2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick

Subject: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson
Date: 03 Jan 21 - 01:15 PM

I was sad to read on Colin Randall's internet site, Salut! Live, that Nick Fenwick had passed away about 2 years ago. Nick was well known in the north east as a member of Northern Front but I knew him from his performances in Birmingham folk clubs in the 1970s and also through teaching in local schools. Comedy was a key part of his solo act but he was a very fine singer and guitarist, at his best when performing traditional songs. Perhaps I have missed tributes to Nick, but I have not been able to find any. I am sure there will be mudcatters who remember Nick's performances either solo, or with Northern Front.

Subject: RE: Nick Fenwick
From: Colin Randall
Date: 03 Jan 21 - 03:43 PM

Me too, Tom, and I hope you don't mind that I have reproduced your comment at the relevant post (https://www.salutlive.com/2020/12/music-of-north-eastern-england-4.html
). Until Ed Pickford told me, I had no idea both Nick and Mick (others called him Mike) had both died. Absolutely wonderful trio, three great blokes and all accomplished soloists.

Subject: RE: Nick Fenwick
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Jan 21 - 05:30 PM

Nick was indeed a great talent. One of the guys who I thought of as unmissable.i saw him perform many times in the 1970's in Brum.I was very sorry to hear that he'd died. I think I wrote a short appreciation of him on a website and received a lovely message back from his family.

As you say he was very funny. He played tamworth golf Club, The Blackwood and the Station Hotel in Sutton Coldfield, The Boldmere - but his best arena was The Birmingham Rep Fri night . However not just a funny man - a formidable guitar player.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmMMZlAPxhI

Subject: RE: Nick Fenwick
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Jan 21 - 02:33 AM

yes lovely guitar work
aint nobodys business r grainger , would that be richard grainger the teeside song writer?

Subject: RE: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson
Date: 05 Jan 21 - 08:11 AM

The song, Ain't Nobody's Business, was written by Everett Robbins and Porter Grainger so I assume an error was made in the notes when the recording was put on YouTube.

Subject: RE: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST,Malachy
Date: 06 Jan 21 - 09:12 PM

I remember Nick from the 1970's when I lived in Birmingham . He lived in the flat above a friend of mine in York Rd , Edgbaston back then . Saw him play in The Garden House a few times .
' Why Can't Robert My Rabbit Be Gay ' and ' Black Waterside ' , spring to mind .
Great guitarist and singer .

Sad to hear this belated news .

Subject: RE: Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST,Mick
Date: 14 Oct 21 - 07:23 PM

Very sad to hear the passing of "mr Fenwick" my former teacher, who always bought music and comedy to the classroom

Subject: RE: 2021 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 15 Oct 21 - 03:37 AM

Sad to hear of his passing. When you say 'The Garden House' did you mean 'The Old House' that I used to run in Bearwood in the 1970's ?
RIP Nick Fenwick.

Subject: RE: 2021 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST,Malachy
Date: 17 Oct 21 - 09:18 PM

@ Nick Dow . It was The Garden House on Hagley Rd ( opp Strathallen Hotel ). They ran a folk club for a while in a room upstairs - if I remember rightly . I think Nick and his pal Jim Cleary had something to do with it . They always performed and introduced guest singers . . .

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 18 Oct 21 - 04:17 AM

The Old House was on the Hagley road as well. Hence the confusion. The memory fades you know....

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Oct 21 - 05:08 PM

i remember the old house at home , think i did a gig there once who ran that, was it you Nick,or angie bladen, or paul ryan

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Oct 21 - 05:14 PM

sorry nick ,helen pitt tells me you ran it i thought so, was it 79 to 81

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 22 - 09:02 AM

How very sad to hear this. As a newcomer to Birmingham in the 80s I would go to the Red Lion in Kings Heath for the folk night. Saw many great acts, and Nick would always find me a 10minute floor spot before the main act. I am sad, best wishes to his family.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST,Angus Grant
Date: 14 Apr 22 - 12:40 PM

Sorry, Nick Dow, the Old House was on Lordswood Road, corner of Gillhurst Road, Harborne. Saw the wonderful Nick Fenwick there, and John Kirkpatrick with Sue Harris. Never performed there myself, but was bought a drink by someone who mistook me for Nick.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 22 - 07:05 PM

Just found out nick a had died what a top guy he I painted is flat in York he took me under is wing when got Jack shit rest in peace mate

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Apr 22 - 12:07 AM

First guy I ever saw play Powder Rag live. Stefan couldn't be arsed. Sometimes he wore a a big belted wooly jumper with wide sleeves, which I always used to think made him look like a magician.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Apr 22 - 03:52 PM

Al. I thought I knew Nick fenwick. Not sure why.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Nick Fenwick
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 23 - 05:03 PM

He was my school teacher who taught me to play the guitar with him especially Ain't Nobody's Business