Davey Graham: what a waste

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 12:17 PM

The standard of playing on that clip is NOT of a good standard - and I can well understand people complaining at paying £17 at a high profile venue to witness it. This is not what fans of Davey Graham expect to see. If you expect people to turn up in significant numbers and pay that kind of money, you are duty bound to ensure you give a professional performance.

I've seen excellent guitar players give similar performances, but they were playing in the local folk club for no money, and by the end of the evening it's no surprise they are under-performing after a few pints. I accept Davey may need the cash, but this is taking money under false pretences. It's very sad, but it's sad too that folks are sometimes travelling many miles to see him, only to return home feeling angry and badly let down.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 11:30 AM

Sminky.I have read those comments.
I always make up my mind on what my own ears and eyes tell me,the playing on that clip was of a good standard.
One of those comments is typically stupid,calling him an alcoholic ,because he drank his pint of beer in four gulps.
BSubject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: balladeer - PM
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 10:34 AM

I haven't read this whole thread. Has anyone mentioned that Davy Graham, a man who has pretty much spent his whole life playing music, may still be gigging because he needs the money to live on .
Balladeer,makes a good point.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: balladeer
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 10:34 AM

I haven't read this whole thread. Has anyone mentioned that Davy Graham, a man who has pretty much spent his whole life playing music, may still be gigging because he needs the money to live on?

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 09:53 AM

Cap'n - the video was taken on the first gig of his tour. I suggest you read the comments on the same youtube page, plus those above. Still think he has 'steadily improved over these gigs'?

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 09:01 AM

I agree with Charley O Neill.
I thought the video clip of Davys playing, while not brilliant ,was of a good standard.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 07:08 AM

Maybe I am naive

You are either naive or Mark Pavey.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,Charley O'Neill
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 06:53 AM

I saw Davey at the Mossley Festival in the summer, then on tour in Leeds and then at the Lowry. I listen to his old albums all the time and would be a fool to suggest that is performance now can in any favourable way be compared to those classic recordings. However, the man seems in my humble opinion to have to some degree steadily improved over these gigs. Has nobody considered that getting out and playing may be providing meaningfull activity for the guy and thus actually may be a positive experience for him ? Maybe I am naive (though this is not generally a quality attributed to me), but I have read Mark Pavey's words on the website and did not get the impression that he was in any way , the villain of the peace. Was he not initially a fan, then a friend of Davey who is simply trying to help his mate rediscover what he did best and consequently live his life in a more fullfilling manner ? Should Pavey not perhaps be applauded, as opposed to derided ? Could his actions be nothing more or less than alturistic ?

Has anyone heard 'Broken Biscuits' , Davey's new album produced by Pavey ? It is no 'Folk Blues & Beyond', but I don't find it too bad at all ! It is a grower, yep , a little clumsy and wonderfully eclectic as ever Davey was. Give these men a chance!!!

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: cptsnapper
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 06:14 AM

I wonder if we, both as artists & audience, create a hurdle for performers by associating genius with complexity so that sometimes people feel that by playing in an apparently simple manner we display a lack of worthwhile talent & thus putting pressure on people to keep pushing at the boundaries at every possible moment. I'm not sure who it was - it might have been Al Cooper - but I remember an instance of someone having been dismissive of Pop Staples' guitar style but who later on said that they hadn't realised how hard it can be to play simply. There are people who have amazing technique but who leave me cold but others who by doing less involve me. But it depends on the player & the material chosen. And of course it's all subjective!

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,John
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 04:35 AM

For anyonewho hasn't seen the tour, there's a clip at youtube:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cBYBKuAo7aI

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Art Thieme
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 02:25 AM

I didn't mean to infer that Davey might have MS; only that alcoholism is an actual disease too.

But I DO have MS! And to finally know why I had to secretly wear adult diapers for 10 years, 20 years now, while being misdiagnosed all that time (to the tune of 4 spinal surgeries for the same damn symptoms), well, I must tell you, it was positively LIBERATING to finally KNOW what the hell was wrong with me. The symptom of blindness could reverse itself. MS is a strange x^z%&*#@%/"$$ disease---with an accent on the $$ signs to highlight the fear of losing income/gigs if you quit playing. That anxiety is enough to make one drink to excess--and to think about looking for ways out.---I hope sincerely the neuro-blindness does reverse. It often can do that.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,TB303
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 06:46 PM

Art, Your idea he could have MS is a very plausible one, In fact a very good friend of mine who is quite a well known abstract painter has just been diagnosed with MS at 41 years old. He has nearly lost his sight & appears to be drunk at times even though he is not.

I dont know what to think in DG's case, If he is suffering MS it would have been documented. I tend to think he's hammering the booze & god knows what else.

-TB303

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,TB303
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 06:35 PM

Lol.

I swing both ways weelittledrummer. Folk/Blues/Drums/Guitar AND Techno/Acid/Vinyl/Turntables :-)

......and yes, ive seen bad casualties from a 303 bassline too.

-TB303/Fylde Guitars

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Art Thieme
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 06:32 PM

I'm sure the man knows! I am just as certain that he isn't happy about his overly obvious decline.   

Mark Twain said, "There never was a life lived on the planet that wasn't a failure in the eyes of the one who lived it."

Tangentially, I carry a card in my wallet given to me by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society here in the USA. It says, in effect:

TO ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS!!
THIS GUY IS NOT DRUNK!
He has MS. So, if he walks weird, or falls down when he tries to stand up or perambulate, do not DEMEAN, waterboard or arrest, him.
He has an actual disease. His really bizarre behavior, as antisocial and repugnant as it is, is not exhibited because of a character fault in his basic overall makeup!!!

I know that, for at least an entire decade before I was diagnosed, I was exhibiting unique symptoms both on stage and off. I had to sit down to play. The steamboats I played music on used to drop me off on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River where I'd wait in those truly lovely surroundings for their other boat, on which I would do another show on that same day. ------- After having more and more trouble with the shore rocks and negotiating the landing stages and actually falling into the river a few times, the two boats had to meet in the middle of the Mississippi and tie up together so I could step fairly easily from one boat to the other.---Also, I lost the ability to feel the strings on my instruments...

All my fans were great to me. I was a lucky guy to have such support. But if there had been threads like this rambling on about my slow decline, I possibly would've gone the Peter Bellamy route less travelled. ('Nuf said.)

Davey Graham did wonderful work earlier. So did Alex Campbell, Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, and so many more. For God's sake, be thankful that you heard them when all were at their zenith. The title of one of my CDs says it all for me:
"The Older I Get, The Better I Was"

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 05:06 PM

and Roland Bass lines....

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,TB303
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 04:41 PM

Ive just found this thread & its took me an hour to read every post.

I went to the Lowry gig this last Tuesday evening.

I have held DG in very high esteem for many years since i first heard 'Folk Blues, I was elated when i found out he was touring. Fortunatly the evening before the gig i trawled the net for reviews on his tour, so was a bit prepared for what i may encounter. (I think the review was in The Independent) I found at times i felt embaressed for DG on stage, He tried to do too much, too fast, Lapses of concentration, bum notes & erratic timing. The sparkle IS still there but being masked by something. I dont think Pavey is doing him many favours.

After the excellent JOHN SMITH had finished & we went outside for a fag, DG was walking down the stairs into the emerging crowd with Pavey nearly holding him up as he came down.

I cant put DG's problems down to age as ive watched Daevid Allen of GONG (of similar age) jump around like a teenager & play impeccably. The DG problems are only things he can sort himself, Pavey in my view is milking his name.

Im speaking here being a gigging musician for 20 years+ myself and have lost very close friends (and very talented musicians) to drink & drugs.

-TB303

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,Don Robertson
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 04:24 PM

I went to High Wycombe last night to see a folk legend and came home very disappointed indeed. It was embarrasing to behold. Bummed notes, timing all over the place and the overwhelming impression he'd been hitting the bottle rather too hard beforehand. As other reviewers have commented, his performance only lasted about half an hour and in that short period I counted 7 people leaving. It may have been more, but I couldn't see behind me.

I had high expectations on arrival - I hadn't found this website and seen the reviews already posted - and couldn't believe what I saw and heard. I have great admiration for Davey, listen to his CDs and appreciate the immense contribution he's made to folk guitar over the years; I can only hope he'll put this episode behind him and go back on tour and play at a level he's properly capable of.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Hamish
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 02:43 PM

I've watched this thread with a mixture of interest and dread. Bit I stand by my earlier post: "How very, very sad". (Mine was the one about his Brighton gig back in February). I didn't suspect at the time - nor do I since - that there was any drink problem at the time of the performance. And I was sat right at the front, with a few feet of him.

--
Hamish

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Peace
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 02:22 PM

Ian, you are a class act.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 02:11 PM

.....for whatever it matters..

reading all this has convinced me to buy at least 2 of the most respected 'classic' Davey Graham CDs asap...

..but i doubt i'd ever risk a similar amount of hard earned £££$$$

going to see him play live.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,Ian cookieless
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 12:26 PM

Maryrrf and Peace, I do appreciate your comments. I won't go over what my original intentions were again as I have said so a few times above, but just to say it isn't pleasant to have one's motives questioned on a public forum - though of course I know this is inevitable - and your comments are reassuring. Thank you. The last thing I would want is to be an excuse for others to take cheap shots at Davy, but I honestly haven't seen that anywhere on this thread. Perhaps I interpret the posts in question differently to those taking exception? And I don't want to start a debate about which posts they are: let's just leave that be, please.

One thing the gig and my posting of this thread did do was make me go back and listen to some old recordings and re-appreciate the reasons I bought tickets in the first place. As a guitarist myself I am in his debt for the doors he opened for other guitarists. On reflection, I think (and I hope) that whatever people's experiences of Davy as he performs now, his legacy will remain untarnished: nothing he does now, however disappointing, can change the huge positive impact he has had on acoustic guitarists.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 11:41 AM

What Peace said at 10.48. Anyone praying for Davy ?

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Peace
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 11:10 AM

Nor do I think Ian's original intention was negative.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Maryrrf
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 11:08 AM

When you perform in public you set yourself up for reviews - positive or negative. I don't know about you, but when I order something from Amazon.com, for example, I always look at the consumer reviews, good and bad, for the product in question, and they do influence my decision. In this thread we've had some people who saw Davey when he was not giving a good performance, and some who said that while his performance was not as brilliant as it had been years ago, he did an acceptable job. Personally if I were considering spending a good bit of money (17 pounds is a lot in my book) I'd appreciate knowing what I might expect. I don't think Ian's original intention was negative or an attempt to damage the man's reputation - it was a review of a performance he had attended.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Peace
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 10:48 AM

I abhor threads of this nature (no offense to you, Ian) because they tend to bring out the worst in people when what they want is the best from the performer. It would be a good thing, IMO, if letters were sent to both the performer and his management stating that you wish him to go get treatment. If the intent is to slag the man, well, that's been tended to. If it is to do something positive, maybe the letters would be a good step in that direction. Ya wanna help get back that brilliant performer y'all seem to have seen before or you wanna bitch about it? If it's the latter, many have done that and I hope your spleens feel better. However, there is still a man with a problem, and perhaps one he needs help with. There are enough people around to speak bad of him. His community shouldn't be the repository of remarks that would only hurt him more. IMO.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 10:38 AM

I have never seen Davy Graham live, so any comment here must be indirect.

I still rate 'Folk, Blues and Beyond', and 'Folk Roots, New Routes' (both on CD so the 'snap, crackle and pop' of vinyl ain't there) as two of the finest collections ever made, by any artiste ; and that is said by a folkie who is otherwise a hardline 'traddie'. Indeed, I have introduced the grandbrats to these, and one, a talented guitarist, was well impressed.

Some of you may be aware that I am a recovering alcoholic. I am not qualified to say whether anybody else - anybody - mark it - is, or is not, alcoholic. The only person I know to be alcoholic, is I.

It follows from this that if - repeat if - DG IS alcoholic, he is the only person with any right to say so ; or not, as he chooses.

What I do know is that the word 'should' makes no sense to alcoholics or addicts. Indeed, there is an aphorism -

'Don't "should" at me !'.

If it is substance abuse which is causing Davy Graham problems, he has my sympathy. If this is the case, then DG is the only person who is able to help DG, as has been shared previously in this thread.

In which case, those who are, in my opinion, exploiting the man need gelded with a blunt knife.

Addictive illness, regardless of the cause, is something I would not wish on my worst enemy, assuming I had one.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: The Sandman
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 07:41 PM

Breezy,tis an ill wind that blows no good.
and a balmy[not barmy]Breezy that buffers the barnacles,
Breezy, your hot air is enough to sail a balloon, and enables you to reach such heights of intellectual finesse,that continues to astound me.
you make DR Johnson look like a veritable intellectual pygmy,Stout Fellow, Breezy.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: breezy
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 05:35 PM

Sober now

Cyril was able to hold it while the rest of us slipped under!! One of the truly greats and I was so honoured that he should have played to an enthralled capacity audience when his encore lasted 45 minutes which ended with an intimate gathering   in the bar till 3.00 a.m .

Dear cpn birdshyte,

I would care to differentiate between 'musician ' and 'performer' as not all of the formers can be classified as the latters

And to entertain is yet another aspect to consider.

So Salford went belly up , thats 2 - 1 since Worcester

Now how went High Wycombe? will it be a draw?

Any other gigs up for review

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 08:01 AM

The sad thing is, this the most people have written about him for years.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: oggie
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 07:42 AM

I am of an age to have watched the "Parkinson" one hour special with David Niven during which Niven was having great difficulty speaking. The press (and many viewers)immediately jumped to the conclusion he was drunk etc etc. The truth was he was sufering from Motor Neurone Disease which eventually killed him.

I am not saying this is the case with DG but conclusions based on partial facts and hearsay can be misleading.

Steve Ogden

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 07:30 AM

Well said, Robin. It's a sad sight. And his 'manager' has a lot to answer for.

In your opinion, was he drunk? The reason I ask is that several people on this thread have jumped to the conclusion that drink is the reason for his disappointing performances. I have encountered no evidence to substantiate this but obviously 'eye-witness' accounts may shed light on the matter.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,Robin Isherwood
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 06:37 AM

My son and I saw Davey Graham last night in Salford. During the last couple of years, we've seen both John Renbourn (who was excellent) and Bert Jansch (who was okay): each of them mentioned their indebtedness to Davey Graham. So when the chance came, we booked to see the Legend.
   No one who plays an instrument themselves could have been untouched by the sadness of the occasion. The human spirit and musical sensitivity can only bear so much. Fortunately, from our seats in the gods, we could walk out unnoticed.
   Like many others, I recognised the need to earn a crust - & like many others', my disappointment was directed towards the promoters. I still think it could have been a brilliant evening if Davey had been accompanied by a skilful and sensitive band. We all go to waste eventually, but there's no need to have it exposed like that. Shame on the promoters.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: The Sandman
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 06:33 AM

why make statements like Cyril Tawney was in a league of his own.
It implies he was unprofessional,yet he had a career Of over forty years.I reckon I saw Cyril on dozens of occasions ,and in my experience,he performed well.
no one can have such a lengthy career and be unprofessional.
comments like Breezys and his comment[ po captain birdshyte],illustate why people get disillusioned with mudcat,and the unecessary bitching and nastiness,that neednt happen.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,Ian cookieless
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 04:34 AM

Captain Birdseye, "this thread is about Davy Graham." Yes, but as breezy rights observes, the principle of the thread is being incapable on stage, and that can apply to anyone. So with respect, weelittledrummer, it is not about whether the performer matches the taste of an audience member, it is about sobriety and professionalism.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Betsy
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 02:11 PM

Well said Dick !!

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 02:05 PM

Breezy,a musician is someone who communicates through their music,both Alex Campbell,and Cyril Tawney managed to do this.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,Winger
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 01:18 PM

"I will now also mention Alex Campbell, he appeared to do O K but then he wasn't a musician."


?

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 01:17 PM

I was just trying to think of the last time, when I took someone out for a night of folk music and they said, Thankyou Al, that was a wonderful experience......

I remember the personal reviews my guests handed out:-

Ralph McTell - Christ! that was bloody boring!
Peter Bellamy - What WAS all that about?
Martin Carthy - If he's that good, why does he keep fiddling with his guitar?
Ewan MacCoLL and Peggy Seeger - those two buggers keep on about the working man, they've never done a hands turn their life!
Martin Wyndham Reid - have you noticed, his voice keeps making these 'glooop' noises?
Bert Jansch - he looks really pissed off to be here. I'm not sure he's awake.

My mother (died in 1981) once sat through a lady folksinger's act (wild horses will not get to me divulge the name of that dear lady). I asked Mum if she liked it. She thought for a moment and said - did you see the shape of that woman's tits under her cheesecloth shirt. They're conical in shape, they are - I couldn't take my eyes off them! Not all night!

What I mean is even if Davy had played brilliantly - well its no guarantee that everyone will enjoy themselves, in my experience.

At least you've seen Davy Graham. Cross that one out in the I-Spy book.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 01:12 PM

"in front of a live , baying ordimence"

Now THAT's a tough crowd.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 01:04 PM

no Breezy,this thread is about Davy Graham.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: breezy
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 12:20 PM

Thank you Dick, for your personal input, I will now also mention Alex Campbell, he appeared to do O K but then he wasn't a musician.


The discussion is primarily about drunkem performers hoose perphornancies are less than add d adequate in front of a live , baying ordimence, and the example iused was and is and will be forever more world without drinks D G and the dissapointment his performance generated dissapoint hic

so! p o capnburdshyete

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 10:30 AM

Lets have a whip round and give him his £17.50 back - if it will put an end to this.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 09:45 AM

A famous Scottish band (which will remain nameless) found that they were being rejected when on tour in the States because promoters were fed up with their drunkenness. They straightened up and flew right.

Sometimes economic pressure will motivate a drunk to stop drinking when no amount of pleading from friends and family has helped.

I hope this was the case here.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,Ian cookieless
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 09:44 AM

Mike of Northumbria, I am really, really glad to hear that, after the large number of negative reports of gigs, including my own awful experience that started this thread. It seems, then, there is hope yet for him. Let's hope in future that something like The Sage experience becomes the norm rather than, as it appears now from reports, the exception.

Whether I will chance another £17.50 on a ticket to see him in future remains a moot point, though. Once bitten ...

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 09:39 AM

Another 'Davy Graham sober at gig' sensation.

The impression I got at his recent gigs was that he was 'shooting for the moon' - and falling short. I felt he should perhaps have played simpler pieces and nailed them. Still, Davy will be Davy, though I wish he'd ditch that classical - it's a pig.

I'm heartened by your words, Mike, many thanks.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 08:58 AM

I am glad to hear it,thankyou Mike.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 08:37 AM

Just for the record ...

Davy Graham's concert at The Sage Gateshead last night wasn't quite a sell-out, but it attracted a substantial audience. The applause at the end of his set, and the buzz around the CD sales desk afterwards, suggest that most listeners didn't feel let down. Davy himself gave no signs of being ill, or intoxicated. His speech was clear and coherent, and what he had to say was relevant and witty. As for his playing … well, I've heard him play better, but last night he was still worth hearing.

The audacious - and apparently effortless - fluency of his early records seems beyond his reach at present. But we can scarcely expect a sixty-something veteran to recapture the virtuosity and assurance he had in his twenties – particularly while he's still recovering from decades of self-neglect. The TV documentary "Blame it on my youth" and the more recent radio programme "Whatever Happened to Davy Graham?" reveal that Davy went through a long and distressing period during which he hardly ever touched a guitar. There is a very painful moment in "Blame it on my youth" when he tries to play something on a borrowed instrument, showing just how much technique he has lost. Davy has come a long way from there. He still has some way to go before becoming "The Compleat Guitarist" once again, but he's clearly working at it.

Last night, there were moments when I felt he was actually trying too hard. Sometimes he seemed to hesitate, as if trying to make quite sure of hitting the correct note. At other times, he seemed to snatch at the next chord, as if afraid it might escape him. And neither of the instruments he played did him many favours. The classical guitar he started out with had a fairly undistinguished tone. The steel-string he moved on to seemed better at first – but as Davy rushed from one altered tuning to another, its sound gradually deteriorated. I'd have gladly lost one number from the set, if he'd used the time gained thereby to tune the box more accurately for the remainder of them. But maybe the guitar, rather than the player, was at fault. These things do happen.

Anyhow, Davy is on the road again. I hope that this tour has been a positive experience for him, and that his recovery continues after it has finished. If so, his next tour could be really exciting.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 08:34 AM

Bugsy: I think "bad performances" in films is very much a matter of opinion. From my viewpoint, certain, much respected, actors nearly always give hammy "over-the-top" performances; however, the whole world would have to agree that Davy can be just downright dreadful at times.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 05:18 AM

Pedant alert: "A contract is an agreement to which the law gives force". I teach my students that every year.

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Bugsy
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 03:31 AM

By the by, I was saying to a friend of mine the other day that If you see a favourite actor in a play or movie and they stink, you say " God, he/she was bad in that movie" but you'll go and see the next movie he/she is in. With muso's it seems to be that one bad performance kills it for good.
"I wouldn't waste my money, saw him and he was crap." sort of thing.

Just an observation


Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Davey Graham: what a waste
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 10:32 PM

It sounds like he is certainly not in a completely rational state. Substance abuse in the extreme makes that impossible. So it is probably a stretch to think that he will make rational decisions, now.

It is really unfortunate that he doesn't have close ones confronting him with his abuse and steering him into getting help. Maybe those close are just trying to milk the income, or perhaps they are at wits ends with not knowing how to take care of the problem.

It is just a sad, terribly sad, and impossible situation. I would bet that most of us would know, close at hand, friends or family members in similar situations, though perhaps not as public.

Astro