Musical tribute to Faisal Sketty
Musicians from across the local scene are coming together to pay tribute to one of their own who died suddenly, and raise money for two charities.
Faisal Sketty died aged 50 last September, leaving the Portsmouth music community in shock. As a talented and well-respected harmonica player, Faisal had loaned his skills to numerous bands and projects over the past 20 years.
Most recently he had been playing regularly with Americana act Southerlies, and the day is the band’s idea.
Frontman Ross Murphy said: ‘Faisal was a very much loved, absolute gentleman with a heart of gold.
He would do anything for anyone and would always be there to listen if you needed him too. He touched so many people’s lives with his kind and caring spirit and his natural ability to give help and advice whenever needed.
‘We will miss his quick humour and his amazing way of making the best out of any situation. He was such a great friend, mentor and fantastic musician. Gone far too soon, he has left a massive void in the lives of all who knew him – we miss you so much brother!’
In the noughties Faisal played with indie band Gilkicker after singer/guitarist Sam McCarthy and Faisal saw each other perform at an open mic night and admired each others’ playing.
Sam said: ‘I fell in love with hisplayingrightthereandthat was it – he was so talented as a musician. Then Gilkicker started and we had the time of our lives.’
After Gilkicker’s demise, Sam and Faisal continued to playtogetherasaduo.Thepair driftedapartbutreconnected during the pandemic, talking almost daily as they played Xbox games online during lockdown.
Recalling the news of his friend’s death, Sam said: ‘I had writtenasongtheweekbefore that I wanted him to play on, it was about feeling down and needing someone to talk to, and he said he would be honoured.Butthenafewdayslater Igotthenews.It’sjustsotragic, it was a huge shock.’
Gilkicker are reuniting for theshow,andhaveinvitedFaisal’s harmonica teacher, Matt Beckwith to join them.
For tickets go to book. events/faisalsketty.