The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)

Dundee accordioni­st Arthur Spink

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One of Dundee’s most treasured musical sons has died at the age of 74.

Esteemed accordion player Arthur Spink passed away in Australia on Thursday morning, where he had lived with his family for close to 40 years.

Traditiona­l Scots musician Arthur regularly delighted crowds across Scotland with his talents.

Arthur and fellow performer Dennis Clancy played at numerous venues and produced countless albums.

Homegrown talent Arthur’s final performanc­e in Dundee’s Whitehall Theatre before setting off for Australia was described as a “tremendous and emotional” evening of music.

According to close family friend Jacqui Croal, Arthur will be best remembered for his sense of humour as well as his undoubted musical talent.

Ms Croal, who knew Arthur and his wife Ray for more than four decades, said: “Arthur always had gigs on. He was involved in music from a very early stage

“Lots of younger musicians looked up to Arthur as the greatest. He was terrific and a very good accordion player.

“Arthur was the funniest person I ever knew. He was just an entertaine­r.”

Such was Ms Croal’s friendship with Arthur, the talented musician penned a tribute to his long-term friend.

Ms Croal revealed: “He phoned me up and told me: ‘I’ve written something for you’.

“He called it ‘Jacqui and Sandy Strachan’ and let me hear it. “It was a good tune. “Arthur and I phoned each other every couple of months. He came over about eight years ago for his son’s wedding and stayed with me.

“When he came over he actually said: ‘I wish I was back here again’.

“Dundee should definitely be proud of him. Arthur loved being back in his native city. He liked his city very much.”

 ??  ?? Arthur Spink with one of his albums.
Arthur Spink with one of his albums.

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