True Inspiration

Paul Daniels

and the hits keep coming...
Paul Daniels was and is my greatest inspiration in the world of magic, actually in the world of live entertainment. Anyone who has seen me perform will see his enormous influence.
As a kid, all I wanted to do was meet him, that dream didn't manifest until years later, when we met at the Castle awards, and hit it off famously. My little inner kid magician was jumping with joy. I then bumped into him in New Zealand while I was filming Avalon High, and we had a great time. 
Paul and Debbie being such wonderful warm and genuine people. I was struck by how much Paul reallyyyyyy loved entertaining and magic, he was always ready to perform, he wasn't in the biz to make a quick buck, he was in it because he adored the profession. 
Then when Inna and I hit london we visited their home and Paul and Debbie took us out for a most wonderful dinner. I'll never forget it.
Along this entire journey I learned and listened and laughed and marveled. Paul was kind enough to offer help on two of my magic DVD's, for which I will be eternally grateful.
I remember watching the David Nixon show in which Paul made his first appearance, he stormed the stage, surprising Nixon and effectively ripping the show apart. He was brilliant. The dawn of new type of conjuror, brash, fast witted AND skillful. Looking at the footage now its clear that Nixon was really passing the baton. This is a star making turn and a perfect example of a talent, taking an opportunity and making the most of it. 
I offer, along with millions world wide, my deep gratitude for the laughs and friendship to Paul Daniels, my life would have been incredibly different if it weren't for you.
and to Paul's family and Debbie McGee, I offer my deepest sympathies and my love.
Your talent, your energy, sparkled briefly on this planet and left a wake and memory that will last forever. Thank you for passing through.
steve