Denis Joe O'Driscoll (6 Jan 1958 - 25 Oct 2016)

So sorry to hear of Denis's passing. Unfortunately we lost touch when he left Leamington, so we had not seen each other for over 25 years, but he was a massive influence on me politically.

I remember reading Marx at the time and Denis would go through it with me, he could be a hard taskmaster but I got so much more out of it than I would have done if I had just read it on my own. He taught me to really read and to question everything and I will always be grateful for that.

I am sorry that we lost touch. So long mate.

I met Denis through his involvement with the Manchester Salon when he joined in some public discussions - admirably coming across from Liverpool. He always had a personalised take on each subject, bringing to life some very important political principles in circumstances that they were neccessarily developed in or obviously applicable to. As well as joining in discussion he became one of the most prolific writers for the Salon's website, reviewing films, poetry, literature, theatre, writing opinion articles on politics and most impressively reviewing musical performances, especially opera.

I am especially indebted to him for writing some very direct, yet wonderfully balanced, reviews of public performances that just weren't up to scratch or were sufficiently respectful of the audience. This was an issue that had wrangled me for quite a period of trying my hand at reviewing and thinking I was just missing something. Denis managed to explain how a sniffy approach to audiences and criticism often came out of poltical and social trends impactying of art and shaping trends within art. He also took the time to make sure that errors in editing I missed when posting reviews and comment pieces were drawn to my notice in order to make other readers' experience a better one.

Over the last 7 or so years of working with Denis over his writing and through shaping some Salon discussions, including speaking himself as some, I developed a great deal of respect for Denis' wide reading and appreciation of cultural trends. I visited denis in hospital a couple of times when he experienced his most recent affects of his diabetes and came home with several ideas for more Salon discussions to organise.

We are all going to miss the impact of Denis' very cultured approach to politics and his passion for the demos to be heard and their views respected. For helping me to understand that democracy is something much wider than voting, and encompasses how we view each other's autonomy and even how we are treated as an audience in areas of art. His writing is online for other to read, and his passion for politics lives on through the Liverpool Salon he helped bring into being.

Denis, you are missed but not forgotten.

I’d known Denis off and on since I moved to Leeds over 28 years ago. For much of that time Denis wasn’t always someone you’d necessarily want to know, and he went through some difficult times. The great sadness of Denis’ passing is that, in the last 5 years, he’d really begun to get his life together and that, without doubt, he had so much more to contribute to the world – both creatively and intellectually. In the end, Denis was a lovely bloke whose enthusiasm and creatively should inspire us.

Goodbye Denis!

I met Denis the same time I moved to Liverpool. It was around 2013 and we were both acting as judges for the Debating Matters school debating competition, at the Bluecoat in south Liverpool. As soon as we started talking I knew we would become friends. He had such a wry sense of humour, an original turn of mind and a great rapport with the young people taking part in the competition. I thought he was a lovely man. And very sharp and confident, when it came to putting the young contestants through their paces. Later on he worked with John Hutchinson, Chris Beckett and myself to launch the Liverpool Salon as a forum for public discussion on Merseyside. We ran our first event at the Athenaeum Club in Liverpool on the theme of Borders and Immigration. Two years later, the Liverpool Salon is still going from strength to strength. The last time I saw Denis was at the August Liverpool Salon where we discussed the the implications of the EU referendum. As usual Denis made some brilliant contributions to the discussion. One of them was so insightful that I wrote it down and checked it back with him afterwards. It's published unattributed among all the comments: http://www.liverpoolsalon.org.uk/summary-audience-questions-referendum-next/

But this is what he said:

“In this second decade of the twentieth century, we’ve seen massive challenges throughout the world and attempts to re-interpret democracy, in global situations where people can’t see any political alternative and there are no alternatives being put forward. The uprisings in Turkey represented a challenge to the establishment but also an attempt to redefine what democracy is. So, it's no longer about numbers of people voting on a particular policy or manifesto but numbers of people coming out onto the streets. This is 'democracy without elections'. But it’s very unstable........However, if we think about the EU referendum, what makes it so special, and probably, I would say in this day and age almost revolutionary, is that the British electorate have taken it upon themselves to take an anti - establishment stance but have used 'democracy with elections' to deliver it......And I’m wondering, does Brexit show that the only way that democracy can work is actually through elections, or through referenda which channel the collective voice of the people, rather than having a mass of people out on the streets?”

Denis was full of questions and ideas and he wrote some great articles for the Liverpool Salon blog. From reviewing Opera http://www.liverpoolsalon.org.uk/opinions/page/5/and http://www.liverpoolsalon.org.uk/opinions/page/9/ to film reviews http://www.liverpoolsalon.org.uk/opinions/page/12/ .Not only a very thoughtful and engaging writer, Denis was a very sensitive human being. As I got to know him better I found out more about the struggles he had with his health. And I also got to understand how deeply he loved his family and how angry and impatient he got with himself whenever he felt he had let them down or let himself down. But whatever problems he had, Denis was blessed with a wide circle of good friends and a loving family and he enjoyed his books, music, politics and writing to the end.

I'm very glad I met you, Denis and I'll miss you very much.

Sincere condolences -

I first met Denis in Leeds in the 80's, when he moved into our shared house for a time. We all went out for some drinks to celebrate and ended up on a derelict promontory over Woodhouse, I think:

Denis: That's a beautiful view.

Me: Not the most romantic bit, mate.

Denis: No really - all those lights, every one a room in a house, in every one a different love story - that's romantic. Those are the stories I want to write.

So he did, amongst many other things, so we'll remember him.

Along with countless others - many of whom knew him better - I am mourning the loss of Denis.

Denis was a facebook pioneer. He made excellent use of the medium. That is how I met him first, although we saw each other on many occasions after that.

Denis was amongst the most supportive of all my friends on the issue of assisted suicide. He wrote an excellent review of my book and was indefatigable in his opposition to legalization. Much of his resoluteness stemmed from his own regrets of his suicide attempt in about 2003, which he described very honestly here (below). He never felt sorry for himself and took full responsibility for his actions. Seemingly from this date, his attitude towards life and its many wondrous pleasures changed; he had a true appreciation of the beautiful and true, as if he had been given a second chance to immerse himself in humanity and all it had to offer. His passion for life was that of a convert and he ardently opposed that which he felt denigrated it. At one stage, one of our on-line discussions about assisted suicide was cited in the Telegraph, which we agreed was a bit spooky but agreeable nonetheless.

He and I also shared a love of classical music, particularly for Vaughan Williams. He knew far more than I did about it and introduced me to several pieces. He used to say he wished he could get to my choir's performances, and I believe him. I have also put links below to two very different musical pieces that I know he loved. The Byrd, we agreed, was amongst the most perfect expression of joy ever written. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roVe5nZKZHg. Mozart's Requiem is, of course, a peerless celebration of the majesty and tragedy of life and loss. This is a short version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi8vJ_lMxQI

We also discussed his favourite philosopher, Hannah Arendt - of which he could cite chapter and verse.

He was passionate, often angry, but ultimately one of the most optimistic persons I have ever met. He managed to combine such passion with humility and an excellent sense of humour.

RIP, Denis. I will always count you as a friend.


http://www.manchestersalon.org.uk/suicide-is-not-painless.html

So sorry to hear of Denis's passing. I didn't meet him personally but he was supportive of my music, following a performance of one of my compositions in Liverpool a few years ago which he reviewed for Manchester Salon. I appreciated his astute here and generosity in sharing his valuable ideas about music. The world needs more people like Denis.

Hi so sorry to hear this news our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. He was a lovely man. Me and my partner Chris knew Denis through poetry. Chris and Denis often discussed politics they often disagreed with one another but always remained friends. We often met with him to talk about poetry. We even ran a National Poetry Day marathon at Bluecoat Chambers in Liverpool in 2012. We met him at a poetry night we ran for many years some of which Chris recorded we thought you might like to see these videos

Just in memory and in case any of Denis' friends and family do not have them...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikGMBOzYdKM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5czLh7XJlE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIcFmlsI9fM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wedIEFC1iE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUdSsiOOfdQ
For the good times shared...
Much love from Chris & Nat x

A good man. Very sorry to hear of his passing.

Den had promised to come to a performance of mine in Liverpool a few weeks ago and I was very surprised when I didn't see him there, he had come to support my work as a composer in the past and was always true to his word. We met about three times and he reviewed my music for The Salon. I sent him my first CD last year and he was too ill to listen and concentrate on it. He was a real supporter of what I'm trying to do in my work as a composer and I appreciated his feedback and thoughts. I am very sorry to hear he has passed away. Too soon. Berni, I am sorry for your loss, wishing you and your family and those who were close to Den peace of mind.

I knew Den through his poetry. He attended a writers' group at The Spider Project in Liverpool every week. We published his work on several occasions. We also had the great pleasure of staging some of the poems from 'The Liverpool Soap Operas' at The Blue coat Chambers in Liverpool. Den was a gifted poet and an encouraging, supportive friend. I'm glad that I knew Den. He was an intelligent, creative artist who wrote some of the most beautiful poems that I've ever heard: a wonderful legacy. His work will live on. I'll miss you Den. Thanks for everything. I'm going to write a sestina in your honour! Hope your lovely Jenny has gone to a good home. Sending lots of love to your family. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Xxx

I knew Denis as a poet, and one of the few mentors whose criticism I truly appreciated. Denis taught me what a sestina was, through his own titled, "Says Tina". That was ten years ago, and I still remember it because the writing was so honest and seamless that I couldn't easily note the pattern. That was Denis. Straightforward but never false, obvious or condescending. I remember when he lost his leg, and I didn't believe him. How could such an insightful and thoughtful man know such turmoil and tragedy?
He was a character with character, and the good ones are hard to come by. He will be missed.

It breaks my heart, Denis, that you are gone. I knew it when you didn't respond to my email. Thanks for always supporting my poetry and pepping me up when I got down. After I visited with you in Liverpool, I always felt that you alone were my soul brother in this life, that we loved poetry and Mahler and shared our struggle with booze and sobriety. I wanted to bring you to America one day, but I waited too long. Life was tough on you, and I was always surprised that you didn't complain more. This will be my last message to you, and now there is no one I can trust to direct me to the best Shostakovich symphonies. Love, John

I initially met Den on Facebook and he invited me to join him as he had a spare ticket to see Wagner's Tristan und Isolde at the Hippodrome in Birmingham. Five hours of the most incredible opera, Den of course being a great fan of classical music. Then we spent several hours drinking pints together in the pub around the corner talking and chatting about all kinds of stuff. I liked Den a lot as he'd always listen to me, never judging but always helping me to see through complexity and beyond, in a very straightforward and down to earth manner. He also had an uncanny knack of being able to understand fully what I said even when I hadn't finished what I was attempting to say, something that many don't. I'm going to miss him dearly. RIP mate.

I didn't know Denis Joe especially well, but thanks to Facebook I knew him a lot better than I otherwise would. We were on a panel at Manchester Salon debating the politics of disability around the time of the 2012 Paralympics. Like me he was against the portrayal of the disabled as victims. Once the debate was over, and still sat in front of an audience of social work students, he whispered to me and lifted up his trouser to reveal a wooden leg. I had no idea until then that he had a disability. His warmth, humour, intelligence and fierce independence were evident then, and in our online chats about politics and music. Though he suffered more than most in life, he also appreciated the beauty and transcendence to be found in great art, music and thought. He would never let his weaknesses or vulnerabilities define him. He was a poet, used to sing in a punk band, and loved his dog Jenny.

Dennis, I think we only met once when you were at Bernies and Steves, but as Bernies brother I knew quite a bit about you. We had a chat and discussed some similarities on our walk through life which I am pleased we had time for. Our hearts go out to your family at this very sad time. I know you will be missed. RIP X

Denis was both an extraordinary human being, kind, thoughtful, political, passionate & creative and extraordinarily pro-human. He was always supportive of our charity WORLDwrite’s work and the first to spread the word about our Citizen TV project WORLDbytes and share our volunteer made videos. Quick to spot anti-human trends, unfreedom and injustice, he was always prepared to speak out and to stand up for what mattered even if it wasn’t popular. He was such a great ally to have, he will be so sorely missed. We are thrilled after all that we will have some of his book collection to remember him by and to share with young people who come through our volunteer centre door. He would have wanted that too and even offered us his book collection earlier this year. Our deepest sympathy to his family too, we have never met, but our thoughts are with you. We will think of Denis often and keep working for the progress he believed in and fought for. We cannot replace him but we can strive to do justice to the vision he shared of a better world. RIP dear friend.

I first began talking to Denis via Email when he began to write reviews for the Manchester Salon several years ago, and I had the pleasure of reading them before anyone else did. He had a great way with words, far too many of them as I recall and it was hard editing as he had so much he wanted to say all the time. I met him at discussions in Manchester and Liverpool many times, and he always had something interesting to bring to the conversation, and with it maturity and experience, all now sadly lost. We talked about a lot of different subjects during the meetings and as well as a talker he was a good listener. I could never understand why he wouldn't come to the pub after the discussions, until one day he told me a long story about his past and how he had lost his leg and I began to learn a bit more about Denis as a person. I admired his courage after that as well as what he had to say and am just sorry I never got to see him as much lately when he became ill. I lost my dad just over a year ago and life has not been the same since, and it is only since he died that I have come to understand the importance of some people and the great gaping holes they leave when they and all their wisdom, experience and personality as well as the love they give you are simply gone. I am sure that Denis is leaving a bloody big hole.

I first met Denis Joe on facebook. He used to send me classical music when I was painting and drawing. I used to say: 'Jesus Denis, you do like a bit of drama, can't you tone it down a little'. I was and still am a complete amateur when it comes to classical music. Because Denis knew his way so effortlessly around different composers he started to understand what I wanted to hear. Over time I'd describe my favourite passages of music, sometimes I'd listen to a particular piece 4 or 5 times a day.

After 9 months of chatting online, I invited Denis to visit me and my daughter Alex in London. It was such a lovely weekend. He took me see Schubert at the Guildhall School of Music. The concert was so moving - I cried. It was like a ton of bricks had been lifted from my shoulders.

Denis was a wonderful house guest. When he was getting ready to sleep on our sofa bed he gently enquired whether Alex would be alarmed by the sight of his false leg. I told him that when I couldn't get hold of him once I'd said to her: 'the one legged poet from Liverpool has gone missing'. He screamed with laughter when I told him her reply, Alex said: 'Well he's not gonna get very far is he', the next morning Denis was even more endeared to Alex, her irreverence and humour seemed to strike a cord with his - they didn't stop talking about literature and popular culture the whole weekend. Denis spotted our bathroom door needed re-hanging. He simply asked me where the local hardware shop was and within the hour it was fixed.

Denis spoke at length with warmth and admiration for his family. Particularly about his sister with special needs and how hard his mother has worked. He was also a very proud uncle.

I am so sorry for your loss. Me and Alex will never forget Denis Joe.

Lizzie Malone and Alex Barnfield

Although I met Denis twice only, we had lots of online chats, often about his health related problems but also about politics, poetry and his musical postings. He was perceptive, engaging and engaged and was incredibly enthusiastic, positive and encouraging. He was a voracious reader and frequently commented online, highlighting aspects he thought important, new or problematic about something he'd read. His dog, Jenny, was a source of great joy to him so was very upset when she went missing but thrilled when she was found. I will miss him and hope Jenny finds a good home.

Life is like a sentence. It isn't complete without a full stop.
I would have preferred a comma Den, but I didn't have any choice about how and when you would leave.
I love you, as I always have.
Berni

Denis, many an hour spent, sometimes late into the night debating and passionately arguing our own corner about anything and everything. From politics to music and then at the end of it, walk away trying to remember what had been said. We had covered too much to take it all in.