Obit: George Papavgeris - March 3, 2026

Subject: George Papavgeris illness
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 09:36 AM

This thread started discussing George Papavgeris' illness; it has lots of good links and remarks but has converted to an obituary thread. Use this link to jump to the obituary portion of the thread.

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George Papavgeris has struggled with illnesses for a number of years, and has recently reached the end of the available treatments. He was an active singer/songwriter on Mudcat for many years, his last regular post in 2015. He dropped in in 2018 as a guest on Mooman's obit thread. Here is his Facebook account.

Posted on his Facebook page today:

Hello, this is Aliki (George's daughter) writing on his behalf. He asked me to post something to let you know his current situation. As you may be aware, he's been fighting a battle with various health conditions over the last few years, including lung cancer. Sadly, this has now spread and there aren't any suitable treatment options. So the focus now is on making sure he's as comfortable as possible, and on enjoying our time together. He's had to make a lot of adjustments over the last few weeks but something which hasn't left him is his love of music and he's still finding pleasure in listening to songs, old and new.
If you'd like to reach out to him feel free to but please bear in mind that he isn't able to reply to any messages or answer calls at the moment.
Thank you x

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 10:06 AM

Tom (Curmudgeon) and I met George at the FSGW Getaway back in, I think, 2005.

He's been in my thoughts from when he first mentioned his illness and will continue...

Thank you, Aliki, for letting us know. And thank you, Stilly, for your part in letting us know.

Linn

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 10:59 AM

Yes I am sorry to hear of George's illnesses and that he has not been well for a good while

I really am sorry and hope for the best in the future ~ god bless him and his family

Ray

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 11:05 AM

This is really sad news, and thankyou Stilly River Sage and Aliki for the update.

He's been in my thoughts much over the past few years. We had lost touch since Covid and his move, but I still sing his songs often.

I'd really like to reach out to my friend, but I don't have a means of doing so as I'm not on Facebook and the above quoted link just greys out.

If Aliki's reading this, could she perhaps please PM me an email address where I might reach him?

Thanks,
D

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 11:25 AM

Very sad news indeed. George is a lovely guy, and a fine writer and performer. Along with John Breeze, George was very kind to me when I played at the St. Albans club a number of years ago, as indeed he has been every time our paths have crossed since. I have valued his friendship very much, and wish him every comfort over the coming times.
John

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 12:11 PM

Such sad news - a lovely man and an outstanding songwriter. I hope he can be as comfortable as possible in his final days

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 02:51 PM

George always has a kind word. I'm so sorry, he's not well.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Beer
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 03:03 PM

Sent George a message this morning. George floored me a number of years back when he came out with the song Baba.
Adrien


https://youtu.be/A53eMZ-jDwk?si=AjtR2RItKXnmyRIl

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 05:44 PM

He came to Australia in 2008 & wowed audiences at my folk club & the National Folk Festival!

He's a good bloke & I wish him comfort in the final days.

sandra

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: JennieG
Date: 04 Jan 26 - 08:03 PM

George is a lovely bloke, and as Sandra said - he wowed us in Oz.

Sorry to hear about his struggles, and wishing him and his family much love during this time.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Jan 26 - 04:28 AM

I have stayed at George and Vanessa's place and they have stayed at mine, we went to a Getaway together and I arranged a wee Scottish tour for him, he was for a while someone I saw fairly often. After I stopped going down south to festivals we kept contact through emails and Christmas cards, and I knew he was struggling health wise but hoped he would improve. This latest news makes me so sad, and all wish him is ease and comfort, along with the hope that things might improve.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: pattyClink
Date: 05 Jan 26 - 09:41 PM

Tried to link to our thread on the great song he wrote, "Friends Like These", but no luck. I think I don't know how to do internal mudcat links.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Jan 26 - 10:56 PM

ADD: Friends Like These (George Papavgeris)

FRIENDS LIKE THESE
(George Papavgeris)

All last week I worked and toiled, did my best without respite;
Now I’ve put all that behind me, all my troubles out of sight.
I’ve been waiting since last (Mon)day just to be with you tonight,
Just to join my voice with yours and sing a song with all our might.

CHORUS
Who needs fame and who needs fortune, and who needs a life of ease?
I’m the richest in the country when I’m blessed with friends like these.

Sing of joys and sing of sorrows, sing of love and bloody wars;
As we sing we’re all transported down some mine or to distant shores.
Some sing high and some sing low, some sing sensitive and sweet,
But when we all join in chorus, they can hear us down the street.

Landlord, bring another round now, set 'em up in twos and threes,
Come again when these are empty, till we buckle at the knees.
Let our ears be filled with music, just as we are filled with ale;
Let this evening never end, let our voices never fail.

And one day if we should part and we should meet no more again,
(Mon)day nights let’s raise our glasses to the health of absent friends;
And if angels take you with them and the Devil claims my soul,
We’ll still harmonise together - you above and me below.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: GUEST,Sean O'Shea
Date: 06 Jan 26 - 01:36 AM

I am very fond of both George and his music and had the pleasure of sharing a bill with him where I experienced his kindness and consideration.I consider his song EMPTY HANDED to be a lyrical joy.Our love,George from The Claque.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 06 Jan 26 - 05:01 AM

Such a man.....and so many friends..... https://youtu.be/yafPxmbi61k?si=dUSC9CP48R5oMRBC

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Jan 26 - 09:08 AM

a few hours ago I was at a concert where Andy Irvine spoke about his friend George & sang one of his songs.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Jan 26 - 11:02 AM

Yes I've heard Andy sing Empty Handed.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Jan 26 - 05:51 PM

& some of us sang along, it was lovely to hear it again

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: Acorn4
Date: 07 Jan 26 - 03:58 AM

That's very sad to hear.

Enjoyed George's songs and stories at a number of Midlands festivals. I think Wheaton Aston was the first time.

Only a couple of nights ago someone did one of his songs at a Zoom session I was at.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness
From: treewind
Date: 08 Jan 26 - 03:49 PM

So sorry to hear this.
We haven't had any contact with George for a long time now, but we used to see a lot of him, and made some small contribution to some of his earlier recordings.

Anahata and Mary

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: GUEST,Deni-C
Date: 18 Jan 26 - 06:44 AM

Sorry to hear about George being ill. We'll be thinking of him xx
Deni-C

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: GUEST,Arthritis
Date: 02 Feb 26 - 04:31 AM

Very very sad. Over the years I have remained in touch with George on a very regular basis through Facebook and Private Message. Since the announcement that has stopped communication and I so miss our chats. So glad I had the pleasure of putting George on several times. My thoughts go to Vanessa his wife who is having to deal with this.
My favourite amongst many excellent songs is "Empty Handed"
Mijn gedachten zijn bij jou en je familie George

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 03 Feb 26 - 04:07 AM

Best wishes to George and Vanessa. George has always been very helpful to me with words to Greek songs and translations of Greek words I couldn't find in my dictionary, a true gent and as others have said, a great songwriter.
RtS

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 04 Feb 26 - 05:07 AM

Best wishes toGeorge today on his birthday.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Feb 26 - 07:20 AM

adding my best wishes!

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Beer
Date: 04 Feb 26 - 07:51 AM

Happy Birthday George from Montreal.
Adrien

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 06:38 AM

Just seen the sad news posted on Facebook

This George's daughter. It's with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that George slipped away peacefully yesterday. We'll post details about the funeral arrangements once they've been confirmed.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our family during this time and to all of you who posted such lovely comments on the last post we put up here - we read every single comment to him and they gave him strength and comfort xx


RIP George. A lovely man with a very special talent.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: GUEST,Bradfordian
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 06:47 AM

So sad, great guy, great Mudcat supporter.
He composed many wonderful songs.
George, thank you for the music, thank you for being you.
Rest in Peace.

Barrie Mathers

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 06:55 AM

Yes, sad news, a real talent and a real gent. RIP George.
RtS

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 07:50 AM

Very sad indeed. George was a hugely-talented writer and performer, and a kind and lovely man. The world will be a sadder place without him. Heartfelt condolences to George’s family and friends. RIP George.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 07:54 AM

he leaves a wonderful song legacy.

the works A list of all George's songs, in chronological order with comments on background, allowing you a view of how the songwriting develops (or deteriorates) over time.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Beer
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 08:25 AM

A good friend I never met.
Adrien

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 08:37 AM

A lovely fellow, and a mean maker of Greek style meat balls, which he made for us when he stayed over. RIP my friend, I will miss you.

Subject: RE: George Papavgeris illness 2026
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 09:36 AM

I am greatly saddened by the loss of George, who was a wonderful friend and a very nice and talented one too. I'm just very grateful that he was introduced to the Herga folk club at the beginning of the Millennium and enriched it with his songs and company.
Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: George Papavgeris - March 3, 2026
From: GUEST,Liz The Squeak
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 12:54 PM

Sad news indeed, but grateful that he is no longer suffering. He was above all, a gentleman, and it's been a privilege to know him. Condolences to his family and the enormous number of friends who loved him.

LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: George Papavgeris - March 3, 2026
From: GUEST,Sean O'Shea
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 01:05 PM

I am very saddened at this news; he was a gentle and deeply thoughtful man in his responses and relationships with others.God keep you,George.

Subject: RE: Obit: George Papavgeris - March 3, 2026
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 05:27 PM

I remember him from the Getaway. Wonderful singer and nice guy. The comments by those who knew him well say it far better than I could.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: George Papavgeris - March 3, 2026
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 03 Mar 26 - 05:31 PM

Very sad news. A really lovely man and an outstanding singer and songwriter. I used to really enjoy our chats about his homeland which I used to visit often