Tributes paid to talented musician Boo
TRIBUTES have been paid to a wellknown musician who ‘played every venue in Rossendale’.
Singer-songwriter Boo Long, 51, from Bacup, died suddenly and unex- pectedly overnight between Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21.
He was a regular sight on stages across the borough and could play an array of musical instruments including the guitar, violin, accordion, flute and piano.
Boo - real name Andrew Long - was a member of bands Pie and Cosmic Slop and among his regular venues were Rosemount Working Men’s Club, in Stacksteads, and the Conservative Club, at Cloughfold.
The family say a post mortem found he died of natural causes, and Lancashire Coroners Court said there would be no inquest.
Close friend Tom Winstanley, 57, said: “He was a very talented musician and very generous with his time. He would show other people how things worked and he loved playing, he must have played every venue in the valley.
“As a friend he was very generous and very straightforward, you knew where you were with him.”
Boo, of Crimea Street, was born in Edenfield and attended Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.
He had been a support worker and also enjoyed fixing cars and other vehicles. He was particularly fond of scooters and Volkswagen Camper Vans.
As well as playing music - chiefly northern guitar folk - Boo enjoyed reading, history, painting and was interested in antiques.
In addition to playing in Rossendale he would also appear further afield and at festivals such as the Ribble Valley Musical Festival. He leaves mum Jane, dad Ian, and many family and friends.
Jodie Long, who is married to his cousin, said: “He was intelligent and talented, he played almost every instrument.
“He was never happier then when at a gig. If you are from Rossendale then you will have seen him perform. Boo was a happy, smiling person and would speak to anyone.
“He was very knowledgeable so he could talk about anything.”
Friend and fellow musician Ben Egg, 44, said: “He was good at anything he turned his hand to and he would leave any room with more friends than when he entered.”
A funeral was due to take place on Thursday, August 2, starting in the Chapel of Rest, at Anthony Johnson Funeral Services, Market Street, Bacup, at 2.15pm followed by a service at Burnley Crematorium at 3pm.