Worcester: Popular drummer Keith Box dies aged 69

Keith Box played the drums for a host of Worcester bands since the 1970s.

He performed in groups including Frodo Baggins, Over The Moon, Midnight Junction, and Threat No Promise, after stepping in behind the kit for a gig last minute.

He also played in Strange Brew with the late Tony 'Big Mac' Macdonald, Wolf At The Door with local singer-songwriter Jamie Knight on vocals, and 2000s band Snorkel.

In May 2021, Mr Box was diagnosed with a rare, untreatable and degenerative neurological disease called Corticobasal Degeneration (known as CBD), which affects people's ability to mobilise, speak and swallow.

Keith Box has died aged 69 (Image: Family handout)

Following lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, Mr Box was desperate to get back behind the kit. His last band was the popular blues outfit Groovyhead.

When Covid-19 restrictions finally allowed for them to get together again, Keith's coordination and memory for playing drums were affected and he soon had to hang up his sticks.

Mr Box's condition made him bedbound and in May 2023 he moved into Nursing care. He passed away on March 16 this year.

In Mr Box's memory, his wife Pat and children Toby Box-Cottle and bassist Saff Davies are organising a memorial gig 'Keith-Fest' on Sunday, June 30, at Worcester Rugby Football Club from 2pm until 10pm.

The family has said it's "in lieu of a traditional funeral and wake" and a chance for friends, family and bandmates from the past five decades, to come together.

His daughter Ms Davies said he "inspired" her to pick up the bass guitar and spoke of his drumming legacy.

A young Keith Box rocking out (Image: Family handout)

She said: "That's what everyone knows him for. It was only a hobby but he was always in a band.

"I don't remember a time when he wasn't playing".

"He’ll be truly missed. He was a kind person, funny and a nerd. 

"He was always looking out for new music, and as kids we remember the largest vinyl collection we’d ever seen. He never got on board with digital music though. 

"He loved horror and anything a bit weird and out of the ordinary, comedy, fantasy and sci fi tv, and history - particularly local but also ancient mythology.

"Our friends always called him the cool dad as he was like a friend to us too, into the same music as us and taking us to gigs was just part of growing up."

Mr Box grew up in Dines Green and attended the grammar school in Worcester.

He worked in administration management at Worcestershire County Council before retiring at age 50.

Ms Davies added: "He loved Worcester and knew a lot about Worcester's history. He was a volunteer for the National Trust and he did the tours around Greyfriars.

"He was known for his very dry wit".