The Paul Simon gig was awesome. Paul was living in London at the time & had trouble getting up to Manchester.So much so that he missed his first spot.He went on to play a complete l 1/2 hour spot,being introduced as the 'late' Paul Simon.
   Russell - It was you who took me to the MSG as a'guest'at first.We stopped off at the old 'Lounge Bar'on Market Street for a quick pint beforehand as i remember.We were both working in design at A.V.Roe & Co. at Chadderton at the time.
   The "Two Brewers" on a Sunday night was also another favourite place of mine.I remember going along one night to see Tom Paxton.When i got there,TP was busy moaning away because he hadn't had a Taxi sent to his Hotel to pick him up. He was saying " if i come here to fill your club up ......" etc. He was politely told that the club was full every Sunday night with or without him. He seemed to calm down & went on to play 2 superb spots.
   Does anybody remember Noel,the guy who used to be the doorman at the MSG.He came upstairs into the Folk Music room one night & there was a Piano on stage.He sat down & proceded to play some of the finest Blues Piano i've ever heard.
   Paul - How ironic that there's nothing at the Urbis site
comemorating the fact that some of the world's finest musicians played there.Even more so, with one of the finest schools of music in Europe being only a few yards away.
   Vin - I still have a copy of Tom & Smiley's first LP,the one that you mention.
    Prestwich Village Folk Club was another great place to play,run by the inimitable George Purcell.Unfortunaltely for me,being a non-driver,every time i went there,i had to walk home from Prestich to New Moston,sometimes carrying a heavy Banjo & in the pouring rain - not much fun,but i'd do it all again (if i was as young & as stupid).