I ran a folk club in Leeds from around 1967 to 1975 and Tony was a regular 2 or 3 times a year and so I got to know him very well.

He never had transport then and usually found a lift or travelled by train. The man was unique in character and as a folk artist and you could guarantee a full house at the gigs he did.

I always think back to the folk artists around at that time and for my money, in his own way, he ranked well with the best of them.

As regards any drink problem, all I can say is that I often matched him drink for drink during the course of an evening and the amount we consumed was par for the course in those days, I mean the whole scene literally floated on a sea of beer.I never considered that I had a drink problem.

He was also quite proud of his achievements in his career, his heritage and his home life. I once remember being in London the same day I had Tony booked at the club. I arranged to drive back to pick him up at his home and was invited to tea with his wife and young daughter. I think the house was a very nice property in a village called Swallows Nest near Sheffield. I got the impression that Tony was proud to be a good provider.

I remember something Tony said at the tea table that was so typical of him.
There was an un-cut loaf of bread on the table on a bread board. After Tony sat down at the head of the table he said to me using a broad Yorkshire accent" I sit here because I am the man of the house". He then proceeded to cut the bread and turned to me and said " I get the crust because I'm the man of the house"
You had to be there to appreciate just how funny it was. It made a difference that Tony uttered these words and his contribution to the folk world made a lasting difference to everyone who knew him well.