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22 Jun 11 - 03:43 AM (#3174320) Subject: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,Doc Rowe The most upsetting and saddest news that I've ever been asked to pass on is the fact that our dear friend Mike Waterson left us in the early hours. He died at 3.00 a.m. today 22nd June. We'll miss him so much – a great man! |
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22 Jun 11 - 03:48 AM (#3174322) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST As so often, words are not enough for sadnesses like this. |
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22 Jun 11 - 03:52 AM (#3174327) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: nutty Such a sad loss - Mike was a great character and a very talented songwriter. My thoughts are with his family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 03:56 AM (#3174328) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Bonnie Shaljean A terrible loss. Mike was huge fun, a talented singer, and a true gent. What a sad dawning of Midsummer Day. My thoughts and warmest wishes are with the family. I will never forget Mike. Bonnie |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:10 AM (#3174333) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Wheatman Very sad, but what a legacy he has left us all. Gan canny Brian |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:12 AM (#3174336) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Silas Dreadful news. |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:16 AM (#3174340) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: MoorleyMan So so sad - words are inadequate. It will take some time for this to sink in. My deepest sympathies and condolences to all the clan. |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:25 AM (#3174345) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Little Robyn That's so sad. Love to all the family. Robyn |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:27 AM (#3174347) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: theleveller That is devastating news. I knew him back in the 60s and he was a big influence. The debt that folk music owes to Mike and the Watersons is immeasurable. |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:35 AM (#3174352) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: The Barden of England My sympathy and condolences for all the family, they are having a bad time at the moment. John Barden |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:39 AM (#3174354) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: I don't know Sorry to hear this. Condolences to the family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:42 AM (#3174355) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: scouse A great loss to us all.. Spent many a hour natterin' with him over various years cutting Vegetables and Onions for the Tonder festival Curry.. A grand man! My condolences to the Family. As Aye, Phil. |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:45 AM (#3174356) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Liberty Boy So sorry to hear this very sad news. It seems we're surrounded by it this year! |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:49 AM (#3174358) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Phil Edwards I hope bright Phoebus shone for him at the end. |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:55 AM (#3174361) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Silas So lets drink a health to good times gone by When our spirits soared and we touched the sky And we'll bid farewell but not goodbye And we'll meet further on down the road |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:59 AM (#3174364) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: johnadams Even when you're expecting it the shock still happens! Apart from the fantastic and unique music, he was a good fisherman. He came on one of our Sidmouth fishing charter trips a year or several back and had us laughing all day. Then I drove him on a day trip down the Devon coast to search for ideas of what fishing boat he should buy. Needless to say, I learned everything I ever needed to know about fishing boats. A great bloke and a legend rolled into one! Much sympathy to the family. Bon voyage Mike. |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:09 AM (#3174366) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,buspassed Safe home Mike, safe home. |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:11 AM (#3174367) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Max Johnson Very sad news. Sympathies and condolences to the family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:14 AM (#3174368) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,Ken & Marion Hall From Ireland. We just heard and although we knew the inevitable, it is still a shock and such a great loss. Our thoughts are with the Waterson family. They have given so much to the music we love. Bay Folk Club won't be the same without Mike's laughter and stories. K & M Sleights, Whitby |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:15 AM (#3174369) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: My guru always said So sorry to hear this, my condolences to the family. Hil |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:20 AM (#3174371) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: fat B****rd My sympathies and condolences to the family RIP Mike. |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:21 AM (#3174372) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: MGM·Lion True grief and sincerest condolences. ~Michael~ |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:29 AM (#3174376) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,Sailor Ron Such sad news. Mike was one of the giants of music. Thoughts are with all his family. Pax vobiscum Mike. Ron |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:40 AM (#3174380) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,George Frampton A huge loss. One of my inspirations for oh so long! I am sure I speak on behalf of all the regulars at the Sidmouth Volunteer in passing on our condolences to all the family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:42 AM (#3174384) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Stu A true inspiration, condolences to his family and friends. |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:48 AM (#3174387) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GeoffLawes A great loss. Our condolances to Mike's family and those close to him. We will all miss him. Geoff and Flick Lawes |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:54 AM (#3174388) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Ruth Archer Rest in peace, lovely Mike. |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:58 AM (#3174390) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Barb'ry I echo what has been said and hope someone will pass on the love and sympathy from all here to his family and friends |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:58 AM (#3174391) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Dave the Gnome I can't say anything that has not already been said. A very sad loss indeed. DtG |
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22 Jun 11 - 06:08 AM (#3174394) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: The Sandman I am sorry to hear this, a fine songwriter and singer. RIP |
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22 Jun 11 - 06:21 AM (#3174399) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Jean(eanjay) So sorry to hear this sad news; a great loss. |
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22 Jun 11 - 06:31 AM (#3174401) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray RIP & much Respect. |
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22 Jun 11 - 06:41 AM (#3174406) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: ossonflags Very sad news indeed. Deepest condolences to all the family from Mick and Mary McGarry |
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22 Jun 11 - 06:51 AM (#3174413) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Linda Kelly Very sad news. Rest in peace. |
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22 Jun 11 - 07:07 AM (#3174416) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,Brian Peters Mike is irreplaceable. What a tragedy. |
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22 Jun 11 - 07:09 AM (#3174417) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,Pete Fletcher Sad news. Mike influenced and insired many many singers, myself included. |
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22 Jun 11 - 07:15 AM (#3174423) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,FairEllender A huge loss but Mike has left a massive legacy of songs, knowledge and joy. Thoughts and condolences with the family. I hope Mike enjoys that great session in the sky. Clare |
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22 Jun 11 - 07:29 AM (#3174431) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Tyke Very sad News! RIP Mike Waterson |
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22 Jun 11 - 07:45 AM (#3174434) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: GUEST,Reinhard Just yesterday I got the new Watersons DVD and enjoyed Mike's wit and charm. Like everybody else I will miss him dearly. My heartfelt condolences to the family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 07:47 AM (#3174435) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Les from Hull So sorry to read about the passing of another folk hero. Our thoughts are with his family. Les and Maggie |
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22 Jun 11 - 08:11 AM (#3174442) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Leadfingers Another Goood Man Gone !! R I P Mike p |
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22 Jun 11 - 08:21 AM (#3174448) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: sionnach A huge loss indeed, what an enormous influence that man was. (And will continue to be...) "So let's bid farewell to our Bellman, His voice you all used to know, And it's hounds of his kind they are very hard to find And he's gone where the good doggies go." RIP Mike, kind thoughts to all the family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 08:39 AM (#3174458) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Johnny J really sad to hear this news. Wonderful performer and a great guy. |
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22 Jun 11 - 09:00 AM (#3174470) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: Susanne (skw) Sad news indeed. Enjoyed the Watersons film last weekend at Beverley Festival and heard that he was poorly, but had no idea things were so bad. My thoughts are with his family, with Norma in particular. Rest in peace, Mike, and join the (too big!) band playing in another world. |
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22 Jun 11 - 09:18 AM (#3174481) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: janemick Very sad news indeed. |
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22 Jun 11 - 09:24 AM (#3174486) Subject: RE: Mike Waterson From: RTim Very Sad. I knew he was ill, but didn't know the end was so close. Out comes all the albums again today. Tim Radford |
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22 Jun 11 - 09:59 AM (#3174499) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson From: stallion Thank you Mike for the legacy you left us and condolences to your family Pete, Ron & Martin |
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22 Jun 11 - 10:16 AM (#3174508) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Go well, Mike. I'm glad I got to see you at Old Songs a few years ago. What a giant. And what a chorus they have in heaven! |
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22 Jun 11 - 10:47 AM (#3174520) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,George Henderson So sorry to hear this news. We must thank him and the rest of his family for the great number of recordings and tremendous songs left to us and for his truly entertaining style. He will be greatly missed. Rip and sympthies to all of the family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 10:54 AM (#3174524) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,(Desdemona) This is very sad news. I was lucky to hear him sing on a number of occasions, in various combinations, and to meet him once or twice, when he was lovely, funny, and gracious. His passing is a great loss to the traditional music community on the whole, and to his family in particular; my thoughts are with them. |
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22 Jun 11 - 11:07 AM (#3174532) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: alanabit I never had the good fortune to meet him. Those who did always spoke well of him - something which has been born out on this thread. It is obvious that he represented all that is good about the music we love. |
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22 Jun 11 - 11:16 AM (#3174539) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Joe Nicholson Such sad news but what a legacy with so much left behind for us to remember him by. Goodbye old friend. Joe and Maureen Nicholson |
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22 Jun 11 - 11:19 AM (#3174543) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Spleen Cringe Heartfelt thanks to Mike for all the pleasure his singing has given me. Condolences and best wishes to his family and friends. RIP. |
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22 Jun 11 - 11:25 AM (#3174549) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,SPB Cooperator at work A sad loss of another legend who has inspired my interest in traditional folk song. RIP |
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22 Jun 11 - 11:26 AM (#3174550) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: doc.tom Sad news indeed. What a legacy. R.I.P. Thoughts with the family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 11:41 AM (#3174566) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: RoyH (Burl) The saddest of news. Mike was a great singer and a grand bloke. We will all miss him. Elaine and I send condolences to the family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 12:10 PM (#3174582) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: ChrisJBrady A great clip of The Waterson Family at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub47n9dodUQ |
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22 Jun 11 - 12:18 PM (#3174591) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: John MacKenzie Gone to join the great Rubber Band in the sky. Thanks Mike, for everything, |
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22 Jun 11 - 12:22 PM (#3174595) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Susie Very sad to hear of his passing - his spirit had bucked the odds as it was, but it's still such a blow. That must surely be the last of this string of sorrow and misfortune for the family. We're all thinking of you. And will every time we sing the songs you taught us all - which, in our case, is OFTEN. with love Susie & the Village Quire |
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22 Jun 11 - 12:56 PM (#3174604) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST Take the chance to view the new DVD recorded at Hull Truck, last August....and the earlier film of the family in 1965. Two wonderful records of the Watersons' at their best. Rest in Peace - and thank you for your songs and music. Hazel. |
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22 Jun 11 - 01:03 PM (#3174610) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Desert Dancer Remembering Mike Waterson, a born storyteller The singer, who died on Tuesday, had a passionate belief in folk song as a voice for the true values of the working class Colin Irwin Wednesday 22 June 2011 16.47 BST guardian.co.uk Anybody with even a passing interest in British folk music will be choked by news of the death of Mike Waterson, who passed away on Tuesday. Not only was he one of the great interpreters of traditional song, throwing himself into a narrative with all the mannerisms and instinctive inflections of a born storyteller, he was a master of wordplay, writing what he would self-effacingly describe as "ditties", whether Rubber Band ("We're the band to catapult to stardom/ We'll never get wound up, we're never slack") from his classic 1972 album Bright Phoebus with sister Lal; or the celebrated A Stitch in Time, inspired by a newspaper story he'd read that describes, in delicious detail, the highly ingenious revenge of a battered wife who sews her drunken husband into his bed while he's asleep. Even last August, already looking alarmingly frail on one of his final stage appearances at the Waterson family's emotional homecoming gig at Hull's Truck Theatre, he still managed to steal the show when – baggy brown jumper, trademark flat cap, pint of ale in hand – he giggled like a naughty schoolboy and sang his latest masterpiece Tea's Made, hilariously pillorying drinks machines: "The milk is in small saches that you can't get in no-how/ And it tastes of burning plastic and it's never seen a cow/ So do not use this cafe/ Join the picket line with me/ Then they'll have to find a robot/ To drink their fucking tea …" In the obituaries that will follow over the next few days, Mike will quite rightly be heralded as one of the key figures of the British folk revival for his long-running role in the Watersons, the Yorkshire singing family whose dynamic voices and instinctive harmonies galvanised the nascent folk scene back in the day and whose early career was guided by the great folklorist Bert Lloyd. "He asked us to sing a song once, which we did, and then he asked us to sing it again," Mike told me, recalling early days with his sisters Lal and Norma. "When he asked us to do it yet again we said are we doing it wrong? He said: 'No, it's pure indulgence because it's giving me so much enjoyment.' He told us we had wonderful mixolydian harmonies. We all looked at eachother and when we got home we went to Hull Library to find out what it meant." With his long dark hair, sullen looks and scrawny physique, he was the coolest looking bloke on the planet back then. Check out the brilliant Derrick Knight documentary Travelling for a Living from 1965 and you'll see a dude who makes Liam Gallagher look like Val Doonican. No wonder the Watersons were dubbed "the folk Beatles". But, like the rest of his family, Mike never had any interest in fame or celebrity. He was a great singer with a passionate belief in folk song as a voice for the true values of working-class men and women and his main motivation was to put that music back in the hands of local communities. When the rigours of touring took its toll, he was quite happy to give it all up to paint houses and build boats, quietly knocking out his "ditties", living in a farmhouse in north Yorkshire and rejoining the family on their odd musical adventure. A couple of years I spent a magical afternoon with Mike and Norma Waterson in Robin Hood's Bay where the pair of them bickered affectionately about everything under the sun, from rising stars of the modern folk scene to widely divergent memories of Eliza Ward, the grandmother who raised them after their parents both died young. The anecdotes were long and rambling, the images colourful and vivid and the opinions sharp and passionate. And now Norma is slowly recovering from major illness and Mike is gone. It's good to know a new generation of Waterson-Carthys has emerged to carry the baton, but the sense of loss today is still immeasurable. |
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22 Jun 11 - 01:03 PM (#3174612) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST I'm so very sad to hear this. Deepest sympathy to all the family. There was nobody like him. |
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22 Jun 11 - 01:04 PM (#3174614) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Desert Dancer Here is the text of the Guardian item linked in the original post of this thread: Mike Waterson obituary Singer and songwriter with the family of folk musicians, he was known for his hard-hitting and humorous lyrics Derek Schofield guardian.co.uk Wednesday 22 June 2011 14.18 BST For almost five decades, the Waterson family of singers had an enormous influence both within and beyond the British folk music scene. At the core were three siblings – Norma, her sister Lal (who died in 1998) and brother Mike Waterson, who has died of cancer aged 70. As the seminal traditional folk group of the 1960s, and with Mike as the male lead singer, the Watersons toured the country. Singing traditional English folk songs in harmony and largely unaccompanied, the Watersons broke the mould of guitar and banjo-led folk groups, inspired by the American quartet the Weavers. They appeared at folk festivals and clubs and recorded three solo albums in as many years, before "retiring" in 1968, only to return with less punishing touring schedules in 1972. In the intervening few years, Mike and Lal revealed themselves as significant songwriters, and though Mike's songs never achieved the popular success of his sister's, their hard-hitting topics and humorous reflections on everyday life have been widely praised. The Waterson family came from Hull. Mike, Lal and Norma were orphaned when very young, and their grandmother Eliza Ward looked after the children. She was a hard-as-nails, heart-of-gold character who ran her own business as a second-hand dealer, and was helped in raising the children by a family friend, Thirza – later immortalised in Lal Waterson's Song for Thirza. Mike's school career was not a great success: his worst subjects were music and woodwork, which was ironic considering he later earned a living in the building trade and as a singer. Music was an essential part of family parties, and when Norma's boyfriend, later her first husband, introduced them to jazz and to Alan Lomax's blues recordings, it set the three siblings on a path that led them to traditional British folk music. But first there was skiffle and the American folk influences of Pete Seeger and the Weavers. Mike and Lal sang together as a duo, the Mariners; then, with Norma, their cousin John Harrison and a friend Pete Ogley, they became the Folksons. When Ogley left, they rebranded as the Waterson Family, later the Watersons, and dropped the American repertoire in favour of British and, increasingly, Yorkshire songs, largely delivered a capella. They had already started a folk club in Hull, Folk Union One, which settled into the city's biggest pub room at the Blue Bell, but it was a weekend trip to London in 1964, when they sang at the Troubadour folk club, that attracted the attention of Topic Records' recording engineer Bill Leader, and they were included in the album New Voices (1965) alongside Harry Boardman and Maureen Craik. The impact was immediate. Within a few months, they had turned professional and their first solo album, Frost and Fire, had been released. With considerable influence from Topic's artistic adviser, AL Lloyd, this new album of English seasonal songs – including wassails and May songs – established them as the foremost folk band in the country. Mike's solo song on that album, the traditional John Barleycorn, was later taken up by the rock band Traffic on their 1970 album John Barleycorn Must Die. The following year, 1966, saw two more Watersons albums released on Topic, including A Yorkshire Garland featuring songs from their native county. The same year, their singing was documented on a BBC2 television programme, Travelling for a Living, which showed them on tour, in their own folk club and researching songs in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library. These were boom years for the British folk scene, and Mike was the lead singer of such songs as Three Score and Ten, Dido Bendigo and Fathom the Bowl, which, along with The White Cockade and The Holmfirth Anthem, quickly passed into the repertoires of folk club and festival singers. The relentless touring was exhausting, and in early 1968 the group disbanded, with Norma moving to the Caribbean island of Montserrat. Mike returned to work as a painter and decorator, but continued singing for fun, often alongside his friend Ian Manuel; together they started the Rugby Hotel folk club in Hull. Mike started writing his own songs and soon found that his sister, Lal, who had always written poetry, was doing likewise. They swapped songs and ideas, and their collaboration culminated in an album, Bright Phoebus (1972), which came as a revelation, and caused more than a few raised eyebrows among traditional folk song enthusiasts. Although most of the songs on the album came from Lal, Mike provided the two most enduring ones: Rubber Band (later covered by Fairport Convention) and the title track. Their jointly written song Danny Rose was recorded by Billy Bragg. The Watersons reformed in 1972 when Norma returned home, and her new husband, the renowned folk singer Martin Carthy, replaced John Harrison in the family group. The new lineup's first album, For Pence and Spicy Ale, became Melody Maker's folk album of 1975. Their appearance at the American bicentennial celebrations the following year, where they heard a variety of religious music, inspired them to record an album of such songs, Sound, Sound Your Instruments of Joy (1977). The album Green Fields followed in 1981, once again highlighting the family's organic, often improvised harmony style . By now, Mike and his family – as well as Lal and Norma's families – had all relocated from Hull to a farm near Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire. In the meantime, Mike had recorded an eponymous solo album in 1977, with vocal support from the family. The standout track was Mike's reworking of Tamlyn, a supernatural ballad he had learned from Lloyd. It was Mike's version that inspired Benjamin Zephaniah to rewrite the story in a modern setting for The Imagined Village album and tour in 2007. Lal's decision to stop touring in the late 1980s marked the end of the Watersons, though Mike sang for a while in a trio with his wife, Ann, and the local singer Jill Pidd. Martin and Norma had teamed up with their daughter, Eliza Carthy, and they were sometimes joined on concert and festival stages by Mike. In more recent years, Mike occasionally sung alongside the Gateshead singer Louis Killen. Two of Mike's daughters, Rachel and Eleanor, have sung with various family lineups, including at the Mighty River of Song concert, celebrating the family's legacy, at the Royal Albert Hall in 2007. Mike's songwriting continued. Drawing on Hull's fishing industry, Three Day Millionaire, about the potential high wages of the trawlermen, contrasts with the declining industry and the tragedy of lost lives in Cold Coast of Iceland and Three Ships. Mike's considerable ability to tell a story in song is perhaps best illustrated by A Stitch in Time, where a woman uses her seamstress's skills to sew her drunken and violent husband into his bed sheets so that he cannot move. The song has been recorded by Martin Carthy as well as the Irish singer Christy Moore and Chumbawamba, though not by Mike himself. Indeed, in recent years, he resisted Topic Records' suggestions to re-enter the recording studio. Whether it was an informal folk club gig or the Royal Albert Hall, Mike invariably appeared on stage dressed in chunky sweater, jeans and cloth cap. This was no affectation – here was an ordinary man, still working in the building trade, but with extraordinary talents as a singer and songwriter. His last stage performance was at the Bromyard folk festival in September 2010, shortly after a family homecoming concert at Hull Truck Theatre ‑ the latter event was filmed and a DVD released earlier this year. Mike is survived by his wife, Ann, and four children, Sarah, Eleanor, Rachel and Matthew. • Michael Waterson, folk singer, born 16 January 1941; died 22 June 2011 |
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22 Jun 11 - 01:07 PM (#3174617) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Matthew Edwards Thanks to Doc Rowe for posting this sad news; Mike will be greatly missed. He was a lovely down-to-earth man with an extraordinary talent and a cracking sense of humour. My condolences to all the family. Here is the Obituary by Derek Schofield from The Guardian, and, from the same paper, a memorial by Colin Irwin Remembering Mike Waterson, a born storyteller. Matthew |
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22 Jun 11 - 01:08 PM (#3174618) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: ClaireBear A sad and fond farewell, breathed through tears. Steady winds and safe passage to that harbor across the stars. |
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22 Jun 11 - 01:11 PM (#3174620) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Murray MacLeod I count myself fortunate to have seen him perform, even if only twice, once in Edinburgh, Crown Folk Club, 1973, and then again in 1998 in the Royal Oak in Lewes (I think) He was a charismatic performer and a wonderful songwriter. R.I.P. |
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22 Jun 11 - 01:35 PM (#3174636) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,MC Fat I was lucky enough to compere that Bromyard concert and for someone we al.l knew was ill, he was in impish form, singing his own songs. It was indeed as we now know a very special night |
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22 Jun 11 - 02:36 PM (#3174690) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,dunelmian Mike, as one of the Watersons, was one whose recordings produced much of my early repertoire way back in 1969. There will be a new voice tonight joining that great folk club where ever it is.He was indeed a charismatic performer and he will be missed. Thanks Mike. Love to the family |
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22 Jun 11 - 02:39 PM (#3174692) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Colin Randall Thanks to Desert Dancer for reproducing the Derek Schofield obit and Colin Irwin memorial, both fine and fitting tributes. Mike was part of a wonderful music-making family and I can picture him now, on stage or at the bar the last time I saw him, some years ago at a festival in Scotland, and hear that rich voice. I can only echo the warm, appreciative stream of thoughts above. |
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22 Jun 11 - 03:03 PM (#3174706) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Chris and Steve Murray Our hearts go out to Mike's family at this sad time. |
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22 Jun 11 - 03:23 PM (#3174717) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Joules So sad to lose yet another folkie to that mega session in the skies, condolences to family and friends, RIP Mike |
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22 Jun 11 - 03:30 PM (#3174723) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Catherine Jayne Such sad news and a great loss. What a great legacy Mike has left for us all. Condolences to Mike's family and friends xxx |
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22 Jun 11 - 03:47 PM (#3174732) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Sean O'Shea, Such a fine man,so warm and down to earth;the folk world is genuinely bereft. |
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22 Jun 11 - 03:48 PM (#3174733) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Dave Sutherland So sorry to hear this terrible news. I have fond memories of hearing Mike at a number of the various folk clubs with which I have been involved. A fine singer and songwriter and always good company. RIP |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:10 PM (#3174754) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Edthefolkie Thanks for telling us Doc,much appreciated. A spirit like Mike's can't be kept down, let's hope we all meet in the sweet by and by. Condolences to the family. |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:11 PM (#3174757) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: maeve I'm grateful for the music he gave us and sorry to never have had the chance to meet and hear him in person. Let's be certain we pass the music along as generously as he has done. Maeve |
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22 Jun 11 - 04:49 PM (#3174781) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Herga Kitty Very sad news and a great loss. All best wishes and sympathy to the family - and thanks to Doc, who so stoically started this thread. Kitty |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:37 PM (#3174805) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: JohnH All already been said but yes. |
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22 Jun 11 - 05:50 PM (#3174815) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Geordie-Peorgie Words can't express the sadness - Thoughts with Mike and his kin! |
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22 Jun 11 - 06:35 PM (#3174846) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,THE WILSON FAMILY We've only just heard this devestating news and can hardly bring ourselves to put words into print. It was only this weekend that we all met up in Beck Hole and were discussing with Doc and Jill how we have been reluctant to contact Mike & Ann in case he wouldn't feel up to it - now, of course, it's too late! We have never made any secret of the fact that, musically The Watersons en masse, and Mike in particular, have been a lifelong inspiration to ourselves and a major influence on what we continue to do - and, for that alone, we shall for ever be in his debt. But our fondest and enduring memories of Mike will be of the many, but alas all to infrequent, times when we were simply just in his company sharing the craic. He was one of lifes natural raconteurs with and encyclopeadic mind which was crammed with stories - most of which were spiced with his wicked sense of humour and fun. He was a lovely, honest and genuine 'bloke' and it was an immense privilage to have known him. He'll be greatly missed. We hope he didn't suffer too much at the end and send our sincerest best wishes to Ann, Norma & Martin and all the rest of the family. Thanks again for everything Mike, - The Wilson Family |
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22 Jun 11 - 06:38 PM (#3174850) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Dave Roberts Very sad news. |
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22 Jun 11 - 06:53 PM (#3174858) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Steve Gardham Yes, very very sad news. Mike in particular was always an enormous influence either directly or indirectly on anyone involved in folk music in the 60s and onwards, that's song, dance, mumming, or just the crack. Love and condolences to Ann, Sarah, Rachel, Ella and Matty from all the Sherburn clan and all at The Yorkshire Garland Group. |
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22 Jun 11 - 07:09 PM (#3174869) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST In distressing circumstances, this is a valuable thread of tribute and recollection. I hope no fellow Mudcatters will mind that I have repeated some of the comments left here in my own brief obit at Salut! Live. The audience may be significantly smaller but I hope anyone who strays into the site from elsewhere will follow the link and view the full book of condolences back here. |
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22 Jun 11 - 07:15 PM (#3174873) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Colin Randall Sorry, that last one was from me without having logged in. |
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22 Jun 11 - 07:39 PM (#3174890) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Wendy Price What a wonderful legacy Mike has left to us all. A real Yorkshireman. Our feelings go out to his family. Wendy, Ruth and Sadie Price and Phil Hatton |
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22 Jun 11 - 08:03 PM (#3174900) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Chris Stern First saw the Watersons at Scarborough Folk Festival in 1965. Even at 13 I was bowled over by them. I come from Hull and was born and spent my early years near to Pearson Park where Lal lived at one time. This is very sad news. A great Hullensian is gone. |
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22 Jun 11 - 08:04 PM (#3174901) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,John Schultz The Watersons' music - Lal & Mike's in particular - is very special to me. Thank you and rest in peace. |
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22 Jun 11 - 08:11 PM (#3174902) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Four Fools What really sad news. Mike was a real character with a devilish wit and a great passion for his folk songs, also a great songwriter. We can remember a few conversations with him over the years, indeed he was a true gent and will be greatly missed. Words are totally inadequate but our thoughts are with Ann, Norma, Martin and the rest of the family. Alas that singaround in the sky is growing far to quickly. Love Angie and Ken Bladen |
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22 Jun 11 - 08:15 PM (#3174907) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: SylviaN Nothing much we can add to what has already been said. A great man and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with all his family. Keith and Sylvia |
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23 Jun 11 - 12:34 AM (#3174993) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: ChanteyLass Oh, no! Too bad; so sad. Adding my condolences to the ones above. |
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23 Jun 11 - 02:25 AM (#3175010) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: ConcertinaChap For a young folky like me at the beginning of the 70's the sound of the Watersons was not an influence - it was more like the environment. I feel a real sense of loss. Chris |
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23 Jun 11 - 03:47 AM (#3175025) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: stallion he definately 'ad a' 'ull accent, and I suppose 'ull is in Yorkshire . RIP owd son |
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23 Jun 11 - 04:37 AM (#3175038) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Mick Tems Mike was such an inspiration to me, one in a million - sincere condolences to his family. Words cannot express how I feel. Mick Tems |
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23 Jun 11 - 05:56 AM (#3175083) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Dave Hanson A brilliant, kind and generous man, he will be greatly missed, kindest regards to all Mikes family. Dave H |
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23 Jun 11 - 06:29 AM (#3175094) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: JHW Very Sad. We were singing 'Drink, Boys, Drink' last night. You can't not 'picture' Mike down there singing 'Forrr if you do...' He'll always be there. ...we hope to God with all out hearts that his soul in Heaven do rest... John W |
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23 Jun 11 - 09:13 AM (#3175154) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,geoff woolfe Heard the news just now. It feels like one of the family has gone from the 60's Mike was an inspiration to all to get up and sing |
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23 Jun 11 - 10:35 AM (#3175191) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Waddon Pete Sad news. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Best wishes, Peter |
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23 Jun 11 - 10:55 AM (#3175200) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Steve Black I'm devastated to hear of Mike's death. I was in the Whitby area last weekend, but unfortunately couldn't manage to get over to see him as I'd hoped.[sorry, Ann]> I wish I had. I got to know Mike and his family well in the seventies when I lived nearby, and he was the salt of the earth, a really genuine bloke. I'd just like to send my [and Linda's] love and condolences to Ann and the rest of the family. Mike will be very sadly missed. |
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23 Jun 11 - 10:59 AM (#3175202) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Selby I can only echo everyone else's sentiments. When Rory Mcilroy was winning the golf in America last week all I could hear in my head was When Mcilory was a boy,with Mike singing it strange how things happen. Keith |
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23 Jun 11 - 11:52 AM (#3175230) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Guest - John Conolly I'm so glad I got the chance to hear Mike sing,not long ago,in a memorable evening at Robin Hood's Bay Folk Club. . . the Watersons' club at The Bluebell was the first Folk Club I ever sang in,and I've loved Mike's singing, his sense of humour,and the lovely songs he wrote ever since. . . he will be sadly,badly missed - hope you've found your "Fiddlers' Green", Mike. . . Love , John. |
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23 Jun 11 - 02:01 PM (#3175295) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST Very sorry to hear this news. Dan Milner |
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23 Jun 11 - 03:28 PM (#3175330) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Sian H Such sad news. |
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23 Jun 11 - 07:43 PM (#3175477) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Commander Crabbe God sent his Singers upon earth With songs of sadness and of mirth, That they might touch the hearts of men, And bring them back to heaven again. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow R.I.P. Mike, such a sad loss. Chris |
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24 Jun 11 - 09:49 AM (#3175728) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Rapsquillion RIP Mike Waterson: Mike and the others had a huge influence on us when we started. I'm glad I got to see and hear Mike with Blue Murder at Sidmouth a few years ago. With love. Jac, Jen, Kay, Keith, Liz, Sue and Trevor (Rapsquillion) |
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24 Jun 11 - 11:14 AM (#3175764) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,David E. There was a link here recently about who deserves a tribute album? Well, there we are... David E. |
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24 Jun 11 - 01:30 PM (#3175831) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: JennyD I only ever saw Mike in the mid-60s at the Blue Bell in Hull, but I've treasured my Watersons albums ever since. Sad news. He will be missed. Condolences to his family. Jenny |
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24 Jun 11 - 07:31 PM (#3175987) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Bonnie Shaljean I just spoke to Packie (Manus Byrne) on the phone tonight and told him the sad news, which he had not heard. So this is really a joint message. Packie was shocked and devastated to hear this news, as he had not even known that Mike was ill. He reminisced about some of his early memories of the Watersons, whom he first met in the mid or late 60s. During one festival they were all being put up in the same house. Not only the same house, but the same BED, as it turned out. For years afterwards Packie boasted about how he had "slept with the Watersons" and there were those who added up two and two and got five. He shared many good times with them, as later we both did. We once spent a lovely Christmas up at the farm where Mike was in fine form. I remember him sitting at the end of a long long dinner table, which had a candle burning in the middle - about 6 or 7 feet away from him. After the meal when we were clearing up, Norma asked Mike to blow out the candle and, without moving any closer to it, he just took one deep breath and extinguished it in a single puff from where he sat. What lung power, I remember thinking. Another memory of that time is passing him on the stairs as he went up for a bath, clutching a copy of Beano. "Can't have a bath without me Beano," he grinned as he bounded away. This is the Mike that Packie and I remember. Singing, laughing, not walking but bounding. Packie also recalled fond thoughts of Lally at this sad time, and now they are both gone. If any of the family are reading this, please know that our thoughts are with you, and how very, very sorry Packie was when I - no less sorrowfully - broke the news. Rest in peace, Mike. Packie & Bonnie |
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24 Jun 11 - 07:56 PM (#3175994) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST, nee GUEST Just heard the news announced 'en passant' whilst running a Singers' night at the Grove in Leeds. Even though you know it's coming the shock still hits hard. Too many memories to think of listing, but mostly from the old days at the Rugby, especially the night when he started to sing Tamalyn just before last orders, no-one moved until the end and not only did they not get a drink but everyone missed the last bus! The rest has all been said. Our thoughts are with all the family. Bren and Norrie. |
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25 Jun 11 - 01:38 PM (#3176308) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,old git Was hesitating to add to this thread, cos I thought whatever I said would not be enough. Then I read Bonnie and Bren's comments and I thought..yeah! That was Mike! my thoughts too are with the family geoff t |
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25 Jun 11 - 02:10 PM (#3176323) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Folkiedave So many personal memories. Thanks for all of them Mike. |
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25 Jun 11 - 05:15 PM (#3176408) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Azoic If Mike Waterson were to be honored with a tribute album,who would you like to see on it?What song? |
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25 Jun 11 - 05:31 PM (#3176414) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: WalkaboutsVerse Sorry to hear this - I like his folk music. |
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25 Jun 11 - 05:50 PM (#3176421) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Shimrod "If Mike Waterson were to be honored with a tribute album,who would you like to see on it?What song?" 'John Barleycorn' of course. But in a folk club, years ago, I heard him sing Caroline Hughes's version of 'The Cuckoo' - a stunning performance - which I've never forgotten. Does anyone know if he ever recorded it? |
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25 Jun 11 - 06:23 PM (#3176438) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Phil Edwards The best tribute to Mike Waterson is to give his work the appreciation it deserves. I mean, imagine an album beginning with the larky exuberance of "Rubber Band" and ending with the bittersweet uplift of "Bright Phoebus", and with some songs sung by Lal in between (and one by Norma). What an amazing piece of work that would be. |
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26 Jun 11 - 12:57 PM (#3176742) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Les from Hull I believe that the concept of a tribute album consists of other people singing someone else's songs, in much the same way that the album 'Shining Bright' was a tribute to both Lal and Mike's songwriting. Mike was particularily well-known for his interpretation of traditional songs, although he did write some brilliant songs. How many other people's songs has Richard Thompson recorded for instance? Not many, but include Mike Waterson in that list. |
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26 Jun 11 - 04:50 PM (#3176838) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Desert Dancer Mike Waterson, Member of British Folk Troupe, Dies at 70 By Margalit Fox New York Times June 25, 2011 Mike Waterson, a founding member of the Watersons, the self-taught singing group that was long considered the royal family of British folk music, died in England on Wednesday. He was 70. The cause was pancreatic cancer, said Harriet Simms, a publicist who represents members of the Waterson family. A vital part of the British folk revival of the 1960s, the Watersons were known especially for their renditions of traditional British music, including ballads, work songs and ancient carols. Through their small discography and their concerts in Britain and occasionally the United States, they attracted an impassioned following. The group initially comprised Mr. Waterson; his sisters, Norma and Lal (short for Elaine); and a cousin, John Harrison. In later years Mr. Harrison was replaced by Norma's husband, the prominent English folk singer Martin Carthy. They sang mostly a cappella, using relatively simple harmonies. But those harmonies — rich, tight and intensely textured — gave the Watersons their distinctly premodern sound. To hear their early recordings in particular is to hear the timbres of the shawms, sackbuts and hurdy-gurdies of early instrumental music, rendered vocally. Mr. Waterson, a bass, possessed a robust, unaffected, pleasantly sandpapery voice that seemed made for sea chanties, which the group also sang. Their recordings include their debut album, "Frost and Fire" (1965); "The Watersons" (1966); "A Yorkshire Garland" (1966); and "For Pence and Spicy Ale" (1975). Mr. Waterson recorded a self-titled solo album of traditional songs in 1977. With his sister Lal, he recorded "Bright Phoebus" (1972), an album featuring original songs by each of them. His other songwriting credits include "A Stitch in Time," a delicious modern revenge ballad about a battered wife who sews her drunken husband into the bedclothes. Though he never recorded the song himself, it has been recorded by Mr. Carthy, Chumbawamba and others. Michael Waterson was born in Hull, England, on Jan. 16, 1941. He and his sisters were orphaned as young children and were reared by their grandmother, a woman of Irish and Gypsy stock who sang traditional songs with them around the family table. With Mr. Harrison, the siblings formed the Watersons in the early 1960s, singing in pubs and clubs. They soon caught the ear of the distinguished British folklorist and folk-song collector Bert Lloyd, who became an early champion. Mr. Waterson, who lived in Robin Hood's Bay, a Yorkshire fishing village, sang with various permutations of the family group for decades. When not performing, he worked as a carpenter and boat builder. He made his final appearance with the family last year, at the Bromyard Folk Festival in England. Lal Waterson died of cancer in 1998. Besides his sister Norma, Mr. Waterson is survived by his wife, Ann, a singer who has performed with the family; four children, Sarah, Eleanor, Rachel and Matthew; and four grandchildren. The dynasty is now in its second generation. Eleanor and Rachel Waterson have sung with the family group. Norma's daughter, Eliza Carthy, is a well-known singer and fiddler who with her parents is part of the folk group Waterson:Carthy. In an interview quoted on Wednesday in the British newspaper The Guardian, Mr. Waterson recalled a moment of deep professional uncertainty early in his career, when the group first met Mr. Lloyd. "He asked us to sing a song once, which we did, and then he asked us to sing it again," Mr. Waterson said. "When he asked us to do it yet again, we said, 'Are we doing it wrong?' He said, 'No, it's pure indulgence because it's giving me so much enjoyment.' " |
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27 Jun 11 - 03:22 PM (#3177314) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Tyke Cheers Mike |
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27 Jun 11 - 03:54 PM (#3177330) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Bonnie Shaljean Tyke, that's lovely! What more fitting words to remember Mike by than the tagline in the second panel that flashes onto the screen: "Celebrating 60 [read 70] sensational years of mirth, mayhem and menacing". Indeed. |
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27 Jun 11 - 03:59 PM (#3177332) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Tyke If I could have posted in your Name Bonnie I would have as the credit should go to you. |
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27 Jun 11 - 04:10 PM (#3177337) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Jeri I was talking with some people on Saturday night, and it made me remember. I'd listen to Watersons' songs and try to figure out the melody from all the inter-woven parts, and at some point, I'd just try to figure out Mike's part, because it was never less than genius. |
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27 Jun 11 - 05:25 PM (#3177381) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: The Sandman yes,he was an extraordinary man, his singing was like a rainbow in a wintry sky. Jeri, you are right it was genius high to low and stunning in rangehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE2BsU-dVdI amazing |
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27 Jun 11 - 06:33 PM (#3177409) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Bonnie Shaljean Talk about range...! Any of you guys remember him singing Sorry The Day I Was Married on one of the very early albums (in the John Harrison days)? And, I swear, it sounded like he did it all in one breath. (After I saw him blow out that candle I was sure he did.) His performance of that song remains the gold standard for me. |
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28 Jun 11 - 12:27 PM (#3177839) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,BigDaddy I had the pleasure of meeting Mike and Norma about twenty years ago. Salt of the earth folk they are. Mike's passing leaves a big hole in the fabric of the world of music, as well as the world in general. What a voice, what a dear man... |
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28 Jun 11 - 03:07 PM (#3177892) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Ann. Goole, Selby and Hull. Mike and Martin sang all night once at Goole, with Jez in support and it was magical. Mike was in fine form and the packed crowd were entranced.This was in the seventies and absolutely, the best of many inspirational evenings I spent at Goole, Hull and Selby Folk clubs listening to Mike and his family. Whenever I feel homesick for Hull and my roots, Mike's familiar accent takes me back to Sunday mornings singing in Preston(East Riding)chapel and reminds me of my Dad singing the old songs at home. I'm proud to boast that we came from the same city and am in awe of Mike's incredible talent. Mike was friendly and easy to talk to, accessable and always ready to answer any questions, never "big time". Thanks for the history lessons and you wouldn't have wanted a house in Kirkella I'm sure. RIP. Ann. |
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28 Jun 11 - 04:12 PM (#3177917) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Gail I'm sure i must know you, since it was my Mum and dad who ran goole folk Club in the 70s. |
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28 Jun 11 - 04:27 PM (#3177925) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Gail Sorry, my last message escaped before it was ready. Mike Waterson had an immeasurable impact on my family's life. My parents took me to see the Watersons in Hull around 1970, none of us having heard them before. As a result of that one concert, Mum and Dad went home to Goole and opened a new folk club which ran for many years. Through them my sister and I met the folk musicians we later married. My brother became a professional musician. I'm really not sure our lives would have taken these paths had the Watersons not made such an impact on us one night in Hull. |
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28 Jun 11 - 05:27 PM (#3177951) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: The Sandman I Remmember the club in Goole very well, I remember a guy called Jez who was blind i think, and used to sing there, this would be throughout the 1980s, well done to the Watersons fortaking you on a musical path. |
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29 Jun 11 - 03:15 AM (#3178116) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Ann, Goole Selby, Hull Hi Gail, so many stunning nights thanks to Eileen and Goff. 'course you know me,Ann at'paper shop... Ann and Isabel...you MUST remember us. Say you do. Hope you're ok, love to all. |
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29 Jun 11 - 09:11 AM (#3178275) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Gail Of course I know you Ann, how nice to know you have the same good memories as I have. Gezz, the blind singer at Goole, was my uncle and he died of leukaemia far too young. Mike Waterson inspired and encouraged him to sing and to write, another reason we have to be grateful to Mike. |
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02 Jul 11 - 02:09 PM (#3180274) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,GUEST Kate from Leicester Master songwriter, great performer, but 'man of the people' sums it up for me. Warmest wishes and sympathy to all the family, especially Norma. One shock after another for all of you. |
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02 Jul 11 - 07:11 PM (#3180453) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: Tattie Bogle Also sorry to hear the news: happy memories of seeing Mike at Sidmouth a couple of times. Here is a tribute rom John Boden's "Folk Song a Day" site, where you can hear Mike singing "Bright Phoebus" and Lucy Ward doing "A Stitch in Time". http://www.afolksongaday.com/2011/06/22/sad-news-mike-waterson-r-i-p/ |
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09 Jul 11 - 09:59 AM (#3184302) Subject: RE: Obit: Mike Waterson 22 June 2011 From: GUEST,Tony Spear I've only just stumbled across thia sie and to hear about the loss of Mike Waterson is an incredible shock. Back in the 70's, I was part of a group of people who ran a very successful Folk Club in South Oxfordshire and for ages I kept saying "we've got to have the Watersons", but was always beaten down on the basis that we were such a small club that we couldn't cover the cost. However,over a couple of years and with a contribution from the pub landlord, we discovered that we had a small surplus in the bank, which I immediately appropriated for my "Watersons fund". The demand was such that we were able to sell tickets in advance to our regular visitors and on the night there were people congregating in the car park, hoping to get in! As it was "my night", I was the one to introduce the Watersons and I extended the pleasure as far as possible by introducing them all by name. Unfortunately I called Lal "Elaine", at which point Mike descended into gales of laughter and said "nobody's called her that for years!" Any road up, Mike was an inspirational singer and he'll be deeply missed. |