Tribute evening in memory of talented musician Kenneth

May 19 2011 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

A TRIBUTE evening in memory of a Lanarkshire musician is to be held at a social club in Hamilton tonight (Thursday).

Popular musician Kenneth Sloane died of heart failure at his home in Burnbank Road, on April 23, 2010 at the age of 55 years.

Now his musician friends want to remember his life by hosting an evening of entertainment at the Greenfield Club, in Burnbank.

Kenneth originally trained to be an electrician, but at the age of 17 he entered a singing competition which he won.

He later joined a band named Redwood and toured with them all over the country. The four-piece also appeared on the popular 70s and 80s television talent show New Faces.

It was at that point he met his wife Ann, then toured further afield with the band playing the London Palladium and the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

He returned home to Scotland to marry Ann and his band later split so Kenneth decided on a solo career.

For a time he played on his own but later formed the FM Band. For nine years he entertained while playing the keyboard. He also wrote songs for former radio DJ ‘Tiger’ Tim Stevens and Celtic Football Club.

For three years before he passed away, he played at pubs throughout Hamilton including The George, The Palace, Jilts and the Auld Hoose.

Ann said: “He loved his music and he was multi-talented.

“ I was approached by a few of his musician friends who asked if they could host this evening and I thought it was a great gesture. We are going to have two raffles and a number of businesses have supplied prizes. We are extremely grateful to them. The two charities chosen to benefit are Parkinson’s UK and Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).”

The evening, which will feature band, The Core, and special guests, will take place from 8pm until midnight. Tickets cost £5. Kenneth is survived by his wife Ann, and three children – Karen (31), Stephen (30), and Martyn (27).