2024 Obit: Tony Hillyard, New Zealand

Subject: Obit: Tony Hillyard, New Zealand
From: Little Robyn
Date: 28 Mar 24 - 11:05 PM

In the early hours of 18th March 2024, singer Tony Hillyard passed away after a battle with cancer.
I don't know how well known he was in other parts of the world but there are several videos of Tony singing with Victoria Vigenser a few years back.
Tony and Vic singing Bonny Light Horseman
Another singer taken much too soon.
RIP Tony

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Tony Hillyard, New Zealand
From: Maryrrf
Date: 31 Mar 24 - 08:43 PM

I'm not on Mudcat very much anymore, and I don't know Tony Hillyard, but I clicked on the link. What an incredibly beautiful version of Bonny Light Horseman.

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Tony Hillyard, New Zealand
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 03 Apr 24 - 09:04 AM

I agree with Maryrrf. I had not heard of Tony Hillyard either, but Little Robyn's recommendation is always sound and the video of Tony and Vic is delightful. Tony is someone I should have liked to have known. I have added him to the "In Memoriam" thread and send my condolences to all those who know and love him.

RIP Tony.

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Tony Hillyard, New Zealand
From: NigelParry
Date: 04 Apr 24 - 05:40 PM

Such a sad loss. I feel honoured to have known Tony as a friend, bandmate, musician and critical ear on folk recordings.

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Tony Hillyard, New Zealand
From: GUEST,CopperBeech
Date: 05 Apr 24 - 02:36 AM

I wasn't close with Tony, but we sang together in late night sessions at the local folk music festival most years. He got me to come along to TradFest (a camping event several hours away) a couple years back, and picked me to sing in the evening concert he was organising. I almost chickened out, but in the end I sang four songs in front of a barn full of people. My offerings were very well received and Tony looked so smug afterwards, like I was this gem he'd found and gifted to his audience. Though he didn't know that much about me besides that I knew a bunch of tunes and could sing them tolerably well, I've rarely felt so seen or so valued.

Thank you, Tony.

Subject: RE: 2024 Obit: Tony Hillyard, New Zealand
From: vectis
Date: 06 Apr 24 - 12:42 AM

Tony was originally from England, London I think, and was a great advocate of English Trad folk. That said he could, and did, play bluegrass, C&W and pop when the occasion called for any or all of them. He will be very much missed here in NZ.