Chris Curtis

The death of Chris Curtis, founding member of The Searchers, on February 28, 2005, did not simply sadden fans of that most scintillating of the British Invasion/Merseybeat bands. It also left a gaping hole within the ranks of rock's most fascinating eccentrics, the drummer, vocalist, and so-charismatic frontman who once delivered his own epitaph of sorts when he admitted, "People who don't know me well may think I'm off my cake."



Others have agreed with him, both before and after his death. But it was former Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham who delivered the most touching eulogy, following the announcement of Curtis' passing. He was, mourned Oldham, "a sweetheart under all the madness."



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