News travels across the pond all too slowly and it is only now that my music partner Kenny Sultan and I were made aware of these tragic events. We had the pleasure of meeting and playing with Joe and the fellers (and hoisting a jar or ten) at the '99 Shetlands Folk Festival -- brilliant memories, a fabulous band, terrifically funny and warm-hearted musos, all. I do not know Joe's family but I hope that they will accept my sincere condolences during these painful times. Peace, Joe. We'll raise hell again on another shore.

-Tom Ball
Santa Barbara, CA