GOODBYE, JOHN THE SONG
...PORTHCAWL’S GOING TO MISS YOU:
A BUSKER who was celebrated for putting a smile on the face of his hometown has died.
Popular Porthcawl busker John Evans, known locally as John the Song, passed away last week.
He was well-known in Porthcawl thanks to his regular busking outside Sidoli’s – although he never performed for money. But he also made quite an impression when he auditioned for X Factor.
A maths tutor, John, 61, hit the headlines when TV judge Simon Cowell branded his version of Tom Jones’ Help Yourself “horrendous” on the popular TV show.
But John went on to collaborate with Music Wales to record the song and make a video.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media for the popular Porthcawl singer, with some people calling for a memorial to the popular busker in his memory.
Donna Pearce-Cundle said: “He personified Porthcawl for many.... quirky, friendly and full of fun. I reckon we should have a bench or something in John Street in his honour and as a lasting tribute to a kind, sweet man who only wanted to share his own song with his us.”
Ellie Evans added: “I remember him in John Street when it was raining, John singing in the rain with his brolly doing the routine, he brought smiles and made you happy, too. RIP John.”
He used to teach Angela Jones maths and she says she wouldn’t have passed her O-level without him.
She said: “Such sad news. He would definitely make you smile with one of his songs. He was my maths tutor in Cefn Cribwr in a tiny cottage he shared with his lovely mum and dad and a huge overweight Dalmatian. Got me to pass my maths O-level and was a lovely kind man.”
Porthcawl resident Elizabeth Powell said she had known John for more than 30 years and he was very kind-hearted.
“Whenever he would work with a new vocal teacher or chatting about the process of making his albums, his enthusiasm for music shone through. Yes, he was known for singing and for loving life. He was a thoughtful and gentle man who always took an interest in whatever you did.
“Whether you loved him for being the eccentric character that he was, listened to his many performances around our little seaside town or had the privilege of being taught by John ... I am truly upset about his passing.”
Kelly Carr said: “What’s even sadder about the news of John the Song passing is do we think he even realised what a cultural charm he was? I know he had his five minutes of fame on TV, but did he even know that most of Porthcawl knew of him and now mourn his loss?
“I hope John knew how much he meant to Porthcawl.
“My personal experience is he sang loudly outside Sidoli’s every weekend when I was 15 working long shifts and I was envious of his energy! RIP John the Song, the town will be a quieter place without you.”