Whatever you think about the Honours System and I'm sure it's viewed with disdain by many people here, I feel we should congratulate John on this achievement.
I've always rated him as an artist and a really significant influence musically - really enjoyed his records and live performances. Genius may often be flawed but it is certainly there in John's case and I agree with Johannes.
I'm sure that he can be very "difficult" and he has had to deal with many issues in his life. However, I've found him a very friendly, "well met" guy who would take the time to acknowledge me if I bumped into him at a festival, gig, or some other occasion.
Having said all that, I haven't met John for many years and even back then it was on a very superficial level.
I first saw him at a concert at the university in Belfast when I was a first year student, late 1971, early 1972.
The supporting act was an unknown group called called "Planxty". After their performance, never bettered in all the times I saw them, John was very funny and gracious on stage, complaining about being "set up" by the Irish and all that. A very good performance as well.
Beautiful. somehow i missed him. Thanks for opening a new door. maybe i can return the favour. He kinda reminds me of this guy: http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=jqOVtUgf_TM
hope you enjoy it! Cheers, pipewatcher
John Martyn OBE
John Martyn OBE
Whatever you think about the Honours System and I'm sure it's viewed with disdain by many people here, I feel we should congratulate John on this achievement.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7805022.stm
John couldn't really be described as an Irish player either but I know he's loved by many.
# Posted on December 31st 2008 by Johnny Jay
Re: John Martyn OBE
Only by those who have never met him.
# Posted on December 31st 2008 by dafydd
Re: John Martyn OBE
That comes across as a bit sour!
I've always rated him as an artist and a really significant influence musically - really enjoyed his records and live performances. Genius may often be flawed but it is certainly there in John's case and I agree with Johannes.
Although I have never met him personally.
# Posted on December 31st 2008 by Rob
Re: John Martyn OBE
I'm sure that he can be very "difficult" and he has had to deal with many issues in his life. However, I've found him a very friendly, "well met" guy who would take the time to acknowledge me if I bumped into him at a festival, gig, or some other occasion.
Having said all that, I haven't met John for many years and even back then it was on a very superficial level.
# Posted on December 31st 2008 by Johnny Jay
Re: John Martyn OBE
For those who didn't meet him, what's not to love? Here come the Youtubes:
Spencer the Rover: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1XTOAcnWJY (With Phil Cunningham, Aly Bain, et al)
Solid Air (in Dublin): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_Utj4Aljc
May you Never (and no, it's not an Eric Clapton song!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOi_wxypeGc
# Posted on December 31st 2008 by grego
Re: John Martyn OBE
I first saw him at a concert at the university in Belfast when I was a first year student, late 1971, early 1972.
The supporting act was an unknown group called called "Planxty". After their performance, never bettered in all the times I saw them, John was very funny and gracious on stage, complaining about being "set up" by the Irish and all that. A very good performance as well.
# Posted on January 1st 2009 by bodhran bliss
Re: John Martyn OBE
May You Never ist the best possible song for New Year's Day.
# Posted on January 1st 2009 by kuec
Re: John Martyn OBE
Beautiful. somehow i missed him. Thanks for opening a new door. maybe i can return the favour. He kinda reminds me of this guy:
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=jqOVtUgf_TM
hope you enjoy it! Cheers, pipewatcher
# Posted on January 1st 2009 by pipewatcher
Re: John Martyn OBE
Here he is interviewed by Phil Cunningham in 2007 and plays Hurt in your Heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkcmB8a1cn8&feature=related
# Posted on January 1st 2009 by kuec
Re: John Martyn OBE
Of course, we'd be remiss not to listen to at least one of his Echoplex adventures:
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=pYLVM560Fok&feature=related
IMHO it doesn't need the benefit of mind-altering substances to appreciate - maybe even replaces them.
# Posted on January 3rd 2009 by grego
Re: John Martyn OBE
What a gorgeous voice.... always meant to check him out, thanks for the links.
# Posted on January 3rd 2009 by suesinger
Re: John Martyn OBE
sad to report John died yesterday at age 60
# Posted on January 30th 2009 by hungry grass