A long-serving soldier in the Royal Bermuda Regiment became an irreplaceable “heart and soul” within its band over an awarded career for which he was recognised in the 2019 Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.

Sergeant Major James Van-Lowe later took his love of music to the five-member Blues Beat Band, comprising active and retired members of the regiment’s ensemble.

The quintet, formed over a shared love of the New Orleans blues style, built a name for itself with Christmas performances that spread through word of mouth to other functions.

“Everything’s been a highlight,” the characteristically upbeat Sergeant Major Van-Lowe told The Royal Gazette after his royal recognition, when asked for the standout moments of his career.

The musician was recalled by Major Barriett St Vincent Dill, a Blues Beat member and former director of music with the regiment band, as exacting when it came to music.

Major Dill said the two worked closely together at Warwick Camp for about ten years.

“As the driving force behind the performances of the Band and Corps of Drums of the Bermuda regiment, he ensured excellence at home and abroad, leading to performances across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

“Wherever we travelled, Sergeant Major Van-Lowe was the steady engine — protecting, organising and attentive to all.

“Together we travelled to places far afield such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Honolulu, Amsterdam, Bremen in Germany, Edinburgh and the United Kingdom.

“I will for ever miss the wit, humour and wisdom of Sergeant Major Van-Lowe.”

Major Dill said his friend channelled regimental camaraderie and love of live music into the Blues Beat Band after his retirement.

He added: “Family always came first with Sergeant Major Van-Lowe, followed by the regiment and close personal friends.”

He said Sergeant Major Van-Lowe left “an irreplaceable void, but also an enduring legacy of service, equality and integrity that touched everyone from kings and queens and leaders of nations — all the way down to the common man”.

Sergeant Major Van-Lowe started with the regiment as a “boy bandsman” in the 1970s and switched to full-time staff in 1995.

He assisted with the band in administrative roles, played a key role in recruiting and retaining members and served as coach and mentor to musicians.

He was named Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in 2009 for his engagement with the community.

Sergeant Major Van-Lowe was also recognised for his work in producing the Bermuda Tattoo the same year.

The Bermuda Islands Pipe Band paid tribute last month to “a longtime and good friend of the band who has just passed”.

A post on its Facebook page said: “James Van-Lowe of the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band has been around since I can remember, and I have been around both bands my whole life.

“He was all about the business when it came time to perform, but the quiet joker in between — and he always came to the pipe band parties.

“Now he is music man to the angels.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, the Commanding Officer of the RBR, said the battalion was left “saddened by the unexpected and premature loss of a long-serving and recently retired member of our Regimental Band and Corps of Drums, Warrant Officer [Class] 2 James Van‑Lowe”.

Colonel Simons added: “WO2 Van‑Lowe was a constant presence within both the band and the regiment throughout my entire regimental career.

“He joined as a boy bandsman in 1976, served during the 1977 riots and toured with the band in Holland in 1979 and again in 2003 for the Edinburgh Tattoo.

“He completed the Royal Marines Musician 1 course in 1988 and joined the full-time staff in 1995, serving until his retirement in 2015.”

Colonel Simons said: “Demonstrating unwavering dedication, he went on to serve an additional decade as a limited engagement musician, concluding his service in February last year.

“Even in retirement, he remained deeply committed to supporting young musicians and ensuring the band’s instruments were always maintained to the highest standard.

“WO2 Van‑Lowe was many things to many people. To countless members, he was the heart and soul of the regimental band. He was a devoted mess member, well loved for his jovial nature, his wit and the bright smile he so often shared.

“His passing serves as a poignant reminder to slow down, invest in one another and cherish those around us — for tomorrow is never guaranteed.”

The Commanding Officer added: “I extend my deepest condolences to his family, to the band and to the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess during this difficult time.”

• John James Van-Lowe, a driving force in the Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, was born on February 1, 1960. He died in March 2026, aged 66