RIP, Dainton Connell.
October 5th, 2007From the official site:
Dainton Connell was killed in a car accident in Moscow in the early of this morning. He was in Moscow accompanying Chris Lowe who was planning to DJ at a friend’s nightclub there tonight. The friend driving him lost control of the car. There was no one else in the car.
Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant are “devastated” by this tragic news. They had known Dainton for almost 20 years, during which time he had worked for Pet Shop Boys as security and later as personal assistant. He was also a close friend.
“Dainton was a warm, kind, loveable friend, a huge Arsenal fan and a larger-than-life character, famous in North London and beyond. We are devastated by his sudden and tragic death and our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Mandy, and their family.”
Dainton (also known as “The Bear”) accompanied Pet Shop Boys on their tours from 1989 to 2000. He can be seen in the videos for Pet Shop Boys’ singles, “So hard” and “Was it worth it?” as well as in the Somewhere concert film. We know that he was a familiar and friendly face to many PSB fans who encountered him over the years and that they will share in our grief and sorrow. Those who met him will never forget him.
I met Dainton briefly during the Nightlife tour and the impression I got of him closely aligns with the above release. He struck me as being funny, warm, and willing to take the piss out of himself as quickly as anyone else while maintaining his cool and dealing with the sort of overzealous fans that caused me to retreat fairly quickly from the premises.
Here’s the video for “Was it worth it?”. Even if you’re not familiar with Dainton’s appearance, you’ll know him the second you see him.
October 5th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
please give my sister and her daughters and all of dentons family the respect they need at this very sad time,denton we all love and miss you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
October 6th, 2007 at 1:19 am
I am so saddened to hear this news! A loss that should have never happened! :(0
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends.
Rest in pease Dainton Connell - we will mis you
October 6th, 2007 at 7:10 am
I had a phone call from friends and family in London to tell me the news about Denton, I hope everyone down in London rallies round to help Mandy & the Girls,when they need it.He was a great mate and someone that I will miss, it’s been a privilage knowing you.
All our Love Sid, Sue, Lauren & Rhiannon.
October 7th, 2007 at 8:22 am
this is horrible news… there are no words.
My thoughts go out to Dainton’s family and friends.
October 9th, 2007 at 5:53 am
The shock and horror we all feel at this tragedy is immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mandy, Tiffaney and Linzi and Harley. Love you always D God Bless You alll.
October 9th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Mandy and family i am thinking of you all. Denton will be sadly missed.
Love Philip x x
October 9th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
HE WAS LARGER THAN LIFE ANYONE WHO MEET D LOVED HIM HE ALWAYS MADE PEOPLE FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELF
MANDY TIFF LINSEY AND HARLEY ARE WHAT D LIVED FOR I NO THIS FOR A FACT
HE DID ALSO LOVE ARSENAL BUT THE WIFE AND KIDS AND GRANDCHILDREN OOOOOAAAAAHHHH
IF PEOPLE KNEW THE TRUTH ABOUT D THEY WOULD ALL NO WHAT A KIND CARING GENTLE COMPLEX 100% GENTLEMAN HE REALLY WAS
D SEE YOU ON THE OTHERSIDE
PAL
October 10th, 2007 at 6:41 am
miss you m8 1 love seen gooner c u when i get there x
October 12th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
So sad, and so infuriatingly avoidable:
“October 5, 2007, early morning, Dainton Connell, manager of the famous British band Pet Shop Boys, died in a car crash on Moscow River Embankment (Embankment of Taras Shevchenko). Mr. Connell was in a car with Anton Antonov, owner of a famous Moscow club “Roof of the World”. Thursday night, Chris Lowe, member of the famous duo, was celebrating his birthday at the Sky Lounge restaurant. Mr. Antonov and Mr. Lowe met several years ago in St. Petersburg and became very good friends.
After the birthday party, Mr. Antonov wanted to show his night club to Dainton Connell. Antonov’s BMW 525 was going 100 miles an hour, when he lost control of the car on a wet road, and the vehicle crashed into a tree. The impact was of such strength that after the car took out the tree, the vehicle demolished cast-iron railing and fell into the river. Moscow Transportation officials were working near the site of the accident, and, together with police, ambulance and divers, they retrieved the car from the river relatively fast. However, it was too late – the driver and the passenger were dead. The police records mention two victims: “a 20 y.o. Russian citizen from St. Petersburg and an Afro-American, approximately 40 y.o.”
http://www.neoows.com/?story=3481300
October 15th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
D, I want to thank you for all the great times you gave me in my life over the 17 years at all the PSB shows. You did so much for me and where so cool, I feel so said that you have passed, but I hope to see you soon.
God Bless you, your family, and the boys.
Debbie in Detroit (~,~)
October 16th, 2007 at 8:10 am
D was a great man, very warm and very funny. My thoughts are with Mandy and the rest of his lovely family. You will be greatly missed.
god bless you.
x