HOW sad to see Jim Capaldi has died so young.

Much has been written about Jim's professional life as a solo artist and of his time with Traffic, but I'm sure many people remember Jim starting his career with The Sapphires not as a drummer but as the singer. Jim had turned up to audition for the band with Pete Cresswell who became rhythm guitarist, Dave Nicholls lead guitarist, myself who became bass guitarist and Barry Mellor who with Jim had come to audition as drummer.

Well Barry already had drums which gave him a distinct advantage so Jim ended up as lead singer.

I still have the picture taken by the Journal of the band playing Saturday morning at the Regal Cinema for Mr Highland.

To cut a long story short Jim and I played together for some four years before Jim moved on to the Hellions and onwards and upwards.

Perhaps the last time most of us were able to speak to Jim was when he came and performed with a reformed Sapphires for the Barry Mellor Memorial Concert.

Still the same fun person as ever!

Thanks for the music and for knowing you Jim.

ROY (TINK) BANKS, Abbey Road, Evesham.