Stereophonics' Kelly Jones Pays Tribute To Gary Speed With Andy Williams Cover
Friday, 02 December 2011
Written by Elliott Batte
Kelly Jones, frontman of Welsh rock icons the Stereophonics, has recorded a special acoustic version of Andy Williams classic ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ as a tribute to footballing legend and fellow countryman Gary Speed, who was tragically found hung on Sunday (27th November).
The original song was a tune loved and cherished by Welsh football fans, particularly as Speed become a prominent force in Welsh football. Years later and Speed had moved on to become manager of his home country – and soon after that he also became the most successful Wales managers for years, winning four out of his last five games including hammering Norway 4-1.
So after he was suddenly found dead on Sunday morning, the whole of Britain’s sporting scene was left shocked and saddened – and tributes and messages began flooding in. Below you can watch Kelly Jones’ emotional homage to friend and hero Speed. Jones also told the BBC of how he met Speed and his reaction when he heard the heartbreaking news.
“I was with my two daughters at the Millennium Stadium after the Wales v England international [in March]. We were waiting at the lift and Gary ended his phone conversation and shook my hand. We had a chat about the game and shared the lift to the ground floor.
“He was a very nice man. Good-looking fella. I was consumed the whole day when I heard the news. I couldn't get my head around it. Then the BBC approached me to record the song. It's a 10-minute job but I hope it's fitting for the tribute on the show.”
The BBC will also be airing a special tribute show to the player and manager tonight at 10pm on BBC Two Wales, which will feature tributes and services from ex-team-mates, footballers and friends including Robbie Savage, Alan Shearer, Ashley Williams and many more.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
