Published:
6:20 p.m. July 1, 2022
A songwriter who penned a charity single in memory of his friend who died by suicide has described the process as “humiliating and heartwarming”.
Callum Robb of Norfolk indie rock band Red Wine Talk wrote the song called The Deep Blue Sea Between Us about Connor Clark.
The 18-year-old, who lived in Thorpe St Andrew, was training at the Royal Marine Commando Training Center in Devon when he took his own life on June 12, 2021.
Tracy Clark pictured with her son Connor.
– Credit: Tracy Clark
Mr Robb, who plays guitar, said: ‘I remember being at his celebration of life ceremony and seeing everyone who knew and loved Connor.
“It’s a bitterly sobering moment when you find yourself looking around at tearful childhood friends, mourning a friend who died at the age of just 18.”
The 25-year-old from Norwich decided to make a positive out of the heartbreaking situation and wrote the single to raise money for Children’s Hospices in East Anglia (Each).
Connor Clark was cremated Thursday in a private ceremony.
– Credit: Clark family
His words were written after attending Connor’s Celebration of Life ceremony – a gathering held at Crusaders Rugby Club, near Hethersett, west Norwich.
Mr Robb added: “The brutality, emotion and love shines through in the lyrics and it is humbling and heartwarming to see the joy it has brought to so many people, especially the mother, father and to Connor’s brother, Tracy, Andy and Alex.
“It’s great to know that he will always be present in our collective experiences and that he can be listened to in a moment of reflection.
Pictured, left to right, are Kain McBarron, Fred Clements, Tracy Clark (Connor’s mother), Andy Clark (Connor’s father), Callum Robb and Ed Brookes. Adam Smith was unable to make the presentation
– Credit: Perfect Pose Photography
“For me, the song brings some context to the grief and, looking back at what we’ve produced, fills me with pride.”
The Deep Blue Sea Between Us was mixed and mastered by producer Tom Joy, and is a 10 minute ambient track.
The single was released last December and has since raised £1,300 for children’s charity Each (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices).
“It’s a superb achievement and a lasting legacy of Connor’s kindness,” he added.
“He was a good friend of the band and I know he would have liked us to support an amazing charity like Each.
“We thought it would also help kick-start the very important conversation surrounding young men’s suicide.”
The band members are all from Norfolk and include vocalist Ed Brookes, 23, guitarist and saxophonist Fred Clements, 21, drummer Adam Smith, 21, and bassist Kain McBarron, 21.
- To donate and support the fundraising single, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/redwinetalk
- To pay tribute to a loved one, email [email protected]
- To read more obituaries and tributes, join the Facebook group Norfolk’s Loved and Lost.
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