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Speed’s widow chooses Stereophonics song for funeral

Comment: 0 December 8th, 2011 by: admin

Gary Speed’s widow Louise has reportedly chosen Stereohonics lead vocalist Kelly Jones’ rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ to be played during the private funeral set for Friday.

The song, which became an unofficial anthem for Welsh football fans during Speed’s playing days with Wales, was recently performed by Kelly on BBC Wales TV.

The performance was done in memory of Speed, who had died in what appears to be a suicide nearly two weeks ago.  The 42-year old was found hanging in the garage of his home in Cheshire.

According to reports, 41-year old Louise has chosen that particular rendition to play at Speed’s funeral, to be held in the church where the two were married.  The location is also within the vicinity of where the two grew up in North Wales.

Jones, who was reportedly left in tears after hearing of Speed’s passing, had taken time off from the rest of the band to record the song, which he played as an acoustic ballad, which has now surpassed 12,000 YouTube hits.

The Stereophonics lead vocalist recalled meeting Speed after a Wales match last March.

‘I was with my two daughters at the Millennium Stadium after the Wales v England international,’ he said.

‘We were waiting at the lift and Gary ended his phone conversation and shook my hand.  We had a chat about the game and shared the lift to the ground floor,’ Jones continued.  ‘He was a very nice man.  Good-looking fella.’

He then remembered being shaken upon finding out about the event and circumstances of the death of Speed, who had been integral in the improved performance of the Welsh football team.

‘I was consumed the whole day when I heard the news,’ said Jones.  ‘I couldn’t get my head around it.’

‘Then the BBC approached me to record the song.  It’s a 10-minute job but I hope it’s fitting for the tribute on the show.’

A public tribute to Speed will be held at a date after the private family funeral.  A number of football players including Alan Shearer, Robbie Savage, Tony Pulis and Ashley Williams will join Jason Mohammad in presenting the tribute.

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