The show, which opened yesterday, is, not surprisingly, uneven, but it works nonetheless as a fond tribute to an independent and eccentric intelligence.

But it mostly feels like a fond tribute to the naughty fun of the good old days.

Many fond tributes to William Shakespeare's life and music appeared in the Australian media just after his death became known.

Rob Reiner's fond tributes to the past would seem to have roots fairly close to home.

You old fox, , Caeled murmured in fond tribute.

But fond tributes are probably best reserved for ceremonial occasions - retirement parties, birthdays and funerals - that limit their length.

Sanborn says: "I wrote the song, Blues for Breakfast, as a fond tribute to the jazz masters of days gone by.

"Space Jam" is as much a fond tribute to their past as it is a product-plugging, high-tech, hip-hopping thing of the future.

Mr Dingley, 46, from Draycott, Somerset, paid a fond tribute to his four-legged friend, whose working life was "nothing short of extraordinary".

Mr. Fulbright was also remembered at today's service with a soaring choral performance of "Amazing Grace" and fond tributes from his family.