Good Game, Sad Loss.

I was lucky enough to work with Bruce Forsyth on a couple of occasions. The most memorable was via the lovely Denise Kelly. The Calypso Twins did a song on The Generation Game. 

What surprised me and Ainsley most was was that, on the Monday of rehearsals before the live Saturday performance, we had to perform the song I had written to Bruce, the director and the choreographer. Seemingly, if he didn't like the song, he would give it the elbow there are then! In this cold, dank Acton rehearsal room at 10 AM on Monday morning we belted out Generation Calypso with as much gusto as we could muster. As we've finished, there was a long moment of silence whilst everyone waited for Bruce to ponder. 

Finally , came his verdict, "very nice song boys but what happens if one of the punters loses the place where they should be singing? I replied, "Well, I'll just vamp on the G until they pick it up." Suddenly, his whole demeanour changed. A big smile played across his face and he said, "Perfect. This one is going to be a good game, good game." 

As the week progressed, any time there are any questions about the song or the interaction with the guests Bruce just pointed people in my direction and said "Ask Paul." 

What I later realised was that just because I had to used the old musician's term 'vamp', he had confidence that we knew what we were doing. 

The man was a complete pro and an absolute legend. RIP #Brucey