Rob Collins, the great Hammond Wizzard
with The Charlatans died in a car accident on the 23rd of July,1996 on his way to Rockfield Studios for recording. It
has been said that the handbrakes of his BMW were faulty. At the time of his passing away, it has been also said that most
of the band members were either at the studios or at home after a late night out in Wales. Collins had a daughter Emily with
his ex-wife.
Collins had brought with him a special flavour to
the band. Having started playing the piano at a very early age, he was incredibly good at it. He preffered to differ though,
he was particularly interested in the Hammond Organ, which was widely used in the sixties.
To this day, many Charlatans fans since Rob's
death still miss greatly the whirring and flowing sounds of the Hammond Organ.
"Some Friendly" was an inspiration to many and
needless to say Rob Collins has also inspired many, getting people interested in the Hammond Organ again.
But let us face it, Rob Collins was fucking
brilliant at it and nobody could have done a much better job than he did.
On the 11th and 12th of August, 1996, The Charlatans
decided to go ahead with the plans and performed as the supporting acts for Oasis. In the meantime, Primal Scream's Martin
Duffy stepped in to help them until they recruited Tony Rogers.
Through the years, the band have been stricken
with bad luck more than enough. Sadly, this must have been their worst experience to date.
Rob Collins will be greatly missed. Everytime
we hear the sounds of the Hammond Organ or listen to the albums, we shall forever miss his talent that has brought so much
joy to millions. This is a big dedication to a great man with a beautiful soul and his talent still shines on.
This space below has been left empty for all
of you fans like me that have been touched by Rob Collins' talent. Please share your experiences and emotions about this man.
Another page will be coming up soon with your comments.
May he rest in peace.....
