Princethorpe College, Warwickshire -(1978-83)- that's my time with Mark. He was my junior by 1 year but we had the love of music that kept our friendship throughout. Mark was a quiet gentle boy at school but with character that can light up a whole room when talking and playing music! Rush was his favourite band which he introduced me and till this day I am still listening to their music. Every time I put on Rush, I always picture Mark bobbing his head to the music with his soft curly hair floating around... Haha.. Such a vivid memory! I remember his white gleaming Hagstrom guitar well which I helped him to pick and buy during one of the school holidays... He was just starting to strum a worn out acoustic before strapping on what looked like an oversized guitar for Mark had a below average built body... But nonetheless, it did not take him too long to start playing proficiently and he was a natural. Loved all his fingers and hand stretching chords he used to practise endlessly until he could get it right! That's Mark... Determined to acheive his goals! We used to spend hours in the weekends listening to music we loved and discussing plenty and the dream of having our own band. We did have own first band in school and also the one and only gig we played together! So many great times and memories.... Thank you Mark for being there in our friendship ... Forever in my thoughts and prayers !! And as the song says.... Closer to the heart.....