2026 Obit: Mike Starkey (Bristol UK)

Subject: 2026 Obit: Mike Starkey
From: rosma
Date: 16 Apr 26 - 06:09 PM

Mike Starkey, former MC at the Dragon Folk Club, Bristol, UK and member of the Bristol Shantymen, died on Sunday, 12th April 2026 after a long illness.

I expect to have more details after the weekend.

Mike had been coming along to the Dragon Folk Club for "many, many years", since it was held at The Lamb in Iron Acton. He was a fine unaccompanied singer.

Mike had a long history with music, not just folk music. He sang with Dave Marshall and Amanda as the "Terrible Two and Amanda", and also with the "Westerleigh Wailers" who performed many times at folk clubs and festivals.

Mike sang with the Bristol Shantymen on many sea-going vessels and at shanty festivals in Poland, Liverpool, Whitby, Bristol, and Cardiff, among others.

Here's a short video of Mike and two other members of the shantymen singing at a charity event held by the Dragon Folk Club in 2013.

Here's a video of the shantymen in more usual formation in the same year.

Subject: RE: 2026 Obit: Mike Starkey (Bristol UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Apr 26 - 02:24 AM

R I P. Mike was a fine singer , who will be missed by many, condolences to family and friends

Subject: RE: 2026 Obit: Mike Starkey (Bristol UK)
From: rosma
Date: 17 Apr 26 - 07:33 PM

I have just returned from the dragon's lair and an evening of songs mostly from Mike Starkey's and Tom Mossman's (see separate obit) repertoires. I also have some more information.

Mike was in St Peter's Hospice from 10th April until 12th April when he passed away.

His funeral will be at 9:30am on 12th May at Westerleigh Crematorium. Apparently the postcode misleads satnavs, so put in "Westerleigh Crematorium" or What3Words "///opened.fairy.exhaled".

There will be a wake after at the New Inn, Westerleigh, BS37 8QH (snacks only), and it is hoped there will be some singing.

Subject: RE: 2026 Obit: Mike Starkey (Bristol UK)
From: GUEST,JB
Date: 17 Apr 26 - 07:36 PM

I sang with Mike on many occasions. He had a very distinctive voice which added greatly to the Bristol Shantymen's sound. I also learned a number of fine songs from him. Great times. My sincere condolences to Maggie.

Subject: RE: 2026 Obit: Mike Starkey (Bristol UK)
From: GUEST,Dave Byrne
Date: 18 Apr 26 - 03:26 PM

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I was unaware Mike was ill as it is a long time since I visited the Dragon Folk Club.

I have known Mike for a very long time. I first met him when he was involved in a folk club in Dursley in the mide 1970s. He kindly booked me to sing there a couple of times. He was still in his late teens at the time as I recall.

When we were contacted by Tony Davis of The Spinners to form a shanty group for a festival he was organising in Bristol Docks in 1985, Mike and Dave Marshall were obvious choices as they had extensive repertoires of and great voices for shanties. We all enjoyed singing together so much that we began rehearsing regularly on Dave's boat which was moored at Narrow Quay. He and Amanda were living there then. We performed at numerous clubs, festivals and other events over the next thirty years. We were active as the Bristol Shantymen until about 2016 and although the personnel inevitably changed over the years, Mike was an ever present figure.

He was a great character with a good sense of humour and mischief and a highly individual voice. I shall miss him but remember him with fondness. My condolences to Maggie too.