Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away (1932-2007)

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 11:49 PM

This is very sad news. His singing and whistle playing is a huge part of my
memories. Please pass on my best wishes.
Alice Flynn in Montana

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: Celtaddict
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 11:39 PM

Thank you, Kendall, for keeping us posted.
We hold the Godfather of Irish music in our hearts.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: Deckman
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 11:20 PM

I think I'll sing some verses of "The Parting Glass" tonight! Bob

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 11:00 PM

As the old man is wont to say, "The ranks are thinning" ...

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: Beer
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 10:14 PM

Kendall.
My thoughts are with you also. A few years back I said to Mum that a lot of my friends had been passing away. Her reply was "Well Adrien, a time will come when you may be the only one left". She went on to explain that all of her friends had moved on.
Damn it is sad news as it was when we lost a few months back Dermot O'Reilly of Ryan's Fancy.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 10:10 PM

I have a number of fond memories of this wonderful man. I remember a Festival we were at, and the green room, with Tommy and Liam Tiernan and I, was a blast. I walked in, and was in awe of this great performer, by the end he had put me at such ease that we were all having a wonderful time.

And we perform his Rambles of Spring as well. It is a peach of a song.

All the best, Tommy.

Mick

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: Gulliver
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 09:52 PM

Really great guy-an inspiration-sorry to hear this...

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 09:46 PM

Kendall, I know exactly how you feel. Would it be possible to print off this thread and have someone take it to him?

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 09:46 PM

Poor Tommy. Sad to read.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
From: kendall
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 09:42 PM

I am all but unable to talk on the phone, so I won't call. My friend Gordon Bok went to see him, and Gordon said he smiled when Gordon relayed my best wishes to him.
He was in the hospital, but he was so distressed that they let him go home. There he got so uncomfortable that they put him back where he could be cared for properly.

This is a mega bummer for me.Too many people whom I hold dear are checking out.

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Bee
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 08:34 PM

Sad news. I remember him first from a Canadian television 'pub' show in the sixties.

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Maryrrf
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 08:33 PM

I am so sorry to hear this. Tommy has been a musical inspiration to many.

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Hollowfox
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 08:07 PM

I wish I could do more, but I can and will send prayers and good thoughts, and of course, the $#@!-reduction candle.

Subject: RE: Tommy Makem is bad off
From: Emma B
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 08:05 PM

I only opened this thread 'cos someone drew my attention to this sad news.

I'm sure Tommy Makem has hundreds of fans out there who will be as sad as I am to hear this, he was an early influence for many.   Could some kind elf put his surname in the thread title please?

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: curmudgeon
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 08:05 PM

I hadn't noticed that you need to be a "member" to post there; go      here to do that - Tom

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Stewart
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 08:03 PM

That's very sad. The Clancy Brother and Tommy Makem were my first introduction to Irish music in the 60s and I have most of their LPs.
One of my favorite songs that I sing now along with my fiddle is his "Rambles of Spring":

I've a fine, felt hat
And a strong pair of brogues
I have rosin in my pocket for my bow
O my fiddle strings are new
And I've learned a tune or two
So, I'm well prepared to ramble and must go.

I'll keep him in my thoughts. A great musician, songwriter, and a wonderful person. We will miss him.

S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: curmudgeon
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 08:00 PM

You can send greetings, prayers, good wishes, etc.    here.

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 07:47 PM

My music "hero". Plain and simple. Tears... just tears. God bless his soul.

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 07:42 PM

The first man I ever heard play a whistle ! Bugger !

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 07:40 PM

It is through Tommy and the Clancy Bros. that I developed my extreme love for Irish music.
                                                   SOL

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: jeffp
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 06:32 PM

I am very sad to hear this. Tommy has been a pivotal figure in the resurgence of Irish music and is a wonderful songwriter as well.

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: artbrooks
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 06:09 PM

That's too bad-we've enjoyed his music for a long time.

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 06:09 PM

A wonderful performer, a wonderful man. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 06:00 PM

Yes, from me too. Another big fan. I do remember the 'flap' when a different Tommy Makem died......shit shit shit.

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 05:33 PM

If you're in touch I hope you'll convey good wishes from Mudcat. Would he fancy a shawl, do you think?

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 05:33 PM

This is sad news ...

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 05:32 PM

Aw, shit. Kendall, if you see him, tell him hello and thanks for everything from an old fan of his.

Subject: RE: Tommy is bad off
From: Cluin
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 05:30 PM

Damn!

Subject: Tommy is bad off
From: kendall
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 05:30 PM

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you about Tommy Makem.
As you know, he has been battling lung cancer, and it has now spread to his liver.
I don't know if he would like to have me put his address here or not, so I'm not going to, but have a good thought for this outstanding performer.

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Thread #103544   Message #2112665
Posted By: Joe Offer
27-Jul-07 - 11:26 AM
Thread Name: Tommy [Makem] is bad off
Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off


It's my understanding that the family has been overwhelmed with calls and mail. They have asked that Tommy's address be removed from this thread. If you would like to convey any messages to Tommy, you can post at the discussion forum at http://www.makem.com/ - you have to register to post. The thread on Tommy's illness is here (click).
-Joe-

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From the family:

If anyone wants to write him a postcard or letter, you can address it to PO Box 336, Dover NH 03821-0336. He'll get anything addressed to him there.