Bryan Glancy.........please leave a lovely message

Sandy Kilpatrick

2010-05-03T18:39:00.002+01:00

In 2000, when my time in Manchester was coming to an end (although I didn’t know it at the time) Bryan used to come and visit me while I was working in the little Waterstones in the Royal Exchange Theatre. I loved that, in the morning, no customers, a mild hangover and a mocha and a wee blether with Bryan. It was 10 years ago, so don’t expect me to go into many details, or, let me say, don’t expect me to be too rigorous with the accuracy. What I do remember is that we had some God talk at that time; he was going through a difficult time, having recently lost his father, and inherited some money. It was the first time really I was faced with that sad conundrum of having your poverty relieved by the death of a loved one. He was sad and flush at the same time, and a very touching person.

Just after I launched the first single with Sleepwalker we had a residency in the Night and Day, where we played with a few bands that we had asked to play with us. One of them was an acoustic outfit called The Rio 6, and they were led by Matt, a friend of Bryan’s. When we were backstage Bryan was with them and they seemed to have this kind of love cult thing going on, all talking in tongues and group hugs. I wasn’t sure what was going on to be honest, but I loved that kind of thing, still do, that kind of whacked out on the edge love and sentimentality - it kind of defined Bryan for me, in a way. I think it’s really apparent in my favourite song of his, ‘My Love’ – because the way he sang that line with his droll Manc drawl, he really made it his. His Love.

He was so full of love and positivity and sadness at the same time, but he also had that endearing boy-about-town kind of edge. The last time I saw him perform it was supporting David Gray in the Academy – they were good friends, and David’s star was in the ascendency, so it was a good opportunity for Bryan to play a few songs. I’ll never forget seeing him that night. But perhaps the image that stays with me best is standing outside the Night and Day one Wednesday afternoon watching him drive down Oldham Street on one of those ridiculous motorized scooters. And I don’t mean a scooter like a Vespa (although a Vespa would have suited him more I think), I mean a scooter like you had when you were nine. But motorized. He looked really comical, like he was having a laugh playing with the sense of cool, and I loved that about him too. He didn’t seem to worry too much about that shit. He had the talent to live his life the way he wanted to, and document that. Yep, he was a lovely guy that Bryan Glancy, it was privilege to have known him.

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Love You Mate

2010-02-28T15:42:00.001Z

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

The Kid who saved your life

2010-01-21T08:03:00.002Z

Posted on a another blog 20th January 2010 click here to read it

This year is going to be your year, Bryan . Love you Man x

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Jon Burr

2009-05-27T12:11:00.001+01:00

I met him through Mark Kennedy and Mark Burgess, and we played some music together - I play a bit of blues harp. He was a very funny guy, and cool in a warm kind of way. I remember best the time we went out to Germany to play at a festival with Mark Burgess and ended up sharing a room together.

As a jew he was a bit nervous about the idea of going to Germany, plus a lot of the music at the festival was very dark. We went for a walk out of the festival and came across a hidden war memorial in the countryside. The gothic writing and skull imagery were certainly disturbing. One night there was a load of noise outside the hotel and Bryan got up and looked out of the window. I heard him swear and when he turned round his face was as white as a sheet. I ran over and there were a troop of men marching down the street with guns over their shoulders. It turned out that the town held a Shooting Festival (!) every year and the night time march was part of it.

There are a load of stories - I'm sure anyone who knew Bryan has plenty: like the time he felt sick before a gig, and Keni tried to calm him down by pretending to be sick first. He ended up doubled up on the floor with laughter.

It was lovely to hear Elbow's tribute - I knew who it was about the second I heard the words "Love you, mate". I'd love to hear the tribute album - is there one? Like someone else on this site, my tapes of Bryan have long since been chewed up and me and the missus would love to hear him again.

Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Welcome to the curious

2008-09-19T15:50:00.005+01:00

If you have just "googled" Bryan Glancy and arrived here, welcome to a site dedicated to his memory, lovingly filled with thoughts and memories from just a few of his many friends.

Down the right hand side you will see links to other web resources that give you more information about and even music from the great man.

For those with little time, but a thirst for knowledge, the most beautiful and complete summation of him was written shortly after his untimely death by his close friend Saul Brody.

Click here to read his tribute

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Mercury Prize for Glancy

2008-09-10T12:13:00.008+01:00

Last night the prestigous 2008 Mercury Music Prize was awarded to Elbow who promptly dedicated it to Bryan.

It was a fitting and totally expected gesture from 5 of his closest friends.

It has generated a good deal of emails from people keen to find out more about that "friend of ours".

BBC Manchester will shortly be posting a tribute to Bryan a link will be provided on this site.

Here is the dedciation that Guy Garvey made to Bryan on this blog back in June 2006. 

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Bryan's Legacy

2008-02-28T09:03:00.003Z

The rock group elbow have dedicated the final track on their new LP to Bryan

The track is called Friend of Ours

The LP is called The Seldom Seen Kid

Here's an early review of the LP mentioning our friend. Click
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Mo Meek

2007-06-08T10:09:00.000+01:00

Playlist for a tribute LP

Ad_Man Shouting

Beating Me Home

Beat The Boat

Bicycle Corn cob Tuesday

Bullets in the Backgroud

Burning Babel

Buttons

Cash & Carry Love

Cat in the Mask

Chinned

Christ Stopped In Salford

Dont Sell Me

Down in a Norhern Town

Empty Vessels

Getting Desperate

Goodnight History

Harry

Kid Who Saved Your Life

Little Prince

Making Love is Easy

Memory Man

More

Muse in my Shoes

New York & France

Nightmare

Proppinig up the Bar

Remembering You

Roadside Blues

Schoolboy Dreams

Season Fishing

Singer in the Subway

6 String Suicide

Start

Stephen

Sycamore Tree

Time for Change

Too Many FoxesWaiting in the Wings

When Harmony Comes.

Hey when you read the list as the lyrics to a sad but beautiful song     ....you can almost remember the boy.

Shalom Baruch Dovid "Bryan" Glancy

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Mike

2007-05-20T11:46:00.000+01:00

I only met Bryan on a few occasions between 1988 and 1991. I first time was at the Green Room on Whitworth St in 1988, it was the first CC/Funbox Manchester Busker night, both myself and a friend (we were both 15 at the time) had read about Bryan in the evening news, he had just been crowned Piccadilly Radio's busker of the year (whatever that meant!), we had a schoolboy band of our own at the time and were intrigued. What we heard (Bryan, Johnny Dangerously, Darren Poyser, Henry Normal, Clare Mooney) that night changed our lives forever. I remember meeting Bryan after the gig, he was selling his tapes at a table in the bar area of the venue, we approached him just to tell him we loved his set, it was near the end of the night and by this time neither myself or my friend had any money left, so we felt a little embarrassed when Bryan asked me if I liked his stuff enough to buy a tape of him, when I drunkenly explained I had no money he just smiled and handed me a tape anyway. That tape was called "The kid who saved your life" it contained five other songs as well as the title track, another track on it was "Bicycle Corncob Tuesday". I remember playing the tape almost constantly that summer and beyond. Unfortunately a fascist tape machine decided to chew up the tape a couple of years later and has been lost to me ever since (if anyone out there has this tape, I would be eternally grateful for a copy)

When I heard the news of Bryans death the first thing that came to mind was this story and the chorus of the kid who saved your life has been going round in my head ever since. Truly one of the most beautiful songs ever written and for me the song that best encapsulates the mood of Manchester during the late eighties and guaranteed a place on the soundtrack of my life.

"...and in this smokey town, where the washed out pavements are
mirroring the lord mayors frown,"

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Guy Lovelady

2007-01-21T10:19:00.000Z

It is a year ago that I heard the news that Bryan had died. In the passing 365 days I haven't stopped thinking about him and my life has been guided by some of the most valuable things he shared with me, in ways that I would never have dreamt. I will take time today to listen to his music and offer up a prayer to tell him how much I love him and miss him and hope that he is okay wherever he is.

God Bless you Bryan, 1 year on and it still hurts like mad.

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

john paul medhurst

2006-12-20T08:43:00.000Z

"Where the f#%@ do you think you're going?" I asked a dishevelled Glancy, as he screwed it downstairs at 4am and straight out the front door, naked apart from that infernal sheepskin coat, sliced up the arm. The answer was at once from a man who knew no pain but at the same time knew the pain of the whole world.

"I'm gonna find an ironmonger who doesn't ask questions!"

First met Bryan when he would dispense anecdotes on the side of his espressos from his pre-blaze gaff in Sedgley Park. Every now and then I would make it to something he was doing and vice versa. And that was how it stayed, it would take me the three months I didn't see him to get ready for /get over the intellectual gymnastics that was inevitably our weekend. More recently I have been the honoured guest at Chez Glancy on three occasions, the end of last year I brought a great friend to meet him and just later with my girlfriend. He and Zoe then found it in their hearts to offer me their spare room for a week when I could find no love at my parents home in Prestwich. I moved to LA in 2000 and never until last year got to come and go as I pleased. I would come back to see my parents and see Bryan and that was it for me.

I will miss walking into a club with him and spending the rest of the night wondering where the hell he got to. I will miss walking out the door with him and watching in bewildered amusement as he disappeared over the horizon, his legs a positive blur.

The fact that I only saw Bryan every few months ultimately packed a poignant punch for me as I received news of his passing sitting alone in Cromwells Tower on the barren Isle of Tresco in late August, a fitting backdrop for the saddest news I ever heard, the world suddenly desolate and cold. I sat and wondered how many times since January I had thought of calling him and never, just because. .

Bryan, unlike some you knew, you steered your own course, and though the destination was uncertain and the weather sometimes foul, to laugh with you as the waves crashed through the windows was my pleasure, I just wish your ship would have smashed itself on the rocks of Malibu, just once more. I haven' t even begun to miss you, mate.

Is that the time?

love and love john paul medhurst

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

David Maxfield

2006-07-11T18:21:00.000+01:00

I arrived back in Mancland 3 days ago after a visit to India to set up a B+B in Goa.

I left for the trip from Newbank towers , a home of a good friend of mine full of encouragement from mr glancy.

My trip back to Newbank ended in tears and later a heave ho from the bouncer in Big Hands (sorry)Just cannot get over bryans passing.

First met bryan when he wrote morphine after the fall from bury new road which, if you remember is where the song originated.

You fell how high and survived?? fukkin hell bryan yerv had too much rock n roll you mate, but seemingly not enough rkid..

The whisky was on form that night an i remember playing beat the boat over and over again while bryan had crashed..

Manchester seems empty without you bryan , i,m going back to India mate as i still can;t seem to get on with manc bouncers man..only you understood

Farewell rkid..

Maxi..

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Paul Horrocks

2006-07-06T13:35:00.000+01:00

Stumbled upon this site purely by chance but so glad I did.

I cannot really add anything to what has already been written, I did not really know him.

Some people give off vibes and sometimes you just know that there is something special about them.

Having spent my growing-up years in Salford and its big brother Manchester, my best memories are of pre-Madchester. Pre-Oasis

Drinking bottles of Holsten Pils at The Boardwalk, watching The Waltones, The Bodines, and countless jingly-jangly indie bands whose name began with a ‘The’.

City Life was a bible for finding out who was playing in town just as vital was listening to the Tony The Greek radio show.

I first remember hearing/reading about Bryan as one of the new acoustic troubadors of the North-West along side Johhny Dangerously (hmm is that your real name Mr Kloot ?) and Bob Dillinger. I was intrigued – what one bloke with a guitar singing on their own without a band ?

Ambitions of running a record label, managing bands, DJ-ing and writing a fanzine never happened sadly, maybe its still not too late (even with a mortgage and two kids)

Fast-forward to now and a lot of the bands I’ve seen are just memories and names in the ‘where are they now’ file. Some names you just remember.

I am a Library Information Assistant at The University of Salford (Adelphi Library) and met Bryan probably at the beginning of 2005.

Apparently he was studying English, Sociology and Politics.

I remember Bryan for having the knack of being the last student in the library.

I wish I could say that I had great conversations over films he had borrowed and returned (occasionally a day late); Paris,Texas, Goodwill Hunting, Kes, Get Carter, The Office, The Third Man, Dirty Harry and Man Bites Dog – unfortunately Bryan never spoke much – he didn’t need to really – a shame.

He did smile occasionally, a cool smile that said hundred words – I remember him stood at the security gate trying to get my attention once when he hard forgotten his ID card. University rules say that if you do not have your ID card then you cannot enter the library.

Some rules are meant to be broken for some people.

It was a pleasure to have met you

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Guy Garvey

2006-06-01T15:27:00.000+01:00

"friend of ours..." is how i heard bryan begin a
thousand stories. I remember how i felt when he made
it clear to me that he'd decided to be my mate. it was
supersonic. this charming handsome effortlessly cool
bloke had decided that i was alright and he seemed to
know every interesting cat in his beloved
manchester.sandy (friend of ours) pointed out that he
could never have had a full time job as his social
commitments took up his whole day. endlessly positive
nurturing sweet man i will never get used to the idea
of you not popping round the corner walking too fast
and smiling when we see each other."hiya mate." to
start and "love ya mate" to part.i know its the last
thing we ever said to each other.the most precious
object i own is a photo of us that will stay on my
wall so that years from now i get to tell people what
you mean to me and how ridiculously funny you
were.with all of my heart ,love ya mate. garv x

Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Andy & Sarah Nuttall

2006-05-02T23:27:00.000+01:00

We didn't know Bryan much at all, saw him play a couple of times. Planet X was the first time, Liverpool, about 1990, Six String Suicide was the song, filled the place and we talk about it today. Finally met him through Mark in a pub, a hero introduced with "this is my mate, Bryan" ("what, THE Bryan Glancy?"), self-effacing and shy, but what a talent. Sarah wants to hear him play SSS just one more time. RIP Bryan.
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Salford Pete - a top bloke

2006-03-25T19:40:00.000Z

Hi all, where to start? Bryan is my best friend I miss dearly, I know so many people and have so many new friends because of Bryan.

Bryan you enriched my life so much, and taught me to see the world with my eye's wide open.

I'll never forget you brother, things will never be the same again.

love always

The Salfordian
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Sheila Johnson

2006-03-07T18:31:00.000Z

I just wanted to add my message to those already here. I am his Mum's close friend over many years and therefore knew Bryan from the day he was born. I watched him grow, and later play with my own children, being at school with my son and a really good friend to him and to my two daughters. Then we all got on with our lives but any time I, or any of them, met Bryan again, we always found him, warm and affectionate, lovable and friendly, and a pleasure to meet and talk to and laugh with.

I knew he played and sang, and even that he did lots of gigs but, sadly, only now am I finding out how many other people in his own world loved and admired him. I have been so touched by the blogs posted from those who mourn his loss as we do and would like to send my own thanks for their lovely messages. We too will always miss him.

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Mandy - Bryan's Mum

2006-03-05T18:20:00.000Z

I just want to say thank you to all the many people who came to Bryan's funeral and who have demonstrated through their letters, messages and blogs how much he was loved. Bryan was so very special to me and I've been touched and comforted to discover that he meant so much to others too. Thank you.

Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

John Ellis

2006-02-27T19:01:00.000Z

I knew Bryan, not well but for many years and we had that friendly understanding whenever we did meet in town mainly, that comes from the recognition that we’d both grown from the same soil. It made me very sad to think of him not being around any more.

It was at the alternative cabaret gigs of the late 80’s when I first met and saw him perform his songs. He was also part of the community of creative talent which centred around Crumpsall at the time. However unlikely it seems these days, to us then, it had a bohemian flavour that made it seem, especially straight out of Middleton like me, like the Greenwich village of North Manchester. Wow… imagine that.

Anyway it was perfect for Bryan and he was perfect in it.

I have to confess that I hadn’t heard Bryan play since those days, but as I was thinking back, I remembered seeing him at one of those ‘alternative’ cabaret nights at the Green Room, probably one of the legendary infamous Chris Coupe nights. Those nights were just flooded with great talent Kevin Sissay, Bob Dillinger, George Borovski, The Sandlewoods, Henry Normal, Steve Coogan, Caroline Aherne etc. Like most people my first impression of Bryan was of the supercool, with the shades etc. Then his words always filled you in on the substance. His songs were well received I remember because the people there knew exactly what he was on about.

I just listened to ‘Manchester’ from his website partly because I’ve got a tune called ‘Manchester’, mainly instrumental, and I wanted to hear what collection of Bryan’s words he felt he ought to label with that word.

It struck me that Bryan was the kind of artist who was always going to be best appreciated by his own community. He wasn’t reaching out to the world or the global music industry or whatever but just reflecting what he saw around him and I’m sure that’s what mattered to him in his songs, especially his words. We understand what he’s on about. Have a listen, we have to be thankful for that.

My tune ‘Manchester’ had settled on a kind of melancholic mood but with some kind of redemption on the horizon but I sometimes wondered when I played it live whether It was too downbeat. As soon as I heard Bryan’s words I knew we’d distilled the same feeling……. "sad and beautiful” what more can I say.

Bless you Bryan
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Elliot Wheeler

2006-02-22T09:05:00.000Z

Deeply shocked to hear this news – my heart goes out to Bryan’s family and friends – a great raw talent from Manchester, I still listen to Zima Junction – ‘Beat The Boat’ and ‘When Harmony Comes’, I still regard them as outstanding tracks… another great singer/songwriter will be sadly missed.

Bryan e-mailed me about a year ago, asking whether or not I’ll be interested in purchasing the original artwork for ‘Zima Junction’ and some records of The Chameleons that he was selling. I asked what he was doing, since Zima Junction, he just demanded for me to go out and buy Am I Kloot CD’s, he said that he was involved in their early years as a songwriter, which I did.

Of course I was definitely interested in the artwork but he was unable to establish a price with him, so I never purchased the item, he said that he was going to place the item on e-bay; I hope he was successful in the end.
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Dovid Yiddy

2006-02-18T17:45:00.000Z

Shalom Baruch Dovid......Bryan Glancy.

I planted narcissi around Bryan's head.
May the flowers bloom & grow
May they crown Baruch Dovid
With a bright yellow glow.
A kappell for a Kabballa King.
Shalom, shalom Brother Baruch,
They wait to hear you sing.

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

P J Hakimi

2006-02-15T17:29:00.000Z

It is our loss brother

I met Bryan when he was touring with Mark to promote Zima Junction, a beautiful venue is The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. As soon as he started singing and playing his guitar you could tell that this is not just a sideman for Mark and a talent all his own. So information was exchanged and we kept in touch with the idea to put something out on my indi label. Will always remember my trip to Manchester and staying at his place, as soon as I arrived he played a tune of his on the piano and me feeling like I was the luckiest man alive to be an audience to this talent. We would wave to his favorite fox in the early morning hours, driving late at night with him driving with sunglasses on and me feeling like it would be my last trip alive. His visit to the States and the tour with the Mouthfelt like it was one of those things you EXPERIENCE only once. I knew there would be little interest but happily drove, carried equipment and housed the four lads on my twin bed, "MAD!!!" as he would say. Needless to say that he knew all the pubs and the bartenders by first name in the short time they were there. We recently exchanged some emails and he was in such good state of mind. And now this; The world is a lonelier place without him and the likes of Bryan (are there any?) are much too rare. I will think of you often my friend and shed a tear as I write this.
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Chas Rigby

2006-02-10T16:35:00.000Z

Through Bryan I got to know all my current Manchester friends, he was so good at sharing them with me. I met him at the New Troubadours in1990 were we shared many a billing together. The 'Troubs' was on a par with some of the Village bars that Dylan mentioned in his "Chronicles". Bryan and I got on well for many years and spent lots of quality time together. He wrote a wonderful review in 1996 for me/my wife Julia often says "the best ever". He also gave me confidence with my craft when my self esteem was low. I remember one night on the way back to Prestwich we were both off our heads and listening to Dylan's Oh Mercy/deciding that the music was too Spiritual and driving was a distraction we pulled over and played it out at some kerbside. There are many memories of him, I last saw him on Bonfire Night at his cousin Dave Werners house/unfortunately we did not get a chance to say much/ I never realised it would be the last time that I would see him. Through him I have some of the best friends that I have ever had/ I was proud to play at the Castle tribute gig last Friday.My heart goes out to his Family at this sad time!

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Sandy Gort

2006-02-08T18:22:00.000Z

I seem to have spent a fortnight now hugging grieving people all over Manchester who loved Bryan Glancy. I’m lucky I’m so tall. If you’re hugging me you can’t see me cry.

On the afternoon of Saturday 21st January I was having lunch with my friend Danny Moran at Night & Day. Danny had seen Bryan rattling around big hands bar on Friday night in something of a state and said to me ‘i’m worried about Bryan.’ I told him that he couldn’t possibly imagine how many people I had sat with over the last twenty something years where one or other of us had said ‘i’m worried about Bryan.’ And I gave Danny some advice. Along the lines ‘of don’t get involved.’ I explained that Bryan’s problems were complex, manifold and seemingly endless. It could be frustrating to get involved with Bryan because just as one set of hideous problems had been addressed, he somehow managed to acquire an entirely new set. Over the last couple of years, I confessed, I had withdrawn from getting involved in managing the chaos of Bryan’s life.

We finished eating and headed for the office. On the way there I answered the ‘phone and learned that none of us would ever have to worry about Bryan again.

Emma Black had discovered him, was alone with the body and clearly traumatized. Danny and I jumped straight in a cab and spent the next ten hours or so dealing with the cops and contacting a whole bunch of people to tell them the worst thing you can possibly tell anyone.

As I went through Bryan’s ‘phone I kept seeing the numbers of people I knew I had to call. After his family, I realised my next priority was all the beautiful, strong and remarkable women who had invested so much of their time, love and goodness into trying to cope with Bryan’s chaos

I can honestly say it was one of the worst things I have ever had to do in my life. To ring these women. To know what I was about to say. To know that when I said it their hearts would be completely broken. And then to hear their hearts breaking. At the same time as my own heart was breaking.

At some point, I think in the early evening, me and Danny and Emma were taken to swinton cop shop to give formal statements. I turned to Danny and said ‘so much for my advice about not getting involved.’

And it struck me that Bryan had played a trick on me. He was already dead by the time I was giving that advice. It was as if he’d gone ‘withdrawing from managing the chaos of my life are you? then how about you manage this.’

I have no mystical, religious or supernatural beliefs whatsoever. But it did feel to me that something was out there taking a part in the proceedings. Maybe it was just a consequence of the love that bryan had engendered in his world. The right people entered the frame at the right moment and did exactly the right things. Emma Black, Danny Moran, Helen Littler, Jay Taylor, Rafe Conn, Guy Garvey and Bryan’s brother Philip are amongst the people. They know what they did. And I’ll tell you if you ask me. and if you hug me afterwards, you won’t see me crying.

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Graham Clark

2006-02-08T07:39:00.000Z

"Bryan in my backyard, when we were getting ready to support David Gray."
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Penfold.

2006-02-07T22:41:00.000Z

I only found out on Sunday that Bryan had gone when a friend texted me to tell me of Mark Burgess' tribute night at The Castle. I had been holidaying in Spain & consequently missed all the sadness & joy of celebrating Bryans life.

My first memories of him begin in his friend Aaron's house in 93 or 94. Mark Burgess & the Sons of God were playing UMIST and I got a lift from Leeds to Manchester (where I now live) with one of the band. We stopped at Aaron's and he made us a brew with choccy milk as he'd ran out of regular. I don't know if Bryan lived there but he came in, shower-fresh in a towel looking slightly embarrased but laughing as we were introduced. I thought he was beautiful and his presence was unmistakable. Later that evening I saw him sing with Molly Half Head and annoyed everyone by constantly repeating how 'fucking fantistic this lot' were.

It was another couple of years before I moved to Mcr but Bryan was instantly recognisable, by now persistently wearing his duffle coat with the determination that Damon Gough wears his tea-cosy hat.
Bryan was one of those characters that you could almost guarantee would be there when you went out. He still will be, but now just watching quietly from the back.
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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Phil Almond

2006-02-06T14:32:00.000Z

I had known Bryan since the age of 7. I was at junior school with him and we were like minded souls. He was a natural eccentric - I had to work at mine. Even then, he drew people around him like a magnet. He was a naturally gifted entertainer. We shared the same jokes and surreal experiences. I was much shier and aspired to his wit and spontaneity. We often appeared in school plays.

Later on, we'd often bump into to each other around North Manchester: We'd both become songwriters around the age of 15/16 and would meet in the street, often on our way to rehearsals/recording or sometimes in the early hours of the morning, having stayed up all night and wandering in a daze back home. There was never a time when our paths didn't cross. I saw him through his Mod days, shuffling around in his fishtail parka, to playing on the same bill as him through Follies, Temple of Convenience, Star & Garter.

We always stopped to chat about our latest musical adventures, our latest singles, what we'd been recording, where we'd been playing. He never compromised and was one of the few songwriters who wrote from the heart and continually challenged. I hadn't seen him around for a few years but often thought of him and had a great deal of respect for his amazing talent. Bryan, I never thought I'd be writing this about someone with such a lust for life!

(The Blazing Snowmen)

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Nemo Rigby

2006-02-06T00:45:00.000Z

I first got to know Bryan at one of the 'New Troubadors' nights at Follies Wine Bar in about 1989. I was around 18 at the time and when he went up and played 'Start', I thought to myself 'this is the coolest fucker I've ever met'. With his pop star looks and pop star songs, I was totally intimidated.

I live in France now but whenever I think of Manchester, I think of him, he seemed to embody the place. Thanks for the music Bryan.

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Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Maxine Noar

2006-02-05T19:32:00.000Z

A deep sadness of lost opportunities

I didn't know Bryan the musician.

I knew Bryan through our families. Our mums are best friends and so we grew up together with many family holidays and kids parties.

Whenever I think of Bryan, I am reminded of a charisma that drew you to him. A magnetism and humour that cannot not be manufactured.

The things he did just to entertain made him renown in the area. I remember once how he sat on the kerb outside his house for hours with a fishing rod cast into the gutter, just nodding at anyone who passed by.

There are so many stories, rehashed over the last few weeks that have made us laugh and cry.

Bryan belongs to a wonderful family, each very different and each very special. I am grateful for my memories and for being a part of his childhood. These wonderful tributes make me wish I had known him better as an adult.

I only hope he knew how much he was loved.

_____________________________________________________
Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Alexander King

2006-02-04T22:49:00.000Z

The last time I saw Bryan was on 5th January 2006 here in my home-town ofJerusalem. Bryan paid me a surprise visit - he called me out of the blue the night before we met up - I didn't even know he was in Israel. Anyway, we had a wonderful warm night out on the town, full of Manchester nostalgia. And that's how I'll remember him.

The first time I met Bryan was back in 1988 in England when I was 16 yearsold. I met him through Mark Burgess who was then in The Sun and The Moon and Keni from New Morning. All three of them made a profound impression on me during those formative years. Bryan was always fun, witty and spontaneous. I remember the time I called HIM up out of the blue one day in 1993 when I was passing through Manchester. He said "Hey, there's a gig on tonight. Come and stay at my place!" And I did!

His songs were very unique and soulful and will always have a special place in my heart. I have magical memories of some of his shows in the classic Manchester venues of yesteryear. "Beat the Boat" has been on constant play on my stereo for the week.

Bryan, I will miss you, man.

___________________________________________________
Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

David Justin Goldich

2006-02-03T07:53:00.000Z

I am presently living in Brazil and the shock of a dear friend's passing has just arrived. Unfortunately I had not seen Bryan for over 17 years now, but we had spent most of our childhood and early teenage days together. Hours and hours, day after day, kicking a football around.

Those were the days when mischief was the name of our game. The havoc that we caused those days was most probably only the tip of the iceberg of the years to follow. I always felt that Bryan would leave an indelible mark in the years to come. We always knew that Bryan would be different. I like to define different as The difference is just the difference.

My memories of Bryan can only go back to when we were kids , but they will live on with the affection of a true friend. My heart goes out to the family. I salute you my friend from the heart to the heart.

________________________________________________________
Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Tony Wright

2006-02-02T22:40:00.000Z

Met Bryan a few times through Keni back in the days of New Morning.

Really, really sorry to hear this very sad news. A lovely guy who will be missed greatly.

Tony from Barnsley
____________________________________________________
Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Michael Elder

2006-02-02T20:52:00.000Z

The last time I saw Bryan was December when we did a gig together at the Green Room. He was surrounded by friends as always and his set was truly exciting to watch. Later we shared a few whiskys. So many whiskys that when we left we both forgot our guitars. When I rang him two days later to tell him they were safe and sound I asked what plans he had for his music in 2006. He said to me 'Well,we'll see what the new year brings'.

I am deeply deeply sorry that Bryan Glancy has died. My heart goes out to his family and his many friends.

____________________________________________________
Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Bryan's Music

2006-02-01T22:20:00.000Z

On the right you will see 6 links to 6 of Bryan's more recent songs. They were supposed to come out last autumn but sadly didn't.

They were kindly recorded by Graham Massey, a friend of Graham Clark, Bryan's trusty foil over the last 6 years.

You can really capture the spirit of the recordings as Bryan misses a line and laughs.

Sad and Beautiful

___________________________________________________

Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Aaron

2006-02-01T09:31:00.000Z

a Hallowed Moon

Bryan, brother friend neighbour comrade,
Always there for a wise witty word any time day or nighte, a friend full
of charmed wit and humorous angles on any story i could think of telling
him. Advice on the most complex matters he gave as easily as his fags,
BDG he'll always beknown to me,
in other words BaruchDavidGlancy in eebrew, ie, DavidWillBless
And he always DID
in his own inimitable way
A wordsmith par excellence (but this is but an external description),
always bless in whomever he met
what i seen him do
an avant garde prophet (or songwriter if u will)
we spent many times figuring out the moon's haloes
carting me off to far off towns on mutually agreeed whims
Love was his name and game was his loves
words cant describe the shock loss
I know youre in heaven 'illin wid angels
Laughin finally
tho i sadly miss you brother

A
xxxxxxxxx

____________________________________________________________
Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Pedro Vila

2006-01-31T14:17:00.000Z

I’m from Spain but I lived in Whitefield-Manchester around 96-98. I know Bryan from Night &Day, where we used to talk and drink and sometimes stay behind when doors were shut, he was a regular there as I was too and also sometimes we used to go to other places who served drinks until bit later like 'The Roadhouse', 'The temple of Convenience', [I recall him one morning enjoying so much that he was dancing over the tables] or also the "Ten Bar" ....fantastic nights ........... I also saw some of his performances in late 90's with 'The Mouth' [acoustic sets], although few people turned up I have to say I always enjoyed him playing live.
He was a nice fella and a charming man [and a huge Beatles fan too!] ...and he would not let me pay any drink/round.......I won’t forget his hugs everytime he meet me...they were honest ...like him .....

I will always remember last time I saw Bryan ......despite of hang around sometimes with him I was totally unaware of his collaboration with Mark Burgess on the past [I am a big Chameleons fan] and he never mentioned to me , so one early morning staying at his place [I remember perfectly that night , as it was really funny cuz he didn’t have central heating in the house then, so he was breaking to pieces the place furniture with an axe to warm up us a bit].....well the thing is while I was peeping on his record collection, I saw the 'Zima Junction ' album and ' Tony Fletcher 12" ' vinyl too [Chameleons collectors know how much it's worth] , so I asked him 'You like the Chameleons mate?' and , to my surprise , he replied ' oh yeah, I used to play with Mark in the past'.......When I told him I liked that band , he gave me without to think it twice, and after insisting me a lot, both copies and a single from 'The mouth', which were the only ones he had.... ..I won’t forget that ever. Now they are even more valuable to me.........
Wherever you are I’m sure I will meet you again.... as soon as I leave this planet earth.....

See you again brother........

Still Shocked

___________________________________________________

Please send your memories and stories to bryaninfo@gmail.com

Martin Flanagan

2006-01-31T11:09:00.000Z

Awful news. Only met Bryan a couple of times through a mutual friend but a very nice and interesting guy; also very talented. When I heard this last night I started to hear Bryan's songs off Mark Burgess' 'Zima Junction' LP go through my head...will be playing that album today.

Emma Williams

2006-01-31T10:42:00.000Z

My one outstanding memory of Bryan is a beautiful vision of him flying gracefully through the air in the arms of another man ….

There was a small gathering in the Temple of Convenience, it was after hours and most people had left but Nic, myself, Bryan, Paul, Mark and Maxi were still there drinking, chatting and dancing. For those of you that have had the pleasure of dancing with Mr Glancy you will remember having your hand taken, not a word spoken, and being held and twirled to any number of songs of any tempo, usually still with your drink and cigarette in hand … it was always a joy, even if it was a little precarious.

That night enough alcoholic beverage had been consumed for “I’ve had the time of my life” to be played on the Juke box and the inevitable phrase of “catch me” was recklessly banded about. So first we had Nicole in her ungraceful state run towards Paul, his hands went around her waist and her feet, just, lifted off the floor … hmm, two attempts later and she realised that she had been defeated. As the better dancer of the two of us I decided to get up to demonstrate how in fact this should be done. I seem to remember Paul and I collapsing in a heap on the floor.

As all the boys were forced to realise falling over whilst dancing was nothing to dwell upon you just had to pick yourself up, dust a little ash off your clothing and start over. As Paul was dusting himself off and Nic and I were planning our next move, Bry had another idea. I can just imagine him now sat at the table, whiskey in hand thinking it was time to put a stop to such stupid antics. Without a word he got up, moved girls and chairs with a wave of his hand and slowly walked to the back of the Temple. He gave Paul the nod and with an incredible lightness of step he ran towards Paul, who took Bry by the waist and lifted him gracefully in to the air where Bry lay perfectly outstretched above Paul’s head before slowly being released back down to the ground. Needless to say Bry sat down without a word and resumed his whiskey drinking whilst we all sat there stunned by the beauty and grace that he had just shown us.

Hope you are dancing with the angels Bry All my

Love Em xxx

Mick Middles

2006-01-30T21:31:00.000Z

“So sorry to hear that. I was off work last week so only just got your message. I liked Bryan very much...one of the old gang -I always think of the old gang being a whole bunch of people from yourself to Bryan, John Bramwell, Henry Normal, Chris Coupe … well, you know what I mean. Some are superstars now but, whatever. It was a big pool of talent and Bryan was up there with the best of that bunch. Great days ....

cheers...mick”

Taken with permission from an email to Darren Poyzer

Jay Taylor

2006-01-30T19:46:00.000Z

Bryan made me feel embarrassed. I'd played plenty of live shows and I'd lost count of all those various gigs in various acts. But never solo - never me, my battered guitar and the crowd. So I told him "I feel I should have done this"..."Yeah, you should have" he said. And our ages are close so it was doubly embarrassing. So he forces and issue for me via some kind hearted bullying and I take the step. God knows how many shows behind me and I'm doing something brand new to me.

I’d first shared a bill with Bryan maybe ten? fifteen? years ago at the Band on the Wall – he had a spot in the middle of a Mark Burgess set and an old combo of mine were opening up – I was a side man back then, wholly different to a me, myself and I solo set. Over the past few years we played a lot together (with some trepidation on my part – I was a fan you see). We bolstered our sometimes-meagre fanbases by pooling crowds – hey, it may be a crummy turn out but at least we are among friends with drinks in our hands right? And I got to see Bryan and the incomparable Graham Clark play – I never tired of that.

Our last show together turned out to be Bryan’s last show. He was superb that night. Effortlessly melodic, eloquent, funny and smart. A heaven sent gift right there.

I’m going to miss those shows. Even shows like that pretty extraordinary Stoke experience mentioned in Mr Guy Lovelady’s missive down below. I’m going to miss those damn fine songs. I’m going to miss Bryan appearing randomly in my office doorway at Night&Day with something great to say. Hell, I’m going to miss this wonderful man.

Guy Lovelady

2006-01-30T16:17:00.000Z

I only met Bryan this century, although I was aware of the enigma from his "Manchester Busker" days in the early 90's. The weirdest thing was that when we met, introduced by Peter from I am Kloot, I found out that I knew his dad really well. Ken was a referee in the Manchester amateur football scene and I had had lots of dealings with him. I had never made the connection.

Over the years Bryan and I got into a lot of parallel scrapes: money (or lack of it) was a common problem for both of us, music - I forced him to play the Hard Rock Cafe (he hated it), dragged him semi conscious to Stoke (a legendary night) as well as exotic trips to foreign Climes - well Dublin.

In all that time i never really got as close as I did in the first 2 hours we talked at the contact theatre, never felt like I was as close a friend as I would have possibly liked.

I now find myself with a big gap in my life even though he occupied a Bryan sized area when he was here, because I know that I wasn't able to help him to the most important thing he craved. That was the recognition for his musical gifts. His writing, his tunes, his cock-eyed delivery were all very unique to him. But his humour was the thing that set him apart for me.

When he played me "Morphine" for my first time I asked him what it was all about. "It was about the time when Man United got relegated to division two" He always knew his audience and knew how to get the laugh with his wit and wisdom.

Last week was just a nightmare but hopefully he is up there, having a good time, networking and gigging. Hopefully in the next life he gets the recognition he both wanted and deserved.

Darren Poyzer

2006-01-29T21:18:00.000Z

The very first time I met Bryan Glancy was at Arches in Manchester, at one of my very first gigs. Having played a stinker I was alone at the bar, when Bryan came over to introduce himself and console me with kind words, support and warm conversation. He made me feel like I belonged when having left the stage to a cold reception, I felt like I just needed to leave and go home.

When someone you've never met takes the time to get to know you, when you are at alow ebb, it is something you never forget.

Had some really shit news today, and it's hard to get your head round this when it happens. Bryan Glancy, aged late 30's, died on Friday. Found these words on the 'I am Kloot' forum:

"Bryan was a close friend of just about everybody in
the Manchester Music scene and his popularity was only matched by the darkness and sensitivty of his songwriting"

I personally am of course a little lost for words as I knew Bryan well as a kindred spirit, even though I've not seen him for a little while. He was amongst the very very first songwriters to play The Witchwood, a venue I managed for 10 years, and was an integral member of a very special circle of friends who inspired me to promote live music, and who made the very first Stereo Graffiti Thursday nights so special.

It's a shocker, and a very very sad time for the our music community, as it is for all music communities when we lose someone so very special.

Steve O'Donoghue

2006-01-29T18:35:00.000Z

From what I knew of Bryan, he was a charming guy and always a pleasure to talk to.

When I was in Salvatore we actually gate crashed his gig at The Boardwalk. Just turned up with our gear and asked to play. Johnny Dangerously was on the bill that night also. I remember Johnny and Bryan coming over saying they enjoyed the set. I wish I could have got him to gatecrash a gig of mine.

He was a very talented song writer who, for some reason, didn't enjoy the success of some of his peers. He was good friends with David Gray and enjoyed some success in Mouth, a band he formed with I Am Kloot's John Bramwell.

I saw Mouth play at the Cavern in Ashton Under Lyne one Saturday afternoon, and that was the last time I heard Bryan perform. The last time I spoke to him was outside the Band On The Wall, trying to persuade me and a friend of mine, James to go for a drink with him and John.Now in the cold light of day I regret to say I declined the invite............

God bless you Bryan

January 21 2006 - Saturday Afternoon

2006-01-27T12:51:00.000Z

I received a phone "sorry I've just had some really bad news" call. "Bryan's dead".

There was a stunned silence.

Bryan Glancy was no more. He lived his life to the full and finished too early for mine or anybody else's liking. The following week has been filled with tears and the odd laugh, remembering what he did, what he meant, what he said, what he sang and wondering why it had to end too soon.

The blog is a meeting point for people to come and pay a visit, enjoy each other's Bryan stories and memories and thank whoever we thank for a very special life.

You can get us at bryaninfo@gmail.com