Andy Franks, 59, died on 29 January 2010 peacefully at his home in Worthing, after a long illness.

Andy was a well known and popular musician based in Worthing, West Sussex , UK.

Andy had huge experience as a performing musician, as a solo entertainer and in various groups.  He was for more than twenty-five years a member of Uncle John’s Band, a successful and admired local pub and function band.

In recent years, Andy played in The Village Band, a six-piece outfit which specialises in Irish traditional music.

For the last twenty-six years Andy worked at SME Ltd in Steyning, as Works Chemist.

When we started this website in 2007, Andy wrote an article about himself and his music, which you can find in the Biography section of this site.

Andy is survived by his wife Sharron and children Claire, Elliot and Josephine.

Andy in 1973

From my earliest years I liked all sorts of music. Around the house I found 78 records of jazz folk and blues. I was very struck by Big Bill Broonzy - no one played like that on the radio. Even when very young I would ask for Ella Fitzgerald records to be played, (only I called her Elephant Gerald). Soon I was buying records, The Beatles were a revelation, but I also got into folk, soul, blues and Mr Dylan.