Obituary - Brian Jones of Midnight Express

Aug 20 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TOP Ayrshire entertainer and musician Brian Jones has died aged 67.

Brian, who lived in New Cumnock, took ill suddenly at Hamilton racecourse last Wednesday.

He was rushed to Hairmyres Hospital, with what turned out to be a ruptured abdominal aneurysm.

And he died two days later on Friday afternoon.

Mr Jones – affectionately nicknamed Bonzo by fellow musicians – was the man behind one of Ayrshire’s most popular bands.

He launched Midnight Express in the 1970s, and it quickly became a top club act.

Tha band was a big draw around the Ayrshire working men’s clubs.

And it performed gigs as far away as Orkney and the north east of England.

At the peak of its success, Midnight Express was a seven-piece outfit.

But in the recent past, it performed as a duo – Brian and vocalist pal Ian McEwan.

Brought up in Burnton, near Dalmellington, Brian left school at 15 to go down the pit.

But he hated it, and left to work in the building trade.

Like other 50s teenagers, he was enthralled with the explosion of the new rock ‘n’ roll music.

He acquired an electric guitar, and managed to get himself guest spots with Joe Duffy’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.

Brian later appeared with bands including the Seven Sinners, Girl In A Crowd and Revival.

And he was bass guitarist in Tommy Truesdale and the Sundowners.

Brian ultimately launched his own band – the renowned Midnight Express.

Tommy Truesdale says he’ll never forget Brian.

And he dedicated records to Brian in his West Sound radio show on Sunday.

Although 67, Brian had not retired from his day job, and was still working as a bridge inspector for Amey Highways.

He loved horse-racing, which is why he was at Hamilton Park last week.

And Maureen says Brian probably visited every racecourse in the UK.

He also once owned a race horse, which won a race at Cartmel back in 1974.

And Brian was a popular member of New Cumnock Golf Club.

Brian’s funeral service is held today, Thursday, August 19, at Masonhill Crematorium, at noon.

All are welcome to an earlier service in Brian and Maureen’s home, Mosswell, Castlehill, New Cumnock at 10.45am.

He is survived by partner Maureen, son Brian and wife Marie; daughter Heather and partner Alex; and grandchildren Shannon and Aiden.