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Barry Dunnery Obituary
Barry Dunnery, 56, from Egremont, gave up a glittering showbiz career to go back to normal life in West Cumbria as a joiner.
He was once begged by Ozzy Osbourne to join his band Blizzard of Oz and has been described as one of the country’s top ten guitarists.
His band Violinski had a huge hit with Clogdance.
His brother is former It Bites guitarist Francis.
He died on Thursday and his funeral will be held at St Mary’s RC Church in Egremont on Wednesday.
His friend Tom Tyson said: “He was the best guitar player ever to come out of Cumbria. Everyone from Ozzy Osbourne downwards will be thinking of him.”
66 Entries
Brian Casa
November 14, 2011
Baz was a genius and an inspiration - as a guitarist and a person.
Rob Howman
March 6, 2010
Barry was a top-draw bloke whose talent was eclipsed only by his modesty & humanity. Baz was also the best guitarist I have ever, & will ever, play with. I was enriched by our brief acquaintance & I'll never forget him
David Baalham
June 26, 2008
Only just found out the sad news about Barry. Very sorry and condolences to all family and friends
Vivienne Jacobson
June 26, 2008
Francis, Fay & Family
Words, however kind,
can't mend your heartache:
but those who care and
share your loss wish you
comfort and peace of mind.
May you find strength
in the love of family
and in the warm embrace
of friends.
Viv (Gully Flatts)& Chris
Somerset
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David Williams
June 23, 2008
I only knew Baz for a short while before I left Cumbria - but there are some great memories and, thanks to my brother, some great tapes of Baz ad libbing as well as the recorded stuff. He (and Necromandus) had a truly God-given talent and one that was never fully appreciated. Maybe in the next life? I hope so. Condolences to family and friends.
Graham Knight
June 22, 2008
So sad to hear about Baz I worked with him and Necromandus in the 70s when they came down to Birmingham. I remeber the night we drank the freebies put out for AC/DC who the were supporting.We had to leg it out of there quick. RIP
mike grace
June 22, 2008
always loved the craic baz music and family ill miss ya x
Kate and Larry Stauffer
June 18, 2008
We never met Baz but know the wonderful talent, humor and kindness of the Dunnery family through Francis, John and Fay (Stacey and Charlie, too). No doubt, after such a struggle with cancer, Baz is at peace. For all who love Baz, we send up a prayer for resolve, peace and memories that make you smile!
Alan Bulman
June 17, 2008
Note from Baz through my door sometime last year Remember the old saying
Theres no use losing a dogs sunset over a ha'peth o' tar ???
Cheers Barry,I always came away from seeing you,smiling RIP
Bob Dalton
June 15, 2008
I knew Baz ever since I started going to Franks house when I was a kid.His inspiration was what started us all playing, it also gave him something to laugh about as he called Dick Frank and myself "Faith Hope & Charity" as all we could get as gigs were charity gigs.He was probably one of a few people who had that sense of humour and all of the others were his family.Anyone who played with Baz or Frank know what talent the family shared in humour and music and how they were always willing to share both with other musicians and people they met.Baz and his band\bands have always been a massive influence on all cumbrian musicians and Im sure that is the way it will be for many years to come.The best there was in his time...Bye Baz.
Adrian Shorey
June 15, 2008
I discovered Necromandus through Black Sabbath a couple of years ago and 'Orexis of death' is one of my favourite albums. I only just found out the sad news and am listening to it now as a mark of respect. RIP Barry, you were were a fantastic guitarist and from what I'm reading a fantastic guy too.
maggie strain
June 11, 2008
So very sorry to hear of Barry's untimely death. I travelled with Barry a few times on the Whitehave/Euston train during the It Bites days - he was one of the lovliest men I ever met, so gentle, funny, honest and kind. My heart goes out to all his family, the world is a poorer place now Barry isn't here.
john o brien
June 9, 2008
i just came of holiday to find out baz had died i saw him twice snap a guitar string and tune the guitar while he was still playing it clapton would be looking for a roadie to throw him another guitar. my heart goes out to all the dunnerys god bless you always baz
john o brien
Norman Postlethwaite
June 9, 2008
Barry always showed friendship and respect to me, even though he was a star and I was a nobody.
The world has lost a great guitarist and Cumberland has lost it's best son.
malcolm harwood
June 7, 2008
HI Baz,good memories of you playing in the old youth club.
Steve Cann
June 7, 2008
Thank you Barry for the pleasure I had, and still have, from hearing your guitar work.
Supporting Black Sabbath back in 1973 will always remain a tip of the hat you you.
RIP.
dave colquhoun
June 7, 2008
THE LEGACY OF BARRY DUNNERY WILL CONTINUE THROUGH GENERATIONS OF GUITARISTS! MYSELF INCLUDED.
He was a true talent, he cared about music , not the Rock n Roll circus that so often surrounds it.
Paul Alvarez
June 6, 2008
I'm so sorry about the loss of Baz. Know that I am thinking of you Francis, Fay and John. Let me know if there is anything you need. I will always be there to help. After meeting all of you I wish I could have met Baz.
Brenda Clague (Seavor)
June 6, 2008
I was so sorry to hear that Baz had passed on. I remeber him and his band playing in The Fox Club, all those years ago.
RIP Baz, you were fab! x
Peter McDermott
June 6, 2008
Earth's loss & Heavens gain...
God bless you Barry
The McDermott & family & all the lads from "The Videos" (Middlesbrough)
barry mcfarlane
June 5, 2008
I had the great pleasure of knowing this " genuis guitarist " back in the 70's, an awesome talent and one of the best in the country, just watching him tune up blew me away. We travelled far a field to watch the band play.
We had many a pint together me and Baz and I have some great pics and memories of him playing and what a gentleman he was.
Rock and roll heaven will rock a little louder now.
God bless you mate, you will be sadly missed.
My thoughts are with your family.
My two talented uncles
Stacey Carty
June 5, 2008
jennifer foley/elvin
June 5, 2008
with my deepest sympathy to you and all your family at this sad time you will be sadly missed by all baz
David Blackhall
June 5, 2008
He was my workmate and friend. One of the best.
R.I.P. Baz
Norman Todhunter
June 5, 2008
If you ever had the good fortune to meet Barry you would know what a genuine,sincere and talented guy he was God rest your soul Barry.
bill parry
June 4, 2008
remember seeing baz at st.beghs school dance when i was thirteen the band was either heavy hand or hot spring water, he knocked me sideways with the ease in which he played those brilliant guitar riffs .r.i.p. barry
Feargal & Pauline Mellon
June 4, 2008
Our Sincere condolences
With much love and respect to your family.
Rob Seddon
June 4, 2008
my deepest condolences to all of the dunnery clan.
best wishes to barry on the journey to guitar heaven.....
John Lynn
June 4, 2008
Not much I can add that hasn't already been posted.
R.I.P Baz.
Toddy
June 4, 2008
Really sorry to hear about the loss of a local legend.My heartfelt sympathy to Frank,family and friends.
paul barnes
June 4, 2008
the loss of a great person and guitarist who set the benchmark for us all to look up to..all my toughts go to his family...
Andrea Stagni
June 4, 2008
Feel very sad about this loss...
Colin Towell
June 4, 2008
So sorry to hear this, I knew Baz since the old days in the Matador, great bloke and a great musician. Always seemed to bump into him in Tiny's every time I was home. Our thoughts go to him and his family.
Mark Andrews
June 4, 2008
Not sure if you were the best guitarist in the World Baz?? but you were certainly in the top ONE!!!
nicky scott(scog)
June 4, 2008
another sad loss to the cumbrian music scene, a real legend and wonderful musician,i was lucky enough to watch him record at jimmy henshaws studio when i was a kid, a very kind,genuine man.
David Young
June 4, 2008
Barry you once played with Heaven you are now playing in Heaven nice to have known you, you will be sadly missed. Condolences to your close family
Toddy
June 4, 2008
Really sorry to hear about the loss of a local great.One of THE underestimated guitarists of his era.
My heartfelt sympathy to Francis, family and friends.
Iain Taylor
June 3, 2008
An inspiration like Baz will live on through the talent young and old within West Cumbria. A legend in his own time. My deepest condolences to all his family.
christine nixon(tangye)
June 3, 2008
I wish to extend to the family of Barry, sincere and heartfelt sympathies, what a really nice lad he was. He truly was one of the best.
john sanderson
June 3, 2008
so sad my condolence to all his family saw my first live gig at st joseps school social workington that was1967 iwas14 the band was hot spring water baz billy branch and boys they were rockin and carried on rockin god bless
Chris Smithson
June 3, 2008
Happy Memories of the time spent in Hunters, having a crack over the bar with a pint. What a great guy. Our thoughts are with the family. Keep on Rockin! Chris, Ghislain & Family. Hunters, Cockermouth
Keith Robinson
June 3, 2008
Never, Ever to be forgotten, Baz, a smashing lad. So very proud and honoured to have played with him in 'Reactor'. My Deepest sympathy to all his family.
brian
June 3, 2008
i only met barry three times but i always walked away smiling. my biggest regret was never seeing barry play the guitar. the accounts ive heard from friends. i missed seeing a legend. god bless
Kathie Stirling (nee Brooks)
June 3, 2008
Baz - I knew you when we were kids and saw you last when I came back to Egremont with you and the band when London lost its appeal - you and Billy were very important in my life for a while - so glad to hear that your talent was known and that you continued to play. Your family were blessed - my heart goes out to them. God bless Baz and thanks for the memories. Kathie (Brooks)
Richie
June 3, 2008
one word ,genius
raymond hall
June 3, 2008
Having grown up on Gulley Flats with Barry and the rest of the "gulley boys", it was always a pleasure to catch up with Baz on my visits from Newcastle upon Tyne in later years, and see that he was still the most modest, humble and unpretentious of persons ,despite being blessed with an outstanding and sublime musical talent. His passing leaves a huge void in the lives of his family and loved ones, and all those people who had the privilege of knowing Baz in his many guises, comedian, storyteller, talented craftsman, practical christian and not least, wonderful musician. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his immediate family,of whom I have fond memories, and all those people who knew a truly likeable, genuinely nice and talented man. God bless you Baz.
Raymond Hall-Newcastle Upon TYNE
Steve English
June 3, 2008
A massive, massive inspiration, Barry's warmth, generosity & wit is a sad loss to all who knew him & to those who his music is yet to touch.
Our thoughts are with the family.
Shep Kirkbride
June 3, 2008
A sad loss of a genuinely modest and nice bloke who was an amazing talent. Apart from his music I'll always remember him for the funny tale he told me and my brother one night in Monroes Bar, but more so for his generous friendship towards people. Rock On Marra!
Commiserations to all his family.
marjorie williams
June 3, 2008
Baz was a good friend for about 40 years, I will miss him a lot, we have many fond memories of the times we had together in our home
Margaret Allen
June 3, 2008
Hiya, Baz, long time no see... such happy memories of us all back in the 60's. You, Billy, David and Alan playing your hearts out at Egremont youth club. Speakers falling apart, van breaking down! So proud that your amazing talent was finally recognised - you were terrific, even back then. And what a truly lovely person you always were. I'm glad we were friends. Now you'll be able to play your guitar to your heart's content. Stay beautiful.
with fond thoughts and much love, Apple x
Baz - Necromandus early 70s
Buzz Elliott
June 2, 2008
Baz was without doubt, one of the finest guitarists in the UK, his recorded work is a benchmark for what is possible on a guitar.
He was very modest about his amazing ability & you couldn't meet a nicer down to earth guy with a sense of humour second to none.
We will all miss you !!!
Thoughts go out to Barrys Family at this time of great saddness.
Ernie
June 2, 2008
Sad to learn of the loss of this genuinely nice guy, condolences to his family.
Alan Hewitt
June 2, 2008
How can I ever forget our nights at the Tow Bar and all the pleasure you gave, never will, never want to forget. Cheers mate.
paul draper
June 2, 2008
so sorry to read this sad news.. i have happy times of all the gulley flats boys playing around the garages kick the can.. o happy days to many go to young say hello to vera and john baz my thoughts are with all your family
Dan Moyle
June 2, 2008
A true gentleman and great friend. You will be missed every day. God bless ya Baz
Ron Davidson
June 2, 2008
I First met Bazz possibly 12 years ago, in the Station Inn Maryport
Over the years i become good freinds with him and his family. I can only agree about whats been said about Barry.I have lots of memories, good times in his company, supping tea at his house where you were always made welcome by his family, or beer in the Pubs of Maryport.Most of the times Bazz relating tales, or the odd time when he would serinade me on the guitar.God bless him and his family.
barry hewitt
June 2, 2008
baz. i only met you twice but you are a genuine nice guy. All your family and freinds will miss you terribly. god bless you and all your family.
Doug Fisher
June 2, 2008
My thoughts go to Barry's family, he was a real inspiration to me and I loved the sound of his Rickenbacker in Hot Spring Water.
A natural musician who's modesty never fooled any other guitarists. I will truly miss the occasional crack I had with him.
Danny Holmes
June 2, 2008
A great loss to all Musicians we will all miss you Barry.
From Danny Holmes, Joan Holmes,
Sue Liversidge, Nigel Liversidge.
Sue and the Danjolairs, God Bless we will all meet again R.I.P.
.
Stuart Buchanan
June 2, 2008
Baz was inspirational to so many local guitarists. A huge void has been left by the loss of a sheer genius. My thoughts and sympathies go out to his family at this sad time.
alan williams
June 2, 2008
Baz was far more than just an excellent guitarist, he was a complete musician and a friend of mine for many years, his sense of humour was second to none and he really needed it to fight for his life, God bless you big lad and thanks for everything. I will try to rock on.
Lynn Mackie
June 2, 2008
Barry was a wonderful, talented musician - and a lovely man. He will be sadly missed.
Tony Wilson (Jnr)
June 2, 2008
Barry was a real inspiration to me as a youngster and I have never met a more talented and modest person. When I asked him recently how his guitar playing was going, he smiled and said: "After all these years of practicing, I should be a lot better!"
A true unsung hero!
Allan Hall
June 2, 2008
Sad news.... Barry was one of the unsung masters of the guitar.... a world classs talent who who was mesmerising to watch and listen to.
Steve Harrison (Harry)
June 2, 2008
Baz was a lovely guy whom I met some years ago at a gig. Before that I had seen him play on stage along with his brother Frank. Being a musician, it was easy to appreciate Baz as the true musical tallent that he was, and one who will be sadly missed. I truly hope that the love of his friends and family will carry all those close to him through this difficult time.
Judith Burns
June 2, 2008
My thoughts to the family who have lost a lovely man, always my hero and friend.
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