R.I.P. Bernard William Jewry, AKA Shane Fenton, AKA Alvin Stardust.
Often considered a minor player and a bit of a chancer, but both as Shane & Alvin, he made some great out and out pop 45s and will always be remembered by people of my generation for his advice on crossing the road safely.
Shane Fenton & The Fentones, original singer Johnny Theakstone, AKA Shane Fenton died of rheumatic fever, the band, at the request of Fenton's mother carried on still using Fenton's name in his memory. Jewry was at the time their roadie and stepped in to become the new 'Shane Fenton'.
This line up recorded a BBC session that included a version of Sparkling Brown Eyes, one of the few really outstanding British rock & roll recordings.
His death is very untimely as Alvin had just recorded his first studio album in 30 years.
R.I.P.
Shane Fenton & The Fentones ... Sparkling Brown Eyes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HYIOTOmLw8Alvin Stardust ... Jealous Mind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4q3Cy8X6Mo