I was a hippy in the late sixties/early seventies, and went to several folk clubs. You're right about the reasons you give above, Les. Also, I think we were into all things 'ethnic', and that included traditional songs, as well as long monsoony clothes and Native American headbands, Jesus sandals, Indian woven bags and so on.

There were also many 'protest' songs in a folk genre which in those days moved us deeply. We were beginning to get worried about War, Racism, Poverty and Injustice and the songs of Dylan et al expressed our thoughts.

There wasn't much piped music in pubs then, and you could hear a folk singer without amplification above the fairly quiet hubbub.

Happy days...!