Bernie Katz by Andy Fallon, 2012
At least once a month for the last 3 years someone has always asked me “Is that the final nail in the coffin for Soho?”. First it was Madame Jojo’s (before it was saved), then the working girl’s flats in Walker’s Court, Berwick Street market, The Stockpot, The Colony. The list is endless. I have always given the same reply: Soho is not held in affection by so many of us because of bricks and mortar. It’s not the places, but the people in the places.
So now, if someone were to ask me if the passing of Bernie Katz is the last nail in the coffin for Soho, I would have to say that, if Soho really does have a beginning and an end, then yes, Bernie’s passing is the bell that chimes after last orders. In fact, the day Bernie was released from his duties as both matriarch and godfather at The Groucho Club, it spelt out a most definitive ending for many of us whom are privileged to have grown up in the Soho community whilst the Groucho was under Bernie’s tenure. Spiritually, Bernie was passed down a torch that was carried by Soho’s finest – Muriel Belcher, Ian Board, Michael Wojas, Norman Balon – all utterly unapologetic in their delivery of perfect imperfect humanity. A spirit that not only has no fear to offend, but in fact, thrives on the ability to inspire love by being offensive. The strength of character that is both rude, crude, entertaining and utterly lovable, all at the same time. That is Soho, and that was Bernie. He was also very humble. When I sat down at The Groucho in 2012 to interview Bernie for my book Soho Heroes, it was charming that he was actually surprised I wanted to talk to him about his life. I think he thought it was going to be an interview just about Soho. It ended up becoming a very candid interview and it warms my heart that I can now listen to his voice whenever I want to. And now so can you. It always makes me laugh when he admits to having a crush on my older brother Toby Tobias.
Tim Arnold’s interview with Bernie Katz, 2012
Bernie possessed none of the polite blandification mapped out by Keynote kings and PowerPoint princesses that has infiltrated today’s Soho. Bernie knew how to answer all of teacher’s questions in class whilst giving teacher the finger at the same time. And the rest of the class adored him for it, because he was cute while he did it. He was beloved to all who knew him, because he loved people. He understood that his courtiers wanted to feel welcome and be given permission to misbehave together, hidden from the outside world. A popular Soho concept that goes all the way back to King Charles II and his dirty stop-outs with Nell Gwynne. Bernie is and always will be indelibly connected to Soho history. In my humble opinion, the greatest contribution Bernie made in Soho was that he genuinely treasured artists, and I know many of my fellow musicians and performers will be finding his passing practically impossible to accept. For us, he simply was Soho. In my own case, he literally swept me and my guitar off the pavement in Dean Street and gave me one of my first shows as The Soho Hobo on the Groucho stage. He spoke to me of the lyrics I had written about our little enclave in the heart of London, and when he did, I knew I was listening to an expert. An expert on everything that Soho celebrates – individuality, fiery passion and the lust for life that each of us who have been drawn to the area carry in our hearts. He shared his stage with artists of all shapes and sizes regardless of how far up the ladder they were. He championed character and gave not a fig for hierarchy. And lets not beat about the bush – The Groucho was Bernie’s theatre, and I for one feel blessed and privileged to have performed there during his artistic directorship.
No one will ever replace Bernie. However, to honour his legacy is to re-inject Soho with the crazed and beautiful character that he projected and shared with us in the time that we had him in our lives. Soho needs it more than ever now. I wish more people promoted this fact. If they did, perhaps Bernie would have known just how important his presence in Soho was. Perhaps he did know. I hope he did. His naughtiness was part Carry On, part Kray, part Pantomime dame and always classic raconteur. He shone bright and now a great light has gone out. I already missed Bernie after he left The Groucho. Whilst Soho’s heart would appear to be temporarily lost, it hurts that with Bernie, it is a cast iron goodbye that I and many others will be coming to terms with for a long time. The fact that I will not see him again is unimaginable to me. My dear friend Steve Furst told me the sad news at midnight today. I immediately got in touch with Stephen Fry, knowing how close he and Bernie were. Stephen summed it up beautifully: “Five foot nothing and a heart bigger than Soho Square.”
So rock hard comrades, suffer no fools and make your art out of the chaos we call life with hearts as swollen as Bernie’s. It’s what he would want for Soho and all it’s people, however orphaned we may feel in these transitory times. Goodnight sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Tim Arnold, 1st September 2017
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Wonderful tribute and spot on. Thank you.
Thank you Tim. I’m still coming to terms with this tragic news but you articulate our loss so well.
Beautiful… thank you Tim.
Thank you. Beautifully put. Crying…
Devastated – just devastated …..
On the nail Tim – Thanks for sharing . Bernie’s passing is like a losing a family member . I live in Scotland and just about split my working week between there and London . The last 20 years the Groucho has been a real home from home , I’ve met some life time friends there , along with “everything else” that we got up to and experienced !
Such a lovely tribute, Tim. A very, very sad day for all of us whose lives he touched. It was a privilege to know him.
That’s a lovely eulogy. Just wish you hadn’t had to write it. X
Excellent elegy. Thank you.
Beautifully put – awful news
Such a superb tribute I cannot better.
Thank you so much for this Tim, it has made me so happy to hear him.
Absolutely devasted he’s gone.
Perfect words, perfectly written. Thank You.
Paul and I had not seen Bernie for some years having become too old to play in Groucho any more hearing of his demise has given me a big jolt from the past,he was always so kind and funny makes me terribly sad to hear that he was hurting so badly about something that he chose to leave this life, well written Tim,straight from your hear
Beautifully put.
Thank you.
Such beautiful words Tim, thank you. And thank you also for posting a way for us to see and hear him again…it’s almost impossible to believe that he’s gone. As one of the artists that Bernie has helped over the years, he meant a great deal to me. I loved the fact that he would come and sit with me and chat and bitch and talk about all the things one does in Soho; giving me his time and opinions, even though I’m not remotely famous or particularly interesting compared to others in the club. He always made time for people, and that’s what I loved about him. And of course, he was mischievous as hell and had the best stories. Like everyone else, I still feel in a daze about the news…something like this will take a long time to sink in. I can only hope that he’s now partying hard with the great and the bad…down in the ultimate basement members’ club. Go for it Bernie x
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. Perfect! Thank you Tim.
R.I.P Bernie Katz
Beautiful words for a beautiful human being. X
I loved him because he made you feel as if you were his favourite person in the club, and that he didn’t give a hoot whether you were famous or not. He was kind and incredibly funny, and professional, without being even a tiny bit a spoilsport, and the only consolation about his passing is that so many others appreciate him
Exactly right!
A wonderful man who had time for everyone, certainly my Soho hero RIP Bernie and thank you for being so generous to me over the years xx
I was just wishing I knew more about Bernie’s out-of-Groucho life. Looking forward to listening to your interview. Thank you so much for sharing.
Beautiful Tim!! Perfectly captured!! Bernie was a Rey of soho sunshine
Wonderful words that will remain timeless like the character
Fantastic tribute, I read through tears, too soon to listen to the interview but I will. Thanks.
You totally nailed Bernie there. No Bernie = No Groucho
A kind man. A gentleman. A loyal man. A funny man. A caring man. A tenacious man. A trustworthy man.
Not many can attest to those assets.
Love you my old friend.
Max
Thanks Tim, a really beautiful tribute to my pal Bernie.
Writer, Broadcaster, Impresario, Entertainer, Hell Raiser, Rascal, Raconteur and Keeper of the naughtiest secrets.
Marcus
Just seen this. How sad. RIP Bernie xx
I have been a member of the Groucho for at least twenty years and Bernie always gave me the warmest of welcome’s and made this northerner feel at home in Soho, as I guess he did everyone. That was his unique gift. As a straight guy he would delight in embarrassing me with teddy bear hugs and kisses and offering to tuck me in at night when I was staying over. He often asked if “she was with me” referring to my wife and even ‘she’ found that adorable. So many memories and so sad to hear the news. Rest in piece my friend. Jonathan
I am devastated by dear Bernie’s death. Groucho club will never be the same for me. Only one Bernie. With love, Alison xxxxx rest well my friend.
Thank you, Tim. All very true and beautifully said. A prince among men.
A beautiful soul, with such wit and whimsy. Open armed and hearted each time I saw him even after a years absence- as if it was yesterday. A massive loss for so many. How lucky we were to have darkened his doorstep.
I’m overwhelmed with sorrow and at the same time joy to hear Bernie speak in his own inimitable way. I’m the friend who lives on Great Pulteney Street, that he refers to. It was funny to hear him talk about the Brewer St car park dome that he would like to have turned into a small flat. I have a tiny walk in wardrobe, that he often asked if I’d let him turn into a bed space so he could have somewhere close by to sleep. I’ll miss him terribly. A Soho treasure.
A memorial fund for Bernie has been set up. Donations can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/berniekatztheprinceofsoho
A moving and spot on tribute.
Bernie Katz RIP – you utter legend xxx
Bernie took me under his wing as a teenager hanging out in Grouchos. I loved his warmth and kindness. He always made time for me and had a heart of gold. I’ll miss you lots old friend.
I never met Bernie Katz or knew him, but this eulogy is beautifully written and sounds like he gave a lot of joy and love while he was here. God Bless him and all who are missing him, its always hard for those left behind but know that everything is temporary and no one ever really dies xxx