I was too upset to write anything on this last week, and didn't have a clue what to say.

Richard was a huge influence on me, and became a good friend. I made my first tentative outing to the White Horse Folk club about 15 years ago, having never played my guitar outside my bedroom, and having no knowledge of folk music. Richard made me feel welcome (along with the other regulars), and he effectively became my mentor, teaching me different tunings to work with, steering me to listen to Nick Jones, Dave Burland, and assorted others that had influenced him over the years. He taught me how to accompany tunes in a sensible fashion.

Without him I would not have ventured to other folk clubs, or met all the musicians and friends I have over the years. Freewheeling would never have happened, Punch The Horse, and indeed my current band Viagra Falls who I met originally at a Sun Inn Session at the Beverley Folk Festival. In short, I would still be Billy no Mates in my bedroom.

I feel I have Richard to personally thank for all of this, and for being possibly the kindest, gentlest, and most entertaining friend I have ever met.

Thank you, Richard Wastling. You will be very sorely missed by me, and by the many other people whose lives you have touched over the years, not least Jean and Lisa, who I hope to keep in touch with.

I'll be there for that great session in the sky. You get first song.

Pete Dean.