2024 Obit: Michelle Holding (Jan. 4, 2024)

Subject: Obit: Michelle Holding
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 05 Jan 24 - 01:28 PM

I feel a but awful for posting 2 consecutive obituaries and I am sure Brian would have posted on here when he felt up to it but, for now, here is a copy of Brian Peters' FB post

"Today arrived the news we knew was coming: Michelle Holding passed away this morning. It’s difficult to know where to begin. Michelle in a relatively short time made an enormous impression on the folk music world, and a huge number of friends within it. She was outstandingly talented as a singer and instrumentalist, and coupled that with highly eclectic tastes that embraced each different style with joy. You only had to witness the quality of the musicians who came from far and wide to celebrate her 41st and last birthday, and who played for hours around her hospice bed during her final days, to know the love and respect in which she was held. Only Michelle would have brought forward her birthday party by a month, on medical advice that she might be too unwell to enjoy it, had a ball at the rearranged party, and then gone ahead anyway with a second party on the original date, determined that she was going to have another ball at that one too – her ‘Festival of Stubborn Gladness’. Only Michelle would have finished her final spot with Bonz Barnes on mainstage at Whitby – one of our most traditional festivals – with ‘Sylvia’s Mother’ - and got the audience singing along. There were many other ‘Only Michelles’. She didn’t so much rage against the dying of the light as thumb her nose at it and announce that she intended to enjoy every goddam minute anyway. Those who knew her will not need me to describe her monumental courage.
I first met Michelle as a young twenty-something, when she turned up at a gig and requested – in her usual ‘no arguments’ way – that I sing one of my most doleful ballads. She was still requesting ‘The Unquiet Grave’ when she knew she had just days of life left ('Only Michelle'). Later she took some concertina lessons, and often startled me by enquiring about some subtle nuance in an accompaniment that would have passed by many a more experienced player. But it was the banjo that came to be perhaps her true forte. Having already mastered clawhammer, she turned her attention to the more obscure, highly demanding ‘classic banjo’ technique, and performed jaw-dropping instrumental feats in that style. She was a bloody good guitar player too, and a very expressive singer, who could perform with aplomb old ballads, gospel, blues and bluegrass, Lancashire dialect songs, and the quirkiest contemporary compositions. In all of this she was supported immensely by my old pal Bonz, the perfect foil for her musical pyrotechnics and waspish humour. He has been a rock over the last few days, weeks and months.
Life just won’t be the same without her. She lived her life to the max, and was a shining example and inspiration to all of us. Goodbye Michelle."

I only saw her a few times. Once with Brian certainly and another one or two at Swinton I think. I cannot add anything more than Brian has already said. Condolonces to all her loved ones.

Subject: RE: 2024 (?) Obit: Michelle Holding
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 06 Jan 24 - 12:22 AM

A very sad day. In addition to her musical skills, she was a persuasive caller at ceilidhs too.

Sympathy to all Michelle's family and friends.

Subject: RE: 2024 (?) Obit: Michelle Holding
From: r.padgett
Date: 06 Jan 24 - 02:44 AM

Yes a lovely lady and singer steeped in the Folk Traditions of England

RIP Michelle condolences to family friends and loved ones

Ray

Subject: RE: 2024 (?) Obit: Michelle Holding
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 06 Jan 24 - 08:19 AM

Facebook announcement 4th January 2024


It's with great sadness that I write this post, informing you that Michelle passed away this morning. She was peaceful, at the hospice as per her wishes, and her final days were spent with family and friends, and most fitting of all, a whole lot of musical accompaniment.
Michelle had a vast and hugely supportive network of friends and we'd like to echo her gratitude for all of your love and kindness.

Subject: RE: 2024 (?) Obit: Michelle Holding
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 06 Jan 24 - 09:55 AM

I never knew Michelle, but she sounds a great person. I send my condolences to all her friends and family and all those who loved her well. I have also added her name to the "In Memoriam" thread. RIP

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Michelle Holding (Jan. 4, 2024)
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 08 Jan 24 - 05:24 AM

She will be much missed by so many people.

Robin

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Michelle Holding (Jan. 4, 2024)
From: Howard Jones
Date: 11 Jan 24 - 06:12 AM

I had the pleasure and privilege of playing alongside Michelle when she called at Poynton Ceilidhs in November. When she accepted the gig we both knew that she might not be well enough to be there, and we had a contingency plan ready, but she was able to attend and did a splendid job. From a couple of hints she dropped I think she was in some pain, but there was no sign of it in her calling.

I didn't know her well, but we'd crossed paths on a number of occasions. She was a talented musician, especially on banjo, and I particularly remember seeing her playing informal duets with Rob Murch at an English Country Music Weekend. Brian has already summarised her impact on the folk scene far better than I could. She fought her illness with incredible good humour and courage. She will be missed. RIP.

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Michelle Holding (Jan. 4, 2024
From: GUEST,Alison B
Date: 26 Feb 24 - 03:56 PM

From the time I met Michelle some 2 years ago, she continues to amaze me with her zest for life and music. She never failed to surprise me with her unflinching reactions to more treatments or yet more schedule changes.
I feel incredibly lucky that I got to meet and know Michelle in the time I did, I also got to see her play and sing several times and her passion for what she did was obvious.
Rest easy Michelle, I will never forget you and all you taught me.