Obit: John Mann(Spirit of the West) (1961-2019)

Subject: Obit: John Mann(Spirit of the West) 1961 -2019
From: StephenH
Date: 21 Nov 19 - 06:58 PM

John Mann, charismatic lead singer and songwriter of Canadian band, Spirit of the West, died yesterday in Vancouver, BC, of early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 57.

Obit from the Globe and Mail:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-spirit-of-the-west-singer-john-mann-dies-at-57/

A lot of great songs came from John Mann, and the music he and Spirit
of the West made really illustrated what an apt name they had chosen.
There was just something about it that evoked the West Coast of Canada.
Condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Mann(Spirit of the West) (1961-2019)
From: Joe G
Date: 21 Nov 19 - 08:53 PM

Such sad news. A tremendous performer and songwriter. He will be very much missed. Spirit of the West were one of the best bands I have ever seen RIP John. You made the world a better place

Subject: RE: Obit: John Mann(Spirit of the West) (1961-2019)
From: GUEST,RichardG
Date: 22 Nov 19 - 05:10 AM

Spirit of the West at their best (which for my money was Labour Day but they released so many fantastic albums) were as good as anything I've heard in the past 40 years or so when it comes to modern folk music. Songs such as Darkhouse and Political combined being clever and catchy in a way few could match. John was fantastic in everything he did. So sad he's gone, but he leaves an incredible legacy. We're lucky to have had him.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Mann(Spirit of the West) (1961-2019)
From: GUEST,Kenny
Date: 22 Nov 19 - 12:48 PM

I'm very sad to hear that. The "Spirits" were very popular in the mid 1980s in Scotland certainly, after making some outstanding appearances at the Edinburgh Folk Festivals at that time. I was very happy to have booked them to perform at Aberdeen Folk Club on several occasions. Some of the liveliest nights we ever had, and John was an outstanding performer and songwriter.
My condolences to his family and friends - RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: John Mann(Spirit of the West) (1961-2019)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 26 Nov 19 - 03:11 PM

John's passing was indeed very sad news. The band "spirit of the West" was very highly regarded and much of this success rested with John through his voice and songwriting ability. There is much to read on the web. My condolences to all those who know and love him.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: John Mann(Spirit of the West) (1961-2019)
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 26 Nov 19 - 03:21 PM

So so sad! They were very popular in Yorkshire in the 80s and we followed them around. Vancouver and all of Canada will surely be in mourning. They are still the most played artists on our car CD player.
Condolences to the band and family.