It was 'bout 10am last Sunday morning, I was selling at the record fair in Huddersfield and my phone rang. It was Craig Butler who said "I've got some bad news". I replied "Go on - who is it this time"?

"Chris Shepherd from Rochdale" he replied.

Chris was a man I seem to have known for ever, a real likeable man that I'd never heard say a bad word about anyone. I'd say he was a good lad and would call him a good mate. Over the years I'd spent a lot of time with him in various record bars of the north and he was always keen to talk about all things vinyl. A man that really loved his records and a man that really knew his 45's. He was at every Wilton all-nighter and places like Lowton, infact anywhere that played good rare soul music. Unfortunately both our paths took a different turn and I probably haven't seen him in the last 10 years or so. I always wondered when I'd see him again but sadly that day will never come.

Chris Shepherd (the Rochdale Cowboy) and the only man I knew that had a Rochdale FC season ticket.

Always remember him telling me a story about a mate of his that many years ago once gave him a copy of James Lately on Temple along with the words "You'll like this Chris it's shit, it's too slow".

Take care old buddy where ever you may be.

Derek x

Photo taken at Soul Essence April 2004

(L-R) Pele, Pete Mason, Me, Chris Shepherd.

Out for a few drinks with 3 great lads.

I love them all to bits but boy can they drone on about all things vinyl.

Between the 3 of them they can probably name every B side to 80% of all soul records released between 1964 and 1978.
 

Edited December 5, 20195 yr by Derek Pearson

Dreadful news, Derek.

Only sold him a 45 around 6 weeks ago and had a chat via PMs.

A nice guy.

Awful news,RIP Chris

So sad x

 

Rest in peace Chris.  Until we meet again, sleep well

Steve 

Looking good in that pic, always made me laugh, funny bloke. Sad indeed. 

A great lad with great taste

r.i.p.

Sad news r.i.p

Sad news Derek

Good Weekends had at Soul Essence when i used to go down there With Jeff and Ann Langton and Henry Atkinson.

All the banter we all used to have when they used to have the Soul Quiz, You Know, North V South And all that, Happy Times.

R.I.P. Chris.

Sad news that.

RIP Chris

Sad news.

R.I.P. Chris. 

R.I.P. Mate

Just heard the funeral is on the 30th Dec. Don't know where though.

Here's some more details for anybody that's interested:

The funeral will take place on Monday 30th December @ 11.10am at Rochdale Crematorium, Bury Road, OL11 4DG.

Followed by a wake at Rochdale Football Club, Spotland Road, OL11 5DR.

If you intend going to the wake please let Pete Thorp know (for catering purposes).

Ta Derek