Saying Goodbye to Hilary

 

I am very sad to learn that Hilary Gerrard has passed away.   He was Ringo's producer from the 1970s and beyond -- but with as many photographs that you see of Hilary and Ringo throughout the years, it is obvious that he and Ringo were good friends.   I read that he was the best man at Ringo and Barbara's wedding in 1981 (but then I also read that Harry was the best man and that BOTH of them were the best men!).    He went through a lot with Ringo and was one of the few friends that remained close to him and Barbara after they went to rehab.    My condolences go out to the Starkeys and to Hilary's family during this time.     And whenever you see a photo of Ringo -- take a look in the background because Hilary Gerrard most likely isn't too far behind him.  

Cheers!

 

The reception

 Apri 27, 1981 - - After Ringo and Barbara exchanged vows, they went to a nightclub in the Mayfair part of London called "Rags" for a reception.   Between 50-70 people were invited.   Besides George, Paul and their wives (and in Paul's case children - I guess the Harrison got a babysitter for Dhani), also at the wedding were Ringo's parents, Barb's parents, Barb'd children from her first husband,  Derek Taylor (and wife, Joan), Neil Aspinall (and his wife, Joan), Harry and Oona Nilsson, Hillary Gerrard, and makeup lady named Barbara Daley and a hair guy named Leonard.  Terry O'Neil took photographs. 

Everyone left with a large solid star and of course, the wedding cake was also shaped like a star.  

The biggest and most exciting news from the reception was that the "Threetles" (which they wouldn't be known as until the mid-1990s) were heard making music and some people even say that they heard "Beatles songs" (although which ones is unknown to me).   But from the photographs, we see that Paul played piano and George was on the guitar and Ringo seems to be playing some sort of make-shift drum and also a guitar.   Oh to have been a fly on the wall of the Rag nightclub on April 27, 1981!

The wedding only lasted a few minutes

 

April 27, 1981 -

Ringo and Barbara were wed at the same place that Linda and Paul got married,  and by the same registrar which I have always thought was an odd bit of Beatles trivia.  

There are just a few photos that we know of from the actual wedding itself.  The news said it only lasted a "few minutes."   We see that Barb's sister, Marjorie was the maid of honor, but who was Ringo's best man?  I see Hilary Gerrard standing nearby but who is the man standing next to Ringo?  And why is it not Harry Nilsson?   Harry really should have been Ringo's best man if you ask me (which obviously Ringo did not).   

Note:  According to the Club Sandwich magazine Mr. Roger Shine was one of Ringo's witnesses.  Could that be the best man? 

Boys night out in Hamburg

 

That time when Ringo's house he rented from Harry was on fire