BYRON BAY, Australia — In a recent posting on their Facebook page, Rock-It Cargo noted the passing of Alan “Esco” Escombe. Escombe, who joined Rock-It Cargo in 1985, joined the company after touring as a bass player with The Shake Spears in the mid-1960s and Fynn McCool in the late 1960s-early 1970s. A recent photo of crew members during load-out after a Paul McCartney concert in Hamburg, Germany shows Escombe at far right.
More details from Rock-It Cargo (www.rockitcargo.com):
It is with great sadness that we are announcing the passing of one of Rock-It’s original pioneers, Alan ‘Esco’ Escombe. (Pictured far right in his favorite blue Rock-It jacket – Paul McCartney Load Out, Hamburg)
Born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1945, Alan fell in love with the sound of rock and roll in his teens and moved to London in 1964 to pursue a career in music. He became the bassist in a band called The Shake Spears.
Alan’s sharp mind, formidable memory and unflinching eye for detail made him well-suited to the shipping business, but it was a conversation with a friend from his rock and roll past that led to magic happening. A few casual words about how he could save the Genesis tour both time and money using ocean freight led to a surge of phone calls from clients like Eric Clapton, Elton John and others asking to use Alan’s “Magic Shipping” Company. It was a case of the right man in the right place at the right time.
Add to that, the right business partner. Alan met a teenage David Bernstein in the late 70’s and began a business relationship and deep friendship that would endure for the next four decades. Alan joined the mix with Chris Wright in the early 80’s and they formed the legendary super group we know today as Rock-it Cargo.
Alan was well known and loved by many industry giants, and had the privilege of touring with the world’s biggest bands, as well as playing a major role in concerts that changed the world. It can be said that there never was, and almost certainly never will be, someone who combined his real world, band member, international touring chops with his unique, meticulous management of Major Global Tours; he was one of a very select few key contributors who actually helped write the script in the making of the Modern Music touring world. During his 30 plus years in the industry, he never missed a show.
But despite his formidable achievements in the business of rock and roll, it is for his kindness and generosity as a human being that he will be best remembered. In an industry never shy to use intimidation tactics to achieve results, he showed the value of a gentler way. The line between professional relationship and friendship was invisible with Alan, when he asked how your kids were doing it was genuine and heartfelt. He had no respect for “celebrities” that didn’t respect their road crews. When he joined a tour, it became a family. With his deep voice, humour and determination, he could pick up a telephone and move mountains
Says David Bernstein: “There are very few men who will ever reach the level of “good” that he did; he truly was the exceptional Good Man, a true, Man of the World, with more skill, knowledge and understanding of how to work with people around the world, then almost anyone I ever knew; God, I will miss him dearly”
Alan passed away peacefully over the weekend at his home in Byron Bay, Australia. He was nursed and cared for in his final weeks by his loving family — his wife Karin, children Melanie and Luke and grandson Harry. He will be sorely missed and long remembered.
Rest in peace.
