Des de Moor: A Life Celebrating Cabaret and Community
Des de Moor, a revered figure in London's alternative arts scene, has died at the age of 64 following a battle with a brain tumour. As a cabaret musician and writer, he left an indelible mark through his creative ventures and community-focused work.
Founding Pirate Jenny's Cabaret Club
In 1995, Des established Pirate Jenny's, a pioneering cabaret club that became a sanctuary for innovative performers and audiences. Initially based at the Vortex jazz club and later moving to the Drill Hall, he single-handedly managed all aspects of the club. This included booking artists, handling publicity, collecting door money, and serving as the emcee. His meticulous programming and unwavering belief in song as a storytelling medium fostered a vibrant hub for artistic expression.
Musical Achievements with David Bowie
Des's most notable musical project was Darkness and Disgrace, a stage show and accompanying 2003 album created with Russell Churney that reinterpreted songs by David Bowie. Bowie himself praised the work, noting in the album sleeve notes that hearing the songs in such a personalised context was a real ear-opener, making him listen as if someone else had written them. This collaboration highlighted Des's ability to blend cabaret with art rock traditions.
Career as a Leading Beer Writer
From the early 2000s, Des gained recognition as one of Britain's foremost beer writers. He contributed extensively to Campaign for Real Ale publications and authored The CAMRA Guide to London's Best Beer, Pubs and Bars, first published in 2011 with updated editions in 2015 and 2022. His 2023 book, Cask: The Real Story of Britain's Unique Beer Culture, reflected his approach to beer as a matter of culture and community, rather than mere consumption.
Early Life and Professional Journey
Born in Ipswich to a Dutch father, Werner, and an English mother, Phyllis, Des moved to London in 1985 after attending Richard Hale grammar school in Hertford. He immersed himself in the city's alternative music and cabaret scenes, working as a sound engineer and DJ at the 100 Club on Oxford Street. Though he dabbled in electronic music, he found his true voice in solo work, crafting literate and emotionally direct songs influenced by European chanson and art rock.
Political Activism and Personal Life
Des was deeply committed to political causes. During the Aids crisis, he was part of the Wombourne 12, jailed for a week in 1986 after protesting homophobic comments by local councillors in Staffordshire. He and others later received compensation for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment. At home, his life was enriched by shared passions for music, leftwing politics, and a love of Doctor Who. He was described as knowledgeable, principled, occasionally stubborn, and always generous.
Legacy and Survivors
Des de Moor is survived by his partner, a sister named Adele, and a nephew, Sunil. His legacy endures through his contributions to cabaret, beer writing, and community building, remembered for bringing intensity, warmth, and intelligence to every endeavour.
