Andy Neil Pollard

I knew Andy from his early days when he was just a humble lighting 'trainee' at WLN in Halifax. There was something special about him even then. Affable, friendly, cheerful, helpful, willing, hard-working, eager to learn...the list of positives just went on and on. Later, I employed him as freelance techie and enjoyed his company through the long hard days of grafting and the late night sessions that you have to 'sign up to' if you are 'in the business'. I never saw him too tired to complete his work, or crack a joke, or lend a hand - and never heard him complain about anything. He was a trojan; always hardworking, cheerful and one of the team. At the same time he was a leader who led by example and enthusiasm. Of course, he did have his ups and downs - who doesn't when you are young and ambitious and full of dreams? OK, we did have to sit down and talk seriously on an occasion or two but that was a positive experience too. He took it on the chin, became better for it, never made me feel that I was a crusty ole 'stick in the mud' and we both moved on becoming closer buddies because of it. As he became more involved in rock'n'roll, I was drifting away from it, into the corporate sector, and diverging paths only cross occasionally but we always kept in touch, our bond never weakened and I still have kept and cherish the emails we exchanged over the years. I was delighted to learn - but no way surprised - that he had become part of the team that supported one of the biggest, most popular bands on the planet. It is my regret that I never was able to 'be his guest' on any of the FF shows but on occasion he generously welcomed close friends of mine with AAA passes and close care and attention. I'm sure that Andy was a pivotal member of the FF team and their generous acclaim of him and his character subsequently bears this out. Joni Mitchell once sang that you 'never know what you've got till it's gone' and I find it incredibly sad that we were currently discussing dates when he and Sophie could bring their kids over to stay with us for a few days in North Yorkshire in-between the easing of Covid restrictions and the resumption of the band's world-wide touring commitments. Now that will never happen. Carpe Diem! But our door will always be open to Sophie and the children and we really do hope they will feel free to visit and stay with us at any time. They will have our support for life. My wife Janet and I are comforted by the huge outpouring of grief and respect by those who met and knew him and the generosity with which so many people have responded to the fund-raising, helping to guarantee financial security for the family after this tragic event. God bless you Mister Pollard - keep kicking those arses in that great festival in the sky! And love and best wishes to Sophie, Arlo and Ren - you had a damn good man and daddy who you will never forget but we wish you happiness and peace in the future.