Bernie Tormé’s family launch tribute site benefitting Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital
The late-great Bernie Tormé’s family have set up a tribute site where fans can make charity donations in his memory.
In lieu of flowers being sent to Bernie’s funeral, all donations on the site - bernard-tormey.muchloved.com - will go directly to Guy’s and St Thomas' Hospital where Bernie was treated in the three weeks before his death on 17th March.
The family write: “This site is a tribute to Bernie, who was treated with great compassion at St Thomas' Hospital for over 3 weeks prior to his death on the 17th March 2019, one day short of his 67th birthday.
“We lost a wonderful husband, loving dad, and a caring human being. His music, compassion and kindness will live on in the people who knew him.”
They added: “The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude for all the kind words and comments since Bernie’s untimely passing. The outpouring of love and affection for the great man just underlined how missed Bernie will be by the music community and beyond.”
Bernie’s former Desperado band mate Dee Snider and his wife Suzette are among those who have donated money on the tribute site, writing: “We have lost a dear friend and the world has lost his incredible guitar (playing). But it is his loving wife and sons who have lost the most. Our prayers and sympathies go out to them with love.”
After news of Bernie’s death broke last Monday (18th March), Ozzy Osbourne paid tribute to the man who he credited with saving his career in the aftermath of Randy Rhoads’ tragic passing.
Ozzy said: "What a sad day. We’ve lost another great musician. Bernie was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed. I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. Rest in Peace Bernie."
Ian Gillan also paid homage, writing: "Very, very sad and upset to hear about Bernie Tormé, who died yesterday, 17 March 2019. Great respect for the man; as a man and a player. Give ‘em Hell up there Bernie, No Laughing in Heaven? There is now!"