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The Matthews Brothers - where are they?

09 Jun 99 - 07:04 PM (#85316)
Subject: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Captain Swing(peter@cptswing.karoo.co.uk)

Does anyone know what happened to the Matthews Brothers. They were a brilliant NE England/Irish duo in the 70s/80s (that's the 1970s/80s not theirs


09 Jun 99 - 09:21 PM (#85365)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: bill\sables

Last time I heard the Mathews Bros. they were playing the folk clubs with the Greahan Sisters but that was way back in the early Seventies and I hav'nt heard of them since. Cheers Bill


09 Jun 99 - 11:11 PM (#85396)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Liam's Brother

It is funny that you should ask? They were supposed to play at our folk club in NYC about 1980 and they didn't turn up. When I asked their agent about it, he told me they had fallen in love (or maybe somthing else) with a couple of lassies in Georgia or South Carolina. I never did get to meet them but I really did like their demo tape... great straight-on, no frills folk music.

Are they still in the sunny Southland?

All the best,
Dan


10 Jun 99 - 12:40 AM (#85422)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: bseed(charleskratz)

see note after following thread.


22 Feb 04 - 01:32 PM (#1121151)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Maurice

Larry divides his time between Canada and Germany but also has spent a lot of time in recent years in Kerry, Ireland...their mother was from Glenbeigh. Terry lived in Killorglin, Co. Kerry, until a few months ago but has now returned to England...don't know where. They played for some time with a Tralee-based band called Spalpeen, then as a duo for awhile but I think they haven't played together for some years now. Terry used to play regularly in pubs around the Killorglin and Killarney area up to last year (2003). Their music was, as some one said above, straight ahead and no frills, but well performed and good to listen to. When he was on form Terry was an absolutly dazzling banjo player...I first came across him in the '60's when he was still a teenager and even then he was amazing. It would be great to see them get together again...in the meantime I wish them well.
P.S...as far as I remember they spell it "Mathews"...might be wrong, though.


22 Feb 04 - 01:46 PM (#1121161)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Kees

The last time I saw them was, I think, in the early 80's at a festival in Moergestel, Netherlands. The first day they performed as "The Mathews Brothers" and the next day they were joined by Tony Wilson & Mick Doonan (Doonan Family Band)and were announced as Mathews' Wilson & Doonan. From both line-up's i have an LP and they are really good. The Mathews Brothers - A Kiss in the Morning early (1978). The otherone is called: Mathews. Wilson. Doonan (1981).


22 Feb 04 - 06:04 PM (#1121352)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: rodentred

Pleased to hear that they are alive and kicking. I had fears for their livers when I last saw them in the late 70s. I love the album 'Kiss in the Morning early' good solid stuff, well sung.


23 Feb 04 - 04:17 PM (#1122030)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST

Never saw the Matthews Brothers unfortunately, but I also have a cassete of the album'Kiss in the Morning Early', which I won in a raffle years ago. I played it ots, but never did work out the words in the last line of the title song. Can anyone help me out?


23 Feb 04 - 09:01 PM (#1122242)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Tig

Having spent a LOT of time with them in the 70's (my male at that time was a close friend of theirs) I understand the two of them had a fall out - good to hear that they are still playing, even if separately. Had a soft spot for both of them, but especially Terry. would appreciate any contact nos etc.


23 Feb 04 - 09:53 PM (#1122278)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST

hello


24 Feb 04 - 08:54 PM (#1123067)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,JohnM

I'm also glad to here they are both still alive and kicking :-)

They played in Stoke-on-Trent quite a few times, in the 70's, and I saw them each time (brilliant each time - great fun and always full of enthusiasm). They stayed at my parents house after one gig and the next day we had an impromptu set down the local pub :-)

Didn't see them for a while after that and then I was on hols in Scotland and saw a sign saying they were playing in Fort William so called in to see them (bought a copy of "Kiss in the morning early" signed by both the lads. My son's, both musicians, love the album :-)


11 Jul 08 - 01:26 PM (#2386719)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,paul s


11 Jul 08 - 01:31 PM (#2386724)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Folkiedave

I remember they shared a house with the Grehan's in Hyde Rd. Manchester (or similar - it was a long time ago!)That would be early 70's.


11 Jul 08 - 03:25 PM (#2386827)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Blowzabella

I've got 'Kiss in the Morning Early' tooo ... I used to sit transfixed watching the tendons in their arms when they were playing guitar *swoon*


11 Jul 08 - 04:30 PM (#2386885)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: The Sandman

last time I heard,which was at least ten years ago.
Larry was living in Ireland.


12 Jul 08 - 08:39 AM (#2387270)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Maurice

I met Terry last wednesday in Killorglin at his aunt's funeral, looking very well. He still plays in sessions around the area. Larry doesn't spend much time in Ireland but comes for a few weeks in Summer.


13 Jul 08 - 02:46 AM (#2387650)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: r.padgett

This is interesting as the earliest I remember is that they lived in Wakefield West Yorkshire and I saw probably one of their earliest gigs at Barnsley Civic Hall

Tig is from Doncaster and of course Mick Doonan now lives in Wakefield

Always wondered what happened to them

Ray

"step it out Mary my fine daughter" ~ a favourite


13 Jul 08 - 08:57 PM (#2388095)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,arlomaniac

They came up in conversation with a 'folk friend' this evening and it's great to find some info on the web.

I saw them in Nov 1971 at a folk club in Matlock. They started off the session with what could only be described as Les Dawson does folk - brilliantly out of tune and sync. After about a minute they laughed and swapped instruments - needless to say the impact was made! A brilliant evening.


14 Sep 08 - 04:39 PM (#2440252)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Big G Thomas

What a great album A kiss In the Morning Early is. I have a copy of the record signed by both Terry and Larry after they had played a gig at McTavish's Kitchen in Fort William.Fantastic.


14 Sep 08 - 07:18 PM (#2440404)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Fuzzy

Saw 'em in McTavish's Kitchen,Fort William, in the hot summer (for Scotland) of 1976. They were brill. I'm trying to discover the lyrics to their "I'm leaving Mushendirken (?) 'cos I'm sick 'en tired of workin'". Can anybody help ?


15 Sep 08 - 10:24 AM (#2440957)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Northerner

I saw them in the early 70s in our university folk club (Bradford). They were really enjoyable. They were very complimentary about my singing too. I hadn't been singing floor spots very long. I always have a soft spot for performers who compliment my singing (or storytelling). Good to reminisce about them.


25 Sep 08 - 03:01 AM (#2449467)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,larry


25 Sep 08 - 03:44 AM (#2449477)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Betsy At Work

Fuzzy , Look up " MUIRSHEEN DURKIN " in Mudcat Lyrics for your song.

As for Larry and Terry , they " peaked " too early in their musical lives , fortunately I saw them many times , and had many a pint with them when they were at their peak.
Good luck to 'em wherever they are I'm sure their respectiove skills couldn't have diminished - they were outstanding.


25 Sep 08 - 07:09 AM (#2449571)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Mat

Hi all.

My name is Michael - I am the younger brother of Terry and Larry. Not a professional musician but I do play the Irish flute in the odd session.

Both Larry and Terry are still playing. Larry is still playing the fiddle, guitar and singing. Now though he is based in Hamburg with a band of his own (www.larrymathews.de)whilst Terry is still plucking the bango, mandolin and guitar down in Kerry.

Playing in sessions around the place, I still come across a lot of people who have fond memories of the two (as well as with Mick Doonan and Tony Wilson), which I always relay back to them.

So, any messages you might have, feel free to either pass through me or go directly to Larry's website. I generally chat with either one of them once or twice aweek.

All the best.

Michael Mathews


25 Sep 08 - 11:01 AM (#2449826)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Betsy at Work

Hello Michael, I will " PM " from home.
I was also nice of you to confirm the number of "t's " in Mathews !!!


26 Sep 08 - 12:36 PM (#2450952)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST

My pleasure! What does 'PM' mean?

Michael Mathews


26 Sep 08 - 01:54 PM (#2451016)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Betsy

Hi Michael,
The personal message is exactly what it means, for example (you or I) mightn't want to show (on this thread) our Email Addresses, telephone Nos personal details etc., and the PM is the best way of exchanging etc.Firstly you'll need to join Mudcat (there's no charge or heavy commitment).It (appears) you haven't joined because I have tried sending to - Mat - the name you used a couple of posts previously and the system doesn't recognise you.
Go back to the first Mudcat Page and at the top of the Page there is a part "Membership."
Just fill that bit in – there's nothing sinister in giving a few details – it (sometimes Joe !! ) helps the Organisers in stopping loonies entering the site , or posting dodgy material – and then you're up and running .

How's That?


26 Sep 08 - 06:15 PM (#2451222)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Tig

Thanks Mat.

When I was with my first husband (Alan Wood) I spent many happy hours with the lads, including weekends at your house. It's good to hear they are still playing. Thanks to the link to Larry's site.

Mick Haywood and I were talking about them at Whitby as neither of us had heard of them for a while.

Please give them my love and hugs. They knew me as Chris.


26 Sep 08 - 07:30 PM (#2451270)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Mat

Hi Tig

That brings back memories wow. I remember Alan well!! Do you still have any contact with him?

Larry was over last March. He stayed in my flat here in Sheffield and we went off to a few of the numerous sessions together. I know he called over to see Mick Doonan and a few of his old friends from around the Wakefield area.

You should drop him a line - he will be pleased to hear from you.

Michael


26 Sep 08 - 08:54 PM (#2451311)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Dartford Warbler

Excellent news!

Kiss in the Morning Early was one vinyl I missed out on getting all those years ago. Rectified by eBay a couple of years ago!
Mathews, Doonan, Wilson - a classic - with a wonderful version of My Bonnie Light Horseman.

http://www.larrymathews.de/


28 Sep 08 - 08:09 AM (#2452059)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Betsy

Michael did you get my PM ( look at the top of the opening page of Mudcat where it should inform you,using a Red Number how many messages you have received ) .

Cheers
Betsy


01 Oct 08 - 07:03 PM (#2455234)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Fuzzy

Thanks for your help Betsy. Is Muirsheen Durkin a real place ? You've got to understand I'm just an English twit. Speaking of which, I actually saw the Matthews Brothers in 1975 at McTavish's Kitchen, Fort William, not 1976 as earlier stated. The confusion was caused by the fact that Scotland actually had two hot summers in a row, if anybody can believe that.
Once again, thanks Betsy, (luvly name)


02 Oct 08 - 04:58 AM (#2455441)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Betsy at Work

Hiya Fuzzy,
I don't think it's a place – he's singing the song to someone of that name.

Google this ….http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muirsheen_Durkin


Wikipedia isn't the greatest reference tool , but it seems to fit with my understanding of the contents of the song .
( It even has all the words of the song)

Cheers Betsy


02 Oct 08 - 08:25 PM (#2455999)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Fuzzy

Thanks Betsy.
Muirsheen Durkin a person ? Never occurred to me he might be singing to presumably a member of the opposite sex. But its strange that he would admit to her that he visits places of ill repute !
I'll use your info. and check into it further.


03 Oct 08 - 07:34 PM (#2456779)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Fuzzy

OK Betsy


04 Oct 08 - 04:28 PM (#2457285)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Fuzzy

Sorry Betsy. My previous message somehow got shortened. I was trying to state the fact that Muirsheen Durkin is (was) actually a man. This is despite the Dubliners doing a version of the song that was called "Goodbye Mrs Durkin". Cheers.


06 Jul 10 - 11:49 AM (#2940692)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,FolkFan

I remember the days of The Mathews brothers,mainly in late 70s Arundel,Sussex,where they were very popular, but also at the Burnt Post in Coventry with Doonan and Wilson: what a great band!I particularly liked 'Bonnie light horseman'(with plaintive tin whistle),'Rambling suiler','The Galbally farmer' and 'Binnorie',in fact almost everything on the 2 albums mentioned,and learnt some of them myself.A colleague and I sang 'Step it out Mary' at a school staff 'do'!
The performances I saw felt very special;great vocals and fantastic instrumentals.


30 Aug 10 - 10:11 AM (#2975855)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Biörn Landahl, Gothenburg, Sweden

Fancy that! More who ask where the Mathew Bros have gone. Just came to think of ittoday or yesterday. I also have great memories from when they played in Gotheburg a month in 1978. I also went to see them in Rochdale. I keep up the Paddy music in sessions in Gothenburg once a month. Sing and play the banjo - that Terry taught me!
Please pass on my greetings to the boys! Thanks.
Biörn Landahl now living in Trollhättan, Sweden


22 Nov 10 - 11:25 AM (#3038005)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,zack

I've got the "kis in the morning early" LP. Which is signed by both. And I want to sell, so if anyone is interested you can mail me at: just2getarap@live.nl


22 Nov 10 - 05:46 PM (#3038246)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Betsy

Nice to see the Web Site - a great pair of performers.


22 Nov 12 - 05:34 AM (#3440307)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Marie

Is Terry still about...I knew him well from Mactavish,s kitchen days


26 Nov 15 - 01:02 AM (#3753634)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Jack Westwood

And is this the Marie that I recall from McT's???


15 Jan 16 - 02:36 PM (#3765794)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Brian Rees Jones

I have very fond memories of Terry with his guitar singing the kinks song "lazing on a sunny afternoon"on a hot beach here in North Wales in his speedos.In 3 minutes there must have been a hundred people around us. Also of Larry and his son coming out in our fishing boat "cariad" it must have been about 1982.    If you ever read this Michael ,i.d love for you to get in touch, you were like a big brother to me between 10 to 20 years old,   the last time I saw you was when you lived in Bethesda Bach near Caernarfon in the late 90's    so if anyone knows the wherabouts of Michael ,I presume you have moved from Bristol/Sheffield   please get in touch Brian (Margo's brother)


18 Jan 16 - 07:52 AM (#3766486)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Harmonium Hero

And is this the Jack Westwood I recall from McT's???.....Has to be; there can't be two of them, surely?
As to your query - I wondered the same thing...
John Kelly.


23 Jan 16 - 01:28 AM (#3767482)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Guest Marie

So you two are still alive and kicking then lol


23 Jan 16 - 01:29 AM (#3767483)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Guest Marie

And I nearly married Terry we got engaged


26 Jan 16 - 12:09 PM (#3768309)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Harmonium Hero

Yes. Very much alive and kicking in my case. Still singing - banging my head against a brick wall, bur still at it. If they ever give an award for sheer bloody-minded persistance, I'm in with a chance. Often wondered what you were up to. I thought you had married Terry. Fancy you showing up on here! If you look at my website, you can hear some of what I'm doing, and see some videos (the beard is gone now!). It would be nice to hear from you. I'm not putting my email address on here, but if you join Mudcat - which costs nothing and doesn't commit you to anything - you can sent a personal (i.e. private) message - a PM.
Alternatively, if you get on the website, there's an info@ link which enables you to email me. You'd want to do it soon; the website expires next month, and will be getting replaced, but I might not be able to get the same domain name.
Can't tell you anything about Larry or Terry though; all I've heard is what's on this thread, which pops up now and again. Billy Bracken is still going - now living in Ireland. And you'll remember George, with whom I did the residency in '79. That's Gina now. The videos were recorded in her place in Halifax. And you may or may not have heard that Stellan died a couple of years back. Oh, and McT's burned down a couple of years ago also!
Get in touch. John.
John


26 Jan 16 - 12:13 PM (#3768312)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Harmonium Hero

Jack....you still out there? see above comments about contacting me! BTW, either of you know what happened to Isobel?
John.


26 Jan 16 - 12:16 PM (#3768315)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Harmonium Hero

Ha! forgot to mention the website address. Cor, wotamilike?
It's harmoniumhero.com
John.


28 Jan 16 - 11:42 AM (#3768806)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,JMG from France

I saw them two times at McTavish Kitchen in Fort William. In july 1977, they played some songs amidst others bands. In 1979, they were the bosses! I bought (and keep preciously) their "A Kiss In The Morning Early" LP, including some fine songs like "Step It Out Mary". They were very friendly with their audience, and talk to everybody after the show.


03 Feb 16 - 10:34 AM (#3770344)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Harmonium Hero

Isn't it tantalising when somebody you haven't seen or heard of in 36 years suddenly pops up on an internet forum - not unlike this one, in fact - and then disappears again into the cyber-ether? Imagine what it would be like if two of them did it, one after the other.... Jack and Marie - you still out there? See my posts before the one above. John Kelly.


04 Feb 16 - 05:29 AM (#3770505)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: scouse

Years ago I did an MC spot at the MSG. The boys plus the Grehan sisters was the line up.. Seem to remember Christy Moore turning up wanting to have a Newcastle brown drinking competition...Oh Dear....!


26 May 17 - 02:52 PM (#3857295)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Mick

We booked them at the Star club in Birmingham a few times in the mid 70's when I helped to run it. Always a great act. I too have a signed copy of A Kiss in the early Morning. Have been trying to get a copy on cd without success. So glad they are still around.


05 Jul 18 - 12:20 PM (#3935480)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Guest kaz

Larry now with a band & living in Germany. You tube him "Larry Mathews musican "& he will pop up,as always !


05 Jul 18 - 12:24 PM (#3935481)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Kaz

Loved the Arundel days & in Tralee , the criac was mighty !!x


27 Nov 18 - 11:57 AM (#3963594)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST

I saw the Mathews Brothers at Poynton Folk Club during the late 70's and it was a pity they only made one record. Larry is traceable but try as I might can't find anything on Terry and neither cd's or LP's are easily searched for. If anyone comes up with anything?


29 Nov 18 - 01:59 PM (#3963909)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: Spailpin

terry still living in killorglin , co kerry , plays in a few local sessions ... larry as you know in germany ...


12 Apr 20 - 03:16 PM (#4045674)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,guest

I was summer staff at McTavishs Kitchens in Fort Willian in the late 70's They were two of the nicest , most unassuming people. They created a fantastic evening atmosphere at their shows. I am very pleased they seem to be well and still playing.


12 May 23 - 07:19 AM (#4172041)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Guest

If you remember the Mathews Brothers from the 1970's then this YouTube upload may be of interest!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvhD3ONmqWc

Enjoy


12 May 23 - 07:33 AM (#4172042)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST

I do not think that both of them are still playing.


07 Oct 23 - 11:06 AM (#4183181)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Julie

Omg...searching for Irish music and somehow ended up here, I worked in .cTavishes and loved these guys, you too Bill...you sang Dirty old townone night just for me. I'm now in Oz but will never forget those two summers


07 Oct 23 - 11:06 AM (#4187046)
Subject: RE: The Matthews Brothers - where are they?
From: GUEST,Julie

Omg...searching for Irish music and somehow ended up here, I worked in .cTavishes and loved these guys, you too Bill...you sang Dirty old townone night just for me. I'm now in Oz but will never forget those two summers