Christian Alexander Shade "Chris" (24 Apr 1975 - 11 Apr 2021)

Chris, I still can’t believe I won’t see you and your Converse and record bag and grumpy pre-work ‘it’s too early’ face heading down Week Street at 8:30am again. It was an unconventional friendship, but a friendship nonetheless. You were the sweetest, most honest, dryest, smartest of humans…and so in love with your beautiful boy. You did everything right. You embraced love. You earned your wings for sure darling. I’ll see you again. Very much love to you Chris xx

You will be missed by so many and I will miss your face xxx

The man with a lovely smile and a love for music. You were taken far too soon, sleep tight Chris. All our love

Like his family have said Chris was quite unconventional. Sometimes he could do my head in with his daft ways but really I loved him all the more for that. Glad to have shared my musical journey with such a cool knowledgeable dude. I'm going to have to learn some of those old tracks again if I get to play live to pay respects. Might be weird looking across and not seeing you on your synth. Anyway fella, hopefully now you get to find that Korg you lost in Paris that time after our gig and get to jam with your musical heroes.

Thankyou Dear Chap for making life so much more reassuring. Often my time spent with Chris was when both in reflective moods, on holidyas abroad or in deep discussions in venues, pubs, and briefly as work chums. A powerful camaraderie evolved. He was the ideal companion to reflect with, since his humorous inflections brightened even the most serious thoughts. His razor sharp instant quip or insight always on point. We had vast swathes of music in common, although you will never meet a music lover with a broader taste. It is taste that Chris had in droves - it wasn't simply the music - he valued the aesthetic beauty found in the alternative. Sometimes it went so far as to blur the alternative with the mainstream - and whatever he believed in, it was always from a totally non-self-conscious, genuine perspective. It was always through the joy of the artform, intended or unintended. He was blessed with this talent of finding value in the most unlikely source, and he blessed everyone that got to know him with this often new, unbridled and untainted perspective, a perspective which will continue to enrich our lives every time we think of Chris. With tons of love ,Justin xx

You will always have a special place in our hearts and memories and will will miss you so much mate. Say hi to Weatherall if you bump into him, maybe you'll finally get to DJ with him! That would be fun!

To an amazing clever funny and caring man with some terrible puns and incredible taste in music. I will miss you enormously but know you live on in all our memories and hopefully some happy greyhounds too.

With love to all who knew him.

Catryn x

You taught me a lot about music and I’ll always remember the great times we had playing live around London. And that time in Paris. We got so drunk that you lost your synths.
Gone too soon. x

Chris

You wasn't only my colleague but a good friend too. not one day passed where you wouldn't tell an awful (but usually very funny) joke. you were kind, caring, and intelligent. You knew so much about so much, especially music.. thank-you for all the weird and wonderful artists you introduced me to. i could talk to you about anything and you were always there to listen. i will miss our cuppa and teacake times. i will forever treasure my copy of Sweet Love you released with your band Volunteer.

Sending our love and condolences to everyone lucky enough to have known and loved Chris a very sad loss, our heart goes out to Miro.
It is clearly evident how much people loved you and how much you will be missed.
Rest in peace Chris. Xxxx

My messages didn’t post in full, and this is my last one, as l need to share how much you were capable of love.
Sadly we were not a couple anymore but we made a pact to be in each other’s lives for ever. You wouldn’t just hold
my hand, you would kiss it. If it was raining and we had to meet somewhere , you’d tell me not to move and you’d walk much further just so l would keep dry. You’d find excuses to bring me flowers or chocolate or a new record all the time. You would hold me tight and l would hear your heartbeat. You would wait for me even if l’d move abroad. You made me feel special, you have loved with great generosity.
You would talk about Piskie the whippet all the time even if it passed away over a decade ago. But mostly, you were the most wonderful dad. Miro was the love of your life and he would brighten up your days whenever you would be together. You were impressed by how gentle Miro was with the puppies, but he is just a reflection of your sweetness, your kindness has just been passed to him.
You knew how to love and you have always been loyal about your feelings. Everyone who has had the opportunity to be close to you, in past and recent times, have been blessed. Your life deserves to be celebrated for ever.

He was so talented, full of interests, curious about the world, a proper music lover who inspired us all with his immense knowledge. He was humble and he would never show off his skills. He will be remembered and loved for ever, he deserves to be celebrated in every way and for ever and ever.

Chris, you were always the one person who I could rely on to be up for an adventure! Though the various lockdowns meant we couldn't venture much further than Rochester sorting office, I will fondly remember these most recent walks and talks we shared. You had a huge heart and the most hilarious - yet wicked sense of humour. You really will be missed

Thinking of you and your family, especially lovely Miro. Xxx

We were early 20’s when we started hanging out at Intrepid Fox, Godsmiths, Dewdrop Inn, Slimelight, Electric Ballroom and all the other awesome goth/punk nights out.. and then moving to Sanford at House #10.. and all the fun house parties and gigs that went on there! These were some of the best days of my life and you were such a funny, talented, smart, kind and the most playful of us all!!! I cherish the memories and those with you sweet friend. You will be forever adored and eternally missed. So much love goes to close friends and family (especially little Miro) who had Chris in their lives. So sorry for your loss. See you in the afterlife you gorgeous cyberpunk sprite! 🖤🤍🖤 love from Serena in Perth, Australia xoxoxo