The Rolling Stones Fan Club of Europe
It's Only Rock'n Roll

Chuch Magee

Photo by the fan site When The Whip Comes Down

Royden "Chuch" Magee was suffering a fatal heart attack during the Rolling Stones rehearsals in Toronto Thursday evening July 18, 2002, and was pronounced dead upon arrival by ambulance to Sunnybrook hospital at 10 p.m.

Chuch has been working with Ronnie Wood and The Rolling Stones for 30 years, as a sound engineer on works like the album "I've Got My Own Album To Do" (1974), then on Rolling Stones tours, and the recent shows of Ronnie in Dublin and London last year. Also, Chuch was with Charlie on his tour with the Tentet to Japan and USA last year.

On Stones tours Chuch was Backline Crew Chief. In studio he was there too. Just like Pierre de Beauport (Keith's guitar technician) and David Rouze (bass, Mick's guitars etc), as well as all the other approx. 50 or so persons that are in Toronto now, Chuch was one of the important support persons that makes it all run.

You may not have seen Chuch on stage, because your focus is normally on the band, but he was there all the time. Usually, on his knees, watching the band members, ready to rush if a guitar string would break, or whenever Ronnie were supposed to change guitars. Some times you could see that Chuch knew better what guitar to play than the receiver of the guitar, as that was his job. Before and after shows, Chuch was there for the fans.

At the Ronnie Wood solo shows last winter in Dublin and London, we all saw the hard work of Chuch Magee. He took care of a lot of the show, a real and complete backing for Ronnie. He will be deeply missed.

Rest in peace, Chuch.

By Bj�rnulf Vik, IORR Editor

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The following is the obituary from chuch's hometown paper.

Royden W. "Chuch" Magee MARQUETTE -- Royden W. "Chuch" Magee, age 54, of 2373 W. Fair, Marquette died unexpectedly on Thursday evening, July 18, 2002. At the time he was working on a tour rehearsal in Toronto, Ontario with the music industry. The cause of death is believed to be heart failure. Married for eighteen years to his wife Clare, an artist and seamstress, Chuch chose for his home a simple lifestyle, close to the earth in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He loved fishing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, making maple syrup, and spending time in the forest with his dogs. He was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church, serving in a variety of supportive leadership roles, most often with youth ministry programs. Chuch Magee also served as one of the first volunteers and founders of the Cedar Tree Institute, a nonprofit organization. In that role he worked with youth from the juvenile court supporting environmental projects and planting over 1,000 cedar trees in Northern Michigan.To those with whom he worked and lived, he was known for his boundless energy, uncanny organizing abilities, gentle humor, and unpretentious generosity. For an extraordinary number of people from all walks of life, he will be remebered as an exquisite friend.Chuch, the son of Jack Magee and Harriett Mayo, was born in Utica, Michigan and spent his youth in Oxford, Michigan. He attended Griffin Business School, Ferris, and Bethel Colleges. Beginning his career as a drum and guitar technician, he was named in 1989 by Performance Magazine as "Road Technician of the Year". In 1994 he received special recognition by a readers poll in that same publication for his leadership of the "Best Road Crew" in the music world of rock and roll. Internationally, he was regarded among his peers as representing the most highly respected and competent of his profession.In addtion to his wife Clare, Chuch is survived by his brother Jack Magee, sisters, Edie Barringer and Audrey Vasher, mother Harriett and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will take place at Messiah Lutheran Church on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at 5 PM. Friends are invited to participate in a visitation with family members at the Church beginning at 3 PM. Pastors Nancy Amacher, Tim Bernard, and Jon Magnuson will be officiating. The Swanson- Lindquist Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family invites memorials to the Youth Program of Messiah Lutheran Church.