Mike O'Leary-Johns....................
I dont "Tune in " to the Mudcat These days so I have only just recieved the news of Barry's passing.A friend of mine, Tony Fraser,
Phoned me about 30mins ago to tell me.
We met Barry for the first time in 1997 at Mystic.Became friends instantly...I would imagine that has been everyones experience ,he was that sort of Man. I loved the way he sang ; driving the songs along with such feeling.But it was a few years later again at Mystic that he blew me away ; with the song he wrote himself about his son.
I am so glad that in July of this year when he was in Wales ; he sang it for me again at a session in a Pub on the Gower Peninsular.
Since we met first he has been a Good friend.I only wish that he had made a recording of it at some time.It is a Wonderfull Song.
I cannot think of anything to say , I just find the news hard to take just as everyone else.
So I will just send my regards to his family , at this time of great loss.
One thing for sure Barry was One of the Good Guys........ Mike