Chris Aylmer, founder member and bassist of SAMSON passed away earlier this week, following a long illness. A statement at Paulsamson.co.uk from former Paul Samson guitar tech/friend/webmaster Rob Grain reads as follows:

"Chris had been friends with Paul Samson for a number of years before he replaced John McCoy in late 1977. It was Chris's idea to name the band Samson, and also to give a young drummer called Clive Burr (ex-IRON MAIDEN) a chance. Chris played with Samson through the Thunderstick/Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden singer) period, where his solid playing held everything down giving Thunderstick the space to cut loose. During the Nicky Moore/Pete Jupp years, it was Pete's solid foundation that enabled Chris's melodic side to shine, and on the Before The Storm album he also played fretless. Although Chris wasn't a prolific writer, his musical knowledge and ear for arrangements was paramount to the Samson sound, and the importance of his contribution cannot be overstated.

Chris and Samson parted company after the Don't Get Mad Get Even album, and Chris embarked on several projects, such as ROGUE MALE, SLEEK and M:80, but Paul and Chris remained friends, and every few years would get together with Thunderstick for a couple of days of jamming through the back catalogue. In 1990 they recorded some new material with US singer Rik Anthony, and then Chris and Paul toured through most of 1993 as a power trio with drummer Tony Tuohy, and recorded the 1993 CD. In the mid 90's, Chris played with THE FLOATING GREYHOUNDS, and formed his own Dr. ICE.

In 1999, after much speculation, the trio of Paul, Chris and Thunderstick reformed. Bruce Dickinson showed interest in playing some shows, but they eventually played a NWOBHM anniversary show in Tokyo as a three-piece, to critical acclaim. On their return to the UK, Nicky Moore rejoined as vocalist, and they played shows in the UK, as well as the Wacken festival in Germany. Chris co-wrote some of the songs that appeared the posthumous Paul Samson CD P.S...., and although he didn't play on the recordings, his bass-line and arrangement on 'Murder' played a crucial part.

Chris was a private, peaceful person who had started to get involved in teaching music in the community before his illness took hold. He will be greatly missed."

Photo courtesy of Nwobhm.com: Chris Aylmer is far right