Band reform 30 years later and defy dementia to play again
PIANIST Sam Hardy rolled back the years and defied age-ravaging dementia to play with his bandmates from more than 30 years ago.
(Left to right) Arthur Rice, Sam Hardy, Dave Payne and Ron Foster
His old buddies rallied round when a care home appealed for musicians to play with Sam, 93.
And after a few rehearsals he was rattling off pitch-perfect renditions of old favourites like Sweet Georgia Brown and Fly Me To The Moon.
The war veteran Sam’s poignant performance came after 80 people replied to the care home’s appeal.
His former bandmates – drummer Ron Foster, 88, trumpeter Dave Payne, 67, and guitarist Arthur Rice, 66 – all answered the call.
I have missed playing and when I do play now it makes me feel better and young again
They played with him years ago when he led the Sam Hardy Trio, even though it was a four-piece.
This week the four friends performed once again at Mellifont Abbey care home in Wookey, Somerset.
Residents took to the dance floor and Sam’s wife Betty was filled with tears of happiness.
Sam said: “I have missed playing and when I do play now it makes me feel better and young again.
(Left to right and top to bottom) Ron Foster, Arthur Rice, Sam Hardy and David Payne
“It’s marvellous that I have been reunited with my old band.”
Care home director Lee Aldrich said: “He is so talented. It would be unbelievable to see anyone play like that, but knowing that he has dementia makes it all the more astonishing.
“It was amazing to witness what music can do. Sam doesn’t read from music, he does it all by ear. He gets the first chord and off he goes.”
Sam Hardy playing the piano
And Sam’s wife is thrilled. Mr Aldrich added: “She says that listening to the music brings back the happiest times of their lives.”
Staff at Mellifont Abbey first noticed Sam’s talent after his nephew brought in his keyboard. Activities co-ordinator Sam Kinsella then had a piano installed at the home.
He said: “I remember the day he started playing. He hesitated for 30 seconds and then started playing some tracks to a ridiculous standard. It’s really amazing because even though he’s got dementia you can name a tune and he can just play it."