Obituary - Nick Strutt (UK, 29 Sept.2009)

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Paul Long
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 06:05 PM

Nick used to play with Jeremy myself and depending how much the fee was other Artist's would play.He also worked with a guy called Steve Dixon doing the Workies playing in between the Bingo and Raffles.He was such a adaptable person and held a Equity card and appered as a nodder (EXTRA) in Corrie sat in the Rovers and also in Emerdale Farm.I was fortunate to meet his parents and Brother Paul who were very middle class and his mother liked Jeremy and myself as we wore Pyjamas.Nick also drove my furniture delivery vehicle and was one of many muso's who worked in the shop.The last time I sang with Nick and Jeremy was at his and Sues Wedding in the late 70's singing The Manchester Rambler.Good HONEST AND HAPPY DAYS.lOOK UP AT THE SKY TONIGHT he will be having a real jam session My love and best wishes to Sue and Kids.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 01:38 AM

RIP Nick, my love and thoughts to your family
Sarah

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Steve and Valda
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 08:43 AM

God bless you nick, You enriched every life you touched, as a muso and a man. Too many great memories to pull out just one or two. I don't think I ever so laughed so hard as when I was in your company. The world is a little darker place for your passing.

Steve and Valda.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 08:52 AM

the wiki entry needs updating,
and a lot more detailed facts and stories
to do justice to Nicks life in music.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Darren Don Maureen Binns - Clear Cut
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 11:59 AM

What more can be said about Nick. He was a true nice guy and a fantastic friend & musician. A LEGEND! A very sad loss to the music scene.

RIP MATE

Darren Don Maureen Binns - Clear Cut
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,John Law
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 03:14 PM

I remember some great times with Nick, me and Andy Seward. Drunk, playing in leeds in that Council thing where we had to shift the busker with the trained dog!!!

The music community has lost a great character!!! I will miss you Nick - MY MAN!!!!!

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Steve Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 09 - 01:49 PM

Heard the sad news from Bev Williams. Thanks Bev for finding me. I first met Nick in 1975 when helping out a friend at a residency in Leeds. Nick and I became good friends, working together as 'Strutt-Dixon Duo' for the next Three years on local Country Music Clubs, Social Clubs, and our own Residencies around the Leeds area. We also had a short TV appearance, along with Nick's 'Folky' friend, Jeremy Wolstenholme, on YTV in 1978.
Nick always amazed me with his brilliant playing and his perfect harmonies, and in particular the way he could flip styles from Folk, Country, and even his amazing 50,s style Rock and roll solos (finger-picked of course, in his own inimitable way).
RIP Nick, you will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Angela Elliott-Hague
Date: 11 Oct 09 - 04:21 PM

I knew Nick from my Dads Band "The Mel Hague Band" I used to love going to watch them and listening to nick play. He always had a big hug & an even bigger smile for me. He used to make me laugh with his jokes & stories & he was such a gentleman. I will never forget you Nick.
Rest in Peace
Angela.xxx.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Sue Strutt
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 03:49 AM

Hi Just letting you all know the post code for the Grove Inn
LS11 5PL.
The parking is very limited at the Grove so if any of you can double up, down the road from the Grove there are park and desplay meters that you can use.

I would like to thank all the people who have sent cards and messages of support for myself and my children Wezley Bradley and Holly at this heart breaking time

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Lizzie Galilee
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 01:54 PM

With sincere condolences to Sue, Wezley, Bradley and Holly. Nick, you will always be remembered for what you gave to music and for the personal help and encouragement you gave to so many people, including myself. RIP, Lizzie.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Josie & Danny McGill
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 12:16 AM

Enjoyed his Company on many occassions along with Hugo,Dodi and Jose
very tallented musician will sadly be missed. Hope your playing your fiddle up there you old bugger!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Bill Holt
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 08:41 AM

To quote one of Nick's sayings, he was never "A load of average".

I have wonderful memories of the time spent with Roger and Nick at the end of the '60's.

Maybe rather than RIP, in Nick's case it should be RIFF - Rest in Friendly Fun.

Bill Holt

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,IAN CLAYTON
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 10:35 AM

nick phoned me earlier this year he'd just finished reading my book
bringing it all back home.he wanted to discuss some ideas with me.I'm starting to work on my own memoirs he said and then launched into a history of music from memory.he covered everything from English music hall to vauderville'country and western to the outer reaches of the folk rock scene.his knowledge was breathtaking and his love of the bizarre made me laugh long after i put the phone down.he rattled off the names of people he'd worked with ' people he admired and then went into a lengthy routine about acts who had appeared in provincial theatres between the wars.i didn't know if he really knew all this from memory or if he was making it up' but it was bloody funny .i mentioned that i had read a book called grace beauty and banjo's nick thought for a bit..i thought the line had gone dead.then he said dear boy the grace and the beauty i understand but its never about fucking banjo's ian clayton...

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,MARGARET PARKER
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 10:48 AM

i first met nick in 1979 he was in a trio called country tones we hit it off straight away.we followed the trio wherever they played we became very good friends.when we took over the pub the shoulder of mutton in castleford nick came to stay for about 2 weeks and ended up staying for nearly 4 years.we had great jamming sessions when other musicians came to see him.he also loved playing domino's he taught me how to make a great spaghetti bolognese.i am really glad that i met him he was a great guy who will be sadly missed with love margaret parker.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,TETLEY DAVE PARKER .
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 11:13 AM

my first memories of nick were in 1979 country music was at its peak in our area.a pub in pontefract advertised the country tones so we all went along in a chevrolet i had at the time .i was on crutches "having fell of the back of a lorry .we were all very impressed by the band and particularly strutts strutt on the mandolin i asked nick if the band would play it again which they did 'this sparked up a very good relationship with my wife and family and we followed them throughout.i ended up as a country music booking agent for several clubs and pubs and got the country tones out wherever i could .then nick began to teach my youngest son to play bass guitar and even loaned him his bass to practice at home 'he drove us crackers with continuous rendition of grandfathers clock and the door is always open.i used to look after nick's car and dave rowinskis tranny van and on occasion rogers motor bike .one day nick came to the pub one afternoon armed with mandolin two guitars and a suitcase and said hey up squire how am i fixed for a few days which lasted for four years
nick brought musical merriment and wit into the pub he was a good domino player but crap at darts.i could go on and on with memories going back 30 years but even as i write tears are falling RIP .nick love.
tetley dave shoulder of mutton castleford

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,STEVE PARKER
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 11:47 AM

i was first introdeced to nick when i was 9 years old he took me under his wing as my bass tutor for 5 years .after this i sped off on my own road progressing along the way .nick was agreat insperatation to me and i could not thank him enough .nick was agreat guy outside my music too showing me how to roll fags and drink cans of long life beer (top man) nick was a great man and a great part of my life cheers nick steve parker aged 39.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,BRUCE AND LINDY
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 11:52 AM

nick will be sadly missed rip nick.    Bruce and Lindy shoulder of mutton castleford

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Nigel Sleeman
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 11:48 AM

I first met Nick at Leeds University along with Steve Warrington, Mike Greenwood, Dave Harkess, Pete Bensimon and many other remarkable characters.

In the early seventies, I lived near Nick in Harehills Avenue, Leeds, and have pleasant memories of Pickles and I taking Sammy, Nick's mischievous dog, for walks in nearby Gledhow Valley Woods. Sammy seemed to have developed many of Nick's traits and was forever examining every new thing he came across with great excitement and stubbornly refusing to obey any instruction.

Nick's genius with music and his mastery of the instruments he played has already been mentioned but one of my warmest memories of Nick is of a different flavour. One sunny afternoon I tentatively asked Nick if he fancied a game of tennis. To my surprise, he immediately agreed. We grabbed a couple of rackets and set off for the tennis courts at nearby Potternewton Park. It soon became apparent that he was a really good player. He seemed to glide effortlessly across the ground to return the ball and all the while wearing a huge grin on his face. It turned out to be a great match. I've no idea who won - probably Nick; I had not realised that Nick was as good an athlete as he was a musician.

Great memories

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,John Hooper
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 02:16 PM

Nick was a good friend to me and helped me in many ways. First met him in 1965/6 on a bus going home from a gig and he has been an important part of my life ever since. We lost contact in the last few years and I regret that. But what a life he had to celebrate! Love you Nick!

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Brad Strutt
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 04:53 PM

THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS (again)
Friday 16th Oct

Please could every one gather at St John's Church. PLEASE NO ONE COME TO THE HOUSE.

Service begins at 11.10 St John's Church Dixon Lane Wortley LS12 4RU

followed by cremation at Lawnswood at 12.20 Otley Road Adel LS16 6AH

Followed by Wake/Jam session at The Grove Back Row Holbeck Leeds LS11 5PL

Black dress optional

PLEASE NO FLOWERS BUT DONATIONS TO Palliative Care East at James Paget Hospital Great Yarmouth

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Deni Fairbairn
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 07:39 PM

I first met Nick on the day he arrived in Leeds to be a fresher at the university.
I have many , many memories of Nick since then, from the Palladium to the Grove!!
Thanks Nick,
Love Deni

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept. 2009
From: GUEST,Ian F.
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 07:53 PM

I have had to live for many years with the retort at home - "I don't care how good you are, you never did the Palladium like Nick did"
I can't argue with that, RESPECT!!!
Ian F.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 04:13 AM

Having read all the above it seems the world has lost a much respected and well loved man.
Never met him or heard him play.
My loss.
Condolences to you all for yours

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Charlie Speed
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 11:21 AM

Nick Strutt R.I.P
Just thinking of the music you played and sponsored,once met never forgotten.
Lv Charlie Speed

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 11:58 AM

Well, that's about it, Nick, if you're reading this, just see how many of us loved you & your music.
We'll do your last gig tomorrow,old lad,
Your pal,
Roger

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Mat White
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 12:12 PM

I never met Nick but i host the wednesday open mic at the Grove Inn. Steve Cockerill informed me of his passing and the role he had in saving the Grove Inn from the clutches of ASDA. Reading this page of tributes he must have been a great guy.

My condolences to all who knew him and i'll make sure that he is remembered to the Grove Open Mic crowd next wednesday.

Kind regards

Mat White

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Toivo
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 12:57 PM

Fond memories of Nick & I gigging together at Granary Wharfe & Leeds Music Festival - we had some fun! Also have a brilliant photo of us dressed up in Rupert the Bear costumes for one of these sessions whilst we were raising money for charity - it got pretty hot in that get-up.
Also had many excellent busking sessions in Wakefield every Friday, sometimes in sub-zero temperatures. It was a pleasure to work with such a talented musician as Nick - he even worked out how to play one of my Estonain tunes with a flattened 5th chord on guitar - I was on accordion.
These fond memories will live on Nick - RIP dear boy.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Lynn
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 01:09 PM

Thanks for the friendship, thanks for the laughter, i'll really miss you. Sorry I cann't be there to see you off. Toodle pip old chap xx

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,gerry brownridge
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 01:10 PM

Have known and loved Nick since the late 70's and done numerous gigs with him over the years the last ones being at a sea front "Irish" bar in Cleethorpes which we used to play at every 6 weeks for a couple of years.They are nights that I'll never forget.The great music and the laughs both on the journey there and back. Nick was one in a million.He was a true friend who was always there with good advise and a few jokes.I will miss him immensly.God bless you mate,Love you,
Gerry.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 01:16 PM

We are going to Mucky Muldoons tonight
Its a sea front "Irish Bar" in Cleethorpes.
;-)

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Steve Cockerill
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 01:34 PM

I've just being reading all the above. I was in the background of many of these wonderful stories. I knew him as an audience does for many years and enjoyed his wonderful humour. His musicianship was both unique and exceptional.

In the late 80s I began to sing at his Jam Session, which although run very well since I still think of as his night. He encouraged me to sing and I thank him for that. I was heavily involved with researching for the NUM around the same time and we'd have good, deep, angry political conversations about the whole thing and the political trends. He cared so much about the underdog. He wrote a song for us to record called Albion Tragedy, a Glory, Glory, Hallelluya but on the plight of the UK collier. I'll bring the lyrics along tomorrow, to share.

In the early 90s I remember picking him up from home, laughing with Sue and the gang of three.

I remember Wez chasing Nick around with a broom once... he deserved it! What a man... what fond memories...

Hi Sue, sorry I've not been in touch of late. See y'all tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oc
From: GUEST,Dave Hutch
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 05:05 PM

I first met Nick in the early 70's. Our paths crossed many times and in many places. Sadly no more. My thoughts are with Sue, Wesley, Bradley and Holly

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oc
From: GUEST,goff greenwood
Date: 21 Oct 09 - 04:43 AM

nick was an integral part of the radio leeds country shows with roger. I met him long before I started the show as presenter and with myself & mike storey it ran for 20 years. He also made a large contribution to the records I put out by Hugo Mc Gill, Doc & Chickie Williams and Tommy Collins. I recall being so impressed by his ability to switch from mandolin to lead electric guitar with ease and he worked for me in the studios as session leader. He was a talent that should have gone on to even greater things. Last time I was in contact he was working with my friend Hugo Mc Gill in yarmouth-the baby face comment on a previous posting is very true-he never seemed to get older-in looks or disposition. Fond memories of a gentle and occasionally eccentric friend.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 21 Oct 09 - 01:32 PM

Mike Harding tells me he is giving Nick's passing a mention on his Radio Two programme tonight

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Sue Wesley Bradley Holly Strutt
Date: 22 Oct 09 - 07:38 AM

We would like to thank everyone who turned up at the church and crematorium on Friday 16th October, and a big thank you to all who came to The Grove and played. The amount of people who came up to me and the children to say it was the best funeral they had ever been to! I think we did Nick proud. Last, but not least, a special BIG thank you to Roger and Brian - you were fantastic. Thank you all once again.
Sue, Wesley, Bradley and Holly

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Paul Strutt
Date: 26 Oct 09 - 08:24 AM

I would like to extend my own thanks to all who came to Nick's funeral some of whom travelled hundreds of miles to be there. It was a true celebration and I was pleased to meet so many of Nick's friends from school days, university days and musicians and friends alike. Sorry that I did not get a chance to speak to Bob Pegg and Richie Bull in particular but again, thanks for coming. Special thanks to Roger and Brian - a pleasure to hear them sing despite the difficult cicumstances. Nick would have been absolutely over the moon with such a magnificent turnout! Paul

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Simon Reed
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 02:59 PM

Memories, fantastic, fun filled memories, songs, stories, laughter, jokes, drink and smoke! God bless you mate R.I.P.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Chris Merchant
Date: 13 Nov 09 - 05:30 PM

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 12:55 PM

paul thank you for your lovley card the tears were falling it was my pleasure and privledge to have know nike and to have been a freind and him to have been a freind of mine still miss hearing he voice and his cheekyness miss him always love and kisses and best regards to all lul.uxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt 29 Sept.- funeral 16 Oct
From: GUEST,Mark Peers (JBW Jug Band)
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 01:42 PM

We have lived in Spain for the last 9 year so a bit out of touch and have only just found this thread and sadly learnt of Nick passing away last year. I have many fond memories of Nick from the 60's and enjoyed Nick and Roger's music many times.

The photos sent by Paul "the Prince George Hotel" Reade show Nick & Roger playing with the Jug & Bottle Washers Jug Band in a jam sesssion at the Whitby Folk Festival in 67 or 68. Nice of Tyke to think I was Mark Knoffler its the haircut! I also have photos taken at the same event which show Jon Rennard busking with the Jug BAND on the pier. Jon Rennard also sadly passed away in 1971

Nick's passing is a great loss to music. My memories of Nick are from the 60's & 70's when I remember his humour and smiley face and determination to live life in his own way.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt (UK, 29 Sept.2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Sep 10 - 06:05 PM

One year how time flys I hope you have found peace at last Nick Love you always Sue Good nigh God bless xxxx

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt (UK, 29 Sept.2009)
From: Tyke
Date: 29 Sep 10 - 12:12 AM

9 years in spain well you won't understand this comment Mark. But I should have gone to Specksave!

Your not forgotton Nick we are all just keeping quiet in the hope that the Devil dosn't know that you have past on.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt (UK, 29 Sept.2009)
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 29 Sep 10 - 05:11 AM

A year went by really fast, Nick, you aren't forgotten.
"Nights I'll never remember, with a friend I'll never forget"
Roger

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt (UK, 29 Sept.2009)
From: GUEST,Vince Doherty
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 06:25 PM

Two years late I have just learned of Nick's sad passing. Knew him at Romford Folk Club and on many Saturday nights when he was a boy in Essex and we were all young listening to people like Doc Watson, Ralph Rinzler, Tom Clarence Ashley, Sandy and Jeannie and Paul Simon.
Sorry I lost touch with him. He achieved somuch and was obviously much loved. My condolences to his family

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt (UK, 29 Sept.2009)
From: GUEST,Richie Bull
Date: 22 Jan 12 - 11:49 AM

Vince Doherty !!!!!!!!!! Many happy memories of the White Swan.

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt (UK, 29 Sept.2009)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 25 Apr 15 - 04:16 AM

Does anyone have any info on Les Western? He taught me to play guitar back in the early 60's. We played together at a few clubs in Essex, mainly Chelmsford,also in Newquay for peanuts and left over pasties. He was living near Southend in those days

Subject: RE: Obituary - Nick Strutt (UK, 29 Sept.2009)
From: tritoneman
Date: 25 Apr 15 - 06:19 PM

I seem to remember seeing Les Western with the Southern Ramblers. I heard somewhere that, at some point, he was still building instruments.
Graham