Talented musician was an ‘inspiration’

Rustington-born Brian Hoare spent much of the period touring the Herald and Gazette area as a professional drummer.

He enjoyed success with bands including The Kingsmen, The Untamed and Profile, and supporting acts as renowned as Stevie Wonder.

His partner of 34 years, Leigh Perryman, said: “Brian has been my inspiration and a very important part of my life for the past 34 years.

“He was truly unique and exceptionally talented.

“I have so many happy memories of the times we shared together. His wit, humanity, sensitivity and kindness were unparalleled, as were his talents.”

Mr Hoare’s dreams of being a professional musician began while he was an apprentice draughtsman in Portsmouth.

He realised his ambition shortly after supporting The Nashville Teens, who were number two in the charts at the time.

The Untamed toured with pop legend Roy Orbison and sung daily jingles on pirate station Radio London, before Mr Hoare set up Profile in the late 1960s.

Mrs Perryman said: “One of the highlights of Brian’s career involved the band supporting Stevie Wonder at London’s famous ‘Scotch at St James’ Club, to an audience that included Eric Burdon and Chas Chandler of The Animals, Francois Hardy, Georgie Fame, and Paul McCartney.”

Mr Hoare moved to Norfolk in 1974, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

He still spent much of his time performing but took up a role as a teacher – something he had previously trained to do before his musical success.

He also received a long service award for his contributions to hospital radio.

Mrs Perryman said: “I shall miss him terribly, as will my brother Ryland, sister Esther, and my parents, Connie and John.

“He was greatly loved by us all.”

Mr Hoare’s funeral will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Great Yarmouth, on June 23, at 11am. He will be buried in Littlehampton Cemetery on June 24 at 2pm.

Enquiries and flowers can be sent to Reynolds Funeral Services, Horsham Road, Littlehampton.