Clive Palmer...Original,Incredible,Famous, well these were just three of the band names he chose. COB Clive's Original Band,The Incredible String Band and the Famous Jug Band. I was only a member of one of these,which was how I came to have such life enhancing relationships with Henry the Jug and Pete Berryman.Clive had been back from France and living in Cornwall for some years,and Gina, Clive's partner phoned Pete last night-Sunday- to tell him of Clive's passing. He apparently only knew about the cancer a couple of months ago but seem to keep it to himself. Close friends didn't know how ill he was.
His life an incredible journey,growing up Norff Landun, sharing a flat in Edinburgh with Robin Williamson,a young West Pilton Bert sleeping on the floor,Clock Repairer,and great banjo player. Not strictly old tyme,frailing or bluegrass but Finger style.As Tarrant Bailey and Lisa Turner would have it "English Style" An almost classical guitar approach,Clifford Essex, B.M.G. and all that. Marvellous I loved it!
I was saying to Pete B. this morning why didn't Clive let you know he was so ill..." Different people have different ways of coping... we have to respect that ".
Even my old kettle is whistling the blues for you.
Farewell then Clive Palmer,Original, Famous ,Incredible!