Funeral of Charlotte boss Andy to pass old music venue
CODA: CORTEGE TO DRIVE PAST ON FRIDAY
THE funeral procession of former Princess Charlotte manager Andy Wright will pass by the iconic former live music venue in Leicester this week.
Friends and family will gather on Friday to say their last goodbyes to the influential promoter, who died last month, aged 60.
Andy, pictured, was best known as manager of the former city centre pub and gig venue, later rechristened The Charlotte, from 1989 through to its closure in 2010.
His love of music is credited with cementing its legendary status on the UK’s independent music scene - and Leicester’s part in it.
Radiohead, Oasis, Primal Scream, The La’s, Spiritualized, The Killers, The Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines and The Stone Roses were just some of the famous bands who cut their teeth playing to crowds at the fondlyremembered Oxford Street venue. Others who played there included punk pioneers The Buzzcocks, and future stadium-fillers Coldplay and Leicester’s Kasabian – then known as Saracuse.
The pub, which was extended to create a purpose-built music venue in the nineties, was eventually sold by brewery Punch Taverns in 2009, and closed its doors for good a year later.
Its upstairs became flats and, although it briefly reopened as a real ale bar in 2015, it is now home to an Oriental supermarket.
The old Charlotte sign remains on the building where Andy, who died on Monday, July 4, had helped to create such marvellous memories for generations of gig-goers. Although he went on to organise events at numerous other music venues in the city, most recently at Duffy’s Bar, in Pocklingtons Walk, he will always be remembered in the city as “Andy Charlotte”.
Speaking to the Mercury back in 2010, he said the buzz for him was “getting loads of people in the same room” supporting the gigs. “That made my life doing that,” he said.
“It was awesome.”
Andy’s family has now confirmed the arrangements for his funeral service. It will be held at noon on Friday, at South Leicestershire Crematorium, in Countesthorpe.
There will be one last visit, however, to the former music venue where he dedicated more than 20 years of his life.
In a statement, the family said: “The funeral procession will be driving past Andy’s beloved Charlotte at 11.20am. Anyone that is unable to attend the service is welcome to attend there to see Andy off on his last journey.
“All friends are welcome at the crematorium and onwards to Firebug (Millstone Lane, Leicester) to join us for a celebration of his life,” they added. “We kindly ask that no flowers are brought on the day but donations to Cancer Research are welcome.” Tributes poured in following Andy’s death. He had been in poor health for a number of years, but it still came as a shock to many.
Friend Billy Penman said: “A top bloke who I was lucky to class as a mate. We had some laughs mate, shame we never did get to spend a summer travelling. Rest easy pal.”
Many others took the opportunity to reflect and reminisce on their happy memories of nights out watching bands at The Charlotte, praising Andy for his role in helping to make them happen.
Vanessa Horrell said: “Spent most of my youth there. So many amazing rock
The old Charlotte sign remains on the building where Andy helped to create marvellous memories for gig-goers
bands played there. Lovely man.” Alex Scott added: “Sad news...used to spend nearly all my time and measly income at The Charlotte back in the day. Andy was a great guy.”
Stayfree Music wrote on its Facebook page: “‘We are very sad to hear the news of Andy Wright passing. We worked with him when he promoted Lock 42 from 2010 – 2014, then he had office space with us for a couple of years after. My very first gig was at the Charlotte in 2007 and Ian Redhead
(Stayfree Music) had ‘The Fabulous Hunters Club’ returns at the Charlotte in 2008.
“He did great things for the Leicester music scene and we will all feel the impact of his loss, professional and personally.”