Hi

I came into folk " by the back door really ".

i played piano as a result of following my father who played in several dance bands.

Although I enjoyed learning to play in dance bands I really wanted to play to listening audiences.

This was just at the time of Lonnie Donnegan. So I bought a cheap guitar and learned a few chords and we formed a group at work. Yes we even used a tea-chest base !!

I then moved into rock and pop music and played in a few reasonably successful bands. I was also interested in jazz and tried that also.

I played rugby and our club held a folk night and after training I went into the room to hear the music. I enjoyed the easy-going atmosphere and as I listened and watched the guests Harvey Andrews and Graham Cooper I talked to the guys running the club and I got a spot as a singer at the next folk night.

I think this is why the clubs were successful because then encouraged people to join in and enjoy themselves.

Why are they fading out ?? Many reasons I guess but that's another thread which has been covered her previously.

Cheers

Mike