Spike Jones passed away on Wednesday, January 8. He was a local guitarist who played in various bands since the 60s, most notably Shucks, The Blues Shakers and The Boogie Band. He was also a songwriter and many of his friends remember him as an all round nice man who will be sadly missed.

Spike's son Chester wrote this tribute to his father.

CHESTER writes: "Spike was one of the pioneers of music in this town and he sadly passed away on Wednesday, January 8, aged 54. He played guitar, banjo and lap steel, and although he was my father, Spike was also quite a legend to a lot of people.

"He started out in the 60s in various bands mainly with John Mackay who now plays for the Mafia and Cookie from Cookie and the Blue Jays. During the 70s he had great success with a country swing band called Shucks which included Paul Sharmen, Pete Sharp, Steve Darington and Bob Walker. They produced two great albums 2 Days, 2 Tracks and Hillbilly Swing.

"Spike also worked very closely with Ron Watts who owned the 100 Club in London and ran the band Brewers Droop with whom Spike later played for.

"In the late 70s his role in bringing punk rock to the town should not be forgotten, he was the manager for Wycombe punk legends the Xtraverts, releasing the first punk single to come from High Wycombe. It was called Blank Generation and was released on Spike Records.

"Spike was involved with another record release called Dead Popes, it was by The Flobs and my father played bass in the band.

"My dad also co-managed the Newlands Club in the old Octagon Parade near the bus station where he brought in up-and-coming punk bands to the area.

"During the 80s Spike played for the Blues Shakers. They enjoyed various record releases such as The Greatest Shakes and Jet Black Cadillac. They were a true rock 'n' roll band, regularly playing at the Nags Head on the London Road as well as playing festivals around the country, and for the Wycombe Live Aid in about 1986 on the Rye.

"During the 90s he played with the Boogie Band, who also enjoyed plenty of success, playing blues and jazz festivals all over the country.

"The Boogie Band was also asked by the actor Ross Kemp aka Grant Mitchell, to perform at his leaving party from EastEnders.

"As well as my father's achievements he gave up the chance of greater success to raise my brother Benny and me.

"I'm now 28 and my brother is 32. We have tried to follow in his musical footsteps by having three record releases with punk band, Blank Generation, in the 90s, as well as recently enjoying success with a punk band called Rumpleteaser and DJing at the Roundabout pub every fortnight for a event called Irreverance.

"There have been many more bands our father has played for a little extra research might uncover them but I do truly believe Spike needs to be recognised because you will not find many musicians and people in the world, not to mention the town, like him."

January 23, 2003 12:00