TRIBUTES have been paid to a Barnsley musician – described as a ‘legend’ – after he died last month.
Tony Benson was labelled as one of the most recognisable musicians across the borough.
He started his musical career in the 1960s, and was even playing up until last year – before he died on March 8.
One of his good friends, Dave Cherry, said:: “A fantastic bass player, Tony came out of the sixties with his unique style of playing.
“He was a fabulous guy to know and I was proud to call him a friend.
“One of his first bands was the Spartans in 1963 with the fantastic Barnsley guitarists Jimmy Echo and Terry Hooson.
“Tony later became the bass player with the legendary Vin Ogley and The Travellers.
“Vin passed away in 1998.
“He also played in jazz bands in Wakefield and other groups finishing up with the Darren Harris band, which he joined in 2004.
“He was still able to play until the summer of 2022.
“Darren still plays every second week at the Klondyke WMC at Royston.
“A Kendray lad, born in 1948, he started off working at the Barrow Coking Plant then Rockingham pit before settling into a career as a bricklayer.”
He leaves behind his wife, Yvonne, four children plus 12 grandchildren.
