Again, it's only when they are gone, we realise how much they will be missed. Alongside the likes of Pete n Dud, George made up part of that entertainment and literary royalty of the period. Anyone who hasn't , should read his autobiographies and weep, with laughter that is.

Sadly, another colourful hero gone. Good on yer George.

Keith Povall, Walsall, UK

Oh Jenny Booth!! Scethrog is NOT in Gwent. It is in Powys, formerly Breconshire, but never Gwent. You should have mentioned George's involvement with the Brecon Jazz Festival.
I wonder if you will correct your error in the next edition of the Times?

Michael Greet, Bristol, UK

He was my favourite Viz character (after Aldridge Prior the Hopeless Liar) - he'll be sorely missed.

Rod Munch, Northampton, UK

RIP George and God Bless to his wife, family and all whose lives he touched.

A true entertainer, a true bon viveur, a man who lived life to the full. Wouldn't we all if we had the .. courage?

I will miss him, he was one of the best for all his many faults and talents.

Sharon, Oxford, Oxon

You can't go yet, George, you still owe me a pint !
I first saw George sing with the Mick Mulligan band at the Mardi Gras Club in Liverpool in the very early 1960s when I was a student at university. His belting out of "Frankie and Johnnie" was always sensational, and his 'leap' from the stage into the audience was great entertainment. That leap was, of course, always in the direction of the bar. Rest, now, George. Thanks for some great memories.

Jimmy, Nottingham, England

He was my favourite Viz character (after Aldridge Prior the Hopeless Liar) - he'll be sorely missed.

Rod Munch, Northampton, UK

GM was a unique entertainer and fountain of musical wisdom and one-liners. when some fool on Radio 3 asked him if Frank Sinatra should be classed as a jazz singer or crooner he cut the chap off at the knees with "Sinatra did not sing a note that was not Jazz"

I sang a lusty "Fanny Brown" with George Melly at a gig in Worcester in 1991. Well, actually I stood up in the audience, who were a frosty middle class lot and did not like his material at all. He joined us for a couple of drinks later on, zoot-suited and with perfectly angled fedora. On leaving with all eyes on him he turned back from the door and bellowed "Don't forget lads, "Fanny Brown". The frosties remained unamused. Fifteen years later I am still in stiches and can hear the refrain.

I would heartily advise all browsing this column to read the three volumes of his autobiography (in any order!). The story swings from (his words) "Wine, women and song" to "Rum, bum and concertina".

Keith Greenfield, Bristol,

I met George while at Manchester Art College in 1974 when he started touring again; he was full of fun and sat and spoke to us all about art, the world and anything else; and then went on to put on a brilliant show. He was a great bloke and a fantastic entertainer. Not a bad way to be remembered.

Stephen Gell, Leek, UK

So long George!
You gave us lots of laughs/pleasure.
Not to be forgotten in a hurry.

geoff , huddersfield,

The world has become rather less colourful, and only a few weeks, if that, since the last concert.
I can't say I agreed with all of the great man's views, but I did enjoy the extravagant delight of his company, long ago, and by being in my experience a very friendly, good guy, he defied any thought of disliking him.
Fond memories for many.

Robert R. Calder, Hamilton, Scotland

I fondly remember taking boat trips on the Thames. Lord Humphrey Lyttleton would be playing the trumpet in front of his traditional jazz quintet on the deck of the leishure cruiser. George Melly would slink forward cheekily singing about "That Old Black Bottom."
How sad that he and a piquant personal memory have now gone for good.

Joe Fisher, Benson, NC, USA

A great character - always ready to shock. I'll miss the gravel voice.

Donna Oaten, Trowbridge, UK