- Despite having such a prodigious musical talent, Will Starr always considered himself as just one of the boys. During his teenage years Will and his mates spent the Fair Fortnight camping under canvas at Aberdeen. Whenever they ran short of money, Will would play his accordion in the local pubs to earn some extra money.
- Even though Will owned a green British Leyland Motor Corporation, Morris Marina, he was a man who did not like to drive cars.
It was in this same Marina car on his way to perform in his last Grampian Television 'Hogmanay Show' in 1975, that Will had a motoring accident in which he rolled the car over and sustained a serious spinal injury.
After a lengthy stay in hospital, he appeared to recover from the injury, but the pain continued to affect him into his later life and eventually it developed into cancer of the spine.
- As his spinal cancer became more advanced, Will spent longer periods of treatment in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow. Eventually, after his last stage show in August 1975 at the Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Fife, he was unable to undertake any further stage performances. From that date he spent the last bedridden six months of his life at his home in 16 Weldon Place, Croy, (photograph), where his family nursed him until his death, on 6th March 1976, at the age of 53.
- Will Starr was a man who stayed loyal to his friends throughout his life. One of those friends was Bernard Mooney, a fellow miner, melodeon player and resident of Kilsyth. Together they played music, composed music, travelled to engagements and generally supported and encouraged each other.
- Another of those friends was Ronnie Coburn, a fellow member of 'The Royal Clansmen' with whom he toured. Ronnie eventually became his manager and long time friend who stood by him when things became difficult.
Coburn was considered by the family to be good for him, for he offered stability, support and encouragement throughout the troubled years of Will's life.
See and hear Will and Ronnie in this Grampian TV video extract, 'The Fastest Drummer in the Kingdom of Fife'
- Will Starr was never known to criticise another accordion player, on the contrary, he usually told the many accordionists that he heard, 'You're a good player.'
This encouraging approach to fellow players was borne out by his continual support of and guest appearances at the many thriving Accordion Clubs across Scotland.
- It was on his return from these appearances at the Accordion Clubs that his family often heard him say, 'It would frighten you, how good some of these accordion players are.' This was another indication of how humble was the great Will Starr - that he thought other Scottish club accordion players were better than him.
- On May 8 1945, Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, announced to the British nation that World War II had come to an end.
Throughout the country the news was greeted with scenes of jubilation and on that Victory in Europe night, the 23 year old Will Starr, played his accordion at the victory celebrations in Paisley Town Hall.
- Will played at the Grand Charity Variety show in the Empire Theatre, Glasgow, 31 March 1963. This was the last show held at that Theatre before it finally closed.
- Will played at the last show held at the Empire Theatre, Inverness in 1970. For this performance and to mark the occasion, he was awarded with an engraved plaque.
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If you have any stories or anecdotes or perhaps photographs of Will Starr, please e-mail me and I will publish them to the web site for everyone to enjoy and be inspired.
Together we can leave the most complete and best possible legacy of the great man to future generations.
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