From the archive: Music eased my grief

Former 80s pop star, the Reverend Richard Coles, published a book that lays bare the profound grief he felt at losing his ‘life partner’ – and reveals he found solace in music.

The Madness Of Grief is a poignant account of Coles coping with the 2019 loss of his partner, Richard, and how he dealt with the trauma and pain of bereavement.

He reveals he has an eclectic taste in music, revelling in the stirring synthesizer sounds of The Eurythmics while being awe-struck by hymns such as Thou Visitest The Earth and All My Hope On God Is Founded.

And it is to these melodies, and more, he turned when he was at his lowest ebb.

Although not a self-help book, the homilies, experience and catharsis within creates invaluable solace. It will resonate for the myriad struggling with grief wrought by the pandemic.

Since relinquishing pop stardom for the vestry, Coles was vicar of St Mary The Virgin in the Northamptonshire parish of Finedon. He can also be heard on Radio Four every Saturday morning, where he co-hosts a popular weekend programme.

His latest book follows Fathomless Riches and Bringing In The Sheaves – his best-selling memoirs.

Richard Coles’ top 10 pieces of music…

1. Cactus Tree by Joni Mitchell
2. Love Is A Stranger by The Eurythmics
3. Me And The Sky by Jenn Colella
4. Drumming by Steve Reich
5. Shackles (Praise You) by Mary mary
6. Making Plans For Nigel by XTC
7. Though Visitest The Earth by Maurice Greene
8. Promised Land by Joe Smooth
9. Libertango by Richard Galliano
10. All My Hope On God Is Founded by Herbert Howells

Main Photo Credit: Jace Afsoon via Unsplash