Friends and fans raise over £6,500 for the much-loved comic.
Chris Sievey AKA Frank Sidebottom has been saved from a pauper's funeral by devoted fans. Sievey died on Monday after a cancer operation at the age of 54. His family told the Manchester Evening News that he was practically penniless and that they would struggle to pay for a proper funeral for him. His son Stirling said: "He spent money as it came in and was always a man for the moment. He never planned ahead."
Jon Ronson, who played with the Frank Sidebottom Oh Blimey Big Band in the early '80s, today set up a Paypal account appealing for donations to 'give his memory the justice it deserves'. Aided by Twitter and Facebook campaigns supported by fellow comics like Phill Jupitus, Jason Manford and Charlie Brooker, the appeal has so far raised £6,500.
Ronson said: ""Chris was a live in the moment man, wrapped up completely in his art.He earned money and spent it and he wouldn't be thinking about planning and finance. Nobody wanted Frank Sidebottom to have a pauper's funeral."
Any money leftover from the funeral will be given to Sievey's remaining family - his 18-year-old son Harry and daughter Asher, 31.
To contribute to Frank's funeral fund, please send a paypal donation to: jonelle1929@gmail.com
See more London stand up
See more things to do in London
Return to London Comedy homepage
Add an event
Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...