Tributes have been paid to a Merseybeat legend and dedicated charity volunteer who was "a real one off."
Born during an air raid on January 10, 1940, Colin Middlebrough - known to many as Colin the Drummer - was a stalwart of the Liverpool music scene for decades. Growing up in Armley Road in Anfield, the grandad-of-three was a huge part of the Merseybeat scene in the city, playing in the Cavern Club during the Beatles era, as well as belonging to numerous bands.
Many will remember Colin from the likes of Kansas City Five, The Four Originals, Dale Roberts & The Jaywalkers, and The Undertakers. The LFC supporter was also on billing with The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Gerry & the Pacemakers and more and once backed James Burton, Elvis' guitarist.
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Colin died on October 6 this year at the age of 83, but his eldest son, Peter, wants his dad to be remembered not only for his impact on the Liverpool music scene and dedicated charity work, but for being a "real one off." Peter, 58, told the ECHO: "If my dad was mentioned, there were always drums involved.
"He was part of the Merseybeat scene, he was a big figure. He was always into music, he was totally a part of that.
‘"I just remember in my childhood, the house being full of musicians. I was blessed with the best childhood ever - he was the best dad you could have ever wished for.
"He got me personally into music at a very young age, I'm a drummer as well. He used to take me to gigs when I was about 13 and he introduced me to music because I showed an interest
"He used to take me to the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool, lots of bands played in that venue. He was very active in the music scene, he loved all forms of music and he used to say to me, 'music is the universal language and it will bring everyone together."
In his later years, Colin married his wife Monica and had two sons, Peter and the late Iain, who died in 2013. Continuing to gig, Colin went on to work for Midland Bank, now HSBC and was also dedicated to his charity work.
Many will remember Colin being an ambassador for Wirral Hospice St John’s, something Peter said his dad always loved to do. Years ago, when wanting to cut his long hair, Peter said his dad encouraged him to do it all in the aid of charity.
"He loved helping people. He was very caring, loving and just a nice guy to be around.
"He was a very cool dude - to put it in my terms. He was loved by everyone he had a wicked sense of humour."
Peter said his dad was "an absolute legend" and that he massively encouraged him to pursue music, an interest they both shared for decades. Peter said: "He was just such a lovely humble guy, there was nothing egocentric about him - he would talk to anyone if they wanted to listen or they wanted advice
"He was liked by everyone and he was a phenomenal drummer. I was very blessed to be his son.
"I'm going to miss sitting off with him, watching jazz drummers - he idolised a drummer called Buddy Rich. I want him to be remembered as a real one off."
Colin's funeral takes place Friday, November 3 at 2pm at Christ The King (RC) on the A41 at Bromborough.
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