People change too. You need energy both to produce music & laughter and to enjoy it. Have you ever noticed how miserable bastards are often also worn out gits with only sufficient energy to complain? And as to declining popularity of folk clubs, by comparison, how many other music styles are still staged REGULARLY? 40s crooner nights, 50s Do-wop nights, 60s pop nights, 70s disco nights, 80s new wave nights, 90s ... er ... did anything happen in the 90s?

I can't remember folk singers (bands particularly) that played in the north east of England that weren't humorous as well. Although I once was told after performing in Gateshead, "Christ, son ... that was f*ckin' serious." ;o)