I’m sad to report that Keith Gosney has passed away. Many overseas guests who toured NZ in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s would have met Keith as he was one of the organisers of gigs, tours and festivals here in Hawkes Bay.
He had travelled to Australia to attend the Port Fairy Folk Festival and was staying with his son, Blair. On the night of 17th March Keith was feeling unwell so Blair decided to let him sleep in the next morning. However, when he went to waken him, later on, he found his Dad had passed away in his sleep.
Needless to say, we are all devastated.
Last night’s session at the Rose & Shamrock was special, with Keith’s chair left empty at the head of the table while we played and sang until only the bar staff were left.
Keith started the session after McAlpine’s Fusiliers, with John de La Haye and Jimmy Wilde and later, Irish Folly, had been playing regularly at the Cat & Fiddle, here in Hastings in the 1990s.
A farewell to Keith is being planned for Friday 31st March at 1:30.