Richard Mills (1948 –2005)

I have to admit to not knowing Richard as closely as many others, but he supported me when I was first starting off in the Australian Folk Scene in the mid 90's, and in various clubs & festivals which I have helped to organize since, (Western Suburbs Folk Club, Cursed Toongabbie Festival, & St Albans.)

I first met Richard when he was running the Loaded Dog in the early 90's. It wasn't long after that when a carriage full of folkies boarded the train at Parramatta and sang all the way to Katoomba and back, to watch Tom Paxton perform at the Clarendon Hotel. That was the night Richard got Tom Paxton to autograph his guitar, something of which he was very proud.

I have a really vivid memory of one particular Loaded Dog Saturday night when Richard had signed himself out of hospital (against medical advice) so he could be there even though he was due to have bypass surgery a few days later. I watched him go to the front and do his floor spot as usual, and as a nurse I worried (as did many of the audience) as his colour got worse and he was obviously struggling to breathe. But "the show must go on" attitude kicked in, and he finished his set. Typical Richard!

Sadly it was a heart attack which killed him 0n 20th October 2005.

The last time I saw him was when I booked him as a performer for St Albans in 2002. I remember him clearly saying "This is how folk music is supposed to be, I got disillusioned with it for a while, thanks for encouraging me to be a part of it again."

Thanks for the music and the chats Richard. Rest in Peace.

Richard's website is still online at http://songmaker.bravehost.com/main.htm which contains many of his poems and songs, & photos of the nude skydiving!!