Last week, we lost a total Legend. Kenny Thomson was Chris de Burgh's manager, and head honcho at Ferryman Productions. Kenny grew up helping out Supertramp with their concerts, then met a young man who supported the band on their tour, and with Supertramp's manager, Kenny decided to manage Chris de Burgh. It was a very successful partnership. Chris had countless hit albums and obviously "The Lady in Red" sold millions. It continues to sell to this day and has been used in countless films.

 

I met Kenny at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2004. I was asked to play keyboards with Al Vosper, David Levy and Tony Kiley.

The Boys were asked to support Chris on his "Road to Freedom" tour.

We did a quick rehearsal at Dave's house in North London, then headed into town to get set up.

Upon meeting Chris, he wasn't sure of me at all and didn't want to commit to us doing some songs at the end of the show.

Thankfully he did. It was later in the after-show, that Kenny came up to me. I remember his Blue Blazer and huge grin on his face.

He thanked me and said "Do you play multiple keyboards"? to which I answer "Yeah, The more the merrier" to which he exclaimed 

"Well you've just won yourself a ticket to the world cup". I wasn't sure what that meant, but it meant I was in the Chris de Burgh band.

Fast forward to August 2006 and I got a call to ask for my availability for rehearsals in that September.

We started on the 4th of September at Ritz Rehearsal Rooms in Putney. 

Tony Kiley, Al Vosper, David Levy, Ebbe Ravn on 2nd Keyboards and myself.

The First week was just band and then Chris came in.

 

I remember fondly the week of my first gig with CdeB in Killarney. A few nights before we were all in the Gleneagles hotel bar, sinking Guinness like it was going out of fashion and I noticed all the boys slowly sloping off....leaving me with KT...to continue drinking.

My God, that man could drink. He was charming, full of the best stories, complimentary and very much one for getting things done.

Every year, Kenny or KT as he was affectionately known, would accompany us on the tours and performances.

 

Sadly in 2014, Kenny had a brutal accident that would impede his touring days with us. I saw him that August in hospital after he'd flown in from St Marten and had the operation to remove his leg. He was in good spirits considering what had happened. THAT, I always loved about him. He could turn a situation on its head, and look at the positives.

 

Each tour that followed, Kenny would try and make his way out to us, whether it was rehearsal or concert. It got more difficult as the time went on.

 

Last year, he was going through some pretty difficult times with the fantom pains from the leg injury, but he also told us about him having cancer. Something he, nor us bargained for. I would send messages to him or emails, sometimes I'd get a reply, Sometimes not.

Last Christmas I always send a message out with best wishes and Love to my mates. I sent one to Kenny and didn't receive a reply. Odd I thought. I kept sending messages, early part of 2026 and received nothing back. It wasn't until a month ago after sending another email, that Kenny called me. He informed me he'd been given 6 months to live last Christmas. I was devastated. 

We talked for an hour and chuckled about a few things. We did agree to meet up with the CdeB band for a bite in London and he said he would love that.

 

SADLY, it wasn't to be. Everyone with their busy schedules and gigs, tying it down wasn't possible. Kenny left this world last Sunday.

To say we are all devastated is an understatement. He championed my work, what I brought to the CdeB world and although brutal in negotiations......he was extremely fair and kept me in the circle since the day I joined.

We are going to miss him. I am definitely going to miss him.

 

Rest in Peace Kenneth Thomson. Until me meet again X