John Thorne, the original Saracen drummer, passed away peacefully on Thursday 7th June 2012, after a long battle with cancer. Aside from being a great rock drummer, John was the most affable, warm-hearted person it was possible to meet. This photograph (with John centre) was taken in Matlock during the summer of 1982.

The remaining Saracen members, from those halcyon days of the early 80's (left-to-right: Jason Gardner, Richard Lowe, Rob Bendelow and Steve Bettney) attended John's 'Celebration of Life', in Matlock Bath, on 15th June. So too did 80's road crew stalwarts Tony Casson, John 'Squib' Mannion and Aiden 'Dave' McHaffie.

In his eulogy, Rob said, "When visiting John and his lovely family a week before he passed away, I found his peace of mind and sheer bravery concerning the journey he was on to be truly uplifting and humbling".

John described his time with Saracen (circa 1979 - 1984) to be some of the best years of his life, holding dear the recording and many performances of the band's debut album - 'Heroes, Saints & Fools'. "I am honoured to have shared those years and memories with John", said Rob.

Saracen's forthcoming new album - 'Redemption' - will be dedicated to John, whose passing leaves a big hole in so many lives, particularly for his wife Anne and children Jake, Maddy and Sam.

A wonderful man...sadly missed...fondly remembered. John Thorne (1959 - 2012)

Check out Rich Davenport's interview with Rob (aired January 2012) here:

http://www.mixcloud.com/richdav1/rich-davenports-rock-show-saracen-rob-bendelow-interview/

If you have an Android phone (or mobile device) you might want to check out our new Marilyn 'app'. It's free and easy. Just search the android market for 'Saracen' and look out for this logo. Alternatively, here's the online link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.v1_4.BB2F9A5A827AF50F1E97F56F.com

Enjoy!

Steve Price (of ARfm.co.uk radio) interviews Rob Bendelow about the band's new album - 'Marilyn'.

The album tracks at the start and the end of the broadcast have been foreshortened here, to focus on the interview. Reproduced with the kind permission of ARfm, who own the full copyright to the broadcast. Oct 2011.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdqBBGITVZw

Enjoy!