Norma Waterson

[Nigel w]

So, with reference to Chris' initial request, that's a "no" then?

A month later what would be the point?

She was ill. One of the world's most famous newspapers thought she was important enough to prepare half a page for her, if the worst case should befall. It didn't, thank God, and she's now on the mend, Chris tell us. Everybody happy and ''good times'', as Eliza says.

[Jonathan E.]

. . .
Since Norma, in the last month I've also been asked to prepare an obit on Nile Rodgers, who recently underwent surgery for cancer, and to update the David Bowie obit, on a fresh bout of rumours that he is seriously ill. Over recent times I've also done Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty and countless others who are still with us. . . .

Who's doing yours then?

Just a bit of cheek. Actually interesting how well prepared the media is for these eventualities although I knew there are some sort of preparedness plans in place. How could you produce a meaningful tribute otherwise? Anyway, here's hoping you get to rewrite Norma's obit many times!

[Nigel w]

Many readers will be aware that Norma Waterson has been critically ill in hospital for the past three months. Last November, towards the end of the brilliant 'Gift' tour, Norma got an infection in her knee. She went to the closest hospital, Warrington, where they prescribed strong antibiotics, to be taken as an in-patient. Two days later she was on dialysis and a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit. Our dear Norma has been in the ICU for 11 weeks! with Martin by her side, loving her and making sure she is getting all the necessary attention.

She has at last been moved to an ordinary ward, but the journey back to normality will be a long climb; of course if she could climb there'd be no problem, but after 12 weeks in bed there's not much of her body that has any muscle power at all. And having had a tracheotomy in her throat for most of that time, she's not even talking or eating normally yet.

As well as an appalling physical and emotional situation for the family, there is the little matter of finance when the breadwinners are unable to work (Martin has only been able to do 3 or 4 gigs in all that time!). Some of their friends in music - being able now to think about the future rather than just the present - have realised what an awful extra burden this has/will consitute, and are organising benefit events. Keep your eyes and your purses open, and please consider the possiblities for your club or organisation. We will try to liaise with all such organisers, and with Alan Bearman, their Agent, to see that things go smoothly, and don't clash with each other. If you do consider organising some kind of benefit event, please let us know.

Rod and Danny Stradling - 3.2.11
rod@mustrad.org.uk or danny@mustrad.org.uk

[howard male]

I don’t think anyone was saying you shouldn’t do your job, Nigel. I think they were just suggesting you kept quiet about it. Ironically, by defending yourself, you’ve now got this “Bowie fan boy” (as Garth once called me) all worried about his favourite pop star. Here’s hoping for a reassuring update on Old Odd Eyes soon.

[Nigel w]

I wouldn't worry about Bowie, Howard. Everyone knows he had a serious illness a year or two back but I don't think he is in jeopardy. I get a call every three or four months from someone at the paper saying there is some new rumour of his imminent demise and asking me if his obit needs updating. It's just the internet rumour mill being silly, I think. Like that story a while back that Paul Weller had been killed in a car crash. I got asked on that one, too, and it was all rubbish.

And I wasn't ''defending'' anything. I was explaining standard newspaper practice. Ironically, I believe the broadsheet you write for is the only one that doesn't prepare on a widespread basis in this way and will not pay for an obit until they have verified the subject is actually deceased...although I am sure even your employers will have maded an exception for Mandela and will have a lengthy obit ready to run.

By the way, the only living person whose obit I've written who ever had the nerve to ask to see it was Mick Jagger. But that's another story!

[Des]

I wouldn't have though Bowie needed an update to his obit, i.e nothing after Heroes.

[AndyM]

'China Girl'. 'Hello Spaceboy'. Iman. Internet. Heart attack. Live Aid (tarting about with Jagger in that video). Tin Machine.

Non-chronological order.

[Des]

NIge misses out on Neil Young's demise shock.


http://www.longislandpress.com/2011/02/ ... ies-at-66/

[Jonathan E.]

. . . By the way, the only living person whose obit I've written who ever had the nerve to ask to see it was Mick Jagger. But that's another story!

Carly Simon should add a verse to that song of hers.

[gary booth]

Hope she is on the mend. I got perturbed because I was asked by a national newspaper to prepare an obit...

I think, but who am I to judge Nigel, that your very short reply and it's main point and the subsequent distaste felt by several people leads to a concern that the posting is more about oneself than Norma. It's no wonder you seem to go to some lengths to defend this possible accusation.