"I like listening to the voice and guitar of Dick Gaughan but regardless of whether I support, oppose, like or dislike his overt political overtone, I still think it spoils the musical talent he can offer."

I don't mind when it is delivered in the song - but when singers start preaching their view for long periods between songs it can be waring - even when you agree with them. And the trouble is in a small venue it can then turn into a verbal spat if even just one person in the audience challenges them and most people pay to hear the music not a political debate. That has happened on two occasions at our club. Once with Dick and once with Rory McLeod.