Tributes pour in for Frome musician Griff Daniels

TRIBUTES continue to pour in for Frome musician Griff Daniels who died last month.

News of Griff’s death shocked the entire community with hundreds of people expressing their sadness and offering their sympathies to his family.

Close friend Domenic DeCicco told the Frome Times, “Griff worked tirelessly helping people. He was a loving husband, father and musician, and for many years worked with young offenders and was an independent freelance trainer in the field of Restorative Justice with the Wiltshire Police.

“He lived in Manchester before moving to Frome around 30 years ago with his wife Cathy and had two children. To this day he was passionate about all things Man City.

“He was a pioneer in the growing Frome music scene for many years, having in his earlier years performed and recorded with the Havana Fireflies, The Skeeters, the Critters  and more recently with the Valley, Nikki Mascall, and the Dempseys (whom I  also performed with). He was instrumental in giving live music in Frome a platform  for years with his weekly sessions at the Olive Tree, where we first met. I began to become more involved in helping out and then in 2014 we moved the sessions to the Grain Bar at the Cheese and Grain with the highly regarded weekly Roots Sessions.

“He was forever giving musicians a chance to perform live, with his encouragement and guidance, and being an accomplished musician himself, he was always giving of his time and energy to help where ever he could. Among his other passions, he would put on regular events to raise money for various charities and causes, like  P.A.C (Positive Action on Cancer). He set up many events at the Archangel, Corner House and Cheese and Grain.

“He touched so many people with is warmth and gentle way, his generous spirit and big heart. He will be deeply missed and his memory will be cherished by many, including me, who was lucky enough to have known him and call dear friend.”

Local musician Leander Morales said, “Griff was one of the most influential musicians in the local music scene. To me, it was clear that Griff was passionate in supporting up-and-coming musicians when he gave my band our first ever show outside of our home town, supporting his band The Havana Fireflies a very long time ago! Griff also supported my events and live shows along with supporting countless numbers of musicians and event organisers over the decades.

“No-one really gets the chance to see how much they have influenced others in life. Griff’s support and influence to the music scene will travel long into the future. I’m sure I speak on behalf of a whole local music community when I say that we are grateful for Griff’s contribution towards the music scene in Somerset and beyond. May his positive influence live on.”

Deputy Mayor Al O’Kane, a local singer-songwriter and friend, said, “I knew Griff for over 20 years – he was a wonderful and talented man who always gave people his time and warmhearted wisdom. He never let anything drag him down and was as tough as they come.

“He did so much for the local music scene and I know I speak for everyone who knew him when I say that we have lost an absolute legend who will be missed beyond belief. To think I’ll never again walk into a bar and see his face, hear his gruff voice and witness his awesome guitar playing is so sad. All I can do is send my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. When the time is right I think a special concert dedicated to celebrating him is in order.”

A Facebook page has been set up by Griff’s family so people can share their memories of Griff. Search ‘Griff’s Page’ on Facebook.