John Mayhew Memorial Thread.

[Danlaw83]

We can continue it right here

On a side and serious note. I was speaking with David and today is the funeral so send all positive energy to the family and the friends!

[martinus]

Originally Posted by Danlaw83

We can continue it right here

On a side and serious note. I was speaking with David and today is the funeral so send all positive energy to the family and the friends!

I watched the Trespass interviews from the green box. It is, of course, not entirely fair to judge their statements about John from today's point of view. If they gave those interviews today I am sure some of them would express themselves differently if only because of nil nisi bene.
It was touching how Ant went to quite some lengths to put right the sort of distorted image history has drawn of John Mayhew in Genesis. One sentence I found to be particularly truthful: (I paraphrase) "John's position in the band's history is overshadowed by the fact that he was 'the drummer before Phil Collins'".
And it occurred to me that John Mayhew was the right drummer for the band when he joined Genesis. With him on the drums (as they all agree in Chapter & Verse) they grew into a band and found the courage to experiment and also found what would become their trademark sound. At the end of his tenure with Genesis the band had grown so much in all aspects that they were ready for "the next level" drummer-wise. John Mayhew was, in a way, the catalyst that kicked off the developments to come.

[Danlaw83]

I know a lot of us do not have access to the O.G Forum, so I thought I would post something from a first hand view of Mr. Mayhew's funeral! Very moving!

The hearse arrived at the house John lived at in Glasgow for the last months of his life at 12:15pm.
I followed the hearse and family car in my car.
When I arrived at the crematorium I was asked to carry Johns casket.
I was honoured.
I agreed.
As I carried John in 'Looking For Someone' was playing (blasting!).
I must admit, it was one of the most emotional moments of my life.
As I laid him down, I lost it.

John was brought up through the Church of England, the service was conducted by a Church of Scotland female minister.
Although she did not personally know John she spoke very well of him and spoke of what John achieved through his life.
Genesis obviously centered this involvement.
We sung Amazing Grace and Abide With Me.

There was a wreath from Peter, and a large display of Lilies from Tony, Mike and Richard McP.

There were a handful of us from the forum in attendance who had asked me in advance if it was OK to attend.
There were four people who John and I worked with in the workshop as well as about a dozen people who were 'friends' of Johns.

Very difficult day.
I lost mt own grandparents last year, only 5 weeks apart, this was equaly upsetting.
It was a private funeral, I and the other members of the forum who attended, represented the fans worldwide.
I reflected on my own memories of John.
I found it hard.
I ask that none of us forget John's involvement in the band.

Difficult to put into words.
The other members there made things a lot easier, we had a good chat afterwards that let me get a lot off my chest (thanks lads I appreciate it!).

David

[JerseyJoker]

Originally Posted by Danlaw83

I know a lot of us do not have access to the O.G Forum, so I thought I would post something from a first hand view of Mr. Mayhew's funeral! Very moving!

Hey, Dan, great post, thank you for sharing this.

Reading that really helped bring it home.

Wow, looking back, as you get older, and friends or people who shaped your life pass on ... mortality sucks. Started (for me, anyway) when Keith Moon died back in Sept '78. I think I started really paying attention then.

Like they say: Life's a bitch ... then you die.

Well... have a nice day, everyone!!

[Visionsofangels]

Oh god, that story has brought tears to my eyes..Thanks for sharing that Dan and please pass on our heartfelt thanks to David too for sharing with us what would have been a very special and sombre day.

I can't tell you how touched i was to read about the wreath from Peter and the flowers from Tony, Mike & Richard McPhail, such lovely gestures for a guy who meant a lot to so many people...My eyes welled up when i read what was being played as they carried him into the crematorium..it's so sad.

RIP John.... Thank you for 'Trespass' you may be gone but you'll never be forgotten.

[jebho62]

Very touching account Dan...good job...thanks for posting....

[TinaS]

Wow. What a very personal tribute to John. David, thank you for including us fans to such a private memorial. Heaven has many of music's finest, and John being one of them.

[Danlaw83]

John Mayhew

In reference to the above topic, I have been through two deaths within two weeks of each other, both considerably close to me. VERY

I am not looking for words from anybody, but I needed to say this...

All of the stupid things I said, though I knew where I was coming from, just didn't need to be said or fought about. A person died and to someone he was the world.

I lost a close friend and fellow FireFighter. MY mother lost a husband and I lost a step father. It is the hardest thing I have had to deal with, and it is close to impossible for me. I do not know how I am getting through each day. Again, I am not looking for attention or condolences, I just understand this more now than before, and I am a douchbag!

[martinus]

Dan,

I wanted to say something to help and console you, but words don't come easy to me, and so I have erased it all to simply say: I wish I could make it easier for you.