Keel Watson

Keel Watson (August 9 1964 - November 8 2023)

I did not know Keel well but was pleased to have chatted to him during the run of performances of ‘Iolanthe’ at ENO, in which he played an unforgettable Private Willis.

A big man with a big voice and an even bigger heart, he will be sorely missed by family, friends, and the wider operatic community. His death is particularly cruel, as his personal life had reached a particularly happy point, and his career was prospering – how sad we shall not be able to experience his Wanderer in Regents Opera’s ‘Siegfried’. Keel was a great artist who had achieved much and had more to give – he shall not be forgotten.

Bright is the ring of words When the right man rings them, Fair the fall of songs When the singer sings them. Still they are carolled and said— On wings they are carried— After the singer is dead And the maker buried. Low as the singer lies In the field of heather, Songs of his fashion bring The swains together. And when the west is red With the sunset embers, The lover lingers and sings And the maid remembers.