Alan Leslie Barton

They say you should never meet your idols,you'll only be dissappionted.It was'nt that way with Alan.A star on the stage - A star offstage.
Alan was tragically killed on the way to Dusseldorf airport as the result of a bus accident on a German autobahn shortly after performing on stage with SMOKIE.He held on for days in intensive care in a German hospital but due to the severity of his head injuries he finally passed away on March 23rd,1995 with his wife 'Jackie' by his side.
I related to Alan instantly.I was amazed at his energy during his performances,and equally amazed at the amount of time he gave his fans.'Rock Stars dont do this',I thought,but Alan did...- everytime.I realised quickly the very special atmosphere that surrounded those in his company.He spread goodwill and joy through his caring and loving personality and of course through his music and songs,that endeared those lucky enough to have met him or to have seen him perform.He was the consumate professional that taught me quickly that a musicians job dosent end when you get off the stage.This is the thing that sticks with me the most and the one thing I strive to do myself.
He gave me a lot of his time and every question was answered happily and patiently.He was a diamond in the dark,my inspiration and I still miss him dearly.
Alan was a good family man. He had two children, Dean and Lee, to his first wife Elaine, then later when he married Jackie, he became a father to her son Mark. He was a man that loved having friends and family around him but also liked to have his own space. Music was his greatest passion and meant the world to him. He was very articulate and professional and was a great motivator of people and incredibly kind and caring. Alan had to work extremely hard to achieve the same successes most people with his talent came upon the easy way, but it was probably this that earned him the respect he had from the whole music industry.
Alan was fortunate enough to have two bites at the cherry, first with Black Lace and then with Smokie, and both groups have sold millions of records around the world - there aren't too many people that have had that kind of success!
Although his life was short it was full and he never forgot his roots. One instance in Norway when the band were scheduled a day off and at a time that Smokie were number one in the charts where they had been for the last 8 weeks, Alan went to play and sing for a group of terminally ill people in a local hospital, and he just took it upon himself to do it without mentioning it to anyone - he was just that type of guy.The type of guy who you would never ever forget.Gentle,Humble,Funny,Caring and Loving.
The song you hear 'JULY'69',was written by Alan about one of his idols who,ironically passed away at a relatively young age too.It appeared on Alans solo album project entitled 'Precious'.The line in the chorus says everything else that remains to be said here.Thank you Alan,for everything you taught me,the photos,autographs and everything you did with a smile
Miss you my friend.x

'Rest in peace you golden stone,
I hope that you've found
peace and warmth
Away from all torments of life
I hope that you've found love'