‘Glastonbury Dad’ raises money for those affected by cancer
“I don’t want to be a Fallen Tree in a forest that no one can see. I just want us to be you and me until the end of eternity.”
Our friend Steve Shergold always dreamed of being a rock star. After picking up a bass guitar in his late teens, he soon started playing in punk and new wave groups around Bristol in the 80s, then later in covers bands. Yet his ambition to produce and perform his own songs still eluded him.
In 2017, Steve received some devastating news. Doctors diagnosed him with an aggressive form of advanced prostate cancer, giving little hope for the future. But together with his family, he never gave up, taking advantage of pioneering new treatments at home and abroad that significantly extended his life. Having defied the odds multiple times, Steve sadly passed away in March 2021.
In the last few years of his life he showed us the value of making the most of every day, finally producing an LP of original songs and covers, as well as publishing a book of his short stories and poems.
Just after celebrating his 60th birthday in 2020, with the help of his son Simon and the magic of a green screen, he was filmed singing and playing a stripped-back version of one of his most heart-felt tunes, Fallen Tree, on the famous pyramid stage at Glastonbury. Due to Covid, there was no festival last year, but in 2022 fans have the chance to return to Worthy Farm and enjoy the recording.
“I don’t want to be a Fallen Tree in a forest that no one can see. I just want us to be you and me until the end of eternity.” This beautiful and poignant song is all about hope and love, something we can all do with at the moment.
To celebrate Steve’s life, his family would love to raise as many funds as possible for We Get It, a community that helped Steve and his family through some tough times. Our founder Laura says, “Steve was an incredible person and inspired us all at We Get It. He’d sit, he’d listen, he’d share his story with others, and he’d offer advice and be there for anyone and everyone in so many ways. His zest for life was unreal. Thank you Steve for all your time and for empowering both myself and the whole We Get It community. I’m sure your uplifting performance at Glastonbury will be a beacon of light and hope to others who are affected by cancer.”
We are so moved that Steve’s family held a celebration for Steve in aid of We Get It. Copies of Steve’s book, A day at the seaside, and his LP, Brief Encounter, were available to buy, with all proceeds going to We Get It. Thank you so much for raising £447 to help more people dealing with cancer. You can watch and share the video to bring Steve’s song to more people and help us raise awareness for We Get It, and you can donate here – do share the link with others!
Steve, like Sir Paul McCartney who is headlining at this year’s Glastonbury, was also a left-handed bass player and they shared the same birthday, 18th June! Like his musical hero who celebrated his 80th birthday this year, Steve also shared the belief that all you need is love.
You can listen to Steve’s Brief Encounter LP by searching for Steve Shergold on Spotify, or you can email together@wegetit.org.uk to buy yourself a copy.
