I was privileged to see him a number of times including the (in)famous concert at Fylde when a bunch of people staged a walk out in protest at some of his songs. My most enduring memories have always been his passion about everything he did and his humour. How he could switch from the tragic to the hilarious was, as some have said, a wonderful thing.

Last time I saw him was about 3 years ago I think at the Village Hall in Lothersdale village, a tiny place close to us. I can't remember half of it but I know I went home with my eyes stinging with tears of both types. Played the album I bought there last night and it evoked the same reaction.

DtG