David's Birthday..In London

Fans have always celebrated David's birthday. In 1971 in every Chuck Laufer's teen mag appeared photos of David, his friends, Sam Hyman and Steve Ross, opening DC's birthday presents and reading greeting cards. 

Of course it was just the opportunity to sell more things with DC name or face on it, but DC was really touched by the gifts, mosty handmade, send by his young fans. 

In Tiger Beat issue from July 1971 we can read, "David eagerly opened each package and read every card! You can bet David 21st birthday is one he'll never forget!'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEjPtAAN73M

The next year there was another DC's birthday celebrated on teen mags, but fans never needed to be remainded about that special day..Even when he retired, and it looked like the world forgot about David, fans always remembered. 

A few times he celebrated his birthday in London. When he performed at London Palladium on April 12, 1987, there was a 'Happy Birthday welcome' and a cake after the song.

https://www.davidcassidy.com/fansite/TvFilmPages/1987LiveAtThePalladium.html

There was a birthday concert in London in 2011. and David also met with fans at Novotel Hotel, Hammersmith, London on April 11.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93JBsIQJazE&t=12s

And since he died (it still hurts just to write those words), his birthday has been a time of reflection, reminiscence and grief. But also time of joy and happiness, because we often  celebrate David's birthday together, with other fans. This year in California. The California Music Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on April 14th, but fans will meet earlier to be together on DC's birthday.

Of course most fans can't go to California for many reasons, and we will be in spirit with those who decided to go. Some will even travel across the Atlantic, a fan from Canada has even longer and more difficult journey. For every fan, going to California will be a challenge, and a very emotional experience.

But on April 12th my thoughts will be first of all with my friend Doreen Walker, who probably will be the only one fan representing us in London. At St Giles in the Fields Church.

Pauline Tombs, who can't be at the church this year, has written for me once how it's all started. 

"We looked for other ways to remember and celebrate David Cassidy, local to the plaque (The Phoenix Theatre). In November 2018, we contacted the church and discussed with the administrator what we were looking to do and possibility of their support. Just a few days later, the Reverend of the Church replied to us and was extremely accommodating of our request.

It was funny that when we met up with the Reverend, he said he had gone away and done a little research on David Cassidy and was surprised in the journey he had been on! The church administrator had also seen David Cassidy in Time, the Dominion Theatre just being a 5 minute or so walk away from the St Giles in the Fields Church. On the 1st Anniversary 21/11/18, the church would set up a memorial table, with a church Candle, a flower arrangement, tea light candles to light, a memorial book to leave a message and sign, along with a book of special pictures, provided by fans, to view, when visiting and just take some time out, to reflect and remember. 

Even though there have been changes (now there is a new administrator and a new Reverend), the church has continued to support us in memory of David Cassidy not only on the November Anniversary but in April too at David Cassidy's birthday time..'

I was there on November 21st, 2018, and every year since..But never on April 12th. And I will not be this year too. I'm going away for a few days, but not to London. 

But wherever we are on April 12th, with others or alone, we will remember David xxx

This extraordinary and very touching video was made 11 years ago. 

Happy Birthday David xxx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTuMbR_PcLQ