2009 Obit: Matt Armour (Great Knight Folk Club)

Subject: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: The Admiral
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 01:10 PM

Sad news, I've just received the following from John New of the Great kNight Folk Club Northampton....

Dear Friends
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that our friend Matt Armour passed away
this morning.

Matt had been ill for some time and had been undergoing tests for a serious illness.
I have been told that he died suddenly, so it is some small mercy that Matt did not have months of suffering.

Those who knew Matt recognised him as a giant on the local Folk scene and he was one of my mentors in the early days of the Great kNight Folk Club. It was always good to see him and hear his music - and his big hearty laugh!
My poor words are not enough - I shall miss the Big Man!

As soon as I know of any funeral arrangements, I will let you know.

Our thoughts go out to Jane and his family.

Regards
John
The Great kNight Folk Club, Northampton.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: The Sandman
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 01:32 PM

I am sorry,condolences and sympathy to Jean.
I had good craic,with Matt last summer,at Scarborough .
shit,Iam pissed off .

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 01:44 PM

OH NO! I am so sorry to hear this - one of the great lights of the folk scene has gone out. I have very many happy memories of his club and his warmth and humour - including a freezing snow-bound New Year's Eve when he went out in the winter weather in a kilt with the bare legs, which didn't stop him dancing all night. He'll be in some good musical company up there in Heaven. And he will live on down here through the beautiful songs he wrote. Generations of Change is sung a lot in these parts. Now his season has turned too.

Going to pour a drink now and raise a parting glass to Matt. There's no face-icon sad enough.

We'll walk through the fields that my father once tilled
Talk to the old men who once sailed with me
Man it's been awfully good, I've shown them all I could
Of the past and the present, what the future might be

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: My guru always said
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 01:44 PM

Oh, I'm shocked and saddened to hear this news, but thanks for posting it here Tony. Am thinking of his family and friends!
Hil

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: GUEST,Phil Beer
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:04 PM

Oh Dear. Very sad to hear this. Myself and a youthful Mr Downes played on an album of Matts in the mid 70's. He was a fine singer and a passionate, grass roots, club organiser. He will be greatly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: skipy
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:11 PM

So sad to read this, it was a chance meeting with Matt back in 1985 that he told us to get into our car & follow him ( a stanger! )to a place called Whittlebury, the rest is history!
Rest in peace my friend.
Skipy

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:22 PM

My goodness. You think they'll be there forever, don't you?

Matt took his place at the very heart of the UK folk scene; he was the ubiquitous soul of thing as far as I'm concerned. I will cherish happy memories of a thousand singarounds at the Durham Folk Party and a late night chat outside the New Boston in Fleetwood at the Fylde last year (even as 4Square were dropping jaws in the cabaret). A dear old friend & a fine singer, songwriter and facilitator par excellence.

We will continue with his name writ deep in our hearts.

Jane, you are in our thoughts.

Sean and Rachel.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: BB
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:22 PM

Can't believe he's gone! I've a huge lump in my throat, and can hardly see for tears. Whittlebury nor Scarborough will ever be the same again. Our thoughts are with Jane, who must be quite devastated. But what memories!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: breezy
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:37 PM

I am shocked and saddened to hear the news

I am proud to say that I booked him for the Windward club and was highly impressed at his professional performance and enjoyed his songs

he was greatly respected as a stalwart organiser.

Bye Sir and thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: cptsnapper
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:43 PM

Very, very sad news: he'll be much missed

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: GUEST,harvey andrews
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:44 PM

Oh dear. This hurts. Matt was a one off. A great supporter of all those of us lucky enough to work with, and for him. A great friend gone, and a great loss for Jane.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: Dave Earl
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:44 PM

OH No!!!

Another friend gone to the other bar.

Candle lit, glass raised songs remembered.

Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: Anne Lister
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 03:10 PM

So sorry to hear this news ...what a loss.

Anne

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: Derby Ram
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 03:15 PM

Don't know what to say - Matt and Jane have both been very kind to Sylvia and I over the years and we've shared many a gig too. As Barbara says, Scarborough Sea Fest will be a very different experience this year losing a main fixture like Matt. He'll not be forgotten though - so many songs, so many memories. Very, very sad. R.I.P. Matt
Keith & Sylvia

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: nutty
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 03:16 PM

I only heard at the weekend that Matt was ill so this news has come far too soon.

As a songwriter and singer few were his equal and it was always a pleasure to be in his company.

Special thoughts go to Jane

Hazel Bolton

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: The Admiral
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 03:25 PM

I know Tony started this thread, but just wanted to say that Matt will be a huge loss to us and the Folk Scene. We have spent many a happy hour in his company and I will miss him teasing me.
Our thoughts are with Jane, and I am just about to toast our friend with a glass of wine.
Pearl (Mrs Admiral)

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: GUEST,Mike McDaid
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 03:27 PM

.....a sad day,

I knew Matt all my life..and played music with him from the age of 10.

I can't imagine being in the Vaults Bar on a Sunday lunchtime without seeing him in the corner..

Our thoughts are with you Jane.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: Chris Green
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 03:37 PM

Oh no! Matt was one of the first people to book Isambarde when we formed and we played a return at the Songloft just before Christmas. He was his usual laconic but big-hearted self. A giant of a singer and one of the nicest guys I've ever met on the folk circuit (and that's saying something!)

My condolences to Jane and the rest of his family. The man was a legend. RIP Matt.

Chris

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: GUEST,Ken & Marion Hall
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 03:39 PM

Knew Matt for years. Alex Campbell pursuaded him to take up the music as he did me. I only just heard Matt was unwell. Why does it happen to all the best people. I'll miss you Matt. Hell yeah.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: ian1943
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 03:49 PM

Matt was a welcome part of the Durham City Folk Festival and its successor Durham Folk Party, not only that but he was a friend for those 38 years. I remember him after Colin and Es Ryder and myself had performed at The Stables when we got back to Armour Towers taking the top off a bottle of whisky and throwing it into the waste bin with the cry "The next thing in there will be the bottle" and it was. I will raise a glass in his honour tonight "Farewell old friend"
God bless you, Jane
Ian McCulloch

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: GUEST,Tich Frier
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 03:57 PM

I've just heard the news. I'm shocked. We put the world to rights and cracked many a bottle of fine malt over the years. My condolences to Jane and the family. Tich Frier

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: Tradsinger
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 04:18 PM

Never met Matt but feel I knew him through his brilliant song 'Generations of Change'. Another good man gone. RIP

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: vectis
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 04:35 PM

Oh! Hell! Not Matt as well!
He was very kind to me many years ago when I moved 'up north' to become a Milton Keyney. Jane must be devastated, my heart goes out to her.
I am glad for his sake that a potentially long, drawn out illness was avoided by his premature and untimely end.

I'll raise a parting glass Matt

Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: The Sandman
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:03 PM

apologies for my typo, Jane.
Matt was a good songwriter ,Singer ,organiser,and a good bloke.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: Jane Bird
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:51 PM

That is sad news - Matt will be missed. My condolances to Jane.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour - RIP
From: sleepyjon
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:01 PM

There'll be a big gap in the barn at Towersey too - and who'll do the veg at Whittlebury?

Why did I never get my a*** in gear and go to the Song Loft?

B*****!!

John G

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:43 PM

Oh no, another good man gone.
Once met, never forgotten. RIP Matt; and my condolences to Jane.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 07:34 PM

The Song Loft , and the Sunday session have been a point of call for me for a bit too long ! Another good man gone , but he HAS left his songs for us !

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: paula t
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 07:35 PM

Very , very sad news indeed. Matt was a lovely man. A huge loss.We always received a warm welcome from Matt and Jane.
Our condolences to Jane.

Paula,Stuart, Sarah and Kathryn Tindall.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 08:10 PM

Very sorry to hear this. Matt was a great friend to Fylde Folk Festival over many years. His lovely songs, sardonic wit and the warmth of his friendship will be sorely missed.

Ross

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,GUEST Tony Barrand
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 08:20 PM

Though we both ended up making English folk music the center of our lives, I only knew and admired his work from afar in the US. I knew him well when I was a teenager and we both played rugby for Bletchley RFC. if the energy and passion he displayed in that arena was transferred to folk music, the love and affection I hear voiced by friends on this forum is full understandable and the loss a bitter one. I send love, condolences and best wishes to Matt's family and friends.

Tony Barrand

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: collierlad
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 09:22 PM

A wee session

"I came into your company an ordinary man
And the first thing I encountered was your outstretched hand
When you said if you're a singer, then your well welcome here
And through the years you've all become so dear

But I'am glad that I have known you
Since the time that I was young
The stories that we've shared
And the countless songs we've sung
So if one day I'm missing here as missing I shall be
Just raise a glass & sing an old old song for me."

Matt Armour

RIP Matt

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: Ythanside
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 10:07 PM

Matt was an exceptionally nice guy. Words just cannot convey how much his loss will affect those who knew him.


Heartfelt condolences to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 10:29 PM

So sorry to hear this and heartfelt condolences to Jane from Co.Clare.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 02:35 AM

Very sorry to hear this news - condolences to Jane and the family.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,Paul Sirman
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:20 AM

So so sad to hear of Matt's passing. I've had the pleasure of working with Matt many times and always looked forward to spending time in his company. He gave us many laughs over the years, and we will miss hime greatly. He was one of the nicest blokes on the scene. God bless Matt, and all our sympathy to Jane.

Paul and Linda Sirman

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 03:47 AM

Matt was one of the nicest, & kindest I had the pleasure to meet & work with. Fylde won't be the same without him. Thanks Matt for the pleasure you gave to so many. Pax vobiscum.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:03 AM

Heartfelt condolences to Jane. God Speed, Matt. Tom (and Tom)

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:41 AM

This is sad news. I first came across Matt when I moved to Woburn Sands in the late 70's. He was a bit of a 'godfather' in the North Bucks Folk scene then and I don't think he was keen at first on a young upstart like me coming in rippling the waters. I started a Folk Club in Aspley Guise called the Hogsty, Matt ran the Songloft in Stoney Stratford and Drummond Davidson ran the club at Whittlebury we were all Scotsmen in fact the late great Hamish Imlach called us the 'Scotia Nostra'. I think there ended up a bit of mutual respect and the last time I saw him at Towersey he gave me a fine welcome. A fine songwriter and a 'big man' lost to the scene.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 05:08 AM

I am stunned. I only got to know Matt later in life, just the last 6-7 years or so, but I appreciated enormously his personality, his value to the folk scene, his songwriting, his support.

These are the sad years, as one by one old friends leave us. There will be more sad departures in times to come. But there will only be one Matt Armour, and those who knew him were lucky. My condolences, jane.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 05:19 AM

Like Ross Campbell, I knew Matt primarily through our involvements in Fylde Festival. Also Lancaster Maritime Fest. sessions too. A gentle, generous and kindly man, I don't think I ever saw him ruffled, and as an MC and singer, his persona immediately put anyone at their ease. Like all the finest writers, he knew that the best way to make a point was softly but in conjunction with a big stick.
Bless him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: Brian Peters
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 06:52 AM

A dreadful shock. A warm heart and a generous spirit lay behind that fruity growl, and I shall miss him. One of the big characters of the folk music world - he leaves us some fine songs. Thanks, Matt, and my very best to Jane.
Brian

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: silverfish
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:37 AM

Matt was a unique songwriter, performer and man, passionate about and true to his roots.
Always ready with advice and encouragement (wanted or not!)
An inspiration to all who met him, his passing should be respectfully celebrated by those of us who walk in his shadow.
Condolences to Jane, his rock and foundation.
Trevor

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: kendall
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 08:07 AM

I didn't know Matt but I met him at a folk club in Kirkaldy back in 1990. I was scheduled to do a gig there but the promoter had quit and moved to Ireland without telling anyone, so her replacement hired Ian MacIntosh for my slot.(They paid my fee anyway)
Matt sang a song about girls of Reykjavik..."how can I lay her from 200 miles"...
He got a lot of hoots of disapproval for that one, but I got the feeling that he was just being teased and that they were actually quite fond of him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,flyingcat and trayton
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 08:29 AM

It's hard to believe Matt's dead. He was so encouraging to anyone he thought was committed to the music and song. Didn't see him very often but it was always great when we did. Love and best thoughts to Jane. Moira and Malc

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,Sheena Wellington
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 08:53 AM

Very sad to hear this. Matt was a great performer, songwriter and character and we had some great times at St Andrews Folk Club which he always loved. Ainster haas lost its favourite son!

Love and condolences to Jane and the rest of the family fromSheena, Malcolm & Michael

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,Roddy
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 09:34 AM

Hi

I set up a MySpace for Matt a wee while ago, you might want to visit it at:

www.myspace.com/mattarmour2

Please leave a message if you're a member.

Best regards,

Roddy Clenaghan

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 11:36 AM

Goodbye good old Matt, and thank you for the songs and jokes. You will be well remembered. Condolences Jane. Roy

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,Chloe Metcalfe
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 12:55 PM

The Vaults will truly not be the same without you

Peace

Subject: RE: Obit: Matt Armour (Great kNight Folk Club)Feb 2009
From: GUEST,Malcolm Gladstone
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 02:04 PM

It seems that Matt has always been an integral part of my life and I was lucky enough to play with him in both the the "Gaberlunzies", and "The Elastic Band" for more years than I care to remember. Since we moved to Australia 8 years ago, our contact was less, but our friendship never faltered. It was Matt who took a young, nervous singer & player & encouraged him to "get up & bl...y well sing!", and changed my life. I'll miss you mate, Mary & I send our condolences & love to Jane.