20 Comments

1. Marie Kyle
   Posted 19 October 2009 at 11:39 |

   My Goodness! Has it been that long already? I remember being at home and hearing about this sad event on the Radio 1 news. I was very sad indeed, as I had loved this man’s music, not only with you guys, but with various other artists. His defining sound was unique and very distinctive. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of ever meeting him in person, he struck me as a quiet, gentle man, so obviously dedicated to music. Such a sudden end to a superb guitarist.

   His music lives on. God rest his lovely soul. R.I.P Alan Murphy.

2. Githead
   Posted 19 October 2009 at 12:33 |

   Hear Hear, utterly fantastic guitarist, sadly missed.

3. raymondo42uk
   Posted 19 October 2009 at 17:17 |

   Alan has been sadly missed. I remember seeing him live on the “Staring At The Sun” tour back in the late 80′s. Absolutely excellent guitarist he did a great job in the band. I will also remember him in the Fait Accompli video from that period. He seemed to have a great sense humour and always had a laugh.
   Alan will be remembered through his great musicianship and contribution to the music industry.

4. cager
   Posted 19 October 2009 at 17:22 |

   God rest his soul. He has a resting place not far from my home, it has brought back memories of the memorial service which was really nice.

   Chris.

5. jazzfunkster
   Posted 19 October 2009 at 18:20 |

   Alan Murphy was such a placid and lovely soul his guitar playing was absolutely phenomenal and I have watched videos on you tube from performances with Go West and L42.
   He appeared to be so amiable and non offensive, it was evident that Mark really took to him and fans alike were sorely affected by the death of a young man who had so much potential. Still missed 20 years on, God bless you Al and rest in eternal peace
   Sophie x

6. juliehollister
   Posted 19 October 2009 at 19:00 |

   Very touching of you to post this Mark, Alan indeed was a great man and is greatly missed by all of us. Love Julie x x

   RIP Alan

7. Monaco4ever
   Posted 19 October 2009 at 20:07 |

   A great man and a fantastic guitarist, we all miss him deeply…

   David

8. Morgan Roussel
   Posted 20 October 2009 at 9:15 |

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsmcjGRtFwI

9. mike iow
   Posted 20 October 2009 at 9:49 |

   I had the pleasure of meeting Alan’s Niece at the begining of the year, she spoke of her memories of home life and remembers with affection the times when Alan would come round and play the guitar to everone, singing happy birthday and teaching the kids chords and how to tune the guitar, her story’s gave me an insight into what a great guy he is.

   RIP Alan Murphy.

10. Edmouk
    Posted 20 October 2009 at 12:25 |

    For my money, Alan Murphy was certainly the best British guitar player that emerged in the ealry 80s. What a sound ! What a style ! Really unique.
    I’ll always remember him playing with Level 42 in Paris on a december night in 88. Alan was not only a fantastic guitarist but he also had such a natural charisma on stage. I still can remember him looking at the audience while performing his solo on “Wolrd machine” in front of the stage. Very impressive !
    I also still regularly listen to the other artists he recorded with (Mike Rutherford, Kate Bush, Go West, SFX…). I really wish he recorded more and more music.
    RIP Alan Murphy. Thanks for such a great musical legacy.

11. aria sungkono
    Posted 20 October 2009 at 15:01 |

    we still remember you and love you, Al ..
    May you rest in peace

    on the behalf of Forum Level 42-Indonesia
    http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Forum-Level-42-Indonesia/80984322895?ref=ts
    Aria Sungkono

12. Richard
    Posted 20 October 2009 at 15:21 |

    Can’t believe its 20 years ago, saw him live with the band back in 89, great sound,great player.

    Richard.

13. ♥Corrine♥
    Posted 20 October 2009 at 17:36 |

    RIP Alan Murphy … a great tribute to a fantastic musician .. thanks for putting that up Mark I know you still miss him xxx

14. deezbar
    Posted 20 October 2009 at 23:42 |

    R.I.P Alan.x
    You played the first gig i ever went to (Level 42 N.E.C Birmingham 88′).What a gig,what a sound.Loved your playing on that album and all the other stuff you played on(Go west etc).
    20 years ago we lost one of the UK’s guitar greats.
    Dave.x

15. showjumper42
    Posted 21 October 2009 at 3:47 |

    It is so good that Mark has reminded us of the passing of Alan Murphy. The disease that stole him from this world needs to continue effective research. It is so poignant that he passed away on this particular date as well and that breaks all of our hearts even more. His style of playing I have not heard from anyone else. Etherial, precise, lyrical, bluesy. Such a gentle and dignified spirit. He did indeed rage against the dying of the light.
    RIP brave Alan in Heaven

16. stuart m
    Posted 21 October 2009 at 9:48 |

    20 years already? A great shame. A great shame indeed.

17. Gabriele
    Posted 2 November 2009 at 8:34 |

    I think it is very bad that Alan Murphy died so young!!!! Very pitty and sad!!!!!

18. Ry42back
    Posted 7 November 2009 at 13:49 |

    A great tragedy to not only his family but the generations of people who he inspired with his fantastical musical virtuosity.
    It’s a shame you had to leave so early Alan your memory lives on with your unique musicianship

    R.I.P

19. Phil Sloman
    Posted 11 November 2009 at 23:39 |

    Hi all
    Well what can I say about Alan Murphy. I followed his career from when I first heard him play on my brother’s stuff. His playing on Go West’s albums is utterly superb (his solo on “Haunted” always leaves me dumbstruck). If you want to hear more, check out his work on SFX, Kate Bush, Nick Heyward and Scritti Politti.
    I found out that he had joined Level 42 when I was at my parents house with my brother. I had my back turned to the TV while my brother was flicking through the channels. Suddenly I heard a whammy bar swoop and knew in an instant that it was Murph (playing his solo on Heaven in my hands).
    I’ll never forget the day he died. Gone but never forgotten, as long as I have my record collection. God bless Al.
    ps. my brother Lawrence played so much of Alan’s music on his stereo that he affectionately named it “Alan”!

20. brummieboy1966
    Posted 29 November 2009 at 10:33 |

    I remember that fateful day of Alan’s passing,I was working in a toy shop in Wolverhampton city centre for some extra Xmas money.I remember dropping a tray full of cups & bursting into tears when I heard the news.
    People sometimes ask me who my musical heroes are Level 42 are always first on my list,judging by the comments he was a great unsung hero
    R.I.P Alan