OBIT: John Doonan

Subject: John Doonan
From: Ritchie
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 09:47 AM

It is with great regret that we announce the death of John Doonan on Friday 8th March 2002. The family and friends of John have stated their wish that the show goes ahead as planned as both a Celebration and a Tribute to John and his outstanding achievements. For over half a century, John has had the magic ability to pull a piccolo or penny whistle out of his pocket and set everyone dancing. Part of the very foundation of his home town Hebburn, John's legacy is music, happy music that has spread around the world. His children and grandchildren, friends and those who have never met him, got the John Doonan bug for great 'family' music. John has spent five decades travelling around the globe blowing into a hollow tube and making thousands of people very, happy.

Join his family and pals in music on Sunday 10th March for this Celebration which includes The Doonan Family featuring Northeast folk luminary, Phil Murray, special guests Martin Carthy, Archie Fisher, Maxie, Jim Iriving, BBC Folk Band Of The Year 2002 nominees, TARRAS and many, many more.

I had already bought tickets and was shocked at John's passing and wondered how the night would actually go.

I need n't have worried.... The John Doonan Celebration Concert Sunday 10th March 2002

With almost 800 people, the curtain went up on time at 7.30pm. Local musician and family friend, Jed Grimes went forward to make sure that everyone was aware of what had happened and the determination that this was going to be a very special night in tribute to John. Maxie was next up as compare and stage sweeper to introduce the Doonan Family Band who are Michael and Kevin Doonan, Stu Luckley and northeast folk luminary, Phil Murray. This was the first of three sets from the band which included songs such as "The Black Leg Miner", "The Miners Wife", "Something Inside" and a chance for the dancers to cause a stir with "Big Kerry Reel" Talking of the dancers, they were superb. Many are members of the wider Doonan Family and they really were impressive. Irish dancing of this high standard outside of Ireland is truly remarkable. But there was more with the Three Old Boilers showing us some cracking Appalachian Dancing to hoots and whoops from the admiring crowd. The first of the night's special guests was the excellent and highly respected folk singer, Archie Fisher. With first class sound, Archie sang five songs including, "Border Lands", "Ontario Dust", "Take It Easy" and "Broom Of Cowden Knowles". The crowd warmly appreciated it! Back on with the Doonan Family Band and in turn they introduced more guests for a song. Phil's brother, Jimmy Murray did a superb rendition of "Champion, He Was A Dandy" the humorous story of a fighting dog. Next up it was Bob Fox who has become renowned for his folk singing throughout Britain and around the world. Bob did "Bonny Gateshead Lass", which was the main inspiration behind d his acclaimed album, "Nowt So Good'll Pass". John's son, John Jnr., was next to join the band and the Doonan pedigree was much in evidence as soon as he started to sing. Jed grimes came back on to play and sing, then more brilliant dancing in front of the band. band. Break time.There was a clear Irish influence on the night, the bars were packed! Curtain up on part 2. Getting us well underway, Tarras did three fantastic numbers including the self-penned, "Rising" and "Arizona", finishing with a rousing melody of "Riverdance Reels". Bye the way, Tarras feature the sons of Jimmy and Phil Murray. John's granddaughter, Rosie was next up to sing her own song, "Another Day" which she accompanied on the keyboards, great stuff!I think she will be a very succesful singer in the future. It was fabulous to see the world renowned Martin Carthy take to the stage. Martin has been close friends with the Doonans for many decades and was did not hesitate in accepting the invitation to appear. Songs covered by Martin included, "The Doffing Mistress", "Georgie" and "Heather Down The Moor" plus a cracking instrumental (on the guitar), "Princess Royal". The Doonan Family Band rightly closed the night with a set of songs that also featured another very famous name in folk music, The Elliott's of Birtley. With a mic in the box, together they showed their affinity with John Doonan for Socialist principles. A very special moment. The night ended with the stage packed with musicians and dancers to rapturous applause from a very enthusiastic crowd. Yes the emotions were high, but so was the quality of the show. This was music and dancing at its very best and very uplifting. A fitting tribute to the memory of John Doonan, a man who had given so much to people and music.

John Doonan gone but not forgotten.

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: GUEST,gargoyle
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 11:45 AM

Wonderful, spritly peformer.

If you like Irish music and don't know him...you should vist his musical family's web page.

http://www.doonanfamilyband.co.uk

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 11:58 AM

Ritchie - THANK YOU - for bringing this to our attention..... it probably would have been years before I figured out he was gone.

However, you REALLY should give credit to the New Castle Opera House webpage.

Its OK to rip-off information and post it....as long as you acknowledge the original sources....

http://www.newcastleoperahouse.com/John%20Doonan.htm

THANKS AGAIN,

Gargoyle

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: Noreen
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 01:23 PM

Thanks, Ritchie, for letting us know. They're lovely people.

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: Noreen
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 01:50 PM

Ritchie, could you explain what

With a mic in the box, together they showed their affinity with John Doonan for Socialist principles.

means, please?

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: allanwill
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 02:35 PM

Sorry if this is thread creep.

I'm not familiar with the Doonan Family, but it was interesting to see the references to Bob Fox and Stu Luckley.

I was under the impression the album Nowt So Good'll Pass came out under both their names, and the fact that they were on the same stage together, it's surprising they didn't perform Bonny Gateshead Lass together?

Allan

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 02:40 PM

With John Doonan, Hamish Henderson, and Dave van Ronk all passing in so short a time the folk world has suffered some grievious losses. Condolences to their families. Rest in Peace, friends.

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: gnu
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 02:56 PM

A moment of silence Feadogs all. RIP.

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: Noreen
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 03:30 PM

doonan family band website

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: Dorrie
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 06:17 PM

Oh my god thats really sad i'm in shock!!!

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: John Routledge
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 06:45 PM

Many many years ago I learned from listening to John that there was more to Folk music than singing.

A sad day indeed.

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: Fiolar
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 05:17 AM

So sad - I saw his son when he was part of the group "Matthews, Doonan and Wilson" in 1981 and later in 1982 had the privilege of listening to John himself. Ar Deis De la na hAnam.

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: Ritchie
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 09:35 AM

Normally when I write to a thread it ends it...what a nice suprise. GARGOYLE you are as often right(sorry hope it doesn't happen again however it perhaps will take people to the opera house.

Noreen,..."With a mic in the box, together they showed their affinity with John Doonan for Socialist principles." a good few months ago I went to the davy Lamp folk club to see the Doonan's, particulary because I liked Stu Luckley. It was an excellent night and at one point they introduced guest singers and amongst them were the Elliots from Birtley. They sang the same song they sang on the celebration night .. "a miners life" and everyone joined in waving a clenched fist in the air. I remember thinking that songs like that are harder to write now as ,well socialist principals seem to be remote (thank heavens for Billy Bragg and oh yes, there is a very good song on Christy Moore's new cd about Victer Jara )So it was nice that we had the elliots sitting in one of the boxes in what is a very nice theatre full of for want of a better word or words (comfortably well off people)singing a rather spliffing socalist song. and Allan, if anything I was dissapointed thgat Bob Fox & Stu Luckley only sang 'bonny Gateshead lass' I had hoped they would sing a few more!

keep em rolling Ritchie

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: Noreen
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 05:19 PM

Thanks, Ritchie- I understand now, a theatre box! It wasn't the Socialist principles bit that bothered me, it was who was in the box and why, and what sort of box.... *grin*. I can picture it better now!

Noreen

Subject: RE: OBIT: John Doonan
From: jimlad
Date: 19 Mar 02 - 11:19 AM

Eternal rest grant unto his soul Oh Lord And let perpetual light shine upon him May he rest in peace Amen