Sex Pistols singer pays tribute to Darlington's Kenny 'the beard' after death

Kenny ‘the beard’ Dryden died on July 15 following a long illness.

The 64-year-old was a much-loved character in the town, known for his love of scooters and music.

Family friend Joe Mackenzie said: “He showed us so much support as a family. After my dad died he became like a father figure. He didn’t have any kids of his own but he was so selfless. He cared more about everyone else than himself.

“He would have talked to anyone. When you went out anywhere with him he would stop 10 times to speak to people because he was so well-known.

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“He was a real bubbly character, very outgoing. He loved his music, especially punk and ska music and was a DJ as well.”

He loved collecting rare records, particularly those by The Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd which is fronted by Sex Pistols former singer John Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten.

Kenny 'The Beard' Dryden and John Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten

He had forged a relationship with the band, and Mr Lydon was among those to pay tribute to Kenny. Posting on his Facebook page, he said: “RIP Kenny The Beard. Loyal supporter and true friend.

“Rest easy. Your friends John, Rambo, Scotty and ALL the PiL Team.”

He took part in the making of The Rise of the North Star, a film about Arthur Wharton, the world’s first professional black player, who has links to Darlington.

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Known for his generosity, he had also taken part in charity fundraisers, including one for the wards at Darlington Memorial Hospital which cared for his mother before her death.

He also loved scooters, and had his own collection of vintage vehicles, and was part of the Woolyback’s Scooter Club, which met at the Black Bull at Great Smeaton, in North Yorkshire. 

His funeral is due to take place on Tuesday, August 2.

Kenny Dryden on one of his scooters

A service and wake will take place at Darlington Arena, on Neasham Road from 12noon and will be followed by a private family cremation.

A convoy of vintage scooters, which is being arranged by Yorkshire Scooter Alliance, is expected to accompany Kenny as he makes his final journey through Darlington to the arena.

Anyone who would like to be involved is asked to meet at the entrance to the Black Path, leading to Glenwoods Paint Suppliers at 11am.

They will be leaving there at 11.30am, travelling  through Cockerton and behind the hearse that leaves Whitehouse Funeral Parlour, through the Denes and heading up Mildred Street, going past Kenny's home, before going to the arena.

There will be a collection plate, with any donations made in memory of Kenny divided between St Teresa’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Family flowers only.

A memorial gig is also being held to raise money for St Teresa’s Hospice.

Bands including Boilermaker and Kickback Generation, among others, will be playing at The Forum Music Centre in Darlington on September 10.

Kenny and Paul Cook, former drummer of The Professionals and The Sex Pistols

Organiser June Daly, who was close friends with Kenny, recalled trips to Ikea to have meatballs and a hotdog on the way out, weekly trips to do grocery shopping and catchups over a bacon and egg bun.

She said: “He called me Miss Daisy as he drove me everywhere.

He was a good soul that would do anything for anyone , and did a lot for me and my family and many others , a very dear friend who will be sorely missed.”

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