*
banner

Death of Bob Archer

The death has been announced of Bob Archer, the former baritone player of Grimethorpe Colliery and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Bands.

Grimethorpe logo
 

4BR has been informed of the death of Bob Archer, the former baritone player of Grimethorpe Colliery and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Bands.

He passed away on New Year’s Eve shortly before midnight, after battling illness for the last few years.

Character and musicality

During a long and highly successful brass band career, playing under conductors such as Elgar Howarth, Bob earned a reputation as one of the finest baritone players in top level contesting — a performer of ability, dedication, character and musicality.

He was also regarded as one of the cornerstones of Grimethorpe’s success during his 29 years with the band from 1976 to 2005, notching up a personal haul of major championship wins that included victories at the British Open, National Championship, Brass in Concert and the Yorkshire Regional Championship.

Lasting friendships

He also appeared with the band in concerts all around the banding world and played his part in the film ‘Brassed Off’ before retiring from the band in 2005.

He also enjoyed the lasting friendship of countless Grimethorpe players and contesting rivals, and was particularly proud that he oversaw the development of many future Grimethorpe stars, including tuba virtuoso Steve Sykes.

Bob went on to enjoy another fine chapter in his playing career with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, helping them to enjoy another highly successful period of contesting success.

He was also regarded as one of the cornerstones of Grimethorpe’s success during his 29 years with the band4BR

Much loved

His wife Steph told 4BR: “He was much loved and will be missed by us all.”

The funeral will be held on Thursday 15th January at 11.45am at St Luke's Church in Grimethorpe then at Ardsley Crematorium in Barnsley.

Roy Batty is organising a band to perform at the church service.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 2 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 November • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. SE10 9BJ SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Elland Silver Band

Sunday 2 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band

October 30 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Delph Band

October 30 • The Band are always looking for talented players to join them and are currently looking to fill the following positions - Tutti Cornet, Eb Bass and Percussion.. . We rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd