I still remember a phrase from the Daily Telegraph obituary of the man, to the effect that people who view the folk scene as jolly people in arran sweaters clutching pints and singing lusty choruses etc. etc. would be surprised by its capacity for 'vituperative intolerance'.

While many people loved and respected him, there were also many who couldn't stand him at any price, either because they didn't like his unusual singing or because they were suspicious of his politics (I mean, all that Kipling!).

About 30 years ago our local club had him as a guest, paid for as a gesture of gratitude by two of the club regulars. Four of the six club organisers stayed away (and a bloody great night they missed).