John Ellis

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

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

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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P J Hakimi

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

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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Sandy Gort

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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Graham Clark

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

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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Phil Almond

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

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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Maxine Noar

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.


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Alexander King

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.



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David Justin Goldich

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.

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Tony Wright

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
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Michael Elder

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.

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Bryan's Music

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

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Aaron

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

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