1954-2025
Motorcycle journalist, industry public relations officer and TV race commentator, Paul Fowler was a man with many facets. Keen on amateur dramatics, he honed a fine speaking voice ideal for television and DVD presentations and later used his actor training and experience to become a funeral celebrant. He also ran a pub for two years and took up the euphonium.
Born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, on 29 October 1954, Fowler grew up in Lichfield, Staffordshire, and Northampton. He left school aged 16 and joined the Tamworth Herald in Staffordshire as a junior reporter. A keen interest in motorcycles led him to Motor Cycle News in Kettering, Northamptonshire, in 1977, initially specialising in the burgeoning youth sport scene. He also road tested and wrote general news.
MCN’s parent company, Emap (East Midland Allied Press, now Bauer Publishing), recognising significant growth in the off-road scene, launched Dirt Bike Rider in 1981, appointing Fowler as editor. Having established DBR, Fowler rejoined MCN in 1983 as road race reporter covering grands prix to club events until 1988.
Building on his experience, he left MCN to start Action Media International, a motorsports PR company, in partnership with his former MCN colleague, Neil Webster. Clients included JPS Norton, Yamaha Europe, Suzuki Japan, and Pepsi Cola, whose sponsored riders included GP ace Kevin Schwantz (1993 world 500cc champion).
During this period, Fowler became a motorsports commentator for Eurosport TV, motorsport video producers, and radio. He was also a live commentator at leading events, including the Macau GP and Weston-super-Mare beach races.
His next move, in 1995, was to London PR company, Westminster Communications, lobbying on behalf of the motorcycle industry through the MCIA (Motor Cycle Industry Association). That year, he also began teaching communication skills in schools.
Throughout his career, he maintained his interest in treading the boards, a calling he had taken up in his early 20s. He played a particularly key role in the Kettering Cytringan Players as an actor, stage manager, and director. He later made time to study drama and literature for three years at the University of Essex, graduating with honours in 2004.
Professional engagements in TV dramas occasionally spiced his amateur roles.
His experience led him to become an adjudicator in drama competitions in the UK, Ireland, and Canada, most recently at the 2022 All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals. He also coached politicians, public service employees and top businessmen in TV and radio presentations.
His journalistic and drama training were key assets for research and presentation as a professional celebrant at funerals in his later years.
He maintained his interest in the motorcycle world and, for more than 30 years, was a member of the Friday 13th luncheon club for members of the motorcycle press and industry. He also maintained a keen interest in cricket, twice flying to India to watch England play. As a member of the MCC, he attended many Test matches.
Paying tribute, former PR partner Neil Webster said: “Paul was erudite, funny, great company, and able to animate a conversation on almost any subject. He will be greatly missed.”
He died on 9 September, aged 70, after being diagnosed with cancer 14 months previously. His funeral took place on 1 October at Cheltenham Crematorium. He leaves partner Rosemary and older brother John.