Bobby Farrell Age 61
The lead singer of 70s disco legends Boney M has been found dead in a Russian hotel room.
The body of 61-year-old Bobby Farrell was discovered by staff at a hotel in St Petersburg after he failed to answer a wake-up call.
He had performed in the city the previous night with three women backing singers as part of a re-formed Boney M comeback tour.
His agent John Seine told Dutch media that Farrell had complained of breathing problems before and after the show, but that the cause of death had still not yet been confirmed.
The original Boney M, which was based in Germany, disbanded in 1986 after chart-topping hits throughout the 70s and 80s, including Daddy Cool and By the Rivers Of Babylon
After the group disbanded, Farian revealed that Farrell had made almost no vocal contributions to the group's records, with Farian himself performing male vocals in the studio.
But Farrell regularly performed live, and became notorious for his skimpy outfits and suggestive dancing.
He moved to Amsterdam in the late 1980s, where he lived until his death.
God Bless Bobby Rip xx
Memorial Tributes To Bobby
Your an Angel now Bobby we think of you this way God bless xx
GOD ONLY TAKES THE BEST
Gods loving arms enfolded you
with tender loving care,
He saw that you were suffering
as you laid in silence there,
He said the time has come
for you to take a rest,
He held you in his arms and said,
I ONLY TAKE THE BEST. GOD BLESS YOU xxx
Left by
Anne 19/01/11
Standing Next To You
You cannot see or touch me
But I'm standing next to you.
Your tears will only hurt me,
Your sadness makes me blue.
Be brave and show a smiling face
Let not your grief show through.
I love you from a different place,
Yet I'm standing next to you.
God Bless Bobby xx
Left by
Anne 03/01/11
Memorial Poems Left For Bobby
On behalf of his excellency, I hereby submit the eulogy given by the Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba, Mr. Edwin Abath, as a tribute to the late Bobby Farrell (Bonnie M), on the occasion of his memorial ceremony on January 8, 2011 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands:
"The passing away of Bobby Farrell is undoubtedly major international news. A quick Google search and you will obtain thousands of media hits reporting on his death, in the far corners of the world. Here today as well, the media are well-represented to cover this farewell. All this underlines the fact that Bobby Farrell was an artist of international fame and allure.
As Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba, I address you on behalf of my government and most importantly, on behalf of the people of Aruba. That is why, with your permission, I donât want to talk about the big entertainer Bobby Farrell, but about the Aruban Roberto Alfonso Farrell, born on October 6, 1949 in Arubaâs second largest town, San Nicolas.
Already at the age of 15, he left his island of birth to become a sailor. A few years later, he settled down in Germany as a DJ and dancer. Bobby once said goodbye to Aruba, but he always remained an Aruban wherever his success with the Boney M. group took him.
It is common practice that successful sportsmen and women, singers and scientists from Aruba, Curaçao or Sint Maarten are referred to as if they were born in the Netherlands. Bobby always emphasized in almost all his interviews that he was, first and foremost, an Aruban. He was proud of his island and never hid these feelings of pride for one moment.
And I can assure you that even though Bobby had been gone from his island for more than 45 years, Aruba never forgot him. On the contrary, Aruba is very proud of him. Not only because of the 150 million records that were sold of him and Boney M., but especially because of the person Roberto Alfonso Farrell, the Aruban Roberto Alfonso Farrell.
Like Bobby, several hundred talented youngsters leave our island every year to further enhance or broaden their development, for example by studying here in the Netherlands or in the United States. Actually, they are all Bobbyâs in-the-making, who can take Bobby as an example that you can excel in life even if you were born on a small island.
Bobby has shown us that when you combine your talent with input and perseverance, you can get to the top of the world. Another lesson that he taught us, and our youngsters, is humbleness. Bobby knew that there were few in the world who could dance like him. Yet he didnât brag about it. He would always say: âIt is a gift of Godâ.
Not only his successes can serve as an example to us. Bobby, as is generally known, also encountered many big setbacks; in business and in his private life. But every time, he managed to overcome these challenges with grace. Like few others, he has shown that falling down and getting up is a part of life. That you shouldnât give up when you are disappointed but that you should go for it all the way.
It was because of that unwavering positive attitude that he received so many requests for performances in the past years, up to the last day of his exemplary life . He flew from one continent to the next, and always with Aruba on his mind. Because as we understood he had plans in a far developed stage to do something in return for the community of San Nicolas, especially for the youth.
Unfortunately, these plans were not allowed to be. But the legacy Roberto Alfonso Farrell will continue to live on in Aruba. Already there are plans to set up a permanent exhibition in San Nicolas in recognition of this unique Aruban to whom we had to say farewell too soon.
I now cite a very inspiring phrase from his hit song âRivers of Babylonâ: âLet the words of our mouth, and the meditation of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, here tonightâ.
Bobby, your lifeâs message was an inspiration not only to the people of Aruba and to the Netherlands, but to millions around the world. Daddy cool, may you rest in peace, by the rivers of Babylon in Heaven. Thank you Bobby! Masha masha danki Roberto!!"
Within the Lord's arms, You were taken into Heaven above. Sleeping peacefully with the Angels above In silver clouds Were your with Jesus every day In your Heavenly home. Resting peacefully,watching us You send a Gentle Breeze,upon us. God Bless you special Angel
Copyright�é Maureen090
Left by maureen 19/01/11
