In a deeply moving episode of the beloved BBC series The Repair Shop, viewers were treated to an inspiring restoration that paid tribute to a musical legend, leaving fans across the nation feeling emotional. The latest instalment, which aired on Wednesday, February 4, featured experts Will Kirk and David Burville taking on a poignant project that resonated with music enthusiasts and programme followers alike.
A Keyboard Steeped in History
The guest, Toby Hounsham, arrived at the barn seeking help to restore a keyboard that once belonged to his hero, Dave Greenfield. Greenfield was a founding member of the iconic punk band The Stranglers until his untimely death in 2020 at the age of 71. Toby explained the profound significance of the instrument, stating, "This is the actual keyboard he recorded all the big hits, like No More Heroes. It's called a Hohner Cembalet, and this is the one... He would've toured with it for hundreds and hundreds of gigs, hence all of these battle scars. Every mark on here tells a story."
A Personal Connection
Toby, a keyboard player himself, revealed that Dave had inspired him to take up the instrument. He shared his own journey in the music industry, including chart success with his band Rialto and performances on shows like Top of the Pops and TFI Friday. In a touching twist of fate, Toby was invited to join The Stranglers a few months after Dave's passing, eventually stepping into his idol's shoes as the band's keyboard player. "As a consequence of being the keyboard player in The Stranglers, I was presented with his original keyboard," Toby disclosed, leaving experts Will and David utterly stunned by the story.
The Restoration Process
David Burville took on the challenge of restoring this unique piece of music history. Recognising its importance, he remarked, "Oh, it's massive. Absolutely massive." The restoration involved meticulous work, starting with replacing the worn rubber on the keys. David then enlisted the expertise of Mark Stuckey to revive the instrument's circuit board. After carrying out numerous repairs, David successfully reassembled the keyboard and applied a coat of shellac polish. This careful treatment preserved the patina and character of the keyboard while adding a protective layer, ensuring it could be enjoyed for years to come.
An Emotional Reveal
When Toby returned to collect the restored keyboard, he was visibly overwhelmed with emotion. "Oh! Wow! I'm a bit speechless, actually. That's incredible," he said, his voice cracking. He praised the experts for their sensitive approach, noting, "We had a conversation about preserving the character and not just making it a brand-new one and you've done that perfectly. I'm speechless." To cap off the moment, Toby played a melody on the iconic keyboard, leaving the barn in awe. He concluded by saying, "Guys, I can't thank you enough. What you've done here is incredible. It's blown my mind, thank you... I'd like to think Dave would approve."
Fan Reactions
BBC viewers were equally moved by the episode, taking to social media to express their feelings. One fan posted on X, "Fantastic to see The Stranglers Dave Greenfield's Keyboard restored on the Repair Shop and that it wasn't just Thrown Away." Another commented, "That keyboard is so cool," while a third viewer said, "So fascinating and inspiring to watch the talents of the people on the Repair Shop fix up and restore Dave Greenfield's keyboard." A long-time fan of The Stranglers chimed in, expressing, "Oh my, The Stranglers were my favourite band in my youth. Seen them so many times. Hearing Dave's keyboard was fantastic."
The episode of The Repair Shop is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the power of restoration and memory.
