LA

I doubt many people on here will be too familiar with the comedy and poetic genius that was Hovis Presley, who sadly died earlier this year.

A firm favourite in the North West (England) he mixed comedy and poetry yet still insisted that he wasn't really funny.

Last night I was at a tribute gig at the Comedy Store in Manchester for anyone who's aware, with some fantastic comics and poets reciting both his and their own work. Lots of money was made for charity, and there were appearances from Dave Spikey, Toby Hadoke, Craig Campbell, Lucy Porter, Simon Munnery, Peter Slater, Stan Vernon, Susan Vale, Marvin Cheeseman, Thick Richard, Max Seymour & John Hegley.

I'll post his best known poem (many couples use this in place of their vows at weddings) for those who don't know him

I Rely On You © Hovis Presley 1994

I rely on you
like a Skoda needs suspension
like the aged need a pension
like a trampoline needs tension
like a bungee jump needs apprehension
I rely on you
like a camera needs a shutter
like a gambler needs a flutter
like a golfer needs a putter
like a buttered scone involves some butter
I rely on you
like an acrobat needs ice cool nerve
like a hairpin needs a drastic curve
like an HGV needs endless derv
like an outside left needs a body swerve
I rely on you
like a handyman needs pliers
like an auctioneer needs buyers
like a laundromat needs driers
like The Good Life needed Richard Briers
I rely on you
like a water vole needs water
like a brick outhouse needs mortar
like a lemming to the slaughter
Ryan's just Ryan without his daughter
I rely on you

His book, Poetic Off-Licence, is also available now.

R.I.P. Hovis Presley, 3rd August 1960 - 9th June 2005