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17 Aug 25 - 11:08 PM (#4227289) Subject: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950 - 2025) From: rich-joy Our dearest Tone, passed yesterday (Sunday August 17th) in Darwin Hospital, from a blood cancer and had recently turned 75 on June 24th. Great harmony singer, and musician (melodian, guitar), folk collector/researcher/presenter, dog lover, and humorist of note, he was a sought-after member of unaccompanied singing groups (like No Strings Attached, Chameleon e.g.) and bands (like Bilge Ratz e.g. and esp partnered with the late Peter Bate). In fact, you could say that Tony "went down singing" as he last sang at the 53rd Top Half Folk Festival's celebration of Peter's life, at Mt Bundy station on 4th August. So, a good way to go. This news, though perhaps ‘not entirely unexpected’ is still very very sad, particularly in the Australian Folk Community. Tone (originally from NSW – Sydney I think – and an aircraft mechanic by trade??) was a celebrated and popular folk performer and I think of him as being one of the Trio of Top End Troubadors : Paul Lawler (d.2014) / Peter Bate (d.2025) / Tony Suttor (d.2025) : all gone now, but who were always to be heard and found wherever Singing was likely (well, they usually started most of it!!) My Beloved Paul knew him from the Sydney folk scene (The Maitland & Morpeth e.g.) from the late 60s-early 70s, but I think Tone arrived in Darwin around 1982. Sorry, I’m having trouble thinking straight at present. I'm really over the amount of Obit threads I have instigated here on the Cat. …..sigh….. Sad condolences to the Top End Folk Community, but esp to lovely Jenny Armour (an extremely talented quilter), who has been Tone's perfect and dedicated companion since the early 80s. VALE, TONY. |
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17 Aug 25 - 11:24 PM (#4227290) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950 - 2025) From: JennieG Vale, indeed. I didn't know Tony well, but have memories of a Sunday morning hymn session at a long-ago NFF on a cool Canberra morning in which he joined with gusto. Condolences to Jenny, and to his family and friends. |
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18 Aug 25 - 12:13 AM (#4227291) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950 - 2025) From: Sandra in Sydney like Jennie I'd only met him at the National, especially the hymn session (the place where believers & non-believers could have a good time singing!) he was a good bloke. sandra |
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18 Aug 25 - 12:26 AM (#4227292) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950 - 2025) From: GUEST,Alex Indeed…Dear Tony was always of good cheer and was always ready for a sing! Fond memories of singing with Tony in the No Strings Attached days. As well as folkie stuff in Darwin he was also involved with Brown’s Mart and Darwin Theatre Company, doing technical production stuff. Also played squeezebox for Gone Troppo Morris from Darwin. Chend, Noel & I caught up with Tony at the 50th Top Half Folk Festival at Mary River in 2021 and we haven’t been back to Darwin since then, however he and Chend remained in regular contact. Very sad that he is no longer with us, but Tony has a rowdy bunch of folky mates waiting to welcome him on the other side, plus several beloved dogs including Beth the greyhound. Our heartfelt deepest condolences to Jenny, vale Tony.???? |
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18 Aug 25 - 12:58 AM (#4227294) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950 - 2025) From: rich-joy Thanks All. Yes, Alex - A Rowdy Bunch indeed!! And I'd forgotten about all his Theatre Tech stuff!!! And, he was apparently a pilot too (light aircraft I guess). I think he may ALSO have had a Bear named Gladly .... Y'know, that famous hymn all about "Gladly, the cross-eyed bear"!!! He loved hymn-singing, just for all those great harmony opps :) Fond memories of regularly gathering at Darwin's Gun Turret, awaiting the start of the weekly folk club, and all lustily singing Watersons numbers from the "Sound Sound Your Instruments of Joy" album. That beautiful, feel good Rising Up Singing just doesn't seem to happen anymore ..... Hopefully, we can get some more memories posted here!! R-J |
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18 Aug 25 - 02:51 AM (#4227298) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: rich-joy As well as the excellent Tapes (yes, rem'ber those?!), they produced for BILGE RATZ (the Shanty and Sea-Songs band with Tony and Batey and the late Smokey, and Guy Nichols (who is still of Perth in West Aussie, I hope!!), named "Swinging the Lead" and "All at Sea"..... Tony & Batey also later put out 2 of the 3 planned CDs for their band THE FETTLERS : "Northern Railway Tracks" 16 songs pertaining to Top End rail history, and "Airbourne" (along with lovely Darwin vocalist, Sand Williams), 16 songs pertaining to the Top End aviation history (including much of the WWII period.) The Fettlers also included Mike Lane, Fritz Risler, Chris Pemberton (d.), Pat Somers (d.). PS I should have said "button accordians" and concertina in Tone's instrument listing and added "Darwin Ceili Band" too (as I play no instruments, I'm usually too singing-focussed!!) R-J |
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18 Aug 25 - 03:25 AM (#4227302) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: Joe Offer Tony used the Mudcat name "Tony in Darwin." Here are his Guest posts: https://mudcat.org/usersearch.cfm?who=GUEST%2CTony%20in%20Darwin And his posts as a member: https://mudcat.org/usersearch.cfm?who=Tony%20in%20Darwin |
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18 Aug 25 - 07:20 AM (#4227306) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: GUEST I first knew Tony as one of that lovely Canberra singing group Pageant. I think (hope) I still have that cassette tape somewhere. Did some nice work with the Larrikins, too. Always a pleasure to sing and have a joke with. |
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18 Aug 25 - 08:18 AM (#4227310) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: Sandra in Sydney photos - Bob Bolton Collection - National Folk Festival 2000, Part 4 - Tony in Keith McKenry's 'White on Black - in the spirit of Reconciliation' Bob's photos - National Folk Festival 2000, part 3 more photos from White on Black - Tony in Blue the Shearer's "Caught Napping" Former OzCatter Alison is in some photos Tony was a performer in 'Ard Tack Festival , Canberra 1979 alas, he didn't appear in the photos in the link to another blog. I found 4 unpublished photos I took at 2010 Hymn Session of OzCatters Canberra Chris, Rowan, Tony & Hrothgar, I'll send them to Rich-Joy & Joe |
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18 Aug 25 - 10:19 AM (#4227319) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: Waddon Pete Another good man gone.....Thanks for the pictures, they give a wonderful insight into the folk world of Australia. My condolences, as always, to everyone who knew and loved him. RIP Tony. |
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18 Aug 25 - 10:23 AM (#4227320) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: GUEST If there was good folk music going, Tone would be in it! His skills were not just in vocals (lead or harmonies) and melodeon or guitar, but in his ability to adapt from one genre to another with enthusiasm and authenticity. That aside, he was just such a good-humoured person that it was a pleasure to be around him. I recall a joint birthday weekend with Jenny when it seemed that half the Folk Club was camped at their place. In the morning Tony was still sleeping when three of us (quite loudly) serenaded him with "I'll fly away", which seems rather poignant just now. Tony sat up instantly, a smile on his face. I think a smile was his default expression. We'll miss you, Tone, |
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18 Aug 25 - 10:02 PM (#4227348) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: rich-joy LoL!! I think I may have been there that weekend, GUEST (also a pottery-firing occasion?) ..... Yes, he usually had a smile in his voice too! We may not have seen each other very often (since Lawls and I left Darwin), but he was always just at the other end of the keyboard and so we were in regular contact. Sigh. His passing has hit hard ...... R-J |
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22 Aug 25 - 10:06 PM (#4227508) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: rich-joy Top End Folk Club 4d · TONY SUTTOR It is with deep sadness that we farewell TEFC Life Member Tony Suttor who passed away Saturday night aged 75. Tony was no stranger to the folk scene when he first arrived in the NT. He was well known for his singing and musicianship in groups including the Larrikins and Pageant, as well as playing accordion for many dances. He first came to the Top End in 1982 and embedded himself in the Top End Folk Club through the heady days of the Gun Turret. It wasn’t just the music or the environment that he fell in love with - there was also Jenny Armour, his forever partner. Tony is remembered all over Australia as always smiling, generous with his music, happy to help others learn and grow and an inspiration to all. In Darwin, he was involved with many bands including** the Darwin Ceili Band, The Hind Quartet, The Bilge Ratz, Tropical Ear, The Dangling Dunlops and most recently The Fettlers. His last performance was only two weeks ago at the Top Half Folk Festival, where he performed with the Fettlers at a tribute concert for Peter Bate. He was admired and appreciated for his enormous repertoire of songs and tunes, along with his musicianship. He had a particular talent for harmony** and was an inspiration to all who saw him sing. Tony also contributed to regular TEFC events held in various places over many years. We acknowledge his enormous contribution and send condolences to Jenny and his family and friends. Tony is remembered with love and gratitude by members of the Top End Folk Club for his contributions and commitment to music and community. Vale Tony Suttor ** Postscript from Rich-Joy : Two of the Top End a cappella Harmony groups that Tony is well remembered as being an integral part of are : Chameleon (with Sharon Mannix and Paul Lawler) and No Strings Attached (Final line-up 1992-93 was : Richenda Bridge, Jenny Fitzgibbon, Paul Lawler, Marianne Piercy, Tony Suttor. Earlier additional members were : Alex Bridge, Jane Carpenter, Cathy Flint, Sarah Hopkins, and Viki Kane.) Due to lack of time and proficiency (!) only one NSA track has made it SO FAR to Lawls&Chend's YT channel : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hckf3JiZo7M "Beneath Uluru" (Dave Oakes comp) sung by No Strings Attached in Darwin, NT, 1992 When emailing with Tony's Beloved, Jenny, I was reminded of that perennial Gun Turret favourite, with Vin Garbutt/Pete Best as channelled by Paul Lawler and lustily joined by the whole moonlit audience and always including Tony!! : "They Don't Write 'Em Like That Anymore" : "Eh, how we could sing What fun those nights would bring Singing for hours on end, Once we found the key Oh, what Harmony Those boozy voices would lend!! 'Heart of My Heart' and just for a start 'Walking My Baby Back Home' And when it comes to an end It's Let's Sing It Again! They Don't Write 'em Like That Anymore!!" I am not on FB, but some of the TEFC page Comments/Tributes came through to me : Steve Jones 3D I am very sorry to learn of Tony’s passing - my condolences to his partner and close friends. I knew Tony for only a short period, but I well remember the kindness and the musicianship that everyone has remarked upon. I was with him when he arrived in Darwin in 1982. Four of us had driven from Sydney to Alice Springs to play at a festival there, and then made our way up to the top - taking a few weeks about it, camping in the bush, playing music around the camp fire and often sleeping under the stars. A magical, absolutely unforgettable trip. I don’t think Tony had been planning to stay in Darwin, but it quickly became clear that he loved the place! We lost touch after that, but happily we eventually reconnected through Facebook. Rest in peace, old friend. Yvonne Gray 1D Such a beautiful man & musician. Always smiling, playing beautiful music & a treasured friend. We were so lucky to have a lovely visit with him the day before he passed.?? Always remembered. ????????? Ruth Dickson 3D We met up with Tony in May this year. We are pleased for that opportunity, and found that while he was very ill, his humour was much the same as always. Up until May we hadn't seen him since our last trek to the THFF in 2013 (?). However, we'd spoken on the phone a few times - and always followed his lovely posts on FB. Tony abounded with love for - life, music, Jenny, family members and friends (including his four legged friends) everywhere. And yes, your spirit will live on, as the years roll by. Michelle Scott 3D Such a stalwart of the NT folk scene, so many lovely memories, playing in sessions, bush dances and never short of a song. Dear Jenny, condolences to you and your families, thinking of you. “…It’s time to go now, haul away your anchor” Bruce Watson 3D So sad to see Tony go. What a lovely man. Kind, gentle, positive, enthusiastic - and a great musician. And with an incredible knowledge of folk music. He was a huge help to me over the past year with my Immortal project. Jayne Nankivell 3D Tony was a mentor to so many - he taught me so much and I treasure the long chats we’ve had over the years. Sand Williams 3D A wonderful enthusiastic musician who loved the Folk Club and its community. Condolences to his family. He made music fun and he put his stamp on every tune he played and sang. Vale Tony. You will be missed and remembered always. Paul Reynolds 4D Goodbye to a great guy. He taught me so much! "they marry and go as the world rolls back, They marry and vanish and die; But their spirit shall live on the Outside Track As long as the years roll by." Sean Roche 4D A true gentleman,,in my prayers,, I am still hoping Warren Fahey (of Larrikin Records fame, aka Catter Bodgie) will also be able to post here .... |
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22 Aug 25 - 10:20 PM (#4227509) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: rich-joy TONY's FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS : Relatives and friends of Tony are invited to attend a celebration of his Life to be held at the Thorak Chapel, Deloraine Rd, Knuckey Lagoon on Wednesday 27August2025 at 1.30pm, with his interment to follow in the Thorak Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the Service will be live-streamed via the Territory Funerals website. territoryfunerals.com.au 08 8914 9555 |
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22 Aug 25 - 11:56 PM (#4227511) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: rich-joy a friend passed on Warren's FB post re Tone's passing : here's what Warren Fahey wrote: "I have worked with hundreds of musicians and some of the best were members of my performance group The Larrikins. TONY SUTTOR was a member of the second incantation of the group in 1970 (pictured) and remained for a few years. Liora Claff joined soon after Tony. Tony died on the weekend, after a long illness related to his blood. Tony, ever the smiling gentle soul, was also a music powerhouse and a wonderful enthusiastic singer. When I came to make the very first album to be released on Larrikin, 'Man of the Earth' (1974), Tony was an obvious choice. His harmonies with Andy Saunders still stand solid 35 years later. I kept in touch with Tony via Facebook and caught up with him when I visited Darwin (in fact he arranged for me to sing at the local folk club - and, of course, joined me in several songs). We were to catch up again last year but he was in chemotherapy again. His many friends will miss him, his laughter and music. If there is a place called Heaven, you can bet your boots that Tony's harmonies will be soaring. Rest easy, old mate." |
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23 Aug 25 - 07:09 AM (#4227521) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: rich-joy Tony Suttor interviewed by Rob Willis in the Rob and Olya Willis folklore collection. Folkloric recording. nla.obj-451749318 https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-451749318/listen ORAL TRC 6124/136 Recorded on 15 May 2017 in Palmerston, Northern Territory. 3 sound files Timed summary available. Contributors: Willis, Rob, 1944- interviewer. (Unknown) Willis, Olya, interviewer. (Unknown) Suttor, Tony interviewee. (Unknown) Tony was born 24.6.1950 in Merewether in Newcastle and named Anthony Hope. Family background of mother. Mother's father was a doctor at Newcastle Hospital. Keywords: Dr Alan Thomas Roberts Mother Barbara Dolene was a Newcastle girl and worked as a cook. Description of making ice-cream with his mother. Description of the gas fridge. Father Rex Reginald Hope Suttor enlisted in army. Also ran a horse riding school. Work as a taxi driver. Describes father's job, cost of plate and wages. Father enjoyed gambling. Other drivers of father's taxi. Story of father's gambling and SP Bookie Tommy Doyle. More on father's gambling. Father kept records of his betting. Describes cars driven by father and the colour scheme of the taxi. Mileage covered by father with his taxi business. Story about his father's experience and characters met during his work as a taxi driver. Keywords: Rex Reginald Hope Suttor, Bea Miles Background of grandmothers of the Suttor and Roberts family. Grandmother Hope Suttor was born in Belfast in 1878. Her career with with theatre and radio. Her participation in the Coles three thousand pound Question. Keywords: Kathleen Mayne Hope Suttor, Fred and Maggie Everybody, Dad and Dave, Blue Hills Grandmother Hope wrote children's books circa 1930's. Memories of his grandmother. Keywords: Kathleen Mayne Hope Suttor Grandmother's husband was a manager with the P&O Line. More family background on the Suttor family. More on Grandmother Hope and superstitions. Tony lived in Bellevue Hill and was educated at Lane Cove West Public School. Memories of Smoky Dawson. Family moving to Dover Heights Father leasing taxi plates on retirement. Keywords: Taxi business Attending Rose Bay Public School and then Sydney Grammar. Comparison to his sister's education. Observing class distinction. Had a physical disability with sight. Impact of this on him. His musical interests ranged from Beatles to Peter, Paul and Mary. Description of The Stadium. Going to a boxing match featuring Jimmy Curruthers. His relationship with his mother and father. Father's life after retirement. Music in the family home. Playing guitar and his innovation to amplify the sound. Describes the performance of Peter, Paul and Mary at The Stadium. Other performances he attended at The Stadium. Describes the Mouseketeers performance. Reminiscing. Completing his education but with no idea what he wanted to do. Notes some teachers that had an influence on him. Selling newspapers as a teenager. Payment and dress attire. Sunday morning paper calls. Keywords: Newspaper boys Repeats Sunday morning paper call. More on his education and his achievements. Qualifying for a Qantas apprenticeship in engineering. Family cruise. Commencing his apprenticeship in aircraft maintenance. Explanation of the course requirements. Wages during apprenticeship was paid in a mixture of currency. Payment of board. Explains his course options and describes his course. Describes the planes used by Qantas and working on a variety of planes during his apprenticeship. Describes the sections and duration of time spent in each section. Working on helicopters. Keywords: Qantas Engineering Apprenticeship Level of respect for the seniors workers and bosses. Information on the hierarchy within the engineering section. Time spent keeping the manuals up to date. Description given of boss Mr Kidd and the foreman. First and second year apprenticeship courses. Keywords: Qantas Engineering Apprenticeship Learning about traditions and maintenance of tools. Tricks played on apprentices. Tradition of initiation of apprentices. Keywords: Apprentice Folklore Air-operated machinery in the hangars. Description of the grease used. More about the initiation of apprentices. Keywords: Engineering Machinery, Apprentice Folklore Explanation of the term 'foreign order'. Strength of unions. Apprentices and union strikes. Accidents during strikes. Keywords: Unionism Story about catching a bus to cross the tarmac. Description of tool storage in specific hangars. Description of the tarmac bus. No nicknames used in his family. Known as Anthony in early school and then Tony in secondary school. Completion of his apprenticeship. Description of variety leave. Taking annual holiday in England. Returning and completing apprenticeship and leaving Qantas. Travelling and working in England. Returning to Australia. Attending folk clubs and immersing himself in music. Completing an IBM course. Working at Lucas Rotax. Describes working on a dart engine as well as fuel control unit. Paperwork that was involved while working on the units. Comparison made of Qantas Co. then and now. Tony's involvement in the folk scene through John Todhunter. Tradition of singing the club shut. Keywords: John Todhunter, Town Crier Folk Club Interviewer mentions a list of Tony's artistic involvements that will be included with the summary. He and Graham singing at the Baptist Coffee Shop. Singing engagements with Peter Darling and Roger Montgomery. Attending the Royal George Folk Club and other folk clubs in Sydney. Meeting Richard Evans. Learning to play button accordion. Trading concertina for a Honer accordion. Describes the versatility of the Honer 3 bass accordion. Learning to play and sing at the same time. Use of the bass to set music apart. Interviewer mentions a comment made by Greg O'Leary regarding the playing of the button accordion. Versatility of the button accordion. Interest in dance tunes. Playing for dances while working at Old Sydney Town. Method of calling dances at Old Sydney Town. Celtic music in sessions and English and Australian songs. Mention is made of Shirley Andrews comment on Scottish dance music. Playing dance tunes as a dance musician. Use of bellows for rhythm. National Folk Festival Sessions. Comment is made on the process of learning music through notation. Music for Playford Dances. Groups played with include The Larrikins, Wild Goose. Recording made of Wild Goose by Graham Seal. Keywords: The Larrikins, Wild Goose, Alan Foreshaw, Maureen Cummuskey, Graham Seal Involvement with The Larrikins. Keywords: The Larrikins, Warren Fahey, Liora Claff Warren Fahey and the Larrikins. Folkways was a great resource centre of music. First Larrikin record. Keywords: Dave De Huggard, Andrew Saunders Working at Old Sydney Town as a minstrel. Description of working as promotional agents for Old Sydney Town Keywords: Old Sydney Town, Eric Bogle Work at Old Sydney Town as Captain Crab and the Garden Gnomes. Recreating life of the 1830's through performances. Explains the origin of some of the sayings at Old Sydney Town. Playing at the Lachlan Vintage Village opening as the Wild Colonial Boys. Keywords: Lachlan Vintage Village Forbes Mention is made of other historic tourist settlements at Swan Hill and Sovereign Hill Ballarat. Old Sydney Town was a historically appropriate settlement. Describes the spontaneous performances as musicians and also performances as specific characters. Entertainment staff at Old Sydney Town. Cost of entry into Old Sydney Town. Demise of the historic tourist settlements. Left Old Sydney Town in 1980. Working with Colin Douglas touring schools in NSW and touring with Mike Jackson. Description of tours and having to find work during the school holidays. Performances of the duo as Colony. Description of shows and length of touring. Gives example of performance. More about Colin Douglas. Forming a dance bush band with Gordon McIntyre, Kate Delaney. Frank Canty called dances. Moving to Brisbane. National Folk Festival in Brisbane. Working with John Curry's Band. Band performance Greensleeves to Glitter. Repertoire of the band. Keywords: National Folk Festival Brisbane, John Curry, Cliff Atkinson Beginning a tour as supporting act for Buffy Sainte-Marie's tour. Description of the performances and promotion. Tony plays button accordion for all the tunes and songs. Plays song Billy of Tea. Information about the song. Skill of singing and playing at the same time. Explanation of some of the techniques. Facial Expression Band in Darwin. Plays Peek-a-Boo Waltz. Plays song The Female Morrisman. Plays Don Henderson song It's On. Playing in the band The Fettlers. Mention is made of Peter Bate his singing partner. Wirraway song collected by Don Brian in Wagga Wagga. Information about the Wirraway. Plays song Wirraway. His interest in planes and pilot lore. Background information on the Spitfire and their problem. Beatrice Shilling and her solution to the Spitfire problem. Keywords: Spitfires, Royal Aircraft Establishment, Beatrice Shilling Plays fragment of Sing a Song of Shilling. Gives background to the song about the Spitfires again. Plays song Sing a Song of Shilling. Plays a selection of songs and tunes. Plays a fragment of a Waltz Mazurka. Plays a medley of tunes: Manchester Gallop and Girls of Ivy. Enjoys playing for dances. Plays Jack Robinson's Set, an English Country Dance Set for Morris dancing. Plays The Nothing Girl. Keywords: The Nothing Girl Information on Jaffa Ah Mat. Plays Jaffa's March. Re-positioning the microphone. More of Tony's story. Travelling around with Viv (his then wife). Getting his pilot's licence. Playing music. Travelling to Darwin. Attending Alice Springs Festival in June 1982. Viv leaving. Getting involved with the Top End Folk Club. Working with the local community arts Brown's Mart as project officer. Describes the costume hiring business. Location of the venues for the Top End Folk Club. Keywords: Top End Folk Club, Paul Lawler, Brown's Mart Folk Club meeting at the Railway Club for music sessions. Folk club involvement with festivals. Keywords: Top End Folk Club National Library of Australia has recordings of the folk club sessions. Folk club sessions recorded by Terry McGinn and others. Keywords: Top End Folk Club Mike Hayes was asked to leave the folk club. Has no favourite bands. Description of playing with band Hilltop Handout while walking around Myer Store in Brisbane. Recording on cassettes. His personal recordings. Thunder Over Arnhem band recording. Terry Piper a songwriter writing about the mining at Jabiru. |
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25 Aug 25 - 08:32 AM (#4227627) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: rich-joy As I am not on FB, a friend sent me some Comments from the "Old Darwin" post of Tony's Passing : Brendan Michael (Brendan Williams) I will miss Tony. We played at the Top End Folk Club for years. Saw him at Woody Head many years ago now. Condolences to Jenny, all Tony’s relatives, and friends around Australia and overseas. I will watch online on Wednesday from Brisbane. Anna Grosvenor Fantastic collection of photos and memories of a wonderful, talented, generous musical man ?? Wonderful memories of a gifted and generous musician. Vale Tony Suttor. Thank you for the photos Richenda Bridge. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CWqz15awk/ Jeff Corfield We've already sent a personal message to Jenny and some photos to Jayne. However, I thought I'd share a few personal thoughts about Tony. Tony was a part of our lives for so long, while we lived in Darwin and since. We played music together on too many occasions to recall, sometimes formally with Hindquarter and Two (7) Up, then less formally for dances and other gigs, numerous sessions and such. However, it was Tony's work in transcribing and playing the music that Uncle Val McGinness left us that will forever remain in my heart, and the heart of his family. Whether it was the two NFF presentations (2002 and 2010) or the Days of Old Darwin event for Festival of Darwin in 2002, Tony was at the heart of those events (as was Peter Bate). The fact that Tony, Peter and Fritz kept those unique tunes and songs alive in between should be celebrated by all Top End folk, for they are indeed a unique legacy. Above all Tony always did it all with humility and grace and the skills and such a good musician, so easy to play along with. Though a long way away we will miss him dearly. I will miss all the tall ship photos he'd put up on Facebook. However, we've just started a shanty night here in Townsville and me and Martin Hungerford will be sure to sing some of the shanties we learned from Tony. Richard Wright So sad to hear of Tony's passing his friendship his Music and above all his ability to make every one welcome will be missed RIP Tony may your journey be melodious and merry my friend Graham Dodsworth Condolences to Jenny, Vicki, family and friends. Such a loss to us all. One of the noblest of people. Eileen Fletcher I met Tony later in life, not through music but through Greyhounds. He and Jenny adopted the first of their greyhounds from me in around 2012. Later they all visited us in the Gold Coast hinterland and again in Townsville. A fabulous greyhound parent and a lovely human being. He will be sadly missed Stan Gottschalk Rebecca and I are saddened beyond words to hear of Tony’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to Jenny, and to his family and friends. It was our privilege and our joy to have him as a friend. Abbie Thomas So sad to hear of your passing Tony. We were only talking about you a few days ago and how we planned to get to the Top End Festival next year and catch up with you. You were kind and fun and full of joy. Love and condolences to your family. Ruth Dickson I was going through my old computer about a month ago looking for music I’d lost off my mobile and found all this music Tony had given me about twelve years ago when I last saw him. There were many different folkies. Of course there were songs by him and Peter Bates. Ones by Paul Lawler and others. I downloaded them that day and uploaded to nee computer and then to my phone. I had a wonderful day listening to the voices and music of those beautiful people. I am so grateful and thankful to have them. We were going to travel to Darwin, unfortunately I have an appointment with with Specialty Surgical unit at the hospital. It will take months to get another. We have spoken with Jenny and wish we were there. Streaming isn’t quite the same. Much love to all who miss him.?? Pam Pole Special memories of Tony starting in our larrikin Sydney days in the mid 70s. Looking at Tony's recent sailing ship posts reminded men of the Bilge Ratz. So many different ways our mate contributed to our amazing folk world. RIP Tony. And loved sharing greyhound info and accordion jokes with our caring, interesting mate!! RIP Tony, it was a privilege to meet you and spend time with you and make connections in the Folk Communities across Australia. You and your music will be missed Don Bannister Allan Bannister |
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01 Sep 25 - 01:33 AM (#4227905) Subject: RE: Obit: Tony Suttor of Darwin, NT (1950-2025) From: rich-joy I have put together a vidclip on My/Lawls YouTube channel, to mark Tony's passing. This includes almost 60 pics of (just some of) Tony's involvement in the Australian Folk Scene - mainly 1980-90s - set to him singing Bob Pegg's "Rise Up Jock" way back around 1985, at Darwin's Gun Turret folkclub venue : Good Daze!! Guest comments are welcome : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu7z-nCNrnY Let me know if I have errors, of course .... Cheers, Rich-Joy (Down Under) |