English performing poet, Pete Brown has been reported dead. He died on May 19, 2023, at age 82. He died from various forms of cancer that he had been battling for years.
He was a long-time collaborator of Jack Bruce, whose family announced his death.
“We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Jack’s long-term friend and writing partner, Pete Brown who passed away last night. We extend our sincere condolences to Pete’s wife Sheridan and Pete’s children as well as all his family and friends. Love from the Bruce family,” the statement read.
Born on December 25, 1940, Pete Brown started his career when he was just 14 years old. His first poem was published in the U.S. magazine Evergreen Review. During the 1960s, he became part of the poetry scene in Liverpool and was the first poet to perform at Morden Tower in Newcastle in 1964.
In 1968, he formed Pete Brown and His Battered Ornaments, and the following year, the band recorded two albums dubbed A Meal You Can Shake Hands With in the Dark and Mantlepiece.
Brown started working with Graham Bond in the early ’70s, and with input from Jack Bruce and Bond’s wife, Diane Stewart, the recorded an album titled Two Heads Are Better Than One.
He went on to form Brown and Friends, and Flying Tigers, though neither group beyond producing demos. He recorded an album of his early poems, The Not Forgotten Association before recording with members of Back to the Front, including an album, Party in The Rain, which was recorded in 1976, but was released in 1982.
Brown also recorded other albums including Ardours of the Lost Rake, Coals to Jerusalem, The Land That Cream Forgot, and Road of Cobras.
In 2004, he formed Brown Waters, a film production company with Mark A. J. Waters and Miran Hawke. He published his autobiography White Rooms and Imaginary Westerns.
Brown’s last piece of work includes a partnered work with Gary Brooker on the album Novum, by Procol Harum.