Welsh Guitar Legend Mickey Gee:
funeral 5th Feb 2009

Despite the bitter cold and snowy weather, over 250 people attended Welsh Guitar legend Mickey 'Gipsy' Gee's funeral service held in the Wenallt Chapel, Thornhill on Thursday 5th. February 2009.

Present were Shakin Stevens, Andy 'Fairweather' Lowe, Geraint Watkins, Alan Jones and Neil Jones (Amen Corner), John Jenkins, 'Legs' Barrat, Tommy Riley, Congo Jones, Edwin 'Wedge' Williams, Bernard Poyser, Lyn Phillips, Lennie James and many many others from the music industry.

The service was conducted by author and TV presenter Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe, who took the time to illuminate aspects of Mickey's character that were new to those of us who only knew him as a superlative guitarist. He gave it as his opinion that any really good record that had Mickey playing on it then became a great record. During the funeral, recordings of Mickey's work which clearly illustrated his unusual musical ability were played. These recordings were greeted by spontaneous applause from all those present.

After all the ceremonies were over, just about everyone attended a 'Wake' held at the Cardiff Yacht Club, Cardiff Bay.

The DJ Ricky's Medicine Show provided music, and gave Mickey the final accolade. Throughout the event, they only used recordings on which Mickey had played guitar.

A report by Kevin O'Connor MSc