Tributes paid to Alan Leslie, who was 'a huge inspiration to Caithness musicians'
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ALAN Leslie, who has died at the age of 76, was "a huge inspiration to Caithness musicians". He was also described as "one of a kind" and "a charismatic character who lived life to the full" in tributes following his death at Leeds General Infirmary on August 9.
Johnny McLeod, who comes from Castletown but now lives in Inverness, knew Alan for many years and said he was "a dear friend."
Alan was born and brought up in Thurso but later moved south and lived and worked in Aberdeen, Southampton and Watford before settling in Leeds.
Mr McLeod said: "He was well known to many in Caithness, especially to the music fraternity, having played for a time with the late Johnny Fats back in the day. He played harmonica and sang. Although a great lover of the blues, he was so knowledgeable on other genres of music and his eclectic taste ranged from rock 'n' roll to soul, to reggae, ska, cajun, Tex Mex, Western swing, punk and even rap. He was also always keen to hear any news of the local band scene, and if there were ever any conversations about music going on, then Alan would be in the thick of it. His awareness and knowledge of modern music was second to none, and he was never happier than when talking about it, a huge influencer on so many who came into his circle, including myself."
Mr McLeod added: "Alan was like a wandering Wurlitzer juke box, whatever musical selections you wanted, he was there at the ready, and probably could name every member in the band.
"Alan was a larger than life charismatic character who lived life to the full. There are some folk in our lives that we feel will keep going on forever, but time inevitably has the final word. He has left an indelible mark on all who knew and loved him."
Ian Sinclair, who plays in The Barracuda Boogie Band and organises the Live Jive events in the Park Hotel in Thurso, said: "Alan was a huge inspiration to Caithness musicians and had a great influence on the local music scene. He had a vast collection of records which he generously shared with us. He was always at least one step ahead of the trends and introduced us to many American artists / bands including James Brown and other acts. Back in the sixties when we had Eileen and The Talismen he often suggested good numbers that would suit our band. He continued to encourage us and suggest good material every time we met when he came up to Caithness."
Mr Sinclair added: "Although Alan did not play in bands, I think he did sing with a band for a time. However, he will be best remembered as an inspiration and encouraging supporter of live music in Caithness."
Robbie Manson, a lifelong friend, said Alan was at the forefront when it came to spotting musical and fashion trends. He described Alan as "one of a kind" and someone who "definitely made an impact in Thurso."
Robbie played bass in bands in Caithness, Aberdeen and elsewhere in the UK and Alan was "always a staunch supporter" of whatever he did musically and even promoted a few gigs for one of Robbie's bands.
"Then our respective paths diverged for some years when communication became infrequent. But when I got married he was there, and since then we communicated almost every week, the conversation obviously mostly about music, with a lot of laughs in between.
"We saw each other every few years, latterly every August in Thurso, the highlight of the trip being our mutual friend Ian Sinclair’s (Live Jive) gig at The Park Hotel. I will miss our weekly conversations, he never failed to make the call. My lifelong friend has gone but I know he’ll be making an impact wherever he is."
Davie Bridge, who grew up with Alan, described him as " a very good friend."
He said: "Alan was a big influence on local bands and his knowledge of music was second to none. He was also ahead of his time when it came to fashion. We enjoyed each others company and always had a laugh."
Robbie, Ian and Johnny, along with Donnie Williamson put together a musical tribute to Alan a few years ago called Move Along Leslie.
Alan was born in Thurso on the December 13,1946, the elder of two sons to Alec and Ella Leslie of Oldfield Terrace, Thurso. His younger brother John passed away a number of years ago. Alan lived and worked in several cities in the UK before moving to Leeds where he met his second wife Adela Debizz from Krakow, in Poland. They had two sons, Duane and Dean but, tragically, Dean lost his life in a house fire in Leeds along with his mother.
Alan is survived by his third wife Anna, Duane, and Daryl to a previous marriage.
