I am gutted. Saw the notices on Facebook, the first of them worrisome enough, the second truly devastating. Lovely blithe-spirited Ralphie, one of my first friends on the folk scene when I was a stranger newly arrived in London.

2014, this is NOT a good start. I expect you to treat beloved friends more kindly than 2013 did. You can just stop shadow-boxing with us RIGHT. NOW.

Ralphie, hang tight and stay with us. Love you ...