A Tribute to Barry Nettleton

Subject: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: oombanjo
Date: 23 May 08 - 02:35 AM

A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
A message to all those musicians and friends of Barry's and to all those who came in contact with him whilst running the Beverley picture playhouse and organising other music events throughout the area. Last night at a meeting to discuss the future of the Beverley Folk Festival Barry suffered a heart attack and passed away. My personal thanks to David Jackson who fought to keep Barry with us and to the medical team who gave it their all to save him. In closing let me say that Barry was putting forward his view on why the Folk Festival should remain in Beverley, enough said, I will raise a glass in tribute to Barry at this years festival.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: sapper82
Date: 23 May 08 - 04:02 AM

Not someone I knew, but I think the folk world is the poorer for his passing.
My sympathy to family and friends.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 23 May 08 - 06:18 AM

A nice tribute there John.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 23 May 08 - 07:03 AM

I'm sorry to hear about this. Barry put on some good stuff at the Playhouse and I went to see an act there in my first week in Beverley about 9 years ago.

Amongst others I saw the Incredible String Band, Alan Price, Joe Brown, Ian McNabb, The Dylan Project and Kate Rusby play there. Oh, and various brilliant guitarists at the guitar festival one year.


R

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: Les from Hull
Date: 23 May 08 - 08:23 AM

Sad news indeed.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: Michael
Date: 23 May 08 - 09:07 AM

I knew him from his days as manager of Hull Truck Theatre. a sad loss.

Mike

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: Kelk Brigade
Date: 23 May 08 - 09:13 AM

How sad to hear the news regarding Barry Nettleton, spent many a happy musical evening at the Playhouse, and saw many great acts there, including perhaps the best New Year ever with Fairport Convention

Maybe the Council can now get their finger out and purchase and refurbish the Playhouse to its former glory, perhaps renaming it in lasting tribute to Barry, and make it a centre of excellence of music and drama for everyone. Maybe then it could act as a focal point for the Festival and stop talk of moving it outside Beverley.

Peter and Barbara

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Susie
Date: 24 May 08 - 11:12 AM

I worked with Barry over the past few years and really enjoyed his company. he was always so supportive to me. I will definately miss you - a really nice man.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Graham Kettlewell
Date: 27 May 08 - 09:50 AM

I have known Barry for over 35 years -from his early days running the folk club at the Bluebell in Lowgate Hull and then big Rock promotions around Yorkshire and beyond -setting up the Brickhouse club with Rick Welton and managing local bands such as Nothineverappens & Red Dirt/Snake eye back in the 70s -the first pioneer of music events in Hull .
A real shock as I only talked to him on wednesday evening in Cottingham and he wished me a great time for the weekend as he knew I would be watching Hull City at Wembley-I got the news shortly before the kick off -very sad and a great loss to the community .

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,spud ulyatt
Date: 28 May 08 - 05:25 AM

I went to school with Barry and have know him ever since. Our gang supported his Playhouse gigs and we often had chats in Beverley during our lunch breaks - Only saw him a couple of weeks ago and he was telling me how he was looking for a house in France for when he retired. I was in the Lakes last week and only found out yesterday about this tragic loss - totally shocked - a true gentleman and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts go to his family.

Subject: Barry the sting, the tingle and the afterglow
From: GUEST,Gill Adams
Date: 28 May 08 - 05:55 AM

I loved Barry.

He changed my life by believing in me as a writer, making me realise I didn't have to be an intellect ( or be able to spell, which I can't as you may notice as you read on) to simply tell great stories with great characters and to just be my self and write what I know
( but not whoop at my own plays or laugh the loudest as I recall he once told me off for that, but with a grin of course)

He was a great man, a force to be reckoned with, passionate, honest and had fire in his belly by God! When there was any injustice, he stuck his neck out, supported the underdog and never EVER gave up on talent. He believed this City needed great entertainment...and spent his life providing just that!

He was 'the Daddy' of Hull Truck once upon a great time, he created a buzz which fizzled and died when he left...

The bottom fell out my world when Barry left Truck, and I think maybe only Barry and his lovely wife Carol truly understood that.

Barry was my mentor and my friend. I was lucky to share some fabulous emails with him just before I left Hull to live in Spain earlier this year, in a way we sort of said our goodbyes in those emails and I got to tell him what I thought about him and I know it meant as much to him as it did me, So I must say never put off what you know you should say...

Aye he's a one off is Barry and I'm gonna bloody miss him.

Am blessed he was part of my life and I'll certainly never ever forget him.

Gill Adams
playwright.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: Willa
Date: 28 May 08 - 07:01 AM

Wonderful tributes, particularly the one from Gill, who like Barry has put her heart into entertaining us.

I did not know bBarry personally, but like many others have much to thank him for.

There is also a tribute to him on the Beverley FF website.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Dawn McBarnet (Riley)
Date: 28 May 08 - 07:35 AM

Dearest Barry, how I will miss him. Barry and Carole have been a part of my life for 38 long years, through the Brick House and Hull Truck years until now, Barry was God father to my son and we saw one another when time and life allowed. We had dinner last Xmas, Carole Barry and for those of you who remember her, Cathy Graham, who I hadnt seen for 30 years, Rick Welton should have been with us but at the last minute he couldnt make it.Then just a month ago my sister in Cottingham remarried and she invited Barry and Carole along to the reception, they had a live band and we danced the night away, the last time we danced together was in the Brick House days I guess. Barry has been a massive influence in my life and I loved him.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Nicola Richardson
Date: 28 May 08 - 09:37 AM

Barry was my mentor and this very sad news has made me realise the massive effect he had on my life and the many, many happy memories I have of him.

I grew up at Hull Truck from a young, eager 15 year old leaving to join the London rat race at 21. Barry was my first boss and such an important part of my early career and therefore an integral part of who I am today his old fashioned grit, honesty, loyalty, passion, respect and love of the business – the good, the bad – and the ugly! I was proud to be his assistant and adored him. His passion for Hull Truck was infectious and all who worked with Barry felt that and when he left Spring Street part of the spark left with him.

I only wish I'd could have told him this and how inspirational he has been and in my life will continue to be so. He helped my dreams come true without even realising it - until now!

My thoughts are with his family and friends and I hope a memorial is created to recognise his passion for local arts, music and it's people.

Rest in Peace Barry - and thank you for everything. I will miss you.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Rebecca
Date: 28 May 08 - 02:35 PM

I met Barry in the early 90s when I got my equity card working for Hull Truck. I was struck by his prescence and instantly aware that here was someone who made things happen. Spring Street was so full of energy, crackling with potential as productions toured throughout the UK and to the Staller International Festival in NYC. I look back on that time and picture Barry at it's core. Charismatic and fearless, the Alex Ferguson of Truck, he was tenacious, fair, and deeply sincere in his committment to giving and getting the best.

My thoughts are with his family.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Jennie MacCreedy
Date: 29 May 08 - 09:07 PM

What sad news........... A great loss.

My heart goes out to his family, Big hug Nick xx

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,nigel betts
Date: 30 May 08 - 04:45 AM

Barry was and will always be Hull Truck, as an actor we came into contact of course on many occasions and under many circumstances.

He was always madly loyal to the company first and foremost, but if you had any problem he was next to you in an instant and sorting it.

He had incredible talent, and a passion not only for the work but the people who made the work from the top to the bottom.

he will be very sadly missed, for there will never be another Barry

my thoughts and heart goes out to his family xxxx

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 30 May 08 - 09:44 AM

There is a tribute to Barry Nettleton in todays Beverley Guardian, page 3. We didn't know him personally, but had heard heard of him an of all the good work he did, and had been to things he had put on. This is a sad loss.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Niall Black
Date: 30 May 08 - 03:27 PM

It's sad to hear of Barry's passing. Very sad. I had 3 great years with Hull Truck and that company and that town changed my life.

I last saw him at South Shields Customs House and he had that mischievous smile on him that brought back great memories.

I doubt it's lost on anyone who knew him, that, at the last, he was at a meeting discussing the future of the arts.

Rest in peace.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: oggie
Date: 30 May 08 - 05:05 PM

A celebration of Barry Nettleton's life will be held at Haltemprice Crematorium in Willerby on Monday June 2, at 1.30pm. His family have requested family flowers only, but donations can be made for the British Heart Foundation.

Steve

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Dave furniss
Date: 31 May 08 - 04:57 AM

Knew Barry from the late sixties and those wonderful parties in his house on Sculcoates lane and came across him from time to time, the last time in the Crown and Anchor in Kilnsea. In all those years I never heard Barry say a bad word about anyone. My deepest sympathies go out to Carole and their children..... the world is a sadder place today.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Sue Craft nee Winchester
Date: 31 May 08 - 09:11 AM

So sorry to hear of the loss of Barry.. I knew him originally through my dad the Late Brian Winchester.. and then again came into contact as I work at the BBC in Hull. What a gentleman, he was so full of enthusiasm in everything he did. Deepest sympathy to his family. He will be missed

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Rick Welton
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 01:19 PM

I've just come home from Barry's funeral - a sad but nevertheless inspiring occasion. Carole, his wife, asked me to say a few words at the funeral about his life. Here's my little tribute to a great man and a true friend.

"Barry was my first new friend when I came back to Hull in April 1969. I'd just got a job as administrator of the yet to be opened Hull Arts Centre and he was a photograher at Hull University, running the Freedom Folk Club at the Bluebell off Lowgate in his spare time. He offered to come and photograph some of the free concerts I was organising to promote the idea of the arts centre to a younger audience. Very soon he was also helping me arrange the concert line-ups, using his already considerable knowledge of the local music scene. He was a good photographer and I've still got some of his pictures from those days dotted around the house. But probably the best of this period is the one he took of Michael Chapman playing at an East Park Free Concert in September 1969 that forms the double spread of Mike's Fully Qualified Survivor album. Remembering Michael and Andru Chapman is a reminder of one of the lovely things about Barry – his enduring friendships and great loyalty across all those years.

Freedom Folk morphed into Phase Two with gigs upstairs at the Haworth Arms, at about the time that I left the arts centre. Barry had already begun to do the big stuff with the Who concert and so it seemed natural for us to team up and start doing our own concert promotions. I remember sitting in his Pearson Park flat mulling over what to call our new venture. He put our names together and came up with the Hull Brick Company and it took off from there. He was a great partner in every sense. At the most practical level, he took the photos and I did the Letraset for our posters and flyers (actually they were just leaflets then!). I did the admin and he did the negotiating – he could be a tough negotiator and had real commercial nouse - most of the time! Of course nothing is certain in rock concert promotion and we lost as much money as we made – well, in the end we lost the lot and went into liquidation, though Barry didn't give up, and went on promoting because he had that essential drive, the buzz that comes from bringing audiences and artists together, something that never left him and was the reason he was such a powerful and effective arts manager.

But a few more memories – watching him at the City Hall explaining that Elton John wouldn't be appearing that night after all and somehow getting away with it. He'd drawn the short straw on that one, though soon after I had the same job to do when Deep Purple also pulled out at the last minute! Steamy summer nights at Hornsea Floral Hall and Cleethorpes Winter Gardens (such exotic places we visited) raking the money in from Roxy Music and Queen gigs. Careering all over the UK with Wishbone Ash, Audience, and the great local outfit Nothineverappens. The Brick Company coach trip to the Isle of Wight Festival. Rain falling through the roof of the Drill Hall in Albert Ave onto the Edgar Broughton Band and both of us scared stiff of possible electrocutions! Keith Emmerson of Emmerson Lake and Palmer - a pop musician playing the grand City Hall organ!

And of course, the Brickhouse. He rallied friends and relatives as we slaved to get the old church hall open on time. With its eclectic mix of cafe, Saturday market, record shop, alternative rock music venue, Outsiders Disco and Light Shows, it seems to have had an effect out of all proportion to its short life span. Looking back at some of the Brickhouse leaflets is great fun – Principal Edward's Magic Theatre, Heads Hands and Feet, Blondel, Audience, Jody Grind, Hawkwind, Stackridge, Renassance, Medicine Head, Uriah Heap - and at all of these, there would be Barry - organising staff, introducing the bands, calming nerves. The Brickhouse also promoted many Hull bands and artists – Coum with the inimitable Genesis P Orridge appeared there, and Mike Bradwell's original Hull Truck, if memory serves me right, put on one of their very first performances there too, starting a relationship that led to Barry becoming the lynchpin of Hull Truck's development and success over many years.

I realise that this has been a snapshot of Barry as he was almost forty years ago. But I think it was a special time for him, a time when he realised where his true passions, interests and talents lay – and whilst his career developed and changed over the years – concert promoter, Hull Truck administrator, Customs House Arts Centre South Shields, Beverley Playhouse, East Riding of Yorkshire Council – the essential Barry remained. Although we went our different ways, we met at occasional arts management events from time to time and he was always supportive and helpful to me when the need arose. More recently we've met again socially and he cooked a mean barbeque at a party a while ago.

Like everyone here, I thought we had plenty of time to enjoy Barry's company - and now sadly, we don't.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Paul Stephenson
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 06:52 AM

I spent lots of time with Barry and Carole when we shared the same house in Hull, I will always remember those times with great fondness and send my deepest wishes to Carole and his family. Hull was a tough place to live at times and often the future didnt look so bright, Barry helped bring real music and art into so many peoples lives and we will always be grateful for the sunshine that brought.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Jan Acton
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 05:35 AM

I knew Barry a long time ago, in the good old days of the Bluebell and The Brickhouse. Although it must be 25 years or so since I last saw him, I have always thought about Barry (and so many others from that time) with fondness. Barry (and Rick) were responsible for bringing so much music into Hull and certainly, my life; there was always something going on and Barry made a massive contribution to making Hull a lively place to be.

As a friend, Barry could always be relied upon for a good natter and a laugh. I remember him as a man with great intelligence and a quick wit, someome who loved life and was never afraid to show the courage of his convictions. People come and go in all of our lives, but some stay with you somehow and you know that the next time you bump into them, it will be as though you saw each other just last week; Barry was one of those. I am so sorry that now that opportunity has gone.

My heart goes out to Carole and to Barry's children, most especially, and to all his family and friends throughout the ages. Barry has touched and made a difference to so many people's lives and we can all be proud to have known him.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Paul Denman
Date: 09 Jun 08 - 08:36 PM

I knew Barry from the Brickhouse days. I was 13 when I first met him. I went to all the shows there it was an amazing place. So glad and gratefull to both him and Rick they gave me such a great introduction to live music

Rest in Peace Barry

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Dave Callghan
Date: 16 Jun 08 - 03:58 PM

I am utterly devastated at this news. I have only just heard. Barry was a great man in every sense of the word. I hadn't seen him for 13 years, but I will never forget the time spent with him at Hull Truck.
My thoughts go to his family at this sad time.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Sue Webb(Kettlewell)
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 10:36 AM

It was so fantastic reading all those tributes to Barry. It really made me think about the 'good old days' especially at the Brickhouse.Barry will be remembered fondly by many people and this surely must be the best legacy.
Deepest sympathy to Carole and the family.
RIP Barry
xx

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: oombanjo
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 03:22 PM

Thanks to all those who have contributed to and the many that have read through this thread. As you can see from my first link to Barry, just moments prior to passing away Barry stood up in the meeting and gave his reasons as to, why the Folk Festival should stay in Beverley, also why FOLK should stay in The Beverley FOLK Festival. At a following meeting it was muted by the orgenisors, that the Festival might change direction and become a music festival, also that it may move out of Beverley. Without going into too much detail a small group who organised the PPV. Have agreed to fill the gap if it happens and to keep the Festival running. I will post on this site as soon as more detail emerges. Thanks again for your contributions, it was a pleasure to see how far and diverse Barry's influences were. Thanks again Oom Banjo

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Glenn Cook
Date: 05 Sep 09 - 09:36 PM

Barry (along with Rick Welton) was a legend.
He literally put Hull on the Musical map.
All the concerts Hull Truck promoted ensured that Hull got to see some great acts. My favourite being the Emerson Lake and Palmer one where Emmerson got to play the Hull City Organ stands out.
But Hull Truck ensured that lots of other acts like Quintessence, Free, Audience, he Strawbs and Yes actually graced Hull's City stage. I well remember Rick Wakeman in the Strawbs stealing the stage from Yes who saw that he was the answer to a prayer. Amazing Blondell stunning the group free into recommending them for Island Records. Genesis supporting Johnny Winter backed by the McCoys!
To this day I will never forgive Deep Purple for putting Top of the Pops before Hull...
A small recollection of Barry was when after Atomic Rooster had performed well but average at the city Hall in conversation he made the remark he could have had the Faces for the same price.
Later the Brick House was a godsend to the youth of Hull who loved progressive music/
Barry always seemed to really care about music in Hull he will be remembered fondly.

Thank you Barry

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Jake Jacob
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 06:58 AM

I had lots of great times at the Brickhouse.

'Saturday afternoon, acid, incense and balloons.'

Bless.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Dilan Owen
Date: 18 Jan 10 - 07:30 PM

as a kid growing up in East Hull, I first became aware of barry and his promotions when me and my mates frequented the Brick House near the Central Library. I think he put on brilliant acts like Hawkwind, Stray, Quintessence, Audience and the brilliant Stackridge as well as promoting stuff at Bridlington and Floral Hall Hornsea.

Later he developed stuff at Spring Street Theatre - the precursor to Hull Truck - now (and recently) sadly gone I believe. There we saw a whole range of local and national rising folk acts. Barry was a visionary and before hsi time there was a need for alternative to mainstream entertainment. I lost touch with his ventures in 1973 when I moved away from Hull but am not surprised that he continued to promote ebvents like the Beverley Folk Festival. I am saddened to read todat, somewhat belatedly of hs death. Hull is the poorer without his like.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: Michael
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 04:56 AM

Hi Dilan, Yes, Hull is poorer, as you say.
Hull Truck is still here in a brand new building on Ferensway and they still do music.(But it's not the same)

Cheers
Mike

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Mike Tobin & Stackridge
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 10:55 AM

I have only just heard about Barry's death & it brought back memories of him & Rick when they promoted the band I managed ( & still manage in the current reincarnation !) STACKRIDGE. I also was tour manager for the Wishbone Ash / Stackridge tour & recall Barry with great fondness. Some years later I was working for Virgin Records & they promoted "An Evening With Virgin Records" where I was supposedly talking about the rationale behind the label & playing a selection of Vinyl ( of course) Records to a seated family audience. Peppered with anecdotes about the bands & life on the road with them I forgot myself & uttered the "F Word" in one of my tales. I remember the shocked expressions of some of the audience ( parents with young kids) & suppressed giggles from others. I went red as a beetroot !

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Ian/Mick Summersgill
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 05:14 PM

Sad loss, and fond memories of the man. I remember Barry running round promoting (and bossing) many of these City Hall and BrickHouse concerts in 71-72, before i left UL and went south to Uni. Back again in the late 70's i remember seeing his imprint on Hull Truck, and tried my own hand copying him promoting punk in 77-78 in Donny - not an easy way to make money...or friends!.

Am seeing Stackridge at Sheffield Boardwalk on Saturday, then driving on to East Yorks on Sunday to catch up with old mates (And see our student son at Ella Street) - will tip a bottle of Brewery Mild, if i can find one, into the Humber at the Minerva to respect BN.

Subject: RE: A Tribute to Barry Nettleton
From: GUEST,Robin Maunoury and friend Ronnie Walker
Date: 18 Oct 13 - 02:20 PM

i would like to say thank you to Barry and all the people he worked for the very warm,cheerful and polite welcome you gave us over the 40years we knew you it was a privelege to be able to call your our friend we expressed our gratitude whenever we met. Ronnie and Barry will be together in Heaven Praise The Lord