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BORN
1945
DIED
2012
Barry Nelson Obituary
He was born August 4, 1945 in Waltham, Mass., the son of the late Arthur and Winifred (Stacey) Nelson. He had lived in New Hampshire's Lakes Region for many years until moving to Concord in 1993.
He graduated from Tilton-Northfield High School in 1964.
Barry was a full-time drummer for almost 50 years. He formed his first band, The Ampegs, in high school and then went on to play with popular New Hampshire bands: 101 Gold Street, The Terry Langford Quartet, Shep Spinney, Shady Road, and Tin Pan Alley. He was the Annie & The Orphans' drummer for 19 years until retiring from the band in September, 2010.
He was also a private drum instructor for 31 years. He originally taught at French's Music in Concord and DeRose Music in Laconia. He had been teaching at Strings And Things Music in Concord for the past 16 years until retiring from teaching in December, 2011.
Barry will be remembered for his youthful, upbeat demeanor and his natural ability to love unconditionally, as well as for his humor, gentleness, and sincerity.
He is survived by his spouse, Benjamin L. Nelson of Concord; his brothers Robert Nelson of Ashburn, Va., Steven Nelson of West Boylston, Mass., and Richard Nelson of West Boylston Mass.; several nieces and nephews; and the Annie & The Orphans family.
The public is welcome to attend a celebration of Barry's life Sunday, January 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Strings And Things Music Store, 113 South Main St., Concord.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Nelson
Mark Letalien
March 6, 2025
Thinking about you today, Barry. Gone but certainly not forgotten. Thanks for your positive influence in my life, you are missed!
Ben Nelson
January 14, 2023
Mark Letalien
September 21, 2022
Been thinking about you, Barry. Hard to believe its been ten years! Miss you, man. I truly hope you know how much you are loved and missed!
Deborah Previte
January 14, 2021
Love you Barry. Life continues to remind us of your Barry"isms" and always brings a smile.
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January 16, 2020
Barry -
You Are So Beautiful To Me
- Love, Ben
Dan O'Keefe
February 14, 2012
I was very lucky to have Barry as my drum teacher back when I first started playing. I remember how blown away I was when I first heard him lay down the basic rudiments on his practice pad. Although it's been years since I've played on a regular basis, I'm proud to say I still have the same book of rudiments from the days he taught me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Dave Randall
February 6, 2012
Sorry to hear the news about Barry . Good luck to all he left
Wayne Cherrette
January 29, 2012
Even after being at String today and hearing all the speakers I still can't believe he's gone. Always warm, vibrant and passionate in his involvement with people and music, so much energy. I remember I had taken some lessons from Berry years ago, he made house calls at that time, can't even get a doctor to do that. The first time there he asked me to play some pieces for him and we proceeded to work on some things and the second time he said you really don't need lessons just play more and pick up the tricks you want to, you play well and have a great feel. I replied, "Berry I'm not paying you nearly enough for you to pay me that complement, and we had a good laugh.
To all of Berry's loved ones I hope much the sorrow can be over shadowed by the happiness he gave where ever he went.
Berry you'll be greatly missed by all who have known you, I know I will.
Wayne
January 28, 2012
MESSAGE TO THOSE ATTENDING THE CELEBRATION OF BARRY'S LIFE on Sunday, January 29:
Due to allergies/asthma within Barry's family, please spread the word that,-- if at all possible -- please avoid wearing perfumes, powders, and colognes.
Thank you!
Barnstead 2010 with Decades
Mark Hamer
January 26, 2012
Barry will be missed. He was always enthusiastic and kind. He was great to work with, always a pro. A true gentleman.
Karen (Caldwell) Falcon
January 25, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Barry and his family. He was always such fun to be around. Always a smile. Always happy.
Karen (Caldwell) Falcon
Karen Domenech
January 25, 2012
May God bring solace to all of Barry's family and all who knew him. He used to jam with some friends of mine in the 80's and his wide gapped smile never seemed to be missing. If you were having a not so great day, when you saw him, your spirits were lifted.
Then when the Tilton Island events started, he was either playing or hanging oout in the crowd. Aren't we all blessed to have known him?
alan brock
January 23, 2012
Sorry to hear about Barry passing.I can remember him playing WIPE OUT in his parents basement with the Ampegs.He was awesome on those drums.Our condolences to his family and spouse.Alan& Cindy Brock
Denise Noyes
January 23, 2012
I am very sad to read of the death of Barry Nelson. Never knew him very well, but always said "hi" when I attended one of his gigs. We went to the same high school. Barry always had time to visit with me even though he was busy. He had a way of making you feel special. That's the way Barry was. Always had time for others. We've lost a very kind and gentle soul. My condolences to his spouse and family.
Ted Lariviere
January 22, 2012
Shocked to hear of Barry's passing. Haven't been in touch in years but have thought about him. Knew Barry and Bob when they moved to Bodwell Road in the late 50's. Had lots of fun. Remember building model air planes and one day setting them on fire and sending them over the deck!!! Barry loved music. He bought his first set of bongo drums with S&H green stamps. As a teen I would drive to Tilton, stop any passerby and ask where he was and that person usually knew! Spent many overnights in Tilton My sympathies to his brothers and spouse, Ben
Ted Lariviere
Shirley Mitchell
January 22, 2012
My condolences to Barry's loved ones. When Bob and Barry moved into our neighborhood on Bodwell Rd., Manchester, NH, we became friends. I have a picture of Barry and Bob at one of our basement parties at the Mitchell home. I remember a wild ride on a toboggan down Craig's Hill! They weren't in the neighborhood long, but I've never forgotten them. We had some good times.
Shirley Mitchell Delacoe
John Fogarty
January 21, 2012
RIP Barry. Drum teacher extraordinaire, drummer extraordinaire, and a guy who sent me off to college with the most sage advice I've ever had. I didn't follow it, of course, but he was right. This cat was so good, he got a sick tone out of a practice pad! Cheers, Barry, and thanks.
Anne Ackerson-Higgins
January 21, 2012
I am so very sad that Barry has passed away. I met Barry back in the early 70's when his band played at the Derryfield Hotel in Manchester. We developed a close friendship until our lives went separate ways in the 80's. I had not seen him since then but I thought of him often and I will continue to do so. Rest in Peace Barry.
Craig Jaster
January 21, 2012
Barry was such a sweet guy. And so much fun to play with. I loved that swing feel when he played with The Buskers--so reflective of his outlook on life. He was always so booked with The Orphans I stopped calling him for gigs, but I've missed him. He was also a great teacher, and I felt fortunate to have him the years he came up to teach lessons at Sant Bani. My sincere condolences to his loved ones.
Connie (Pille) Gomez
January 21, 2012
Would like to say goodbye to an old friend, Met Barry in 1975 at jazz gam sessions at the Grant, wounderful person to know and remember hope everyone toasts his memory with good cheer and a smile. You will be missed by everyone who knew you. RIP Love ya Connie Pille Gomez
Bill Noelte
January 21, 2012
I will always remember Barry as a friend since our high school days. Barry gave me so many happy times as I followed his bands throughout New England. For the last several years, Barry, Wade Crowley, and I would meet occasionally at the Tilton Diner. We had so many laughs. Barry was always the same-a true gentleman. He will be missed.
the Nelson brothers: Bob, Barry, Rick & Steve
January 21, 2012
Paul Kelley
January 21, 2012
best drummer in my era in Laconia great guy who i loved to watch play drums he will be missed
Ben & Barry
January 21, 2012
Barry and fellow Ampeg, Pete
January 21, 2012
Barry's retirement from the Orphans Family
Debbie Previte
January 21, 2012
Barry always had the most positive outlook on life. It was infectious. I will always remember the way gigs ended with him ... a big smile and "That was fun!"
Wayne Gilbert
January 20, 2012
I cannot add anything to what has already been said about Barry. Everyone has said it all. But it was my pleasure to have known Barry through high school and will always remember that big smile and good humor. Keep them drums rolling.....
Marc Belair
January 20, 2012
Barry you will be missed by all who knew you. A fantastic drummer and one truly great guy. I played Barry's roadie as a kid with Shady Road and was with him and my Dad on his first summit of Mt. Washington. Never missing a beat (pun intended ) Barry took a deep breath admired the view for a few seconds before running into the observatory Mens room to wash his hands. Love you Barry.
Bob Woodbury
January 20, 2012
R.I.P. Barry. Rock on, brother!!!
January 20, 2012
Barry was one of the truly Great Drummers that I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with. He was also a Great Guy and really enjoyed playing and teaching music. He wil be dearly missed.
...Jimmy Merrick (Dracut, MA)
Daniel Irving
January 20, 2012
1966-1968.
Dave B., Dana P., Pete A.,Paul B, Jerry and there in the back Barry. He was the best.
Al Demers
January 20, 2012
Barry and I were both teenagers and both played in the Original Ampegs in the 1960's. I played the Hammond Organ and the five of us travelled all over New England. We had such a great time playing at the Country Belle Ballroom in Bristol, NH. Some of my greatest years and memories were spent with Barry and The Ampegs. When I first met him as a kid he was living in Tilton and driving a beautiful old black ford. I have missed Barry all these years and I will always remember him. Always...
Mike Philbrick
January 20, 2012
I am sorry to hear that a long time friend and fellow drummer Barry had passed so young. I first met Barry back in the late 60's as I was just beginning my time in music. Barry was a true inspiration for me to play music. Reading his history just brought back so many good memories of the good bands he played in. Now he can play in that big jam session in heaven with all the great musicians that have passed on. RIP Barry you will be missed old friend. Mike Philbrick former drummer in Bob Halls Band and The Club Soda Band as well as many a local jam sessions at the Old American Legion
Lilly (Blake) Cote
January 20, 2012
Hadn't seen much of Barry over the years though I did hear him on Tilton Island with Annie and the Orphans-The Ampegs practiced in my garage in Franklin years ago for a time. We that knew them -loved them. R.I.P. Barry.
Mark Letalien
January 20, 2012
I am extremely saddened by the death of Barry; he was a great friend and teacher. I feel anyone that studied with Barry was truly blessed to have had the pleasure to know him; he had a great spirit and was just a nice guy all-round. If a man's life can be measured by the memories he has left behind and his positive influence on others, then Barry has truly succeeded in his time here on Earth. You will be missed, my friend and mentor; thank you for sharing your talents and passion with us. Heaven's band just got a little bit cooler....and as Barry used to say, "No Clams!"
Phil & Gayle Twombly
January 20, 2012
We were so sad to hear of Barry's passing. We were in school together and only saw him occasionally over the years but always remember his wonderful talent and ready smile. Sincerest sympathy to his family and friends.
Jason Lane
January 20, 2012
Barry is a legend in this area for the impact he made as a teacher. I've taught in the same shop as him for a dozen years, and I hold him in the highest regard as a musician, educator, and person. He'll be missed for sure.
Chip Walter
January 20, 2012
How vary sad. I will always keep the memories I have from when I was a child close to my heart. My Mother and family all loved Barry very much. God bless.
Ted LaBombard
January 20, 2012
A big loss to all who knew Barry , and especially to those like me who spent time with him as fellow musicians doing the thing we love to do ; I believe that I spent more time on a bandstand with Barry Nelson on the drums than any other in the 30-odd years of my playing history , and I'll always think of his enthusiasm - - seems to me you did just fine , my man . . .
Sure do hope you're in a better place , but you'll be missed here , and fondly remembered for a good long while - - - rest easy , play on , Fella !
Mike LaPierre
January 20, 2012
This is a sad time, I had purchased DeRose Music where Barry had taught and he continued with me teaching at Opus Music in the early 90's. Barry was always kind and with a smile. His dedication to his trade always amazed me as he would show up early for his appointments and would practice, practice, practice his rudiments.He always made sure to say Hi to me whenever our paths would cross. Music and those who knew him will miss him
Larry Cox
January 20, 2012
My condolences to Barry's family. Although I didn't know Barry very well we were in the Guards together, and on one trip out to Camp Drum he used my mess gear as a practice drum, it was really beat up by the time we got there!
Donna Wall
January 20, 2012
I was so sorry to read of Barry's passing. I remember him as the steady guy with the steady beat in "Annie and the Orphans" ... always pleasant and kind ... Donna Wall (Formerly Paquette).
Woody Alosa
January 20, 2012
Rest in peace dear Barry.
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