talkmagic.co.uk

Sad news guys - Joe Riding passed away last Saturday.

For those who don't know him, Joe was a Yorkshireman through and through and a very skilled magician, one of the top pros in the country.
He also specialised in cold reading etc, but is probably best known for his comedy magic.

We, at the Edinburgh Magic Circle are especially sad as we were planning to have him lecture for us soon.

Rest in Peace, Joe.

I am absolutely shocked by this, I would consider Joe a friend as I was in email contact and phoned him on occasions. He came down to lecture for us at the Plymouth Magic Circle and a few of us went out for a drink or two or three, as you do, Joe was outstanding and we turned it into a session in the pub.

I had lost contact with him recently.....

I am just lost for words....Joe was a generous man and an oustanding magician and entertainer!

A sad loss indeed

I am so glad you all remember Joe Riding with such affection. I had booked him twice for The Nottm Guild in the early 80's and was also about to suggest to our new Programme Director to book him for this year, when the sad news came. He was a wonderful, charismatic, performer with great attack and his humour absolutely infectious. I treasure and use, many of his published routines. The Sponge Ball one I adapted & have used since 1976/7 and included a shortened version of it in one of my March 2005 lecture to the Guild. There were a number who hadn't thought of sponge balls as a stage or cabaret effect, only as close up! It went a bomb, as it always does. And his Roped..a comedy routine with a single piece of rope into several effects is masterful
I do hope some honest dealer has purchased the rights to his material so it can be used by future entertainers.
I'm sure in Conjuror's Heaven he's there now, with just a deck of cards, and a piece of rope, absolutely rocking them in the aisles..or clouds!
Allen Tipton

This is sad news indeed. I have a copy of Joe's 'roped in' manuscript and as stated, it's a great piece of commedy / magic entertainment with a single piece of ungimmicked rope. One of my personal favourites and most requested pieces.

Mr. Riding was an inspiration to me... I loved his attitude and spirit. I am sorry to hear that he has left us.

Flippin' 'eck, Tucker! I had a double take then and wondered what year it was.

"Advanced Cold reading" and other works by by Joe Riding are still available from his web site. I think his son runs it now.