LOAL Obituary

Photo : Brad Harris

21st April 2016 by Michael Roberts

Friends of Karl,

It is with an ineffable sadness that I write this, but as many of you know Karl slipped away quietly in the wee small hours of the morning, 19th April, 2016.. He held on against all odds, barely 30 hours after the amazing concert we had for him on Sunday, an event that won’t be forgotten by anyone who was involved. He kept us waiting a little while longer, choosing to soak up the love and positive energy, to use it as fuel for his ride into the stars. We sang him across the great divide. While his last guitar chord has faded, and his gorgeous cracked tenor voice will not grace our stages again, his legacy and influence will resonate for decades. Cancer took his body but it can’t take his spirit, so to all of you who joined in the support for my beautiful brother in song and dear friend I say thank you so much. Karl was a singular soul, a true poet with a heart as big as the bright blue sky and a nature so open and giving that it endeared him to everyone he met. My heart is broken, I’m all cried out, but the level of response from everyone here (and from so many others) to Karl’s plight is a testament to the humanity and decency that exists in the musical community, and in his wider life.

The story does not stop with Karl’s final bow, as his friends will be working over the coming months to ensure his legacy and make sure his estate is able to look after the needs of his two beautiful sons, Travis and Oskar Jenkin-Broadie. To that end we intend to produce a feature documentary on his life, finish off a posthumous album, produce a tribute album with other artists doing his songs and compile a Best Of album, called Here, Now Where?

Karl Broadie has left an indelible mark in his short 44 years on this planet, but he’s left us with more love in it than when he arrived. That’s the measure of the man. He passed with incredible courage and dignity, pure class to the end, something that won’t surprise anyone who knew him. He faced eternity with a calmness and serenity that was inspiring and humbling to witness, and his beautiful spark will continue to burn in the many singer/songwriters he nurtured and mentored. Good bye my beautiful friend and thanks to all who gave him comfort in the leaving.

Our sympathies go to his family, particularly to the UK branch, to his wonderful mother Margaret, who raised such a gem of a person, his gorgeous partner Rachel, who gave everything and more to him during his final days, and his two fine boys, Oskar and Travis, and their mum Marni. Words are unable to capture the depth of our sorrow, but Karl’s musical poetry speaks to us and heals the pain in so many ways, and through his songs he is singing in our hearts forever.

love to all

Micky Blue Eyes

“There is a light that never goes out”.