The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved local musician.
Multi-instrumentalist Bob Wilson, who was part of renowned local band The Houndogs with his sons Rob, Ian and David, has died aged 75.
Bob sang vocals with the rock ‘n’ roll outfit which will continue to play around the country as a three-piece.
Bob himself was well known for his talents playing instruments including the guitar, piano, harmonica and saxophone.
A statement from the band said: “As a person Bob was extremely generous. For example he sold his keyboard to fund his sons first set of drums, he gave each of his sons quality guitars and promised his daughter-in-law his motorbike, which he honoured.
“When his health deteriorated, his son, Ian was also gifted a motorcycle. All of these items were greatly appreciated as Bob was not a wealthy man, but his generosity shone. Bob had a great sense of humour. Whilst in his hospital bed he said he was starting to see in double vision. He laughed this off by asking his wife Jill to bring in a bank statement as hopefully the figures would have doubled.
“The practices still take place in the front lounge and hopefully will for many years to come, with bobs armchair in the corner. To sum up Bob, he was an extremely generous man who would give his family and friends whatever he could provide, to see them happy. Bob had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humour.
Guitarist Rob said: “Dad was a naturally talented musician who never went to music school and was entirely self-taught.
“Despite that, If he heard something he could usually play it straight away.
“It was him that gave us our love of music as we all grew up listening to rock ‘n’ roll, the likes of Gene Vincent and Buddy Holly was on all the time in the background when we were growing up.
“I had a guitar and he would always be joining in. He never pushed us to start a group but he really supported us when we did and became the singer.”
Bob had never been in a band before The Houndogs formed in 1994.
He remained with the band for 10 years before suffering with ill-health.
He was affectionately known as ‘Daddy Houndog’ thanks to his association with the band.
The band with Rob on guitar, Ian on double bass and David on drums has played throughout Europe and saw an album enter the iTunes downloads charts last year.
Bob was born in India, moving to the UK in 1959 and after short spells in Dartford and Saracen’s Head he and wife Jill settled in Holbeach Hurn.
Outside of music, Bob worked as a welder and in paper mills.
As well as his sons and wife Jill, Bob leaves behind daughter Stephanie and five grandchildren.
Andy Holly used to run rock ‘n’ roll nights in the area and became firm friends with Bob.
“He was kind of the East Anglian version of Carl Perkins,” said Andy. “He had a great talent and sounded a little like Carl when singing.
“He loved music and must have encouraged so many in the local area to become musicians. If he heard you playing just a few chords, no matter how well you could play, he would encourage you to play with him.
“He always had a good word for everybody and was always laughing. He wouldn’t let you walk away with a frown.”
Bob passed away after battling cancer on Sunday, November 5.
His funeral took place on November 22 at South Lincolnshire Crematorium in Surfleet.
