talkmagic.co.uk

Just heard the sad news from a friend in the magic circle who informed me that Alan Shaxon, former president of the magic circle passed away on Saturday.

So sad to hear.

(moment of silence)

I have had the great pleasure, and honour to work with Alan and Anne on a couple of occasions, and have fondest of memories sharing a dressing room with them.

Alan was a long time associate of Harbin, created some of the most commercial magic of the last hundred or so years, including his seminal work Confabulation.He kept the classic Human Gasometer alive, decades after it would of died out, His Arial fishing routine was a dream to watch, His version of torn & restored newspaper, is used by so many.. and his fine caberet version of the blades of Ompah, built buy magics finest craftsman, John Gaughan, still remains one of the best of its kind on the planet.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXVWlOvbUSM


He also had a number of books out, each and every one, Gems in their field. His version of the Koran Medal for example, stunning!
I would always chat to Alan when i saw him, and always relished those chats, because you would always learn a little something.
For example, a number of years ago, he had to change his classical opening sequence involving a cigarette holder, because he stopped smoking.

I will miss seeing him at conventions, and gatherings so much.

my best wishes go to Anne, and the rest of the family.

more footage of Alan.... including his opening, and his often copied,never bettered handling of the Hydrostatic glasses.

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/the-magic-circle

No collection of clips of Alan would be complete, without this memorable piece from Mr Bean.

Note how Alan keeps in Character throughout. A lesser magician could of made this so cheesy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Q1tlHBNVI

Very sad news indeed.

Another legend gone Sad news indeed.