
News / Darryl Bullock
Tributes paid to Bristol LGBTQ+ trailblazer Darryl Bullock
Darryl Bullock was a leading figure in Bristol’s LGBTQ+ world, and the author of a number of acclaimed books on music history and gay culture.
The feature writer and author had recently moved with his husband Niall to Cumbria, where he died at home on December 23 at the age of 60.
Darryl was described as “a veritable Bard of the bent, broken and baroque” by Andy Partridge of XTC, with his books covering everything from the world’s worst records to the relationship between gay nightlife and political activism.
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Darryl’s next book, a biography of engineer, songwriter, manager and record producer Joe Meek, will be published posthumously in 2025.
For many years, Darryl was editor of the LGBTQ+ listings page in Venue magazine, the essential guide to everything gay in Bristol and Bath in a pre-internet age.
In the 2000s, he took on the running of the Bristol Lesbian & Gay Switchboard , at that time still an important helpline for many people.
In 2005, Darryl was one of the first gay people in the UK to have a civil partnership, with his and his former partner Mark Godfrey’s certificate in the permanent collection of Bristol Museums. Darryl and Mark later had the UK’s first gay divorce when they went their separate ways.
Comedian and writer Robin Ince called Darryl a “wonderful author and delightful human being”, saying that “his books were always fascinating, enlightening and a joy to read”.
Mary Milton, who worked with Darryl on ShoutOut on BCfm, said: “Darryl will be remembered for his generous support of the LGBTQ community and for his well researched books on music and LGBTQ culture…
“A true advocate, support and a friend. I’ll always remember spending an hour of radio time with Darryl, playing his favourite worst records. He giggled all the way through in the most charming childlike manner.”
DJ, writer and curator Martin Green said: “Very sad to hear Darryl has suddenly died. He authored many insightful and deeply researched books about gay men in the music industry, queer culture and politics.
“He had gained great recognition for his work and had only recently completed a book tour of Australia.
“I was fortunate to interview him for LGBT History Month earlier this year as we shared a passion for discovering rare records, lost stories and forgotten characters.
“I’ll miss Darryl’s tremendous knowledge and passion. He was a lovely man.”
Main photo: Billy Cahill
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