John (Ob) O'brian / Dean Parrish Collaboration

[Graym]

Does anybody know the answer as to why this recording has not still not seen the light of day ?

Many of you in the Stoke and North West area will be aware of a project started earlier this year.

OB, who in his own words describes himself as a simple lad from Tunstall, submitted a poem to the legend that is Dean Parrish who generously took it into the studio and helped arrange and produce an incredible recording.

Why ?

To create a record that would generate funds for various charities including the Douglas McMillan Hospice in Stoke and the Christie Hospital Manchester.

Needless to say these are causes very close to OB and his family right now.

My understanding is that despite contracts having been exchanged long since, and demos having been played on the radio during the summer attracting fantastic responses it is now unlikely extremely OB will see the fruits of his labour.

Why ?

Again my understanding is that the 'self appointed agent' for Dean Parrish in this country has failed to progress this project and get the necesary copies cut and sold.

This is not a commercial enterprise, it's for charity and the wish of a very ill soul brother to leave a legacy for the benefit of others and a proof to his family that he could make good.

This is an absolute travesty - the words in the poem/song whilst very personal to OB are sentiments I'm sure many of us have shared, and the arrangement is haunting - a real hairs on the back of the neck job !

All OB wants is to leave a legacy that will benefit others - so when will it happen ?

Despite the best endeavours of OB's closest friends (Fran Gierak , Pete Roberts etc ) will the one person in the North West who was very eager to play the record on his radio all those weeks ago kindly get it sorted.

[Jez Jones]

Quite right to bring some attention on this. I was intrigued listening to the radio last night when Francis mentioned this.

A very very creditable venture this--and as you say --close to a lot of peoples hearts.

Lets hope someone on here can have a word with the 'self appointed agent' for this--and give him a 'nudge' in the right direction

[Graym]

Quite right to bring some attention on this. I was intrigued listening to the radio last night when Francis mentioned this.

A very very creditable venture this--and as you say --close to a lot of peoples hearts.

Lets hope someone on here can have a word with the 'self appointed agent' for this--and give him a 'nudge' in the right direction

Jez- further to your earlier interest attached is a response from Dean Parrish received on Saturday which he has given me permission to post.

Dear Graham Thank you for your email I would love for O.B. to hold is record in his hand and my prayers are with him from what I understand at this time the vinyl or a cd format should be out soon I know that Russ Winstanley was working hard and was struggling without a computer for a couple of weeks and just got the best vinyl price plus VAT.been held up by prices.and working radio show /dj gig's /and home life,etc..if I get any more information I will let you know asap sincerely Dean

In a further email today he says Russ will get two acetates cut for OB and his Mum.

So.............. ' Keep Love Alive' is hopefully soon to become a reality.

No pressure then Russ no ............ its over to you to deliver.

[Guest proudlove]

Jez- further to your earlier interest attached is a response from Dean Parrish received on Saturday which he has given me permission to post.

Dear Graham Thank you for your email I would love for O.B. to hold is record in his hand and my prayers are with him from what I understand at this time the vinyl or a cd format should be out soon I know that Russ Winstanley was working hard and was struggling without a computer for a couple of weeks and just got the best vinyl price plus VAT.been held up by prices.and working radio show /dj gig's /and home life,etc..if I get any more information I will let you know asap sincerely Dean

In a further email today he says Russ will get two acetates cut for OB and his Mum.

So.............. ' Keep Love Alive' is hopefully soon to become a reality.

No pressure then Russ no ............ its over to you to deliver.

Just read on The Oatcake (Stoke fanzine )that OB passed away on Thursday-----------

Condolences to his family and friends

Steve and Carole

[Jez Jones]

An absolute gent----who will be sadly missed. Thoughts with his family and friends at this time

https://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/content/articles/2009/11/27/johnobrien_feature.shtml

[Guest]

An absolute gent----who will be sadly missed. Thoughts with his family and friends at this time

https://www.bbc.co.uk...n_feature.shtml

what a pity that john never had that record in his hand !!! r i p john x

[Mace]

A true gent indeed.

R.I.P John.

[Guest julie s]

god bless ob r.i.p you were a lovely man only met him the once at my brothers funeral our sincere condolences to his family julie ,mandy and phils mum xx

[Geeselad]

god bless ob r.i.p you were a lovely man only met him the once at my brothers funeral our sincere condolences to his family julie ,mandy and phils mum xx

Funeral today folks at carmountside crem, folowed by the Ryan hall, which seemed so apt, the only venue

left in tunstal, and Obie worked behind the bar at the torch, RIP Obie.