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By now everyone knows. Simon Hobart died in the early hours of Sunday morning. At home.

This next gushing/cynical eulogy will seem crass and Over-the-top but I don't care.

I can't begin to quantify the impact Simon had on my life; in death we are filled with sorrow for our selfish loss and the pain of those around us, not for the sadness of a life cut short.

Popstarz was the first 'alternative' gay club I'd ever been too, and yes, latterly I didn't enjoy it so much but it was still amazing to me at the time that such a place could exist. As you'll all be tired of hearing by now I've only ever missed one RedEye - the first one. It was that club that made me feel at home, it was an inspiration to me that there were (most of the time) enough gays (I don't really want to say something as lame as this but I will) like me to keep it going. It's just that knowing that you're not the only one, in fact there are really rather a lot. It wasn't just me either. Loads of people I've spoken to at RedEye have said the same thing - "I thought I was the only one that liked metal/rock/punk/whatever" - obviously hindsight and a little exposure to the internet will prove that no, you're not the only one but for there to be a club devoted to it was amazing. I've met a lot of friends because of and through him and a lot of my happiest nights out (the ones I can remember) have been due to Simon Hobart.

On top of his achievements on the scene, Simon was a lovely (lovely) man - kind, honest with time for everyone whether you'd been a regular at his clubs for ten years or whether you were a shy, spotty teenager who had just stumbled in the door for the first time. He also had a knack for surrounding himself with the best and nicest staff.

Following the death of his mother he raised (admittedly through waving a collection box in the face of his punters, but 'meh') a lot of money for Macmillan Nurses. I imagine there will continue to be little boxes waved in punters' faces for some time to come.

I don't know what this means for his clubs, but I'm quite sure that those closest to him and those in the position to will want to keep what he started alive. I think we all know it's what he would have wanted.

Whatever you thought of him or his clubs you have to admit that he has had an immense, positive effect on a lot of gay people, and has done much to change what would otherwise be a very identikit gay scene.

And now to the section where I mention the last time I saw him. Thursday 20th October, approximately 10.20pm. I'd gone into Trash Palace pre-Uncle John and had a chat with him about how he hadn't wanted a Cardigans album playback there that night because they weren't big enough, and the single was crap anyway (it's true btw - the single is bloody awful). I'd said that I was just on my way to UJ and his parting words were 'Good luck.' That's it. Not very insightful or meaningful but that was my last interaction with him.

Anyway. Thank you Simon. Good Luck.

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EDIT: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-138.html

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