Peter Staples, who died 3rd November, was a well-known figure in Stockport. As a youngster he played centre right for the Stockport Boys Football Team, and was in the 1948 International Final against Liverpool. At Stockport the game was a 1-all draw and the match was then replayed at Liverpool and it finished again a 1-all draw. Instead of playing extra time it was decided that the two teams would share the trophy and keep it for six months each. Peter was presented with his medal for this game, but unfortunately someone broke into his house and his medal was stolen.
He worked in his father’s fish shop which was on Princess Street, next to the Touchstone Pub. When the Merseyway Precinct and Debenhams were to be built, Peter’s Dad decided to finish trading and retire. Peter then worked for Martin Mills Limited, first housed in Osborne Street, Bredbury, and then on the Mersey Industrial Estate. He became Sales Director and worked there until his retirement.
In his spare time, Peter was a renowned jazz drummer and worked with pianist, Eddie Thompson, for a number of years, playing also with the local bands. He was asked to play drums with the Humphrey Lyttelton Band in 1969 on the LP “21 Years On” which was recorded at the Conway Hall in London.
He was a founder member in 1983 of Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz, playing with the band until 2001 when he found the travelling too much. He had played with the band in Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Holland, USA and Canada, as well as playing on a Transatlantic cruise with them.
He lived in his childhood home in The Quadrant, Offerton, and died at the age of 79.
Comments
4 responses to “We Mourn the Loss of Peter Staples, our Founder Drummer”
Pete, he was one of me best friends and always put a smile on my face. He was like a father to me and my brother and he will be greatly missed.
Not only was he a great musician he was a great person who had a heart of gold and if anyone deserved the best out of life then it was Pete, truly one of life’s good guys!
very sad to hear of Pete’s death – our sympathy to all concerned. A bright light has gone out and I will miss his cowbell!
When I read about Pete’s death, I knew I had lost a very good friend. To be together with the MRMJ was always a happy time, and the happiest of us all was Pete. All the members of Royal Garden Jazzband with wives will miss his smile and laughter, and we mourn the loss of Peter Staples.
Only just come across this post. I was a local jazz nut and drummer and Friday night at the Warren Bulkely in the 70’s was a favourite. Terrific trio with Pete Taylor on base and the wonderful Eddie Thompson with his faithful guide dog sitting under the piano. Got on to good nodding terms over the years, Pete was lovely guy as well as good drummer. I’ve lived in Cornwall since 84 but have wonderful memories of the Manchester and Stockport jazz scene of which Pete was an influence. God Bless.