Kelly Jones' musical tribute to Gary Speed
Stereophonics' Kelly Jones has recorded a special acoustic version of a Welsh football terrace classic for tonight's Sport Wales (10pm, 91Èȱ¬ Two Wales), in tribute to the late Wales international manager Gary Speed.
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Can't Take My Eyes Off You, originally a top five hit for Andy Williams in 1968, became the adopted anthem of the Welsh supporters during Speed's international career, following a popular 91Èȱ¬ Wales promotion which featured the track.
The Stereophonics frontman was approached by 91Èȱ¬ Sport Wales producers Huw Davies and Sion Jones to record the track. "I had worked with Kelly before and I knew that he is a proud Welshman and follower of the national side, as well as a Leeds United fan, the team in which Gary Speed began his career. I just thought it would be a fitting tribute for Kelly to sing this for us," says Davies.
Jones, a supporter of one of Speed's former clubs, Leeds United, said: "I was with my two daughters at the Millennium Stadium after the Wales v England international [in March].
"We were waiting at the lift and Gary ended his phone conversation and shook my hand. We had a chat about the game and shared the lift to the ground floor.
"He was a very nice man. Good-looking fella. I was consumed the whole day when I heard the news [of his death]. I couldn't get my head around it.
"Then the 91Èȱ¬ approached me to record the song. It's a 10-minute job but I hope it's fitting for the tribute on the show."
Jason Mohammad will present the special tribute to Gary Speed in 91Èȱ¬ Sport Wales from Elland Road, the home of Leeds United, He will be joined by former Leeds United player and Wales team-mate Matt Jones. The programme will include tributes from Alan Shearer, Robbie Savage, Gary McAllister, Barry Horne amongst others.
With Wales mercurial winger Shane Williams due to play his final international tomorrow, the programme will also look back at his glittering rugby career and look forward to the Wales v Australia game at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
91Èȱ¬ Sport Wales, Friday, December 2, 91Èȱ¬ Two Wales, 10pm
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Comment number 1.
At 2nd Dec 2011, Katie wrote:Just listened to this recording - a beautiful tribute. This should be released as a single for a charity that Gary Speed believed in. Christmas Number 1?
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