Obituary - Nick Strutt (UK, 29 Sept.2009)

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Wez Strutt
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 03:29 PM

The time of the service at Lawnswood will be at 12.20

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Wez Strutt
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 03:25 PM

THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Every one gather at St John's Church. PLEASE NO ONE COME TO THE HOUSE.

Service begins at 11.10 St John's Church Dixon Lane Wortley LS12 4RU

followed by cremation at Lawnswood Otley Road Adel LS16 6AH.
Followed by Wake/Jam session at the Grove Back Row Holbeck Leeds
Black dress optional
Myself Bradley Holly and our mum would like to thank all who have sent cards.
Roger Knowles and Brian Golby will be singing at Dads request at both the church and at the crematorium

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Tom Mackle
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 12:36 PM

I just wanted to say what an amazing and surprising musician he was. Nick didnt teach me anything but I learned so much from him like, yes the blues can be played on a mandolin. I wish we could have jammed just one last time. "Fair play Nick"........................Tom x

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Janet and Tom Mackle
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 08:55 AM

So sad to hear this, have known Nick for years firstly at Grove and also later at Shoulder of Mutton at Castleford, he and Dave the landlord came to our wedding and we all had a good time jamming at the Mutton afterwards,with all the other musos, he came and stayed one weekend armed with a few bottles of good red ! We played on and off with him many a time, hard to think hes not around anymore, gone but never forgotten J & T xx

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 06:31 AM

The Band name that they used at Wigs was The Holbeck Moor Ramblers

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 06:08 AM

Hi Wez:
I am so glad you guys got the differences sorted. I know it would have been a heartbreaker if you hadn't. Ain't human nature grand at times. Give my best to Brad, Holly and your Mum. Mel

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,andy prowler and jan
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 05:00 AM

sad to hear of the passing of nick our thoughts are with sue 'wesley bradley and holly.rip nick

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,hugo he was a friend of mine
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 11:21 PM

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Kevin Young
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 09:11 PM

Hi Gordon,

The pics were definately taken at the Wigs Wine Bar, The Headrow, Leeds.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Chloe Cochrane nee Firminger
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 05:57 PM

My dad, John Firminger, played with Nick in 'The Mel Hague Band' back in the early 1990's, so often Nick stayed at our house and made the epic Sunday lunches that my dad mentioned in his post.
Myself and my brother thought that Nick was a legend. he will be sorely missed.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Gordon Tyrrall
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 03:11 PM

Thanks for that George - I couldnt quite get it to work.It might have been "Grobs", but there's a menu on the wall in one of those pics under "Wigs".Yes it was a subterranean kind of joint.The band varied, but was usually, me, Nick,Jeremy Wolstenholme,Brian Lishman and Paul Long.
I remember Nick doing an e.p. with Jeremy.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Wez Strutt
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 03:11 PM

Hi Mel just to let you know my dad and I resovoled our differences many years ago and I have been to visit dad many times over the past years as have my brother Bradley sister Holly and our mum Sue

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Lorraine Cutter
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 03:03 PM

I only knew Nick for 13 years, but every time I saw him he made me laugh. I loved to listen to him when he played his mandolin. God he could make that thing sing.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Paul Reade
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 02:28 PM

In answer to Tyke's question, the person next to Roger on my picture isn't Mark Knopfler - his name is Mark Peers. It was an informal jug band jam session that Roger and Nick joined in with, and Mark Peers is on washboard, his brother Jim on jug, Johnny Wall on trumpet mouthpiece / paraffin funnel, and me on kazoo / metal funnel. There may well have been other musicians out of shot - I can't remember, and it was very crowded as you can see from the pictures.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 02:08 PM

Leeds 1978 ?

Gordon, was that wine bar called something like "Grobs"
and downstairs under a modernish office block ?

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: Tyke
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 02:01 PM

Here's two Blue Clicky's for you Gordon http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=72412158&albumID=235167&imageID=52048525#a=235167&i=5204
and
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=72412158&albumID=235167&imageID=52048527

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Gordon Tyrrall
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 12:39 PM

Let me do that again

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=72412158&albumID=235167&imageID=52048527
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=72412158&albumID=235167&imageID=52048525

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Gordon Tyrrall
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 12:33 PM

I've just found a couple of old photos of Nick when we played in a band in Leeds together, sometime around 1978 probably.Nick seemed to get into an irish music phase around this time.It was a load of bollocks, but good fun.Apologies for me taking up most of the picture - cant remember who took these.
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=235167&imageID=52048527
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=235167&imageID=52048525

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Maggie Gee
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 11:36 AM

My memories are of Nick & Roger (and later with Richie Bull) coming up to play at The Bunkhouse in Guisborough and Trev King's Opry club in Middlesbrough on a fairly regular basis. Accommodation would generally be at our place, and I remember well one New Year's gig when the Kaye contingent from Leicester were also there. Talk about over-crowding !   But a night of music, booze, food and smoke, not necessarily in that order!   Weren't we all naughty people back then.   But - oh, the fun we had.

Nick alway interacted well with our handicapped daughter, and I loved him for that.

That Heavenly Choir needs a new MD Nick, go sort them out, and teach Sarah Jane some mandolin please!.
Love & Peace, Maggie xx

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 07:21 AM

Hi Wez:
I do have some photos to pass on but I need to dig them out. Let me have your email address and I will send them on to you. I'm sorry for you and your family for the loss of Nick and I know you had issues with him and I was privvy to a lot of them and tried to help as much as I could but I can only speak as I find and to me he was just a lovely guy and I will miss him greatly. I won't be able to make the funeral because my legs don't work too well these days. I hope the day goes well, dear boy. Mel

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: MG John
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 06:16 AM

I am so sorry to read this bad news. On the brighter side, Yes I was at the Patley Bridge final concert with Sue G.M. I believe it was actually at the Waterwheel restaurant or Pub Just north of Pately B. What a night to remember!

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: Tyke
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 02:56 PM

Guest Paul Reade is that Mark Knopfler sat next to Rodger?

and here's a blue clicky to Scouse Andy's Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameraderiephotography/sets/72157617690584744/detail/

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Scouse Andy
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 02:07 PM

Strutty was the first person I met and spoke to in The Grove, I learnt a lot from him, maybe the most important being absolute enthusiasm for singing and playing. A great entertainer and character, and inexhaustible fund of musical know how.

Some of my photos for you to see here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameraderiephotography/sets/72157617690584744/detail/

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 01:59 PM

Mel !! He did get your books he was even reading 1 in hospital !! He went mad with me because i dident realise the title DEATH ON A ROPE !! i hope to see you at the funeral wez

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,wezley strutt
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 01:53 PM

Please go to gonetoosoon it is an on line memorial site feel free to up load any pics or memories go to professor nicholas strutt. The funeral date is not confirmed as yet .

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Paul Reade
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 12:29 PM

Sorry to hear about Nick. I found some photos of him with Roger and others at an informal pub session at Whitby folk festival in about 1967 or 68 - see http://www.gradelydesigns.co.uk/Nick%20Strutt.jpg
I remember we gave Nick a lift back to Leeds later and had a hilarious ride with his humour and stories.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Steve Warrington
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 11:20 AM

This is getting obsessive!
Can't help dredging up memories, but it's good to record them somewhere. I've got buckets of them - enough to fill a book. In fact, I think I'll write one. Too late to call it "My Way", as that would have done.

Paul/Sue/Brad/Wez: I heard tell of a collection of notes and jottings assembled by Nick. If these surface during the horrible tidying-up process, I'd like a shufti, as they might add something to the project. I've also got some letters from from Norfolk - rambling reminiscences which I responded to, trying to correct facts, dates etc. so I could get my own memories in order. Nick's memory, though jumbled, was incredible.

A couple of recollections for now though:

During the abortive stay in Newquay, we had to ford the River Gannel, on the way to the pub, holding instruments above our heads. The route took us through a municipal park. "Give me your autoharp!" barks Nick. He took it and flattened an ornamental duck, which we tried to boil on a camping stove. Excruciatingly nauseous! (They were strong autoharps then!) Nick wrote a daft banjo tune called "Gannel Romp", to commemorate the evening.

Les Western at Romford Folk Club introduced us to Jimmie Rodgers, Jack Elliot, and Carter Family numbers. Nick was taken with the idea of "riding the rods", that featured in hobo ditties. We weren't familiar with American trains, so had to make do with riding on the buffers of the clanky diesel railcar from Grays to Upminster. You had also to get on and off the station undetected, running through the brakeyards. (Well, piles of pigeons in wicker boxes) You gotta live that song!

Toodle-pip, dear boy!

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 08:22 AM

Friends,
Sue Strutt tells me that, subject to confirmation, Nick's funeral service will be at St. John's Church, Wortley, Leeds at 11.00a.m. on Friday 16th. October. He will be buried at Leeds Lawnswood Cemetery with a brief(5 Minute) farewell ceremony. The post-funeral 'do' will be at The Grove in Leeds. The landlord apparently will welcome intruments etc.
If you know any of Nick's friends who may not be on the Mudcat forum, please inform them of these details,
Thanks in advance,
Roger

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Dave Ward
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 06:58 AM

Sad news indeed - Fortunately or not , not having seen the Struttster for a while, my memories are still of the cuban-heeled, angellicaly curled, chinless grinner, who knew everything and was much smarter than the average bloke- loved a laugh as well.

The last time I remember being with the lad, we were for some obscure reason driving up to Essex University for a gig with Bob Pegg, this was in the seventies. As we progressed through the rain the scratchy car radio began pounding some rock that was a complete change to what we had been listening to, but faded in and out frustratingly - 'who do you reckon that was I asked the musical sage' - fuck off came the ready reply, that bass line can only be the Stones' - as it was, a track from Goat's Head Soup- knew his stuff that boy. May he rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Family friend
Date: 04 Oct 09 - 05:23 PM

Please visit the site Gonetoosoon and leave tributes To Professor Nicholas Charles Strutt
1946 - 2009

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,JK
Date: 04 Oct 09 - 01:04 PM

I don't think Nick and I ever actually spoke together. We did, however, exchange glances and nods in several jam sessions on the bluegrass field and, as many of you will know, these sessions can breed genuine 'friendship at a distance'.

In short, I didn't know Nick that well, but well enough to mourn his passing.

John G Keegan (JK)

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: Mississippi Saxaphone
Date: 04 Oct 09 - 11:46 AM

Sorry to hear the bad news Roger but after your last visit to see Nick you said you were concerned.

My memories of Nick go back to when he played with Natchez Trace who I booked regularly at the Maypole Folk Club in Leeds all those years ago and it is a great pity he is no longer around. We have lost a true talent.

Tony (Bomber) Aked

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,John Firminger
Date: 04 Oct 09 - 09:08 AM

Whilst everybody will say how Nick was a good old boy and a fine musician. One of my great memories of him was when he'd stay at my house and help me to cook Sunday dinner. We'd experiment with different culinary ideas (i.e. putting plumbs in the gravy, making a mint and apple relish), wow, my kids just loved it when Nick was around. However as I recall, there was also plenty of red wine and sometimes some fag-ash included in the recipes! But we loved those Sunday dinners, accompanied of course by more red wine.
Like his cooking, Nick could also be a bit unpredictable onstage sometimes. Playing alongside him with Mel Hague (1991 & '92), after counting in our opening number Nick would just stand there looking at me, wondering what to do next! But once into the song he contributed some wonderful guitar and mandolin as he duid on the album we recorded with Mel. I'll be playing that again and recalling those wonderful times with a real character.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Joe The Bow
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 08:49 PM

Just before we walked into a venue in Caister, armed with our axes Nick's said, "listen to this, this'll scare them"..... on arrival he said "We're the band tonight, where do we set up?!" The bemused young girl behind the bar said she didn't know they had a band on a Wednesday and she'd have to go and check - she came back with "apparently, there isn't a band booked, Sir" to which Strutt replied "There is now!" We played a few tunes, obviously with him pushing me on the Fiddle more than himself, and after a song or two from him we had a good audience. He played a few numbers accompanying other people singing various songs and his playing was, of course, first class.
Many good occasions stay with you, but most that stay with me, involve Nick, and will I Never forget them. He was my mentor initially, and best friend after. I am lost without him.

Joe The Bow

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Tom Travis
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 06:55 PM

My first memory of Nick was from the mid 1960's when I played a club in Harrogate with my then music partner, Smiley Bowker. Nick and Roger Knowles were there and got up and played. Smiley and I were very impressed - so much so, that when we came to make our second album in 1969, 'Country Style Tom and Smiley,' we contacted Nick to join the session on mandolin. I remember that he arrived at the North London recording studio wearing an immaculate grey suit and large matching stetson hat. When we went for lunch in a nearby restaurant he certainly turned a few heads. He did a great job on the recording -especialy his break on the song, 'Bury Me Beneath The Willow.' He also joined us on stage that same year for a big gig at the Free Trade Hall Manchester. He was smart, funny and a great musician. I rang Smiley, who now lives in Spain and told him about the loss of Nick - he was shocked and upset, as we both are. We hope there's bluegrass, folk and country music where you are Nick...so you can keep on pickin' and grinnin'

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Mel Hague
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 02:45 PM

Thanks for this Roger. Nick and I were quite close and kept in touch often by mail or phone. He rang me last month and told me he was in a poor state and I wish I had been able to go and see him as you did. He asked me to write to him and he said he would write back to give me the hard details. I wrote and sent him some of my books but I didn't hear back - I assumed he was either too ill to write or just getting around to it. I will miss him very much we had some happy times together over many years and I have some great memories of him. Good luck to you Nick wherever you are.
Mel

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Ian Edwards
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 02:27 PM

Heard the sad news today from Trev King.
Lots of good memories of Nick, Roger and Natchez Trace playing around the Teesside area
RIP

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,José McGill
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 12:34 PM

Nick moved into our family home in Caister back in 1999 and over the years I managed to pick up all sorts of inversions and tricks from the old bugger. Invaluable stuff that set me up proper. A ridiculously good laugh, great cook and lover of loud ties.

I have a collection of taped recordings of him which I'll endeavour to copy onto digital.

Thanks for the time and enthusiasm Nick.
see ya mate

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Nigel Rae
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 11:59 AM

I used to be a regular at the Grove jam sessions run by Nick in the 90s, and like many others was encouraged and helped by him to become a better musician. I owe him a lot, and have never forgotten that. He had a lot of style, both as a player and as a person, and is much missed.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 10:36 AM

Now and again in life we meet and work with people who's company inspires and enthrals. Nick Strutt was one of these people and I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him for a couple of years early in my career, never a dull moment! He introduced me to many other fine musicians and singers. For a good few years thereafter the better part of my repertoire consisted of tunes and songs taught to me by Nick, indeed I still sing many of those songs even now. His passing is a great loss not only to the folk/country music fraternity but to myself and the many other pickers and singers that had the pleasure to know him.
With regard to the "Heavenly Choir" mentioned in a previous tribute I suspect Nicks first question in heaven with out a doubt would have to be "Where's the F####n' bar!"
Cheers Nick.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Tim Howard
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 10:34 AM

Now and again in life we meet and work with people who's company inspires and enthrals. Nick Strutt was one of these people and I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him for a couple of years early in my career, never a dull moment! He introduced me to many other fine musicians and singers. For a good few years thereafter the better part of my repertoire consisted of tunes and songs taught to me by Nick, indeed I still sing many of those songs even now. His passing is a great loss not only to the folk/country music fraternity but to myself and the many other pickers and singers that had the pleasure to know him.
With regard to the "Heavenly Choir" mentioned in a previous tribute I suspect Nicks first question in heaven with out a doubt would have to be "Where's the F####n' bar!"
Cheers Nick.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Richard Hyde
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 08:22 AM

I remember ferrying Nick to an interview of sorts at the job centre- post Caister High School tutoring days with Hugo. 'Mr Strutt, have you your C.V. we can look at, please'? Nick responds confidently with reaching into his bag and offering over a virgin encyclopedia of country music, 'Look me up, petal', he remarks together with a cheeky grin. Talk about legendary status.

Nick was a dear, dear friend and I'll miss his exquisite company immensely. Rich

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 07:40 AM

Steve,
Tel: [phone]
email is: [e-mail]
I'm away until Monday lunchtime, but Eileen should be in.
Cheers,
Roger

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,David Harkess
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 06:26 AM

I met Nick and Steve ¡®Doc¡¯ Warrington at the Grand Hotel in Harrogate in 1965. Steve then preferred to be known as Spike. Nick was always Nick except for a spell when he was known as ¡®Agric¡¯ in our student days. I shared a flat with him and Mike Greenwood in our second year on Cardigan Road, which is when I started to meet Nick¡¯s musician friends and my own musical tastes (thanks very much Nick!) moved beyond the Beach Boys and Elvis. I remember very well when Hugo McGill brought Eric Bell around for the first time. Leeds had a thriving folk music scene then and Nick seemed to know everybody and his brother. As many others have said there was never a dull moment when Nick was around. I obviously had too much fun that year living with him because I had to miss the following year of studies having failed one exam.

For a while I lived above Nick in the attic flat in Harehills Avenue. It was he who got the flat for me in fact. A good friend indeed when I was really in need. And of course having Nick as a neighbour meant a laugh was never far away. Steve took over the flat after about a year and I moved back over to Headingley, although I visited them both quite frequently. There always seemed to be a whole scene going at Nick¡¯s.

The last time I spoke to Nick was at his 55th birthday bash over in Cas which I arrived late for and very unfortunately for me I missed the great music. I did see him play live many times especially in the early years and heard him practise a fair bit too. How lucky I am to have been a friend of Nick¡¯s. All the best, Grolly.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Steve Warrington
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 05:16 AM

Roger,
Sorry to take the lazy option, and use this forum for mundane matters, but please ring me, or post your phone/email for me. I have questions!

A bit more personal info:
Richie was driving us back from a gig (ca. 35 years ago. I had Nick sat on my knee in the front. I had to grasp him tightly to stop him grabbing the wheel. On arrival at his folks' place, I carried him to the door, knocked and dumped him on the mat. He started striking my head vigorously. I had the idea that restricting his oxygen supply would slow him down - he could hit really fast, but not hard, though it was still unpleasant. I placed him on the lawn, and lay across his face. He bit through a new Levi denim shirt, and and nearly bit my left nipple off. (Residual toothmark evidence remains for this to be verified by comparison with dental records.)

These, and other scars, may be inspected on appointment. Applications will be treated individually, and I reserve the right to refuse access to certain injuries after careful screening of the applicant. (Age, sex, gender orientation etc.)

Memories...... (in the club style, please)...Memories....

Some things stay with you all your life.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 05:49 PM

I remember seeing him with Bob Pegg at the Barn theatre at Norland one very cold night back in 1973 or 74? also saw him quite a few times witn Jeremy Wolstenholme in the late 70's, loved his mandolin playing. An excellent fellow of infinite talent, not many mandolin players like him about!
The heavenly choir grows bigger every day!

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,ROGER HUMPHRIES
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 05:27 PM

So sorry to learn the sad news. I only saw Nick a few times but was always very impressed by his obvious passion and joy that he got from music. He was "real".

Sadly, guys like Nick are very rare these days.

My condolences to his family & everybody who knew him.

Roger Humphries

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Mike Abbott
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 03:16 PM

I first had the pleasure of seeing Nick work way back in the early 80s with The Country Tones Roger Knowles and Dave Rowinski. His ability to sing those high tenor harmonies always amazed me. A great musician with a vast knowledge of music that he was always willing to share. In later years his use of alcohol became legendary. I lost touch with him over ten years ago when he left Leeds and I moved to Oxford.

To-days young musicians are poorer for not having Nick around.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Paul Buckley
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 12:12 PM

There was never a dull moment with Nick.On arrival at a gig,if we got there,he would plug in his old vox amp which he knew wouldn't work.After 10 minutes or so he would hit it in a particular spot,if this failed he'd pick up the soldering iron he had already heated up and start taking it to pieces.Hovering somewhere between pleasure and danger it was always fun.Always an entertainer,both on and off stage,he could light up the room by walking in.Now he has gone and,without him and people like him,our rooms and our lives are a little less bright.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Ron Darnbrough
Date: 02 Oct 09 - 11:51 AM

The end of a very talented life.
Nick worked with many pub bands around the Leeds district and I had some great nights singing with him.
He always knew how to get the best out of a tune.