Obit: John Martyn (1948-2009)

Subject: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:33 AM

Just heard on the news today, that John Martyn has died, at the early age of 60.
I remember him from London in the 60s, and I am shattered that he has gone so young.

HJM

Subject: Obit: John Martyn 29th January 2009
From: Dick The Box
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:33 AM

BBC news is reporting the death of John Martyn. The information comes from his official website. No further details as yet.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Zen
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:38 AM

Oh dear... that's dreadful news. R.I.P. John

Zen

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn
From: theleveller
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:38 AM

Really sad news - they're playing 'may You Never Lay your Head Down' on the radio at this moment.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:42 AM

I'm horrified, and sad beyond any words to tell it. R.I.P.

Clones, please combine the two obit threads - this one is going to run and run.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Mick Tems
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:44 AM

What happened? Was it a heart attack or a sudden illness?

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:47 AM

Don't think anyone knows yet. The BBC report was only 8 minutes old when I posted.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:51 AM

Terrible news. Coming so soon after Davey Graham's passing too. I'll never forget that night at The Magic Garden in Hull in the early 70's. RIP John.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: maeve
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:51 AM

This is a huge loss.

maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: RolyH
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:53 AM

Very sad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: goatfell
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:58 AM

so sad

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: cptsnapper
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 08:58 AM

He was on last Friday night's episode of the Transatlantic Sessions shown on BBC4 singing " May You Never " with Kathy Mattea.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Greenacres
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:01 AM

sad news indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:06 AM

Bummer !!!

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:17 AM

Truly sad news. Rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: scouse
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:24 AM

R.I.P John,will miss you!! Gone to join Alex,Hammish,Derroll,Iain, What a line up!!!Wouldn't wanna be last in line for the whiskey bottle!!
As Aye,
Phil.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:24 AM

So so sad - another good man done gone.
Words fail me.
RIP John.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Drumshanty
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:29 AM

Shedding a tear for the man who wrote the song that defined the love of my life.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:33 AM

Rest in Peace...

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:40 AM

John Martyn - Youtube - May You Never Lay Your Head Down

"With heavy heart and an unbearable sense of loss we must announce that John died this morning."


The room was dark, save for a few orange lights, shining out behind a single chair. All around students were sat on the floor at Brunel University, I sat along with them, with my then boyfriend, who'd got us tickets to see a man I'd never heard of before.

Suddenly, in he walked, a quiet, shy young man...with just a guitar. He sat down, and a hush hit the room like a lightning bolt, as they all knew what was about to happen.

I was almost touching his feet, it was that intimate a gig...

He got himself comfy, put his guitar on his lap and that's when I sat with my mouth literally open, as this man made that guitar of his dance and sing..For two hours I don't recall much else save for John's playing.

Thanks for the music, John.

Heck, but you were great!

And may those many hands now be holding you, giving you peace at long last.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:41 AM

Shedding a tear here too, Drumshanty - John's music defined a very important period in my life. And he then went on to influence my son too.

Shit, that hurts!

R.I.P. John, and Thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: alanabit
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 09:54 AM

The clip reminded me of just how very good he was. There was a unique voice and a percussive guitar style, but which always suported the melody busily throughout. I have been singing his beautiful "Head and Heart" for years. Farewell to a very special man.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 10:13 AM

A huge loss. This man knew where the veins of raw ore existed in the human condition, and he knew how to mine it. He did it with extraordinary lyrics, the ability to pull you in with the turning of a phrase, and guitar work that simply floated it all into your deepest regions. The loss is felt by us all, but I imagine among our British friends, it is felt the deepest of all.

His voice is out there. I hear it in my friend George Papavgeris, and many others.

Rest well, and thanks for the music.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 10:14 AM

Dreadful news; really can't take it in.
One of this country's great singer songwriters without mentioning his skill as a guitarist. A huge influence on the folk scene which will be considerably poorer for his passing.
RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: cooperman
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 10:27 AM

More bad news - after DG this is very hard to take. What an exceptional talent, so original and unique. Thank you John for such fine music over the years.
You took me somewhere higher, I hope you are there now - RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 11:11 AM

very very sadened to read this

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 11:26 AM

Such sad news. He had just been appointed OBE.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Nick
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 11:29 AM

Sad to hear always been one of my favourites. First saw him in about 1972 and still play a number of his songs.

The only thing that depresses me even more is that I have probably heard more people murder his best known song than I care to remember. That version with Kathy Mattea is WONDERFUL.

I think it's perhaps more surprising that he lived so long given some of the stories about him (and told by him).

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 11:42 AM

I don't often feel compelled to write about sad passings such as this(They are too often and frequent) but he was a man who influenced me from very early on in my love of folk music. I met him a couple of times (just met, nothing more than that) Once in the Phoenix folk club in London about 1967/8 and stood at the bar chatting after he'd played his set and then at York Uni about 73/74 where him and Philip Goodhand Tate substituted for John Renbourn and Jacqui McShee. He passed joints out along the front row where I was sitting (Really good stuff !!). His voice,guitar playing and style was mesmorising. "Fisherman's dream", holds a special place.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Anne Lister
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 12:16 PM

When a death announcement prompts a very ex boyfriend of mine to send an email to me to tell me how sad he is it's proof of just how important a figure someone has been for us all. It's been a bad month for losses.
There must be an amazing session going on up there in the clouds these days.

Anne

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Folkiedave
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 12:58 PM

Tribute by Chris Blackwell (Island Records) who first recorded him on PM. If you look for the Iplayer it is just before the weather at the end of the programme.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn 29/01/09
From: Betsy
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 02:20 PM

How many singers and versions have I heard of "May you never" I even do a version myself.It must be getting on for a hundred.
Simple, yet sophisticated.
RIP John, a great songsmith.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 02:36 PM

I first saw John in London folk clubs back in the 60s, and initially I didn't think he was anything special, but he just got better and better. A unique voice - and very a special guitarist.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 02:38 PM

One of the very best.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: folkwaller
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 02:42 PM

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: folkwaller
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 02:44 PM

so so sorry.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: fat B****rd
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 03:13 PM

There's nothing to add, I'm glad I saw him at the Coatham Bowl , Redcar in the early 80s and have so much of his music to listen to. RIP Big John.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 03:54 PM

Did my first 'Country Meets Folk' with him on the same bill.
A sad loss.Dammnit!!

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: van lingle
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 05:40 PM

I'm gonna fish out a scratchy old "Solid Air" and have a drink to John.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 06:20 PM

BBC story has filled out a bit since I saw it earlier:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7858458.stm

There's a talk-back section at the bottom which says

What memories do you have of John Martyn? What did his music mean to you? Send us your comments using the form below.

Some of the folks here might think of posting a recollection or two -

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 06:32 PM

saw him on TV in concert, way back when i was a young teen..
his stunning use of hypnotic repeat guitar delay and echo FX
was a huge influence on me.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 29 Jan 09 - 06:36 PM

He died in hospital in Kilkenny where had been living for some years. Here's an interview from 2004 which appeared in the RTÉ Guide:

http://www.rteguide.ie/star_of_the_day.html


Now in Kilkenny, it is reported
There are marble stones as black as ink

With gold and silver I would transport her
But I'll sing no more now till I get a drink
I'm drunk today but I'm seldom sober
A handsome rover from town to town 

Ah, but I'm sick now, my days are over 

Come all ye young lads, and lay me down

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: Bugsy
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 01:45 AM

Very sad news indeed music will be the poorer for his passing.


Rest easy John.


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 05:43 AM

I have had my good cry now. John was really the only muscian I revered, for far too many reasns to go into. We all just assume that one's life goes on from day to day. John managed to touch our hearts so delightfully and vigorusly. Rare is such a gift. I guess I don't have to keep worrying about him any longer. My heart is all broken at this news. Little pieces have fallen down around. Why is it that the truly talented among us never achieve rightful recognition while they are living and struggling? Anyone with half a brain should have been obviously stunned by a man of John's talent!
I feel blessed to have loved him and his music. Life is just gonna feel a little bit colder and lonelier, I guess

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: Flash Company
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 05:54 AM

Apparently he lost a leg due to ulcer problems. Could this have been diabetes? I have two friends who have been taken along the same route.
RIP John. you will be missed!

FC

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 05:56 AM

I think the loss of the leg was due to septicaemia, which came about as the result of an accident. He talks about it in that RTÉ interview.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: GUEST,Sally Stamford; the lemonade lady
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 06:33 AM

A great loss indeed. A wonderful man and great song writer. I remember many sunny days listenting to him when I was about 16 and in my mis-spent youth.

Long time will the memory of him live on.

Sal

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 07:19 AM

He was interviewed by the Daily Mirror in September last year, just before his 60th birthday. Entitled 'Martyn on his nine lives', he makes some comments which sound just heart-breaking now:

"I guess I'm hard to kill," Martyn shrugs. "I really love life and recently I've got back to doing the things that I loved as a child – looking at birds and foxes in the back garden."

"I have to get ready for my 70th now," he says. "In The Bible it says you live three score years and 10 – so I'm not done yet. I'm going to give it my best shot for the big seven oh!"

In another interview with Mojo the following month, he was asked if he found it difficult singing 'Solid Air' in the aftermath of Nick Drake's death:

"No, it was never difficult singing that – people shuffle off their mortal coil left, right and centre, don't they? No one's written a song about me yet [laughs]. That's because I'm still here."

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 12:01 PM

Just found this beautiful tribute to John Martyn by my YouTube Friend, snicky58...For those who loved his music...SOLID AIR...
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=2EFd5y-yozk
bob

Subject: RE: Obit: John Martyn (29 January 2009)
From: High Hopes (inactive)
Date: 30 Jan 09 - 12:20 PM

A truly great singer gone, a gap that can never be filled, a chair that should remain empty

John Martyn 1948–2009 RIP