S. (Variety Artists Golfing Society) & at the Echidna’s which is similar to your Water Rats. He made friends with Club managers & directors of various Clubs throughout Sydney, especially at Bankstown Sports Club where he kept in regular contact right up to his illness.

Kevin was the ultimate entertainer, even if he wasn’t feeling the best or suffering from an almighty hangover, on stage he was as bubbly as ever never missing a beat. His love of music shone through & the stories he told of years past in the business, would keep us laughing & intrigued."

GEOFF JONES ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTANCY  P.O. BOX 739, REVESBY.   N.S.W.     2212
PHONE  AND FAX NO. 61 2 9792-3392 MOBILE 0147 481 913
Email: geofflesley@hotmail.com

Photo taken in 1963 in Blackpool, if you're clever you will spot a lot of stars, including Hank with young Kevin on his right.