Ronnie Golden dies at 78

Tributes flood in for comedian and musician

Tributes have been paid to Tony De Meur, the musician who performed on the comedy circuit as Ronnie Golden, following his death at 78.

The performer’s partner, Grace Carley, broke the news on social media this afternoon, saying: ‘Without any fuss or bother, he simply slipped away yesterday afternoon while I was walking the dog. Never even fell off his perch, so to speak.

‘I know it will be an enormous shock, as it was to me, but I am consoled by his complete lack of pain or suffering…’

Meur founded the quirky pre-new wave band The Fabulous Poodles in 1975. They appeared on the Old Grey Whistle Test, released three albums and toured with the likes of Meat Loaf, Tom Petty and Chuck Berry.

After the band split up, De Meur began wording on the alternative comedy circuit, solo and as part of The Comic Strip and adopted the Ronnie Golden name. He can be seen in the second episode of The Young Ones, hanging upside-down from the ceiling as Buddy Holly still in his parachute.

Latterly, Golden fronted the R&B and soul group, Ronnie And The Rex. and was a regular musical collaborator with Barry Cryer.

Carley, a film producer, invited his friends and colleagues to share their memories, and they were quick to come forward.

Musical comic Steve Gribbin wrote: ‘Such sad news about the death of comedy legend, very funny act, excellent musician and all-round good fella Tony De Meur aka Ronnie Golden.

‘Every year I would see him at the Comedians' Christmas Party my eyes would always light up...he was such a brilliant raconteur and he loved his music with a rare and incandescent passion…. He was a very funny man, and a lovely human being. My heart goes out to Grace and all his family.’

Fellow comedy circuit stalwart Charmian Hughes wrote that she was ‘devastated’ to hear the news, adding: ‘Tony has been in my performing world for as long as I’ve been doing it - but long before that I saw truly Fabulous Poodles at St Andrews university… [We] shared so many bills and a true comedy friend. His domestic bliss with you was beautiful to behold and our hearts and love go out to you.’

Alternative comedy pioneer Jenny Lecoat posted: ‘Everyone still in shock Grace. He was such a significant person in my life, and someone I've known for over 40 years. He will never be forgotten.’

Comedy Store Player Richard Vranchs said: 'Ronnie Golden was a hugely talented performer and writer, and it was always a treat to hear his stories over a pint. He was a regular guest in the early days The Comedy Store Players. Ronnie and the Rex played a stonking set at my wedding, and we appeared together in the striptease act Hunx. Very sad to hear he has gone. RIP.'

And Peter Grahame, who runs Downstairs At The Kings’ Head in Crouch End, told Carley: ‘This is still sinking in. I feel I have known Tony for ever. Out thoughts are with you, his friends and family. The Stannah Stairlift has a new passenger today and I bet Barry has a few gags about the afterlife ready.’

Here is Golden singing his song Drinking At Home: