Gary Devreede was passionate about music: a keen guitarist and band member. He regularly attended gigs, and formed many of his friendships and relationships through music. When Gary passed away suddenly in June last year, his close friend Andy Cooper chose to honour his memory by raising money for Youth Music. This year, along with Gary’s family and friends, Andy helped to organise a memorial gig. He shares a few words about Gary and the gig here:
“Gary and I both lived in Stafford for most of the time I knew him, although he did move to Manchester to pursue a career in graphic design in 2012. We met through music: we both played in local punk bands, and were both guitarists. I guess the thing that drew me to Gary was not only his taste in music and guitars, but also his sense of fun and fearless attitude. He was the sort of person who you’d have adventures with rather than just spending time together."
“As time moved on I started to see Gary as a close friend… then best friend… and then brother. He was best man at my wedding, and one of the first people I called when my daughter Edith was born. However, I know I’m not alone in this view of Gary - there are a huge number of people in Stafford, Stoke, Manchester and beyond who have the same fond memories, and stronger than your average friendship feelings for him.
“Last year, Gary's father Terry asked me to help out with the funeral. One of the decisions I was asked to make was to find a suitable charity for donations. I instantly knew it must be about music.
Music was at the centre of everything that Gary did.
"At the time of his death he was in a band called Hartheim, who by all accounts were starting to make waves in the Manchester alternative scene. The thought of his donations going to Youth Music and helping other young people to access the unique social circle that music provides was a big deciding factor. Gary would have been really interested in children being encouraged to use instruments, and making instruments available to those who wouldn’t ordinarily have access."
“This year, we held a concert on Saturday 2 April at The Grapes music venue in Stafford. The event was organised by Terry - supported by his wife Rita - and the members of Pontius Pilate. We’re a number of Gary’s best friends (me, Alex Shercliff, Adam Probert, Jamie Wheeler and Dean Nash) and we formed the band specifically to play the gig.
“On the night we also had Big Checka (Andrew Kilpatrick), Death of Rats (Al James) and event headliners Maus Kramp. The event was a huge success. We had around 200 people attending, and there seemed to be something for everyone musically, from the Billy Bragg stylings of Death of Rats through to the driving synth punk of Maus Kramp. The feedback was amazing with people saying that it felt like a fitting tribute to Gary, because the event was music-based and so well attended by those who loved him.”
We are hugely grateful to Andy, Terry, Rita, Nicole Broad and family, and the rest of Gary’s family and friends for their support of Youth Music. Their efforts have so far raised an incredible £897.50 in Gary’s memory, donated through his tribute page.