Bobbe Seymour RIP

[Ken Byng]

I have just learned that Bobbe passed away last night. I was only in his store today and his secretary and Vic Lawson who runs the place these day were both a little subdued but never let on that he had gone.

Bobbe hadn't been in the best of health for 2 or 3 years, but nevertheless the news has still come as a shock as I understood that his health was improving.

My condolences go out to his family and those who were closest to him. I took a picture of his Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame plaque today while I was in his store, and I am glad that I did now. For those people who knew him, Bobbe was a very self opinionated and ebullient person, but lovable with it. He performed at the Irish steel show a few short years ago. I don't think that Bobbe was the same man since he had an argument with a table saw and came off worst.

I loved it when he told me that he wrapped his heavily bleeding hand in a towel and drove to the hospital. He showed his hand to the woman on reception, who nearly fainted, and she said "Oh my God, you've lost some of your fingers!" to which Bobbe replied, "No I haven't, they are in my pocket, and he took them out and showed her. Funny now, but must have been traumatic for him at the time. He never played too well after that accident, and also had to deal with extreme diabetes, heart problems and cancer.

[Tony Russell Davis]

Thanks for letting us know Ken.
If any of our people haven't watched his videos they should search them out for some really valuable and free stuff. Keeping his memory alive in that way will be a fitting tribute.

[ZBSD-10]

We met him in Nashville in 1997, a nicer guy you could'nt wish to
meet and extremely helpful.
R.I.P. Bobbe

[Uncle Roy]

Thanks Ken,
More very sad news,R.I.P Bobbe.

[bob adams]

Another passionate steel man leaves the scene!

[zbplayer]

Such sad news indeed. To many of us who never met him personally, we still felt close to him via his weekly newsletters. He will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Bobbe

[Dave Nutt]

Thats sad news Ken, I guess a bitter sweet trip for you, chin up mate.
I met Bobbe in 82 and again in 86, old cogger didnt have much nice to say about UK steelies or our scene over here, but! he did me a good favour and we had some great banter, thats for sure.
Rest in Peace and godbless ya Bobbe.

[SteelieAJK]

I never had the pleasure of meeting Bobbe, but I also have enjoyed his tips & stories in the regular news letters over the years.

Struck me as a 'fun geezer'...



RIP Bobbe

[Nick Bidmade]

Ken - does this mean you are posting again on the British Steelies forum? I do hope so - you are a stalwart of the international steel community and your experience, advice and wisdom have been sorely missed here.
Best wishes.
Nick

[Ken Byng]

I was somewhat hoping to learn when Bobbe's funeral details would be announced, and that it would be before I return home to the UK at the end of next week. However, I was advised last night (unofficially) that Bobbe didn't want any fuss or formal ceremony. Therefore it looks as though his life will not be celebrated in any way at the moment unless someone arranges a memorial service. It would be packed if they did such a thing. I really miss the old boy. A few years back I gave him a box set of Benny Hill DVD's, after he told me that he loved Benny. He said that they gave him a lot of pleasure.

The Seymour sense of humour was more British than American. They just didn't get him sometimes, and he did upset one or two folks in the US. Like the time when he referred to the MSA Millennium as being made out of Tupperware . Reece Anderson threatened to sue him instead of seeing the funny side of a throwaway comment.

I often relate the time when I first visited him at his store. He got Terry Crisp to perform for me, then after he had exhausted all he knew Bobbe rang Doug Jernigan. After Doug had gone through his repertoire Bobbe said - " Ah thank I'll give Lloyd a ring!" and I had to plead with him not to disturb Lloyd Green.

On another time I related to Bobbe that I had a run in with a black guy who owned a record store in Fort Worth. Bobbe was infuriated and demanded to know who the guy was. I saw a side of Mr Seymour that showed me that you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him. I didn't know if he was a part time member of the KKK, so I quickly changed the subject before it got out of hand.

Playing wise, I never got to see the best of him, and he could be quite sloppy when showing his skills off to me in his store on many occasions. However, some of his recordings are absolute class.

To recall my original comment - I really miss the old boy.