Obit: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011

Subject: John Watt R.I.P
From: Johnny J
Date: 31 Oct 11 - 06:33 AM

Just read this sad news elsewhere...

BGM writes

"I'm very sorry to have to let 'stompers know that arch-Fifer John Watt passed away peacefully in Perth Royal Infirmary in the early hours of this morning.
John was involved in starting the Howff folk club in Dunfermline, one of Scotland's very first folk clubs. He was a founder member of The Great Fife Road Show, and well known for his duo work with Davey Stewart, and for his many compositions, the best known of which is probably 'the Kelty Clippie'.

John is scheduled for inclusion in the Scots Traditional Music Hall of Fame at this year's Scots Trad Awards.

Brian"


http://www.footstompin.com/public/forum?threadid=1623264

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P
From: Kenny B (inactive)
Date: 31 Oct 11 - 08:00 AM

Sad to see John go
A great sonwriter and a brilliant performer and character
A man with a sense of humour who could tranlate it into lyrics.

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P
From: Vic Smith
Date: 31 Oct 11 - 08:08 AM

A truly great songwriter with a great way with words, a very creative force, the ideal compere, a skilled linguist, a really funny man and always good company.
I haven't seen John for decades but I will always carry many happy memories of being with him in Blairgowrie, Kinross and Milnathort.

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P
From: wendyg
Date: 31 Oct 11 - 08:42 AM

I have his record from the 1970s - some really great songs on it. Sorry to hear this.

wg

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 31 Oct 11 - 12:18 PM

I have known John Watt since the early 1960's. I always considered him to be one of the great ones. A real, genuine man, witty, good company,creative, a great character. A man you don't meet every day.
Farewell John. It was very good to have known you.

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: open mike
Date: 31 Oct 11 - 12:35 PM

here are some other links and info posted on the stompin' site:

So sorry to hear this: it just follows only hours after the very successful weekend in Dunfermline, celebrating 50 years since the start of the Howff, at which many of the performers spoke of their great affection for John, knowing that he was very unwell in PRI.
A presentation of a painting featuring John and the Howff was made to his wife, and he was also remembered in the photographic exhibition of the Howff''s early days..

http://www.springthyme.co.uk/1002/index.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sm86Ds9tRY

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: GUEST,John Moulden
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 12:06 PM

I first met John in the sixties already knowing of him through the publication of Pittenween Jo in Norman Buchan's 101 Scottish Songs. I met him more recently at New Years Day events organised by Pete Shepheard. He had a wonderful dry humour and despite his ill health of recent years was full of life. He will be remembered and his loss felt for a very long time.

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: GUEST,Trevor Sheridan
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 03:19 PM

Great memories of John from the festivals at Blairgowrie, Kinross, Muchty and other times in between..........Watt a bloke !!!

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 03:33 PM

A true original!
My first awareness of John was from the printing of 'Pittenweem Jo' in '101 Scottish Songs', and I've used his 'Keltie Clippie' more recently in workshops and in classes with traditional music students -- and every time the response has been unalloyed delight!
I saw him last at the latest Collessie Song Weekend and he was in superb form, running rings round his interviewer and the audience, to everyone's great entertainment.
A lovely, talented man with a real understanding of people and their motivations -- he will be much missed.

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: GUEST,Grant Dawson, Houston Texas.
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 05:08 PM

Even here in Texas, where they have trouble understanding those wee folk from across the pond, John's Kelltie Clippie raised the roof many a night in our local. He was a great writer and his lyrics truly captured the place and time.
Y'all rest in peace, know your song lyrics were loved even in Texas.

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 11 - 05:50 PM

Such a sad passing. Much loved and will be much missed. Condolences to Cathie and all the family.

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 04:45 PM

Only just picked up on this sad news...
I eventually had the privilege of meeting him (for the very first and it turned out, only time) at the Fife Sing last year.
What a character, and what a great songsmith!
My condolences to Cathie and the family.

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: GUEST,Dougie bell
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 04:44 PM

The passing of an unforgettable man leaves me stunned! I only knew him in the last few years , even with his failing health he was a special character ,instantly loveable with pure wit and centre of attention wherever he went( especially in the commongrounds where he would come in and toss his scotch pie onto the table and have his light lunch with a coffee and cake , great crack would be had with endless stories ! A smile that would melt anyone. John was simply one o a kind!

Subject: RE: John Watt R.I.P (arch-Fifer) October 2011
From: bruceCMR
Date: 09 Nov 11 - 02:23 PM

We (Celtic Music Radio) are broadcasting a tribute at the moment - from 7pm-10pm tonight (UK time) - repeated at 1am and noon tomorrow.

Gordon Hotchkiss will present a special tribute programme featuring a rare interview by Jimmy Hutchison, recorded last year at the Fife Singing Weekend.

He will also be joined in the studio by Rab Noakes, who produced John's 2000 CD "Heroes". They will be reminiscing on the contribution that John made over the years to Scottish culture and play tracks from his two albums Shores of the Forth recorded in 1976 with Davey Stewart and the Beggars Mantle Ceilidh Band and his more recent CD Heroes, released in 2000.

If you want to share any memories, you can contact Gordon while we're on air, at [e-mail].

The programme will be broadcast live from 7pm-10pm on Wednesday, repeated at 1am and noon on Thursday.

1530kHz around Glasgow and at http://www.celticmusicradio.net/