British Comedy Guide

John Martyn dies, aged 60

Yet more sad news!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jan/29/john-martyn-dies

All things considered 60 is maybe not so bad.

Here is a clip of him in his prime:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LOi_wxypeGc

Oh, no - da real folk man dies - He was the only real folky-blues player I ever loved. He converted me to the use of acoustic guitar finger slapping (as exemplified in Timbo's excellent chioce of YouTube vid) and was a truly inspiring guitarist.

I'm now going to have a little cry while I listen to him. Teary

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rhFLtOIhhCw - Couldn't Love You More.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=UgHGRtFcGME - Dancing.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk8OsZESTxg - Spencer the Rover

Another one of the good guys drops off the twig.

Sad news for me too. I really used to love JM's stuff. Danny Baker's show has been playing all his stuff this afternoon.

I understand though that he did his fair share of self-abuse.

Drink and drugs I mean.

Never heard of him.
Good stuff though. I like his music from what I just listened too.

Another great loss. Loved his slurred singing style and his wild life.

:( Very sad news. I don't think I'll be able to face work today.

Quote: Timbo @ January 29 2009, 3:29 PM GMT

All things considered 60 is maybe not so bad.

Spoken like a true fifteen year old.

Pure class.

60...wild life style, put on so much weight the last few years and was in a wheelchair...

Quote: Danny K @ January 30 2009, 11:07 AM GMT

Spoken like a true fifteen year old.

Rather older than that I am afraid.

The comment referred to Martyn's less than health conscious lifestyle; frankly he did well to get past his twenties. The last time I saw him live was about five years ago, and while I was saddened to learn of his death, I cannot say I am exactly shocked.

I reckon someone should release one of his classics, perhaps Couldn't Love You More and maybe he might get quite a high chart positon finally.

Edited by Aaron - capitalisation.

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