Keith Wheeler

[mateo]

Our beloved friend Keith Has left us this morning. For those who have met him in Samois, the festival will never be the same without him. We all share precious memories with him at the campsite; jokes, hugs, evenings under his tent with his chandelier...

He is one of kindest personn I've been lucky to meet and will always be with me when playing.

In loving memories
mathieu C.

[Captain Swing]

Genuinely saddened to hear this.
I'd not seen Keith since the late 90's, but i remember him very well indeed. He was a real nice fellah.
RIP Keith mate.

[Djangoslefthandman]

Top man who will be missed by all that knew him.

Always a generous Samois host - festival won't be the same without him.

One memory, giving up his front of stage seat at LeQ when Moreno was playing so I could study Moreno's picking. Typical Keith.

Sad day

[Caballero]

Shit! I've just heard, I'm gutted. Keith has always been one of the great characters of Samois and the scene. Very sad day when one of the dudes leaves us. Thank you for the all the beer and laughs Keith. R.i.p.

[Zoot]

Keith was one of the stalwarts of the Gypsy Jazz scene both in the UK as well as France.

A much loved character, and a character he really was.
All that met him will have fond memories of his generocity, stamina, good humour and an unending love for Gypsy Jazz and those that played it.
When in his company you would never have to ask for anything, he was the perfect host.

For those that knew him from Samois, you will recall his encampments over the years, from the big white van to elaborate tents complete with chandelier.
It was always here that the magical Samois moments came and went with music and laughter ringing out through the night.
That's how I will remember him.

[Captain Swing]

Nice one Zoot.

[BluesBopHarry]

Man! This is heart breaking. One of my best friends at Samois. I'll miss him a lot
R.I.P My friend

[Manouche]

I cant belive it! Pete Shep rang me with the news.
It seems we were just discussing at iggf his massive project committing all his hours of recordings to DVD "before I fall off the perch" - tragically prophetic. A funny and generous man whos absence at those venues will be larger than the "Interesting Old and Unusual" road-show he used to put on. -R.I.P brother!

[Mobreau]

What a guy, I cannot add anything that has not already been said. Samois will never be the same without him but his memory will always be with us. R.I.P Keith

[Thrip]

RIP

[Djazznomad]

A true devotee of the music, his personality will be sorely missed, say hi to Django, Keith, RIP.

[stublag]

you've all said it--i'll really miss him and Samois will never be quite the same.

[Gmajor]

Very sad week the last time we saw Keith was at Gossington and true to his nature he was helping John with the usually pain relief from the self inflicked happy hour. God bless Keith R.I.P. from John, Damien, and Nigel.

[Nev]

Hi Everyone,

I popped over to Keiths place yesterday and spoke (through through the tears) to Jean, who was being supported by her sister and Keiths sister. I agreed to try and sort music for the service, so if anyone want's to help out, please let me know.

willis_nicola@sky.com

01227 773018 (h) 07703328636(m)

I've just had a call from Jean's sister regarding the funeral.

Weds 7th Oct , 12.00 Tonbridge Wells Crematorium,

It's gonna be a tough gig.

Love to you all!

Nev

[Nev]

Hi Guys

More info regarding Keiths funeral.

Dates and timings (12.00 - 1.00pm) as before, but then afterwards at the High Rocks Hotel, Tunbrige Wells (around 1.15 onwards)

It would be really wonderful and totally appropriate for everyone to bring their instruments and for us all to have a bit of a jam at the reception.

Cheers

Nev