• January 4, 2025

Remembering Eric Devereaux: ‘Mr Showman’ had ‘stellar career’

Remembering Eric Devereaux: ‘Mr Showman’ had ‘stellar career’

Remembering Eric Devereaux: ‘Mr Showman’ had ‘stellar career’ 150 150 mhamer

Remembering Eric Devereaux: 'Mr Showman' had a 'stellar career'

Eric Devereaux was a “superb all-round entertainer” and “will be missed by so many people”.

Jimmy Cricket has paid a fond tribute to his great friend Eric who has passed away.

Update since this article was written: Eric’s funeral will be held at Rochdale Crematorium on Monday 20 January at 3.20pm.

A show compere, singer and producer, Eric had a stellar career in the entertainment business.

He enjoyed notable stints during the cabaret heyday of the 60s and 70s at a host at iconic venues such as Cadishead Conservative Club.

Eric was good friends with Hughie Green, the legendary presenter of Opportunity Knocks.

He was also one of Sir Alex Fergurson favourite performers, to the point where Eric had become an annual fixture for Sir Alex’s birthday celebrations each year.

After moving to Norden in Rochdale many years ago, Eric helped Jimmy with his jam nights at a local parish centre.

Jimmy said: “This is how I will always remember my friend, ‘Eric the lovable Showman’.

“It is with profound sadness that I heard of the passing of Eric from his granddaughter Stacey.
“I first met Eric at the Irlam and Cadishead Royal British Legion club when he compèred and produced shows there.
“Although classified as a social club, it used to have a four-piece resident band and opened four nights a week.
‘Treat for sore eyes’
“It epitomised the thriving Manchester entertainment scene during the 60s and 70s and Eric was in his element there, booking the acts and performing himself.

“When the nearby cabaret club The Talk of the North would give big name artists like Bob Monkhouse and Vince Hill Monday night off, Eric would rush down and book them for his club.

“I was so lucky when he moved to Rochdale 20 years ago. We both used to take it in turns to put a monthly charity jam night at St Vincent’s Parish Centre in Norden.
“He was a superb all-round entertainer and to see him perform King of the Swingers was a treat for sore eyes.
“However, to all his family and friends he will be known as Mr Showman because of his love of entertaining and organising entertainment.
Jimmy and Eric singing together
“It was a love that only slowed down when Parkinson’s Disease came into his life and then a few years later he lost his beloved wife Gloria.
“Even then when he first moved into a care home, he was still organising shows for his fellow residents.
“He was loved so much and will be missed by so many people, most of all by his family, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them at this time.”
At the next jam night on Tuesday 12 March 2025 we will dedicate it to Eric’s memory.”

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