Martin Turner has released a new version of his Wishbone Ash classic ‘Everybody Needs A Friend’ in tribute to Markus Sollner, his friend and agent for Germany, who sadly passed away last year.
Martin Turner and his band mates Danny Willson, Tim Brown and Misha Nikolic raise a glass to Markus in a testament to friendships born on the road.
Martin told MetalTalk: “Markus was a big plump pussy cat I always thought, but then one day I witnessed him red in the face, banging his fist on the Hotel reception desk to complain about something or other. Yeah, go Markus I thought.
“But seriously, he was a lovely man, kind and considerate and not afraid to let me know when I was driving like an annoying prick, which could happen occasionally.
“Taken from us all too young, but I send him my love through the ether. Bless you Markus – you were a good man whilst you were here.”
A faithful friend.
Markus’s sister Ingrid, said: “Music was his first love…. Markus was a family guy, reliable, funny, a loving rascal. His job was his passion, he enjoyed all of the arts, also cooking. A good cook, a loveable brother, a faithful friend.”
Tim Brown told us: “Markus was a true gent. I will miss the laughter and fun we enjoyed over the last seven years. Markus really became a member of our family and his loss was like losing a brother. RIP big man you will always be missed.”
Danny Willson said: “Markus Sollner, our great friend, promoter, chaperone, drinking buddy, tour guide, translator, and occasional chef, always looked after us so well on the road in Europe, ensuring everything went smoothly. But above all he had a great sense of humour and made sure we had plenty of fun and laughter along the way! Danke Markus, you will always be missed and never forgotten.”
Misha Nikolic told us: “One word comes to my mind when thinking about Markus…Gentle Giant!
“Markus was a true gentleman and a force to reckon with. Always reliable, ready to help, highly organised but above all gentle with great sense of humour. He made me laugh when he called his hotel room ‘the office’. He enjoyed touring as much as we did and always made sure we were not short on food and drink. I enjoyed our little coffee breaks along the route, stories, and his company.
“He treated us like family. Saying goodbye at the end of the tour made me feel like leaving a family member behind. I will miss him greatly”.
‘Everybody Needs A Friend’ can be purchased from here.
A percentage from sales over the next six months will be donated to MJC Trier, a cultural and youth centre charity chosen by Markus’s family.
