Stories of Tom

I don't remember when I first met Tom. You know when someone talks about someone so much it's like you know them, even if you've not met them? It was one of those. Simon talked about Tom all the time, and so when we did eventually meet, I guess it's like he'd always been there. Most of mine and Tom's interactions centred around Simon. Mostly sharing pictures of Si on the tools or doing this middle-aged man pose they had a shared appreciation for. Outside of sharing zero-context photos, my favourite times with Tom were in Wales. Him and Abi visited in 2024, and we took them on our favourite mountain walk. About halfway up, two goats jumped us. Abi grabbed Poppy and ran. Tom was just happy for them to join us. There's a video here - and the most unflattering picture of us all. We can see the mountain from our house. I really love that. Tom and Abi came back to Wales in 2025. We camped - and BOY do this couple know how to camp! We turned up to the most ridiculous setup, which included a full kitchen, an actual wardrobe, and a canoe, as well as a separate tent for us to sleep in. We talked camping gear and promised to invest. Tom cooked up a lamb feast, and we drank Polly's beers around the fire. I'm not sure what more anyone could want from life or from a friendship to be honest. There's a gap in our lives where Tom should be. But I'm so grateful to have known him, and for the memories we built in this special place. He'll always be here, really.

Fishing with Tom and Ads. Tom loved fishing, partly because of the fishing and partly because it was an escape from everything. Sitting next to a lake with a few best friends laughing and messing about like kids is one of the purest feelings you can get. This situation was vastly improved when tom entered his BBQ era, so rather than scotch eggs and Ginsters we had hot burgers and hot dogs...but the piss-taking and arguing over who was better at fishing remained constant. The purest Tom - I will miss and cherish these times forever <3

The year is 2025, me and Jordan are playing pool and Tom is sorting out his flowers (his pride and joy) I decided it would be fun to get a pic of him so I ask Jordan to knock on the window and this is the pic I took, the pure confusion on his face kills me every time

First summer holiday with Abigail's family. August 2015, Winterton on Sea, karaoke, Islands in the Stream

Think this was either 2022 or 2021 - after LCBF. Not long after this picture was taken, Tom got us shots from the bar, didn’t tell me it was white rum and I vomited everywhere - who gets that as a shot?! He then flagged a black cab down and asked them to take a photo of us all. Cabby was not impressed.

Me and Tom on stage at the labour club. We were very close around this time, and for a few years after, and he was always so enthusiastic and encouraging about the music I had written. He was a natural and brilliant musician. Although this is now a long time ago, me and Tom developing this band (kaw liga!) together, and developing ourselves as musicians is so pivotal and will always be cherished to me.

First time I met Tom I was thrown into the deep end as I’d joined his already established band Subtle Devils. I knew Tom was an incredible singer and player and was really nervous and didn’t know what to expect if I’m honest. I was crapping myself. But that soon disappeared because within seconds Tom made me feel comfortable in the room and had me laughing. I connected with him instantly. As our friendship grew, I came to see a deeper side of Tom.. one that not everyone got to fully appreciate. He had a quiet altruism about him, a genuine kindness and love for others that shaped everything he did. He never once treated me badly. In fact, it was the opposite and he consistently put others before himself, without hesitation, without needing recognition. Tom helped me through different moments in my life, often without even realising it. His humour was incredible.. the kind that could completely change your mood.. but beyond that, he was someone I could always turn to. I knew without question that he had my back. That’s something I’ll always carry with me.