It is with great sadness that I must bring you the news that Jimmy Handshive , Handshive’s esteemed lyricist passed away unexpectedly on 2nd January 2026 after a short illness. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

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Jim has left a big hole in the lives of all who were privileged to know and love him.

Much love was present when his family and friends gave him a fitting send off in Dunkeld, Scotland on 29th January, and Richard (Ziggy) and Jimmy’s son Thomas played a few of the songs that he inspired them to write to his lyrics.

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Jim, you were a man of humanity, principle and compassion, driven to do right things , whose words and example inspired those who were lucky enough to have known you. You summed up your musical legacy perfectly in the words of your 2003 song ‘I’m not sure’:

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“So many songs, so many lines,

So many tunes, so many times,

So many thoughts , so many rhymes,

So many words still left unheard.”

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It now falls on me to make sure your unheard words are heard in these coming times. Your lyrics spoke across time in moments when the world caught up and I have no doubt that the multiverse will ensure this continues.

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My partner in song, it has been an epic journey and a massive privilege to have shared wonderful times, enlightening ideas and a true love of humanity with you in this crazy, amazing existence that we call life on Earth.

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So , God has decided it is time for you to rest in peace my great friend, but please … never forget to Rock On !

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Forever in my mind.

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Big love,

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Ziggy X