Alan Pollard R.i.p

[Julianb]

Oh bloody hell, this is really really awful news but Alan after all his recently problems died suddenly last night.

For all of us who knew him, we will remember him for his unending love and affection for Judi and his family and his devotion to all things soul.

Sorry can't go on, really upset.

Julian

[Harry Crosby]

Oh my god, thoroughly shocked, what a lovely guy, my thoughts go out to all alans family at this terrible time, very sad loss indeed

Edited December 3, 2009 by HARRY CROSBY

[Pete S]

Awful news, RIP Alan, God Bless to the family

[Larry Semmins]

That is so sad,only asking how he was a couple of months ago.Our thoughts go out to his family.

R.I.P. Alan. Steve & Lesley

[Mike]

very sad news

thoughts go out to all his family and friends

moving this to the main forum for a short while

[Wiganer1]

absolutely sad news indeed...he was a great officianado in soul music,,,,respect to a fellow soulie,,,,mark

[Jumpinjoan]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends.

Such sad news.

x

[Marc Forrest]

This is a real shocking sad news. What a great gentle individual he was. What a loss. I am really sad. RIP Alan.

Marc

[Guest Mark Holmes]

Such sad news....our culture has lost a great friend.

Thoghts and condolences to Judi and family.

Rest in Peace Alan

Mark Holmes

[Reg]

I don't know what to say, this is such awful sad news.

Condolences to Alan's family.

[Ritchieandrew]

A sad loss indeed. My commiserations go out to his Family.

R.I.P. Alan.

[Keithw]

Very very sad news

knew Alan very well

used to buy records from me years ago

big man city fan- hope he knew they beat Arsenal last night

used to talk about the Alex with him

not talked really since he moved out of north west

a sad day--know he has been ill for years

known by lots of people

all at the greatstone etc......

truly sad

keith williams

[Guest]

I'm deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible news.

Only really met and talked to Alan the once, but felt that he was a lovely genuine man.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Judi and his family and close friends.

R.I.P.

Kirsty x

[Baz Atkinson]

TERRIBLE NEWS A REAL JOLT DEEPEST THOUGHTS GO OUT TO ALANS FAMILY!!!

BAZ A.

[Guest]

Oh bloody hell, this is really really awful news but Alan after all his recently problems died suddenly last night.

For all of us who knew him, we will remember him for his unending love and affection for Judi and his family and his devotion to all things soul.

Sorry can't go on, really upset.

Julian

RIP Alan .

Malc Burton

[Anoraks Corner]

I would also like to add my sincere condolences...a gentleman and a true Soul fan.

Most of us on here probably had dealings and chats with Alan over his many years on our beloved scene.

I think this is going to be a very long thread of respect.

[Ady Croasdell]

Oh dear; terrible news.

A true collector who was always happy to share his knowledge and enthusiasm.

[Tony Jackson]

Got the terrible terrible news early this morning, been wandering around in a daze ever since.Can't believe it really, we were hoping to see Alan and Judi up in Manchester over Christmas. A genuine, lovely man,generous with his knowledge and time, a true gent.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Judi and family, and to all of Alans friends, he will be greatly missed by many. Rest in peace mate.

Tony & Janet

Edited December 3, 2009 by Tony Jackson

[Guest Miss3 G's]

Heard the terrible news this morning and can't quite take it in yet. Me and Kev usually go to see if Alan is at the match but Cup Games are different and people are not in their own seats. We thought he would be somewhere in the crowd though as he's been so much better recently. Sadly he didn't make it but at least Man City did him proud last night.

Alan was one of the most respected people on the scene not just here but in the States and always put thought and passion into every set he did. He was a fantastic supporter of all the Charity Events put on by Angela Lambert and ourselves and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. I will cherish the nickname he gave me of Duracell when he and Judi invited me to stay at their caravan in Cleethorpes and made me feel so welcome.

Above all else he was a true family man and clearly loved nothing more than being with Judi, their children and grand children. Our thoughts are with them all at this very sad time.

R.I.P Alan The music you played touched an awful lot of souls.....

Linda, Kev and Ange xx

[Eddie Hubbard]

I'm so sad at this news , I've only known Alan and his Wife Judi for a few years , but in that time have been proud to have known them for their love and warmth towards each other and everyone around them . Alan for his love and dedication towards anything Soulful , Judi for her strength in helping Alan as he hasn't been a well man for years .This is absolutely devastating news, RIP Alan and love to Judi and the family xx Eddie ...

[roundhead]

Sad sad news, such a nice guy. Why do all the good guys go young? Judy and family our thoughts are with you in your time of sadness. Just devastated.

Mick and Debbie

[Iancsloft]

Alan was such a nice person with a fantastic love of Soul Music its always sad when someone we love passes away

its even harder when the person is someone like Alan ..Top Bloke Gone But Never Forgotten

Our thoughts and Prayers are with Judi and Family God Bless...

Ian & Jane

xxx

[Little-stevie]

There aint nothing as precious as life...

And there aint nothing as precious as the comments like we see here..

Sad news indeed.. Seen Alan out and about plenty times over the years and had the odd word... Not ever got to know him really but have heard many people talk about him with affection..

Always sad to hear news like this of a fellow lover of gods own music..

When you read a topic like this it makes me proud to be a part of something that can touch your heart and bring people together

Steve xx

Edited December 3, 2009 by little-stevie

[P5OULH]

Deeply saddened by the news i received this morning, our deepest sympathy go out to Judi and the family. A great loss R.I.P Alan xx Paul& Donna

[Nige Brown]

So So Sad!

Memories of DJing with Al at Sheridans a few years ago!

I felf sick when i read the news

Heartfeft Condolemces to his Nearest and Dearest and All Close Friends

Rest In Peace Fella

Right On!

Nige Brown STAFFORD

[Russ Vickers]

What a shocker.........have known Alan & Judy since the first Hitsville Weekender in the States. When I arrived at the DJ Villa, not knowing a soul really, Alan & Judy made me feel very welcome. Later when we were amusing each other playing tunes, he pulled out Motown acetate after Motown acetate, along with other fantastic sounds, was hoping to see them in Mojacar this year, but believe Alan was poorly.

I am truly shocked & we are all worst off for losing a true soul man & a genuinely nice guy...........you touched our soul's Big Man.

My thoughts go out to Judy & the rest of Alans family & friends at this sad time.

RIP

Russ

[Roger Williams]

Oh my word that's truly awful news. Didn't know Alan that closely but met him a few times and had some good conversations with him, both in person and 'virtually' and always without fail found him a very friendly, warm and welcoming bloke with a huge knowledge of soul music. What a sad, sad loss of a true gentleman.

Sincere condolences to all his family and close friends.

Rest in peace, Alan.

Roger

[jocko]

Very sad news, only ever exchanged a couple of words on the one time I met him, but on that night almost everyone's comment about him was how nice a man he was and I think that has been repeated everytime he has come up in conversation since.

Really tragic news

[soul45s]

Awful news, so terribly sad

Condolences to all his family and friends

regards

Paul

[Wrongcrowd]

That's really sad news, Alan was a great, friendly, and hugely knowledgeable guy, and he'll be greatly missed.

Deepest condolences to Judy and his family.

[Mark Bicknell]

One of the nicest gentle blokes I've ever met, regular at our North Cheshire soul night for many years and a top quality guest DJ, really shocked and upset by this sad news, our thoughts are with Judy and all family and friends at this very sad time.

Regards - Mark and Jacqui Bicknell.

[soulfulmick]

RIP Alan a true gentleman of our scene.

My condolences to his family and friends

[Sean Hampsey]

Very sorry to hear of this.

Sincere condolences to his family and all who knew him.

RIP Alan

[Guest Soultown andy]

Thats terrible news,deepest condolences andy and halina.

[Soul-chef]

This is such sad news.....We were very lucky to get to know Alan quite well,as he moved to North wales a few years ago.....

He would visit our shop in Rhyl (Funkyfeet Records) & could be found at local record fairs, Health allowing.....

He & Judy managed to get to a couple of Soul-Nights here in North wales....I really wish he could of made a few more, as he really

was a true Gent in our "soul world".........

Best wishes go out to his Family & friends...... R.I.P. Mark & Chico.............

[Cheapsiderecords]

Only met Alan the once, sat by the pool in Florida at the last Hitsville they had there, but glad I did. Genunely nice guy.

Sincerest condolences from Mili and myself in Canada

[Rob Moss]

Words cannot adequately describe the sadness of Alan's passing. Our scene will be worse off with his loss. My sincere commiserations go to his family and friends. He will always be in our thoughts.

[ImberBoy]

RIP Alan

[Guest alison]

So terribly sad; my fondest love and sincerest condolences to Judi and the rest of the Pollard family.

Even though we rarely saw much of Alan and Judi recently, they were wonderfully hospitable to us in the past, inviting us to stay - and Alan taking John to see their beloved Man City for the first time in years.

I can't explain this to John at the moment as he is still in critical care recovering from his recent brain hemorrhage and is too confused and unaware to understand. But I know he will be as sad as I am.

God Bless Judi - she has been the most incredibly strong person dealing with Alan's poor health in recent years and the most incredibly inspirational and supportive wife.

Ali

[Paul McKay]

That's awful news. Very sorry to hear that. My condolences to Alan's family and friends.

R.I.P.

[Dave Moore]

Alan Pollard - All round 'Gud Bloke'.

Alan was the first guy to ask me about starting The Hitsville Soul Club. Our reasoning was that 'chinstokers' (of which were proud to be described), had started to get a bad name and we always felt that the music should be a thing that brought people together as opposed to making people more devisive, which we felt was happening. So...cut a long story short, we decided that we would invite other collectors who we knew enjoyed each others company, collected records and people who knew how to have a good time to join us. I'm proud to say that...that ethos blossomed and that was due in large part to Alan and other peoples committment, not just to the music but to the artists and each other.

At these sad times people who know me know my philosophy....I tend to concentrate on the positive legacy that people leave behind and in Alan's case that's easy to do. Music played a large part in Al's life and when I told him that the Harthon Trio were 'inbound' to Florida a few years ago and that we were gonna put them in a room with us for the afternoon for Q/A sessions, he didn't think he would make it. He wasn't well at all and he was devastated. Well guess what?.....His family rallied round him, Judi coaxed me into convincing,(bullying), him to make the trip, and his daughter came along to help Judi over the weekend. It was physically a difficult trip for Al. He'd just started to need a wheelchair and it hurt him. At one stage I was concerned that we'd done the wrong thing. But....as Alan and I placed the Harthon guys in a massive limousine, stuffed envelopes with some cash that we'd raised into their pockets and despatched them back to the airport for their Business Class flights home, having seen the unashamed glee on their faces at having their talents finally recognised by 'in the flesh' fans. Al's demeanour changed. His face was a picture. We'd finally done it. We'd enjoyed the company of a trio of guys who we'd admired as youngsters from afar and had actually become their friends! As we used to say to each other on a regular basis "Who'da thunk it!" Al's words as I pushed him back to the hotel coffee bar to reflect on the trip will sit with me for ever. "Dave...no doubt about it. That was the highlight of my soul musical life. We did a good thing!"

Well Al....I've done a lot of things in terms of my soul musical life and buddy, I'm with you....It really WAS the highlight of my musical life too! Partly because it was the Harthon guys but mainly because I got to share it all with people like you.

Al was the kinda guy that celebrated the fact that YOU had just found that long time want! He felt good for YOU! A true record collector with a passion for soul music of all descriptions.

It's a soul site and I'll stick to soul related memories in respect of Alan here, but if I had to some up my feelings for Alan Pollard, dedicated family man, hard working, straight talking, soul music lover, it would be this.....I was extremely proud to call him my friend.

Bet he's sifting though St Michaels' sales boxes as we speak! Keep the White Demos to one side for me Al! Rest easy Mucker.....it's over....sleep tight.....and CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB EXTREMELY WELL DONE.

Edited December 3, 2009 by Dave Moore

[cressy]

Sad sad news R.I.P. Alan a true Gentleman

Condolences to his family

[Harry Crosby]

Alan Pollard - All round 'Gud Bloke'.

Alan was the first guy to ask me about starting The Hitsville Soul Club. Our reasoning was that 'chinstokers' (of which were proud to be described), had started to get a bad name and we always felt that the music should be a thing that brought people together as opposed to making people more devisive, which we felt was happening. So...cut a long story short, we decided that we would invite other collectors who we knew enjoyed each others company, collected records and people who knew how to have a good time to join us. I'm proud to say that...that ethos blossomed and that was due in a large part to Alan and other peoples committment, not just to the music but to the artists and each other.

At these sad times people who know me know my philosophy....I tend to concentrate on the positive legacy that people leave behind and in Alan's case that's easy to do. Music played a large part in Al's life and when I told him that the Harthon Trio were 'inbound' to Florida a few years ago and that we were gonna put them in a room with us for the afternoon for Q/A sessions, he didn't think he would make it. He wasn't well at all and he was devastated. Well guess what?.....His family rallied round him, Judi coaxed me into convincing,(bullying), him to make the trip, and his daughter came along to help Judi over the weekend. It was physically a difficult trip for Al. He'd just started to need a wheelchair and it hurt him. At one stage I was concerned that we'd done the wrong thing. But....as Alan and I placed the Harthon guys in a massive limousine, stuffed envelopes with some cash that we'd raised into their pockets and despatched them back to the airport for their Business Class flights home, having seen the unashamed glee on their faces at having their talents finally recognised by 'in the flesh' fans. Al's demeanour changed. His face was a picture. We'd finally done it. We'd enjoyed the company of a trio of guys who'd we'd admired as youngsters from afar and had actually become their friends! As we used to say to each other on a regular basis "Who'da thunk it!" Al's words as I pushed him back to the hotel coffee bar to reflect on the trip will sat with me for ever. "Dave...no doubt about it. That was the highlight of my soul musical life. We did a good thing!"

Well Al....I've done a lot of things in terms of my soul musical life and buddy, I'm with you....It really WAS the highlight of my musical life too! Partly because of it was the Harthon guys but mainly because I got to share it all with people like you.

Al was the kinda guy that celebrated the fact that YOU had just found all time want! He felt good for YOU! A true record collector with a passion for soul music of all descriptions.

It's a soul site and I'll stick to soul related memories in respect of Alan here, but if I had to some up my feelings for Alan Pollard, dedicated family man, hard working, straight talking, soul music lover, it would be this.....I was extremely proud to call him my friend.

Bet he's sifting though St Michaels' sales boxes as we speak! Keep the White Demos to one side for me Al! Rest easy Mucker.....it's over....sleep tight.....and CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB EXTREMELY WELL DONE.

Superb post, dave, and a very fitting tribute to alan

[Skegsoul]

Sad, sad news indeed.

just reading through these post's, shows the loss to everyone who had the pleasure

of knowing Alan, a nicer more genuine guy, you will never meet.

thoughts go out to Judi and family at this very sad time.

The scene has not just lost someone we have lost a COLOSSUS.

RIP SOUL MAN.

MICK & MO XXX

[sid jones]

sad sad news our thoughts are with judi and family

sleep well alan

sid+bernadette

[Guest kid mohair]

Really sad news ,our thoughts are with the family.xx

[Soulfool]

Had Alan DJ'ing at one of our Taxi Club events in Edinburgh a few years ago, hardly known beforehand but well thought of afterwards, much respect.

David

[Ged Parker]

Little that I can add to whats already been said. Our sincere condolences to Alan's family.

Ged and Margaret

[Guest Paul]

Sad to hear this tragic news.

My deepest sympathies to Alan's family.

Rest in peace.

[Billywhizz]

Very sad news indeed,First met Alan in the early days on A.N.S,true gent,then saw him DJ at Sheridans,his enthuisiasm,passion and love for the soul scene will always be in my thoughts, RIP Alan.

Edited December 3, 2009 by billywhizz