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Sunday, July 12, 2009

A Tribute To Jennifer John (a.k.a. Nettie)

The Bloc Party fan community was shocked to hear about the tragic death of Jennifer John, known to many people as Nettie, last week. Nettie/Jen was a vibrant member of the Bloc live scene, always seen at the front row of any gigs near London. She suffered fatal injuries in a car crash en route to watch Kasabian at the Eden Sessions in Cornwall...the band dedicated the gig to her. Bloc Party themselves had grown to know Nettie over the past few years, with Gordy himself posting this tribute...

"We're flying home from our gig at in Montreux this morning and have only just heard about Nettie's death. I think I speak for the whole band when I say we're completely floored by the news. Nettie was an amazing presence at our shows, quietly dedicated to being first in line and first on the barrier. I have lost count of the times I've looked down and seen Nettie's beaming face directly in front of me, Bloc Party t-shirt in place, camera in the air to capture that rare outing of 'Skeleton'. I saw her on the barrier at Glastonbury just last week - at the front of how many tens of thousands of people? You could set your watch by her. I can't even think of a London gig in the last few years that she's not been at. She's been part of the family for such a long time and that's why we're so upset by the news. We're having a think about what would be a fitting tribute for Nettie but beyond this we'd like to say that Nettie and her friends and family, and the whole Bloc community, are very much in our thoughts today as we come to terms with what a loss this will be to our shows from now on."

As well as being a Bloc Party über-fan (and running KeleOkereke.net), Nettie also managed a Coldplay fansite and has been remembered on their website too. Her passion, vitality, and warm-hearted personality will be sorely missed, not to mention her smiling face at the front barrier of many a rock concert.

When Jen found out about that her photo was featured on this billboard outside London's O2 Arena, she said that she'd like her friends to have their picture taken with it when passing by. Some fellow Bloc Party fans went to pay tribute to her a few days ago with letters and flowers at this spot.

Labels: Random

¶ 10:29 PM

Comments:

I was so upset too when I heard about Netties death! Please pray that my little sister stays with us! All my love and condolences to everyone whose lives she touched. I never met her but she sure did touch my life, and especially under these strange circumstances...God Bless you all

# posted by

Anonymous : July 13, 2009 12:17 AM

condolences to her family and friends once again. such a shame.

# posted by

Anonymous : July 13, 2009 12:24 AM

This is such sad news, I cant think of a Bloc gig in the last few years I havent seen nettie at, this is unbelieveable, my thoughts are with her family and friends. God Bless

Adam

# posted by

Anonymous : July 13, 2009 8:33 AM

i am so sorry to to hear this. nettie was such a wonderfull soul and she will be sorley missed. my condolences to here family and friends. nettie, we love you.

# posted by

Ali N : July 13, 2009 8:55 AM

yeah, this one hits home, I remember her from the Marshall website, I'm sorry to hear of this news..... my heart and thoughts goes out to her friends and family.....rip fellow blochaed

# posted by

Anonymous : July 13, 2009 8:55 AM

we love you nettie. :( <3

# posted by

eigengrau : July 13, 2009 10:39 AM

This is really upsetting! She helped me out once, and she was so lovely. I saw her at blur in hyde park... that was just a few days ago. :(

# posted by

lozjbell : July 13, 2009 1:57 PM

wow, i saw her at a concert. Wonderful person. Condolences to her and her famiy

# posted by

Anonymous : July 13, 2009 2:13 PM

Condolences to her family ...

A thought from France,
R.I.P Nettie

DJO

# posted by

DJO : July 13, 2009 3:55 PM

I am very sorry to hear this, so sad and hard to accept.
I'll always remember you Nettie for your love to music, fun and friendship.

My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Kat.

# posted by

Anonymous : July 13, 2009 8:30 PM

My girldfriend got me tickets for my 23rd to go see bloc part at the garage.Where i finally saw them play skeleton which made my birthday.
Me and my gf where at the front rite behind nettie.I didnt know nettie.But i was fully aware of her presence and her being there as she clearly loved bloc party as much as me. she cleary was not going to move from the front no matter who tried to get there. i would have tried myself but could clearly see i didnt stand a chance.i was happy just being behind her.
Because of her me and gf was able stay where we was standing. without sounding funny but cos she was infront of us i was able to use her to defend me and my gf from the mad jumping around of elbows and people .
I remember saying to my girlfriend after teh gig. " if it wasnt for that girl infront of us .no way would we have been able to stay at the front. hope she didnt mind us staying so close behind her."

I am so sorry to hear of her death and me and my girlfriend send our condolences to her friends and family.

Versell & Jennifer x

# posted by

Anonymous : July 14, 2009 9:29 AM

This is an especially lovely tribute to Jen and as a fan of Jen, I thank you. While I did not know her through her music fandom, I've known her for about a decade through other fan sites and despite my living in the States, had the pleasure of her company on several occasions. Every picture that I see of her I think to myself, "Yup, that's Jen." She always smiled and was game for anything harmless yet fun. Jen was perhaps the most loyal, devoted, honest, artistic, endearing, fun, happy, bright, hard-working, eager and creative person I've known. Jen was a true shining star who will forever be loved and missed. -Spuddie

# posted by

Anonymous : October 05, 2009 1:45 AM