Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 11:06 AM

Many happy memories ... I was a regular at the Jug of Punch for several years in the 70's; If I had to point to a golden age, it was back then. Ian was always easy to approach, and always encouraged up & coming talent (and me!). He'll be greatly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 11:04 AM

Nice post, Big Al.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 10:58 AM

I think I only saw the IC Group live once, in the Swarbrick days, but many of my colleagues in Birmingham in the '60s were regular fans. I have several of his records among the small British Folk area of my collection (which is mainly jazz, blues, skiffle & US folk). I had assumed he had already "gone before".
RIP

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Northerner
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 10:20 AM

Never had the opportunity to see him, but played some of his LPs, and had one of his songbooks. RIP Ian.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: GUEST,Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 09:53 AM

Very very sad.

I guess at some point he just gave up on the folkscene. and who could blame him?

One lot was trying to empty the folk clubs of pop music. The other lot were getting into bed with showbiz. His own kids were reggae singers, and doing bloody well at it.

Someone on facebook was saying that there was never a golden age of the English folk club. ten minutes talking to Ian would have convinced you other wise. here was some one who had sung on the original radio ballads. writen a song on Paul Simon's first album. Gave Joni Mitchell one her first gigs in England. in Jon Dunkerly and Dave Swarbrick harnessed two of the best musical talents England ever saw.

And such idealism! Someone who gave nightclass lessons on songwriting. Handed me back part of his fee, because he hadn't pulled enough people to justify it.

He was from an age when folk music was so vital that the establishment decided hw was dangerous and got the MI5 to tap his phone. Not much chance of an MBE there!

I wish I'd known him better. he was a giant - intellectually, spiritually, artistically and humorous with it!

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 09:40 AM

Leaves a hole in all our lives. He was a great influence on many, and I still sing songs learned from his and Lorna's singing.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 09:20 AM

Yes, sadly missed. One of the greats from the 60s. So glad he could make his final statement on the Beeb before he went.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: MikeL2
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 08:56 AM

Hi

Top man!! Great singer and writer of songs and for me a good communicator and entertainer.

Will be sadly missed.

Condolences to Ian's family and friends.

Sadly

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 08:43 AM

Yet another source of folk inspiration for a (once) 17 year old. I agree, sad day.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: wassail
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 08:37 AM

Awful news. A great man who inspired so many young singers over the years. Condolences to the family.
                                              Mike.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 08:27 AM

I saw Ian's group lots of times in the 60s, and I thought they were great!
Of course Ian was featured on the BBC Folk Awards, and seemed like a really interesting character!

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Johnny J
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 08:20 AM

Sad news.

Ian's significance within the early days of the folk revival were immense and should never be forgotten.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 07:45 AM

An inspirational figure from the early days.I always had a lot of respect for him and the group. Thank you Ian for your gifts to the folk scene. We will miss you. Rest in Peace. Roy Harris.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 07:34 AM

Curiously I'm just listening to Jon Rennard singing Ian's great anti war song ' The Old Mans Tale '

He will be greatly missed, a fine singer and songwriter and an inspiration to many, RIP Ian.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: threelegsoman
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 07:20 AM

Indeed, I was a big fan of the group and sing a number of the songs they introduced to me when I bought their LPs. RIP Ian

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Vic Smith
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 07:02 AM

Sad News! A lot of us learned a great deal from the Ian Campbell Folk Group all those years ago.

Subject: Obit: Ian Campbell, Birmingham
From: Jim McLean
Date: 24 Nov 12 - 06:51 AM

I have just heard that Ian Campbell, the Scottish folk singer who lived in Birmingham, passed away at 10am this morning. He'll be sadly missed.