Andy M. Stewart - help needed.

Subject: News of Andy M. Stewart?
From: GUEST,Celia
Date: 25 May 13 - 04:12 PM

I'm just wondering as to how Andy Stewart is and if he's performing any more? The most recent news on his website is from 2009. I remember hearing someone say in passing that he wasn't in such good health, but that was probably a couple of years ago and may not have been about the correct Andy. If no one knows, I'll try contacting Gerry O'Beirne, who might know.

Subject: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,Susie
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 03:41 PM

Please read the info on this link.

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-andy-m-get-mobile-/318806

Mame Hadden [ex Silly Wizard, now Birnam CD]'s concerned that people who don't know of Andy's plight think this is some sort of elaborate scam.

It isn't.

Won't go into details - it's not my place to do so - but Andy very nearly died in September and it was inappropriate to do anything until he was out of the woods and recovering.

Angie, his sister, is co-ordinating this.

Please let your friends know - and perhaps particularly those in North America, where he has worked so much. The web page says it all.

Thanks very much.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 02:50 AM

There was a similar message posted the other day, and it was deleted because it sounded questionable. I've sent out some e-mails to try to see if this need is legitimate. Can anybody help verify this?
-Joe Offer-

The deleted message:

UserName        ThreadName        Subject        Posted
GUEST,CAH        Andy M needs help        Andy M needs help        09-Mar-15

Had you heard

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-andy-m-get-mobile-/318806#.VP5er7Lz8o4.facebook

---

Note that these two messages came from two different IP numbers. I had contact with Andy's son in January regarding the licensing of some songs, and the son didn't say anything about this disability. So, it sounds a little fishy to me.

But maybe I'm just being overly suspicious.

-Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: News of Andy M. Stewart?
From: GUEST,Dennis D'Asaro
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 10:18 PM

Perhaps you could figure out how to spread this news and appeal,

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-andy-m-get-mobile-/318806#.VQBsSTXbjAh.facebook

Subject: Andy M. Stewart in poor health
From: GUEST,Dennis D'Asaro
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 10:37 PM

I've only just heard this, though it is old news.
Details and an appeal for donations for help with medical matters here
(IMNot-So-HO a good man to rally behind).

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-andy-m-get-mobile-/318806#.VQBsSTXbjAh.facebook

Gloriosky, don't get mixed up with Andy Stewart w/o the M. --- also Scots singer, also poor health forcing retirement, but deceased.

Subject: Andy M. Stewart in poor health
From: GUEST,Dennis D'Asaro
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 10:40 PM

Dang it! Can somebody please fix the title for the thread "Andy M."
Get it to read as this one?
Grazzi

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 02:04 AM

I'm sorry, but until I get verification through known sources, I have to suspect that these appeals for help may be fraudulent. I have e-mailed Andy's son for verification, but I haven't heard a response.
This is the one and only thread I will allow until I get verification.

It may be that this information is correct, but I have not been able to verify that.

-Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor-

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,Susie
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 05:51 AM

It IS genuine!

Mame was going to see him in hospital from late September onwards. He drove Andy's son down from Dundee to the Borders when he had a 'come now' call.
Mame told me about the latest, most serious, ramifications when I rang him to thank him for my amazing 60th birthday present on Oct 3rd. It was still very early days then.

Phil Cunningham's been to see him, too, I know and others - Gordon Jones is posting it on FB. Andy's son lives in Dundee - the idea is to try to get Andy [eventually] up into accommodation near Perth / Dundee, so it's closer to friends as well.

If you want verification, contact Mame - sorry, Martin Hadden - at Birnam CD.
[e-mail]
[phone]

I can understand your anxiety - I went to the bank to check on an HSBC Fraud Dept call yesterday. But this one's the real deal.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 09:36 AM

It was his sister who started the "Help Andy M Get Mobile" campaign at the "YouCaring" site. They currently have raised £12,728.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 10:27 AM

I know, Jen - but the site admin doesn't KNOW that and I can understand his reluctance to go public until he's checked.
Mame told me to tell people to contact him to confirm it. Hopefully, that should do the trick.
x

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 11:16 AM

I'm an admin, too.
I did check it out when I first saw it, but you can't refrain from deleting a message loudly enough to look like you considered it.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 12:45 PM

Joe, it's looking quite real. I emailed Martin at Birnam CDs. I also inquired whether the appeal met Andy's approval, and suggested a reissue of his long out of print songbook would be a very good way to raise funds. Here is his reply:

"Thanks for your message.
I can assure you that the appeal is genuine. It has been set up by Andy's sister who now lives in New Zealand. I have been in contact with his sister a couple of times this week and I can confirm that her efforts have Andy's full knowledge, consent and, indeed, his gratitude.
Publication of his songbooks is a good idea, but I am not in a position to do anything in that regard.
I am hoping to visit Andy this weekend and I'll suggest this to him and find out what would need to be done to make this happen if it's possible.
Meanwhile, the appeal has already had a fantastic response. Please share it around any folks you know who may be willing and able to help. Thanks."

Kind regards,

Martin
********************
When I hear more, I'll post it here.
Maeve

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,Morris-ey
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 01:48 PM

Nothing on Andy M's facebook; nothing on Phil Cunningham's; nothing on the interweb except those touting for cash.

I won't be sending anything...

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 02:35 PM

I've also contacted Phil Cunningham's website personnel. Andy M.'s webpage hasn't been added to for several years, so I don't expect to see it there. I only know I emailed and received a reply. Still looking for information.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,Susie
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 07:55 PM

PLEASE RING MAME if you still don't believe his email!

I'll email him and explain the situation.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,Dennis D'Asaro
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 12:35 AM

I sent an e-mail to Phil Cunningham by way of his website, asking him to ring in here.
Tried likewise with Dougie MacLean, but his e-mail form claims to time out no matter how fast and short I type the message.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 04:25 AM

I've received fairly good verification that the request is legitimate. Here's a link again:

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-andy-m-get-mobile-/318806#

Sorry that I had to question the request at first. Sometimes, it's hard to know how to determine the legitimacy of such things.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 04:28 AM

@Joe Offer - which "known sources" would be acceptable to you ?

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Megan L
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 04:51 AM

guest would you rather mudcat members fell victim to a scan? I would much rather be delayed by a short time while the moderators did what they could to verify the claim than be duped into spending money I could ill afford.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 06:54 AM

It might be appropriate for someone to start a new thread now and close this one. Some of the discussion here is verging on being a little unseemly.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 07:13 AM

That was unfair, Guest and just downright mean.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,Martin Hadden
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 08:51 AM

Hi Folks,

I totally understand the scepticism around this, but I can assure you that the appeal is 100% genuine.
I hope to visit Andy tomorrow.
His Facebook page is pretty well redundant. It hasn't been updated for ages and he has no internet access in the hospital he is now in. Phil is in California, I think, and is often slow at updating his page as he's kept so busy.
Check my page, my business page (Birnam CD), Gordon Jones's and Bob Thomas's pages for verification.

Best wishes,
Martin Hadden (ex-Silly Wizard)

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 08:53 AM

Martin, thank you for stopping by to confirm.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Mar 15 - 04:22 PM

bump................

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Amergin
Date: 15 Mar 15 - 04:25 PM

Andy is a great singer and a fine man. It breaks my heart to know he is going through this shit. I wish I had money to help him.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 15 Mar 15 - 08:41 PM

Put through a modest donation today, but a word of warning for anyone UK-based intending to do so. There is an extra box on the website asking you to donate an extra £1 towards the running costs of the Youcaring.com website, who (unlike some other fundraising websites) do not charge a fee or take a percentage on donations. So, Ok, I agreed to this.
But within the next hour I had a phone call from my credit card security dept: I gave no info to the caller in case this was not a genuine call, but called the credit card security from a different phone. Seems that Youcaring.com had put my donation to them through as $1 US and not £1, which had alerted the credit card company's suspicions. (It is common practice with scammers to put through a small test payment before moving on to bigger plunderings!) They had declined the transaction (though not my donation in GB ££s to Andy's funds) and also blocked my card temporarily. So my advice would be to UK givers to opt out of the optional extra donation if you want to avoid a similar scenario.
I have advised Youcaring.com of the problem.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 18 Mar 15 - 09:36 PM

The fund has now reached over £15000 with a target of £20000, so keep up the good work.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 04:49 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHH7Lyo707Y

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 06:30 AM

Thanks, Tattie Bogle and mg.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 01:24 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Amergin
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 05:37 AM

I have a couple stories of him. Heh. The first time, I saw Andy was at this little pub in NE Portland, called The Alberta Street Pub. At that time Mikey Beglan would bring in class acts around the world, like Andy, Jez Lowe, and others.

Andy had his songbook there on the merchandise table. I plopped down my cash, picked it up, the lady manning the table let me walk away with it. I hunted Andy down for him to sign it. I found him at the bar having some green fruity looking drink. He told me it was his only copy, that the lady was only suppose to take orders. Then he laid it on the bar, and signed it for me....with the message This Was MY copy.


Another story.

I saw him at the same pub about a year later. In fact, Jez was playing there the next night, and I was looking forward to that, too.

But I digress.

I was talking to Andy about something unimportant...some woman comes up to him to ask him about the song Gallant Murray, as she was unclear about some things, like the roses. He explained it was a Jacobite song, and the symbolism of the rose. She goes ok...but why would he put it in his bottom. I almost dropped my glass of beer from laughing so hard. He looked at her, but you know his face never seemed to change, but you could hear the humour, the laughs in his voice...and he enunciated the word BON NET. She goes oh....then she laughed.

Sigh. Gotta love that man.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 07:48 AM

Thanks, Amergin. Good stories well told.



And...refresh.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 08:49 AM

I was lucky enough to get a copy of the book when Andy played at Innerleithen some few years back. Have been singing "Donegal Rain" at the last couple of sessions - and telling people about the appeal.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 09:37 AM

Oh that's great, Tattie Bogle. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Amergin
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 06:16 AM

Silly Wizard Live At Centre Stage

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,Susie
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 03:58 PM

This is today's update from Andy's sister.

03/22/2015
by Angie Stewart Hollin
Hello everyone,
I spoke to Andy today and he sends his thanks to all and asked me to tell folks that he can't respond in person because of his situation right now but when he gets out of hospital and is feeling more himself again he will.

Some of you have asked for an address to post Get Well cards to, which Andy really appreciates, but at the moment there isn't, because he is in hospital and likely to be moved to another hospital soon as he has further surgeries to undergo.
Thank you all so much for your care and concern and please please continue to keep this appeal alive.

love to all Angie

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 22 Mar 15 - 07:01 PM

Thank you, Angie. and Susie.
Maeve

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 03 Apr 15 - 08:35 AM

refresh...I'm sure help is still needed.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 10 Apr 15 - 06:29 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,Rob
Date: 23 Sep 15 - 05:33 PM

According to the appeal, Andy is now home. The appeal is still continuing, however. I don't know if he controls his web site, but it is a shame that his web site doesn't mention any of this, since that is the place most visitors go to find news about Andy.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 23 Sep 15 - 05:57 PM

Thank you, Rob. I hope we'll soon see more information. Perhaps he'll be in a better position to make website decisions now he is home again.

According to the fundraising website, Andy had a birthday earlier this month. I also see that his sister Angie wrote:
***
Posted on August 30, 2015 by Angie Stewart Hollin
"Hello everyone it's Just a wee update to let you all know that Andy is recovering at home now and that you will be able to contact him through the Fundraiser. Thank you all for your kind and generous support. Andy will be taking it from here so please continue to support him with his goals"
Kind regards
Angie
https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-andy-m-get-mobile-/318806

***

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Sep 15 - 07:02 PM

I've said it before, and no doubt I'll say it again. The Andy M. Stewart Website makes no mention of Andy's illness, or of him being in need of help. That fact detracts from the credibility of the fundraising appeal. If there is a need, then Andy's Website should say so, and give a link to the fundraising appeal.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Sep 15 - 09:18 PM

So because a third party website (chivalry.com, if you follow the link) hasn't been updated in any detectable way for 6 years and you don't want to believe his sister, you dismiss this? Joe, I'm fine with you choosing not to believe this, but please just stay out of it. Last thing I'll say about it.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Sep 15 - 11:56 PM

Third party Website, Jeri? I would think that Andy M. Stewart would own and operate http://andymstewart.com/. It certainly looks like he or his agent operates it. I have no way of knowing if somebody who posts as a guest at Mudcat and claims to be quoting his sister, is actually obtaining information from his sister and is actually authorized to speak for him. I had no way of knowing that that the fundraising effort will actually benefit Andy M. Stewart until I contacted people I know in Scotland who verified that the fundraising effort is legitimate.

But it is now six months since the question of the legitimacy of the fundraising effort was first raised, long enough to correct the Website to give credibility to the fundraising effort.

I can understand why a Website might be neglected for years - but when there's a new CD to sell or a concert tour to advertise or a fundraising appeal, then it is very important that the Website be updated.

I used the Website to license songs for publication. It took me a long time to get a response, but it is the way I finally made contact - so it appears to me that this is an official Andy M. Stewart Website.

However, I can verify that the fundraising effort is indeed legitimate. I just wonder why his Website doesn't say that.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 11:11 AM

That was a well-thought-out response, Joe. We can't just accept that people are who they say they are.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 03:58 PM

Well, let's see... while I understand Joe's thoughts regarding the long-outdated website, the company listed as managing the site seems to no longer be around- at least the link is no longer active so I couldn't contact them, whoever they are. We know Andy has been ill for quite a long time, so even as direct owner of the website it may have been years since he could actually do anything about it.

I had already contacted Martin Hadden (ex-Silly Wizard) to ask for verification, which he readily posted in this thread. I'm just now sending off an email to Andy's representative at Stoneyport Associates in Edinburgh, John Barrow, to request information/reassurance/verification/whatever the heck you want to call it. I gave him your Mudcat email address as well, Joe, in case he would prefer to contact you rather than me. I did list the out-of-date website as a concern in this regard, and that there are experienced and professional musicians here who might be helpful in a songbook project.

If I hear back from Mr. Barrow I'll report back here. I much prefer direct contact to public speculation about things I don't know. Let's hope we learn some helpful information to encourage support to this beloved musician if and as he needs it.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 07:23 PM

It is very possible that anyone who has been as seriously ill as Andy would not be in a position to maintain his own website, nor even instruct anyone else to do so. All I know is that the appeal is genuine. If I see JB I'll ask him.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 25 Sep 15 - 04:52 AM

Thank you, Tattie Bogle. Much appreciated.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: Pat deVerse
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 02:24 PM

Just received emial alert that Andy M. Stewart died today. No further details as yet....check www.thesessions.org.

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 03:12 PM

Thank you for the news- unwelcome as it is. So sad.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Andy M. Stewart - help needed.
From: maeve
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 03:15 PM

From the fundraiser site a two weeks ago:
******************
"Posted on December 12, 2015 by Angie Stewart Hollin
Dear friends and fans of Andy, I am very sad to announce that Andy was taken to hospital again some days ago having suffered a stroke. We have been informed today that he now has pneumonia. Medics attending him are concerned for his safe recovery.

"Much thanks and and love to all who support and care for my brother. Please send him your kind and healing thoughts at this most difficult time. "
Angie
*****************

---

Obituary thread for Andy M. Stewart