Brum loses big brass man
mainWe have been informed of the sudden death of Danny Longstaff, second trombone of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra for 18 years and a much-loved figure who set up a hostelry, the Fiddle and Bone, while still playing in the orchestra. Danny was 63. Our sympathies to his family and colleagues.
Great musician and man with superb ideas.
Only the miserable people of Symphony Court and the Council deprived us of his and Mark’s vision.
He is missed
“Fiddle and Bone” – perhaps not Peter Donohoe’s favourite watering hole then….
I have spent many months trying to work out what this comment means, but I have failed. Any chance you could let me in on it, Paul?
A huge loss to Birmingham’s musical community – and shockingly sudden. Danny wasn’t even retirement age. A great character, Rattle’s second trombone for so many years, a man who got things done, and always terrific company. Until it was silenced by NIMBYs the Fiddle and Bone was one of the best musicians’ pubs in the UK.
I had the privelidge of working alongside Danny in the MU orchestra department for the last two years. Always full of ideas and energy, Danny was a great comrade in arms. Even when confronted with the most intransigent of orchestral problems, Danny remained clear headed and kept his sense of humour. A great trombonist, union official and, although not widely advertised, plumber and installer of bathrooms and kitchens as many a musician friend will testify. Farewell my good friend.
Really shocked to hear this very sad news. Danny always brought a sense of balance and pragmatism to negotiations between OOTS and the MU, able to see the way forward in everyone’s interest. We’ll miss him and thoughts to his family
So sorry about Danny. I played along side of him for many years on trumpet in the C.B.S.O. He was a marvelous player and colleague. always the life and sole of the party.If a gang of us were out having a drink and there was a lull in the joking he would say ; come on lads, lets join hands and join the land of the living; If only, R.I.P. Danny, Alan and Mieke Whitehead .