HUNDREDS of people attended the funeral of a Hereford musician.

Dennis Schiavon, who was known for performing in punk band The Revillos, died of a chronic lung disease, aged 63. 

Around 400 people remembered his life at St Francis Xavier Church earlier this month, with a further 190 people watching online around the world.

While in the Revillos, Mr Schiavon took on the vibrant stage persona of ‘Vince Santini’ – a gold-lame-jacketed, black-quiffed, rock ’n ’roller who was slim, tall and handsome

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Band member Nicky Forbes, also known as Rocky Rhythm, said: "His superb musicianship was an asset, as was his song-writing skills.

"Following ongoing tours of Europe, the group then signed to EMI records, and Dennis co-wrote many of the EMI album tracks.

"A list of achievements, even this impressive, is not the measure of the man.

"For the band, equally important was Dennis’ sense of fair play and his palpable care for others. He was loved by the group and fans. But Dennis yearned for his home city, so he quit the band in 1984 and moved back to Hereford."

Mr Schiavon grew up in Raneleigh Street, Whitecross, with his parents Gismonda and Virginio and sisters Ella and Mary. 

He showed a musical aptitude from a very early age. 

Hereford Times: Dennis Schiavon, who has died aged 63Dennis Schiavon, who has died aged 63 (Image: Christopher Krage)

 

After being edducated at St Francis Xavier Primary School, St Mary's High School and Hereford Sixth Form College, Mr Schiavon landed himself a job as an usher in Hereford Magistrates Court.

 And it was while there, he saw an advert for a bass player in a band in Scotland, and his journey with the Revillos began, performing with them from 1980 to 1984.

Later in his life, the musician joined the Music Pool, who help people who don't have the opportunity to access music.

He was part of the charity from 2000 to 2019.

Rob Strawson, who was Mr Schiavon's boss, said ‘The Music Pool became in trouble in 2000 and Dennis and I agreed to take on half wages to try and give the charity a chance to survive. 

"It was an extraordinarily productive and vital complementary partnership dedicated to our mission. I couldn’t have done it without him."

Around £5,000 was raised from the funeral which will go to the Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis research charity.