Tonight in America (Sunday 5th February 2023) Knocker was saluted during the "In Memoriam" segment on the annual Grammys telecast. How great that he was honored. And hearing his name read out by an American voice - "John 'Knocker' Knowles" and displayed in full on-screen was really bitter-sweet
So proud that he was being recognized. So sad that I was reminded of his passing...
So many fabulous memories. Perhaps my favorite was in the late 1970s when he was having a bit of minor "trouble" over an "incident" with an over-solicitous policeman. He was concerned that he might have to "go away" for a couple of months.
I had recently produced a couple of albums (one music and one comedy) of the benefit show I'd produced for Amnesty International - "The Secret Policeman's Ball". I'd placed them with Island for distribution. And Knocker has done a brilliant job selling the album.
Shortly after he had the "incident" he phoned me and asked whether - in the event there was a request that he be "detained for a period" because of the matter - I could use my influence to get Amnesty International do one of its campaigns to get him released!
I explained gently that Amnesty only campaigned for the release of political prisoners.
Knocker then proceeded to give me an interpretation of the incident in which one of his fists was assaulted by the face of an overly-aggressive constable. (Knocker pronounced the word in a rather distinctive way!)
"It was bleedin' political the way he came after me!"
As always with Knocker - I was reduced to hysterical laughter.
He was a dear man. My love to all his family and friends
May his memory be a blessing...
Martin Lewis
6th February 2023
John did one of the kindest and most selfless things anyone has ever done for me.
Back in 2008, I left London and found myself working at The Porchester Spa. John was always so kind to me and my colleagues. It didn't matter to John whether you were a cleaner or a CEO.
My parents are Scots, and when I said I supported Celtic, he got tickets to an Old Firm game for my dad and I. It had always been a bucket list thing for my dad and I. It's the only game we've ever seen together and if it wasn't for John, it would never have happened. My family will be eternally grateful to John.
John, you had a heart of gold with a wicked sense of humour. Thanks for giving me such special memories that will forever be in my life's highlight reel.
Daniel McCabe, New Zealand
24th December 2022
So lovey to hear his voice…..Never forgotten Knocker xxx
https://youtu.be/3DDYyFuWCKs
The Captain
26th November 2022