Russell was much loved by many on the Banks. Heres my tribute, sorry it’s a bit long!
Russel was a legend.
A social networker before the internet started, he had a highly energized personality and always wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time, no matter the occasion, no matter the person. He was fun, fond of a joke, trick, or pun. Fond of Campari and soda. Fond of Roxy music, Dolly Parton and The KLF. He was kind and helpful, and wanted everyone to be ok.
Christmas day was always awesome round at the Taylor’s - a mid morning mass piss up with their family, friends and neighbors, that house on The Banks bulging at the seams. Summer days were also awesome, Russell preoccupied with tending the charcoal and dispensing ice cream with great aplomb. Vienetta, Romantica, Fabs. From time to time neighboring parents would get hammered with ring leader Russell MCing as quiz master, usually Trivial Pursuits, always with a topical news reference and always weaving pop music history into the occasion.
He was obsessed by pop music, pop entertainment and other everyday popular trends. He was abreast of supermarket offerings. He was the kind of guy that would return from holiday with enough booze and fags to start a nightclub. Everyone on his street was given a horrendous animatronic gift at some point or another, think burping nun or santa exposing himself. Pets too were taken care of, every animal being the recipient of a pungent oversized christmas stocking stacked with food and toys (one year a dog chew shaped like Maggie Thatcher).
My memories of Russ the Fuss mainly consist of him getting excited about music, him organizing social activities, and his kindness. Others will remember him playing sports well in to his 50s, his involvement in the 1970s smash mash marking campaign, or getting punished for wearing leopard print speedos at school. The rumors that he appeared on the front cover of Rolling Stone magazine for a Bingham special are unsubstantiated, despite many claiming to have seen the issue with their own eyes. Certainly many will remember him fondly. That a former colleague took care of his laundry whilst Russell was in hospital tells you what sort of guy he was.
I’ll look back very fondly at Russell, thanks for everything.
Comments