What's happened to Andy Kershaw?

Subject: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Andy Kershaw fan
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 06:47 AM

Andy Kershaw hasn't done his own BBC Radio 3 programme for what seems like months now. It's news I have probably missed, but is he off on a trip somewhere (he's done some excellent travel programmes) or ill?

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 06:54 AM

Andy Kershaw is currently on a three-month sabbatical from his programme for personal reasons.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: KeithofChester
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 07:12 AM

Andy has been missing for rather longer than 3 months. It isn't exactly hard to find the stories in the press reporting as to why.

Telegraph Article

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 07:12 AM

Sadly, very public 'personal' reasons Diane.
I suspect our guest probably knows that. Words like 'Troll' spring to mind?

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 07:44 AM

I've no time for Andy Kershaw ever since he made some smart arse comments about Hank Williams in a program from Nashville. The man is an idiot!

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 07:54 AM

The only thing I have against AK is that he plays Hank Williams far too often.
What else is going on in his life is entirely his business.
If there are those who don't know that's because they don't need to know.
And turning to the flamin' Torygraph to snoop is beneath contempt.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 07:58 AM

To me he always sounds a bit like the bloke (David Lloyd..?) with the lancashire accent who commentates on the cricket. Really you could have swapped them over and no one would have noticed.

Apart from the fact he would have been talking about cricket.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: KeithofChester
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 08:52 AM

turning to the flamin' Torygraph to snoop is beneath contempt.

Well the equivalent Guardian piece didn't seem to be written based on an interview with Andy, as the Torygraph one said IT was

Guardian

The story has been all over the British press and the BBC News for a couple of months.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 09:02 AM

The story has indeed been plastered all over.
As it has nothing whatsoever to do with music, here is not the place for it.
Andy will be back.
In the meantime, enjoy the guest presenters.
Eliza Carthy's selection is still up on the replayer and Joe Boyd will be presenting on Monday.


Kershaw Show

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 09:27 AM

I can't be doing with djs who gain legendary status by "turning on " listeners to great but obscure music. I can safely say, that all the music that I really like, I "discovered" by myself.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 10:31 AM

Tall poppy syndrome again....

(but I hate Hank WIlliams too)

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 10:36 AM

poppys don't come taller than Hank Williams

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 11:59 AM

I thought he relied on them for that purpose, in part...

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 12:35 PM

He's a damn good presenter. What is wrong with Hank Williams dare I ask?

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: KeithofChester
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 12:46 PM

I said to Hank Williams: how lonely does it get?
Hank Williams hasnt answered yet
But I hear him coughing all night long
A hundred floors above me
In the tower of song

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Well-wisher
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 12:53 PM

I love his style, his music, wish him well and am looking forward to his return - Eliza notwithstanding.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 01:01 PM

Will prison have changed him, made him bitter, unapproachable, prone to violence ...like it did with Elvis in Jail House Rock.

It was the first jail term that turned Dillinger from a sweet Indiana country boy into The Hoosier Hoodlum


For all we know, he may already be headed down a lost highway. No wonder he loves Hank Williams.

Hank Williams, you wrote my life.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,14fret
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 01:09 PM

'Keith of Chester', please credit the source of the quotation.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: KeithofChester
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 02:13 PM

Leonard Cohen, of course. Tower of Song

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 02:30 PM

"As it has nothing whatsoever to do with music, here is not the place for it."

Absolutely correct, Diane. Unfortunately the Troll has had his way, and the exponents of that time-honoured national sport of kicking a man when he's down are making merry with their steel-toe-caps.

Why not leave the guy alone to deal with his demons? That's the civilised thing to do. IMHO.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 04:47 PM

Can't be much of a fan if he needs to ask where AK's gone...

LTS

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Andy Kershaw fan
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 05:34 PM

Backwoodsman, FYI I did not know why Andy Kershaw was missing from his programme. I don't listen to commercial radio and I certainly don't buy gutter newspapers. I object to being called a 'troll'.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Andy Kershaw fan
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 05:39 PM

Having just read the article that KeithofChester gave a link for, I think that Andy Kershaw's problems are none of our business. I simply like and admire him as a gateway for a wide range of music. I have no wish to tread on private grief, though it isn't exactly private at all, it seems.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Betsy
Date: 27 Oct 07 - 08:01 PM

Andy Kershaw has had a charmed life - I never liked his public persona or his self indulgent music choices for which he was over-paid by the BBC -why are some of you feeling sorry, it's pricks like him bringing the BBC to its knees.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 02:33 AM

FYI - for your information, right?
For a moment I thought it might be, F--k You Idiot!
I'm so glad Backwoodsman that it wasn't being intimated that YOU buy the gutter press and listen to commercial radio.
Those of us who know and love you, would never accuse you of such lowbrow goings on.

As for Andy Kershaw, he never plays any of your songs. or mine.
Perhaps if he had availed himself of the creative powerhouse in English folkmusic that is Lincolnshire, he would have a more mature outlook and not got himself into this pickle.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 03:11 AM

"Backwoodsman, FYI I did not know why Andy Kershaw was missing from his programme. I don't listen to commercial radio and I certainly don't buy gutter newspapers. I object to being called a 'troll'."

Apologies GUEST, but maybe you need to break out of that coccoon, it can't be healthy shutting yourself off from the rest of the world like that.

AK's sad demise has been reported in the 'serious' press (I believe I read about the case in The Independent, but it might have been the Torygraph) as well as the tabloids, and it has been reported on TV a number of times. I don't buy the 'gutter' press either, nor do I listen to commercial radio, but I still manage to have a grasp of what's going on around me.

Unfortunately, this forum is a medium often used by trolls who start with seemingly innocent questions or comments.

My last words.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 03:11 AM

Not my last words at all.
My last words are, "Thanks wld, much appreciated".

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Andy Kershaw fan
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 04:19 AM

Oh dear. First I get called a troll, then I point out that I am not one, then I get told 'Fuck you' for saying so. Can't win, can I? If this is the welcome a guest receives, I'll make this the last time I post on Mudcat. BTW, you can insult me as much as like now, weelittledrummer, as I won't waste my time checking.

Backwoodsman, thank you for your apology, but I have to say your message to weelittledrummer puts me in mind of mob rule.

Enjoy your next lynching.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 05:28 AM

who said that disgraceful thing to you? Not me or backwoodsman.

Our approach to music and mudcat has always been genteel and courteous. I hope the object of your dedication is aware of what a top man he has in you, fighting his corner.

FYI

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 05:44 AM

First a troll, now a flamer.
Seems I had the guy figured right in the first place.
Apology withdrawn.
410 Good Buddy.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,JG
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 06:00 AM

Maybe AK Fan is just a newbie who blundered in with an inappropriate question. Why don't you two cut him/her some slack? As for flaming, you're doing a prety good job yourself.   Chill.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 07:09 AM

Guest JG, the inappropriateness of the question was politely pointed out, an apology made for the 'troll' accusation, and an explanation given for assuming that trolling was taking place. He/she started the 'Fuck You' business. Hardly appropriate behaviour for an innocent newbie who's already had their apology?

I apologised once - it was thrown back in my face. I never apologise twice, so he/she can have his/her 'Fuck You' right back.

Thank you for your contribution.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,JG
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 07:17 AM

You're welcome. OK. Whatever.

You're still coming across as a flamer.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 07:25 AM

No it was me who started the f--k you idiot.

I was specualting as to what FYI meant.

Andy's fan received his full measure of courtesy however - neither me nor the Backwoodsman offered any insult.

And please don't abuse people calling them trolls and flamers. One lives under a bridge and the other sounds like it lives in Burger King.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,JG
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 07:34 AM

If the shoe fits...

>First a troll, now a flamer [Backwoodsman, 5:44 a.m.]

Accusations of abuse work two ways.

I think FYI means "for your information"

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 07:42 AM

A troll or a flamer is someone whose contribution is negligible, but just loves stirring the shit.

This shoe does not fit The Backwoodsman who has been a stalwart contributor and fine musician on the folkscene for many years.

We don't know who you are.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,another guest
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 08:05 AM

Andy Kershaw fan. Remmeber that you had the bade taste to post on a public forum as a guest. This means that the regulars regard you as the lowest form of pond life.

Based on my one meeting with AK that is an opinion that I reserve for him rather than you.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: peregrina
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 08:19 AM

Not    *ALL*   regulars regard 'guests' that way!

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 11:49 AM

I accused. I explained. I apologised.
I don't eat shit.
Get over it.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Kampervan
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 12:01 PM

Maybe this just highlights one of the drawbacks of communicating via postings/emails/electronic messaging or whatever.

It's very diffcult to convey tone. Unless your very good with the written word it's easy to type something quite innocuous that gets taken the wrong way.

I'm sure that if most of the contributors sat round in a circle and started this thread again there wouldn't be half as much aggression or emotion.

But hey, maybe this is what some people prefer?

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Kampervan
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 03:10 PM

Sorry, slip of the finger............. for 'unless your' read 'unless you're'

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: greg stephens
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 04:02 PM

Kampervan: I'm afraid you are a little naive in the ways of the internet. Certainly we could sit around in reality and have a nice chat, but "GUEST Andy Kershaw fan" would not be there.He or she might be under a bridge, but not in the circle.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 04:18 PM

May I make it clear, for the benefit of WMD (loved that quip) that this guest is not under this Bridge?

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Kampervan
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 05:38 PM

Naive? I don't know.
I'm not suggesting that we should all sit round having cosy chats, a bit of edge is very necessary. But it's very difficult to get across the nuances of argument, and if you can't see the glint of humour in someones eye as they make a tongue-in-cheek remark then it's difficult to gauge just how strongly one shold react.

This can lead to a tendency to move civilised, albeit confrontational,debate towards simple slanging matches.

IMHO

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: melodeonboy
Date: 28 Oct 07 - 08:06 PM

Assuming that those who post on Mudcat are, for the most part, interested in "roots" music (and don't nit-pick about the semantics), I am both surprised and disappointed at the amount of negative comments that have surfaced on this thread re Andy Kershaw.

He has been a pioneer in the area of roots music, both in content and style. He is well-informed, genuinely enthusiastic, musically sensitive and has a well-developed sense of humour.

Anyone has the right to dislike the music he plays, his accent, his presentation style or anything else they choose. To deny the tremendous contribution he's made to world/folk music would be dishonest. He's opened the ears, hearts and minds of so many people to varieties of music they would otherwise not have had the chance to hear.

On a personal level, I regard myself as fairly well-informed and knowledgeable in this area, and actually worked as a radio presenter for ten years, yet I would have missed out on so much music that I like had it not been for Kershaw. I apologise for not being as clever as "tunesmith", who can, apparently, discover everything for himself (why has he got a radio then?).

As for him "bringing the BBC to its knees", that's laughable. Have you never listened to W**ker Wogan?

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 03:43 AM

I agree. Andy and I became friends in the early 80s and have kept in touch since. He's a decent, reliable and brave man (witness his work as a was correspondent), and to dissmiss him as a person (or even as a presenter) because he happens not to play your records, or music you happen to like, is beneath the standards I expected here. He's not unique in his current problems, as many here will recognise if they're honest. Time to put this thread to sleep.

Tom Bliss

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 03:44 AM

'war'

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: John J
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 04:14 AM

Poor bugger must be going through hell - made worse by him being in the public eye.

JJ

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Ralphie AKs Engineer
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 05:07 AM

How sad all this is.
Having worked with Andy on his programmes since Day 1 on Radio 1, and having produced many many sessions for him over the last 20 odd years, I find some of the vitriol on this thread odious to say the least.
John J (above) says it all.
If Andy is so bad a broadcaster, how is it that when visiting him you spend your whole time trying not to trip over the Sony Awards.
Stop this, and Stop it now.
You don't know him.....I Do.
I hope that it never happens, but if any of you detractors ever find yourself in the same situation as Andy, you get more sympathy for your predicament than you have shown to him.
I say it again
STOP
Ralphie (AKs Engineer and proud to be his friend)

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Brakn
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 05:36 AM

Amen Ralphie

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 08:36 AM

Joe - as you know I asked you to consider putting a stop on this thread over 24 hours ago.... it seems that Tom, John J, Ralphie and Brakn all agree... I didn't want to post this, as it brings the thread bouncing to the top again... but I think enough is probably enough?

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Banjiman
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 08:40 AM

I agree with Surreysinger....this thread is a disgrace.

Paul

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 08:52 AM

I've only just found this thread, and I heartily agree with Tom, Ralphie, JohnJ and Brakn.
I so hate to see this utterly needless vilification of a man of taste and integrity, and it epitomises all that can be so bad about Mudcat (and yet the forum can do so much good).
Amen indeed.
Please please let's give Andy the privacy and respect he deserves and close this thread.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 08:54 AM

I think it's difficult to know whether this thread was started in genuine curiosity or out of malice. If we are to give AK the benefit of the doubt (as I think we should) perhaps we should do the same for the OP.

I still don't like Hank Williams, and a prevalance of Hank Williams would put me off listening to the programme, but on the other hand it is far better to have presenters permitted to play what they choose, rather than to have them tied down to playlists.

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: theleveller
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 09:00 AM

Been in a similar position to AK myself and I think this thread stinks.

There but for the grace of god....etc

Subject: RE: What's happened to Andy Kershaw?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 29 Oct 07 - 09:36 AM

Thank You friends
One and all
Ralphie

---

I think this discussion has gone on long enough.
-Joe Offer-