2025 Obit: Rod Stradling

Subject: Obit: Rod Stradling
From: Nick Dow
Date: 23 Dec 25 - 07:27 PM

I am sad to report that Rod Stradling is no longer with us. Bob Bray gave me the news last Friday, and Gavin Atkin sent me the following:-

This from Taz Tarry on the English Country Music Weekend page on Facebook:

'I'm very sad to say that Rod Stradling died on Sunday. Rod, with Danny, organised the very first English Country Music Weekend in Cricklade in 1977, and was a founding member of Oak, Old Swan Band, and many other influential bands.

'Rod will be greatly missed and our thoughts go to his wife Danny Stradling, son Barnaby Stradling, daughter Hannah Stradling and grandchildren at this time.'

I echo these sentiments. RIP Rod.
Nick Dow

Subject: RE: 2025 Obit: Rod Stradling
From: meself
Date: 23 Dec 25 - 09:36 PM

I knew him, so to speak, only through the Musical Traditions internet magazine, where his contribution was, of course, remarkable. RIP.

Subject: RE: 2025 Obit: Rod Stradling
From: rich-joy
Date: 23 Dec 25 - 11:54 PM

Yes, much respect for "Musical Traditions" and for your music.
Thank you, Rod.   Go well.


Vale, Rod

Subject: RE: 2025 Obit: Rod Stradling
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 24 Dec 25 - 05:33 AM

A truly sad loss to "Musical Traditions" in all senses of the term. Maximum respect and thanks for a great service to music.
RIP, Rod.
Heartfelt condolences to his surviving family.

Subject: RE: 2025 Obit: Rod Stradling
From: StephenH
Date: 24 Dec 25 - 02:06 PM

Sorry to hear this.
I'm another who is mostly familiar with Rod Stradling through Musical Traditions - a great resource and I've purchased a few excellent albums through the site.
My condolences to his friends and family

Subject: RE: 2025 Obit: Rod Stradling
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Dec 25 - 04:06 PM

As a young folk fiddler, I came to the South of England from the NE in '78, and quickly decided the slower, rhythmmic and very danceable style of playing then represented by The Old Swan Band, Flowers and Frolics and John Kirkpatrick's various bands was going to be my bag too.

As a youngster, I liked the sense of rebellion around the music. Having loved dancing to the Cheviot Ranters several times when living in Newcastle, I felt the earthy excitement these new bands could generate was surely more like some of the best of the old village bands of the past than the established but implausibly smooth, reading-from-music, two-times-then-change tune 'EFDSS' bands of the time. In those far off days and with my inexperience I was in no position to easily prove the case, but was nevertheless happy to go along with it!

Rod was at the centre of all this, and made himself very available; for decades, wherever there was a good festival anyway near central Southern England, he'd likely be at the middle of a session playing with his crisp offbeats and swinging style. He was often accompanied by bandmates, and pals such as Katie and John Howson. He generally didn't say much, but he didn't have to as the rest of us were hanging on every note and chord.

As usual with movements and revivals the English country dance music revival matured and diversified with different players going off in different directions, some of which were quite experimental. Generally, I think Rod encouraged them and led one or two of his own, including the ska tinged Edward II and the Red Hot Polkas. That band still exists under the name Edward II.

I should also mention the English Country Music Weekends, which he and pals started in the mid-70s. Their aim was to bring people playing the music together once a year to share what they'd learned. It had a few years break in the 80s, but returned and still takes place today: last year's ECMW at Whitchurch was excellent, as probably anyone who was there will surely tell you.

Rod did many other things, of course, including the excellent, opinionated Mustrad website and Musical Traditions CD label, running influential folk clubs and playing for Bampton.

All in all, he changed many lives for the better through his playing, enthusiasm and influence, mine included. He will be very much missed. Farewell, Rod, you amazing powerhouse.

Gavin Atkin















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