From coronations to comedy

During a recent visit to our Rustington Centre, Member Richard Holmes spoke to Blind Veterans UK’s Sheena Thomson about his remarkable musical career

Past visitors to Ovingdean may have had the pleasure of hearing Member and accomplished musician, Richard Holmes, play the piano. But perhaps they do not know the extent and success of his musical talent.

When Richard became a chorister at the age of six, he was taught the piano and organ by his choirmaster. At 14, he started playing the piano in local hotel dance bands in Brighton, Worthing and Littlehampton. His route into uniform was, like so many at that time, via his national service obligation.

“I had to do national service and I thought at the time it would be better to join as a musician. I served from 1952 to 55 as a regular attached to the RAF Central Band. I was fortunate enough to be in one of the marching bands at the 1953 Coronation, for which I received a medal.”

Unsurprisingly, this was the most iconic highlight of his service career. He says, “Every day we would do a route march around Uxbridge, where we were stationed. We were marching and playing to build up stamina for the 14 miles we would march on the actual day of the coronation.

“It was tough, but it was also a laugh as well. For instance, we immediately followed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for ten and a half miles, so as well as playing the trumpet in the pouring rain, we had to avoid the natural waste from the horses.”

After the Coronation, Richard went on to perform in a band escorting members of the Royal Family in official UK tours, military tattoos, and The Royal Tournament. He was also a member of the RAF dance band.

When he left the RAF, he continued his musical career by entering the world of entertainment.

“I went straight to the London West End playing in the nightclubs, theatres and hotels as a pianist/arranger. That gradually developed into conducting, writing, composing for television and arranging orchestra overtures.

“I spent 20 years developing my career from the nightclub scene to the theatre, then working consistently for the BBC and ITV.”

Richard is very humble about his career, modestly chatting through his impressive career highlights, saying, “The Jack of Clubs in Brewer Street was my first night club, and my first theatre was the Victoria Palace. In the early 80s, I did a year as conductor on the Sound of Music at the Apollo Theatre with Petula Clark.

“I was the orchestra pianist for all the BBC Morecambe and Wise shows, including the Christmas specials. The only show I didn’t do was the famous sketch featuring Andre Previn ‘playing the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order’. 

“I was, however, playing for the famous Angela Rippon dance sketch, and other well-known highlights, including the Shirley Bassey and Glenda Jackson sketches. It was fantastic working with Morcombe and Wise.”

Richard also performed across the world: “I toured America, Australia and the continent a lot, and worked with Andy Williams, Howard Keil and others.  When I wasn’t touring, I was doing Abbey Road session recordings and shows like Top of the Pops.”

“In 1982, I conducted for the Royal Variety show at the Palladium and was presented to the Queen. Tim Rice was hosting and Elaine Page was on the bill with hits from the 60s, as well as the famous Folies Bergère dance girls.”

During the 80s and 90s, Richard moved to composing for drama and light entertainment. He’s credited with the theme tunes to the Fortunes of War (1987), winning Ivor Novello and BAFTA awards, and A Fine Romance (1981), starring Judy Dench, among many others.

These days, at the age of 89, Richard still maintains an active interest in music, within the limits of his sight issues which developed due to glaucoma.

Richard first experienced glaucoma in the 60s and 70s, but over the years it became more serious.  He found out about Blind Veterans UK through fellow Member Tony Halliday, an old childhood music friend and Brighton Centre resident.

“Becoming a Member of Blind Veterans UK has had a very positive impact on my life. I can’t express enough enthusiasm; how helpful everyone has been and how good it has been for me.  I’m so grateful to all those who have supported me.”