Hello,

We have had a number of these, "are we dead yet?" threads over the years and I think the general evidence is that it depends on your point of view!

Isn't it wonderful to be involved in a style of music that causes such deep debate, enjoyment and heart-searching?

As many thoughtful posters have noted, 'music' and 'public awareness' are difficult to grasp hold of. Certainly around me the schools are bursting with musicians and singers of excellent quality. Oh that I had had their opportunities when I was their age!

The music commonly known as Folk has to take its place in the constant bombardment of musak that flows ever outwards. And you know what? A good folk track will stop most people in their tracks! I know of a hardened pop addict who was bowled over by Garnet Rogers and now takes a lively interest in "our" style of music. Then there was the Rita McNeil song, "Working Man". Maybe not everyone's idea of folk, but it took people by storm. I saw people stop by a parked car with the radio playing that song and listening until it had finished. They then walked on again. Powerful stuff!


Many years ago, the older men in the community used to gather in the pubs every now and then to sing and dance. The songs they sang could be defined as folk although there was a levening of music hall and variety in there as well. Tonight, this 'almost old man' will be sitting in a simlar pub doing the same thing!

I don't know that it proves anything except to say that those old men thought they were the last of their generatin too!

Best wishes,

Peter