Remembering Simon Wells
The news this week that Simon Wells had passed away hit every one at Omnibus hard. Remembering Simon, Managing Editor David Barraclough reflects...
Simon not only wrote some great books for us (Butterfly on a Wheel, an Anita Pallenberg biography, the London Life collection and The Making of Quadrophenia), but (as the outpouring of affection for him on Facebook will testify) was simply one of the nicest people you could work with.
Simon was also a talented musician. If you want to explore that lesser known side of Simon, you can do so here: https://simon-wells.208records.co.uk/
Over the years, Simon became a good friend, a friendship in part forged by a shared love of old British films. One of my favourite days was a trip to Letchworth we took together, when Simon generously gave up a day to show me the locations used in the great British science fiction film Village of the Damned. And as a bonus, he also took me round Bhaktivedanta Manor, where Hammer shot Fear in the Night. And we finally finished the day with a pint or two in the village pub.
It has been a great pleasure to know and work with Simon and at the moment it still doesn’t seem imaginable we won’t be able to do so again...
We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic news of Simon’s passing. Si was a gifted writer, a talented musician, a gentle soul, and a dear friend who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace 😔❤️
Such a kind, gentle, talented guy. It’s so difficult to conceive that he is gone. He was so unassuming, yet his knowledge about his passions was extraordinary. I will miss him terribly.