I thank Dave & Peter for their positivity- I've already explained I choose not to use terms like folk & traditional, nor have I chosen to 'abandon' the folk scene, Dick- my nearest club is 60 miles away & there's plenty of chance to play my music nearer than that, without tearing all over these islands- those days are over.

Dick, you've known my style of music for 25 years- it was acceptable with the locals for years in your West Cork traditional stronghold (!), including my versions of songs by Sam Cooke, Buddy Holly, Hank Williams, Charlie Poole & Chuck Berry- so what's changed?
I was glad to come to your 'folk' festival a couple of times & thank you for that but I don't think you have the right to dictate my repertoire! No-one has ever done that to me in 50 years of music.
I've always tried to respond to your requests in a session, including songs by Gus Elen & Charlie Poole (folk??) so what's changed?

You certainly have the right not to ask me to your festival again, and also to dislike my choice of music, but I had the right to say thanks but no thanks when you did ask. Maybe I don't much like your definition of 'folk'   along with a lot of what goes on more generally in the official 'folk scene'.
It's really what this thread is about- i think the music is thriving outside the 'scene' so let's not revive the folk police- we're on the same side really- good luck with the festival- I know how much you go out on a limb to cover the financial side....merry Christmas to our may pals around Dunbeacon & Ballydehob.

Vic, isn't it great to see a bit of humour creeping into all this- shows you the possibilities of such a hackneyed old song & I think the exuberance of Fats Waller & the Altai Band should be an example to us all- merry Christmas to you & Tina!