There are reports on Facebook that comedian and musician Tony De Meur, also known as Ronnie Golden, has died.
Posts say that he suffered a sudden heart attack and died peacefully.
Golden was a well-known figure on the comedy ciruit, working regularly as a solo act and also for a number of years with the late Barry Cryer.
Before he went into comedy he also had a successful 'straight' musical career as a member of the Fabulous Poodles (pictured), a melodic seventies band who were successful in the UK and made waves in America and supported bands including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The band also reformed in 2019. Golden wrote this piece for BTJ about the reunion. He also continued to perform with his band Ronnie and The Rex.
He made the move from music to mirth as alternative comedy became popular and was one of the regular musical acts at the first Comedy Store in London. He went on to appear in the second ever episode of The Young Ones in 1982, playing Buddy Holly hanging from his paranchute. See below.
He described himself as a "Standup*Scribbler*Screamer*Strummer".
Golden was also always witty, entertaining company in the flesh and online. Only last week he had been writing about having hearing difficulties and BTJ had offered him advice on hearing aids.
David Stark wrote this on FB: "Very sad to learn that we've lost Tony De Meur aka Ronnie Golden from a heart attack, sincere condolences to his partner Grace and family. Tony was a top musician, comedian and all-round good bloke who started out in the Fabulous Poodles in the '70s and later worked as a double act with the late Barry Cryer for many years playing the Edinburgh Fringe and countless gigs everywhere. He also supported the Trembling Wilburys and The Oo on quite a few occasions and just emailed me on Friday to confirm a Christmas lunch date. Sadly that will now have to be a memorial to him at which we'll need to play a few of his memorably witty songs e.g. Freedom Pass and others. RIP TdM"
Charmian Hughes wrote: "Our dear friend, wit, pop legend, comedy hero, raconteur, funster, funkster, true entertainment trooper, Fabulous Poodle, also known as Ronnie Golden, Tony de Meur has left this earth, peacefully without warning ."
Bennett Arron wrote: "Incredibly upsetting to hear about Tony De Meur / Ronnie Golden. We gigged together so much over the years and lived together during the Edinburgh Festival. He always had such great stories and was just a joy to be around. RIP my friend."
Performer Steve Furst wrote: "Just heard….so shocked and saddened to hear. He was one of the best there was."
Anne Whyte write: "I cannot believe this...this man could make a cat laugh.A sad day indeed with many stand out comedy and musical momemts...De Niro turning into a chicken..stairlifts...life is most certainly beige with Tony not in it.Him and Baz tearing up where ever they are.): Sad, sad news."
Watch Ronnie Golden as Buddy Holly in The Young Ones below
2019 picture of the 'Fab Poos' by Steve Ullathorne – Ronnie at front with guitar.
