A massive loss to the music world. Ron was a first rate player whose style was enormously influential. I know from first hand experience that he was held in the highest of esteem by his fellow musicians.
I first saw him playing in local bands around the area in the late 60's : River's Invitation, for example, played at our school, Whitby Grammar, and also at my College of Ed. I guess that Coverdale would have been in the line-up.
In 72 I went to Blakey one night to see Back Door after reading about them in the local press and was, like so many others, astonished at the sheer power and musicianship of this incredble trio. I saw them many times after this and never lost my admiration for their work. Everything that needs to be said about them has been covered by so many others so all I can add is an unshakeable belief that the likes of Back Door were never seen before and will never be heard again. Thank God and Brian Jones we have the albums and CD's. I shall treasure my original Blakey LP forever !
Rest in peace Ron.
Anon. Middlesbrough.
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