In their suit, fellow clowns say goodbye to Tony Frats: « No greater tribute for a clown » (Blankenberge)
© Simon Mouton
Clown Tony Frats, the name with which Anthony Vervaecke performed, has received his last applause. It became a standing ovation of family, friends and fellow artists. The latter in their colorful suits. « Because for a clown there is no greater tribute. »
Blankenbergenaar Anthony Vervaecke died on March 23 in a house fire. On Friday morning, relatives came together in the De Blauwe Toren crematorium in Bruges for his last performance. It became one by one full house. His unicycle, clown suit and a colorful portrait in the front, and when entering a big screen a compilation of his performances and his music – Anthony was also a musician in addition to being a clown.
Those present received a colorful pin when entering. – © Simon Mouton
Show selling and laughing people, that was Anthony’s great passion. From childhood he had a taste for it and he was already on stage at the age of fourteen with his youth hero Papa Chico. « He did nothing more than stand on stage, in his own world. There he was really happy, away from all the problems of daily life, » it sounded in a witness.
Also in the room: some twenty -friendly clowns and other artists, in their colorful suits. Anthony’s family had asked for that. « And we understand that. Because for a clown there is no greater tribute, » they agreed before entering.
His last performance was one by a full room. – © Simon Mouton
The farewell was graced with ‘he was just a clown’. « He laughed and jumped, in the bright yellow light. But there was a sad face under that smile. » Anthony was made for the lyrics. Because there was a lot of sorrow behind the layer of make -up. Such as about the death of his best friend and show partner Jasper or Clown Jaspie a few months ago. The loneliness affected him.
« Month after month everything became more difficult. The image of the clown with a tear became reality, » said Christophe d’Hondt, friend of Anthony chairman of the magic club of which he was also a member. « A few weeks ago you sold some beautiful magic supplies. » Don’t do that, they belong to you, « I said. Your answer was: » Tony Frats will be a legend. » When I think back, my heart was not only a magician, but also a predictor.
After that Anthony got one more time what is the best for each artist: a big applause. It became a standing ovation.
Anthony’s last applause became a standing ovation. – © Simon Mouton
© Simon Mouton
