Norbert was one of the first people I spoke to on my Queen Productions adventure over 20 years ago and the memory really does make me smile. I had not met the band yet or spoken to anyone at the record label, and only just been introduced to Jim Beach a few days earlier, but on my very first day I had this delightfully warm and quirky man from Switzerland greeting me over the phone like royalty, yet pestering me to stock his Freddie statues in our online store! I never told him this, but it really helped calm my early nerves about being part of this huge Queen machine. I wish I had thanked him.
We got to know each other more and more over the years and seeing him on my regular trips to Montreux was always a highlight, he just made you feel good, and he even granted me a cuddle with his beloved granddaughter in the middle of the shop a few years ago! His character was infectious and it has clearly been handed down, as I now have a great friendship with his son, Lucien.
The celebrations next year down at the lake and in the casino will be sad, but as we do with Freddie, we shall celebrate loud and proud and raise a glass or four to our great friend, Norbert - The Godfather of Partying in Montreux!
Rest In Rock
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