Tony Christie pays tribute to dancing street dad fan

SOUTH Yorkshire music legend Tony Christie has added his condolences to hundreds of tributes following the death of ‘Donny Dancer’ Gary Marshall.
Donny Dancer Gary MarshallDonny Dancer Gary Marshall
Donny Dancer Gary Marshall

Gary, aged 55, from Thorne, became an international internet sensation after he began dancing in the streets with his portable music system following the death of his dad Craig in 2016.

In his trademark shades and gold and black leather jacket, he entertained passers-by with 80s hits such as Tony Christie's Is This The Way To Amarillo.

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And Tony, 77, who was born in Conisbrough, near Doncaster, today added his own tribute.

He said:” I want to pass on condolences to his family – from all the wonderful tributes I’ve seen he was well loved by many people. He enjoyed playing music, dancing and making people happy. Gary will be sadly missed. We need more people like him.”

In 2018 Gary told the Doncaster Free Press: "I'd been my dad’s carer for more than five years and when he died, I felt empty. For a month or so, I didn't know what to do with myself - my world felt like it was over.

"Then one day I just went out playing my music and it went from there."

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More than 300 heartfelt tributes have been left by Doncaster residents on Gary’s Facebook page.

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