I do not see 'crib sheets' as bad things. I'm not bothered if a good performer has them or not. I do not judge them on whether they have crib sheets or not. I judge them on the content of their congs, their voice and their interaction with the crowd.

The one person that springs to mind, who does all the aforementioned things with oodles of confidence, is Anthony John Clarke. His delivery, his lyrics, his presentation and musicianship/technique are surely to be admired? I respect so much that he knows fast, long songs so well without words. He is something to aspire to. BUT, if he turned up with crib sheets in later life I would still sooner hear him and see him than not at all because of some 'crib sheet snobbery'. I know many many great singers who use crib sheets. My life is better for having heard their songs than it would be without.

I accept other genres of music having music and words in front of them. Why not folk? I would sooner hear live music any day, read from crib sheets, than listen to backing tracks with someone who knew all the words parrot fashion. It actually saddens me to see backing tracks used so much with someone who plays an instrument. But that is an entirely different topic.

My verdict is this: if you can sing and play well, good songs that touch my emotions in various degrees, then I don't give a damn if you are using words to help you do it.

There but for gods grace go we....

mp