It is with great sadness that I must inform you that one of the congregation has passed away, suddenly. Alan spent his last night at Sandy Bells in Edinburgh and sent me a voice message with the session playing in the background. I am happy that his last night was spent the way he would have chosen if given the the choice. He will be sadly missed by his friends, family and fellow band members. He took with him a huge knowledge of traditional music and I am so sad that I only had three years worth of picking his brains. Alan, if there is a session up there, gie it laldy wee man!
Craig - I'm really shocked and saddened to hear that. I was very much looking forward to meeting the man in the flesh, on my next trip over the Border. Hope your band can carry on without his strong influence.
This can't be true. I don't know what to say. Alan and I have emailed now and then over the last year or more--his band was putting "Bang Your Frog" on their cd....
He posted 103 comments to The Session. I find it fitting that the last comment he posted (on the "what is a Fiddlers F*ck?" thread) finished with these words:
"You've only got one life -lead it!
Alan"
I think the most fitting way I can pay tribute to the man is through the music. I plan to spend some time playing each and every tune in his tunebook:
Will,
Aye we had 'bang your frog on the sofa' in one of our sets. I dont know what will happen with our band. 'The Midgierakers' was very much alan's band. I am so sad about this and have a huge lump in my throat as I type this. I suppose we must continue and play the music he loved so much. I hope we can do it. But I'm not sure.
Over the last 4-5 weeks Alan had a few incidents where he blacked out. He thought it was just a virus. He was off work and waiting to see a specialist. Unfortunately in the UK that that takes friggen weeks. Nuff said..... We need to wait for the report on how he died. It's a mystery!
Thanks for your kind comments folks, Alan would have appreciated it.
This summer, thanks to Paddy's Angels landing in my house for three days, I learned that my online friends really can as full of life and true to themselves here as they are in person--communicating through the Net doesn't necessarily preclude real communion among people if they do it in good faith.
Alan was one of the good ones. Through this site and many emails, and the music, we became friends. This news hit like a ton of bricks....
Rose and I send our deepest sympathies to Alan's family and friends--even half way around the world, here in Montana USA, he is missed.
I really hope youse keep The 'Rakers going as some form of musical entity, Craig, but I know yer a busy man. Obviously I never met Allan, but if he's someone you respect, then so do I. Also I hope when he left us, he wasn't in any pain.
Of course there's no way we could be saddened to the same extent as you, no way, losing a good buddy, central member of the band. But it's wierd that we addicts on this site, this webcommunity, knowing we can communicate with 'seisiun' musicians worldwide, can feel that to lose just one of that small community is a genuine loss, for us all.
Is there some way, apart from this, that we "e-buddies" might be able to pay our respect?
Yeah Will, I attempted to say something like what you just said so succinctly, and I'm glad I deleted it.. your words were much more appropriate. Only to add that when one types "Stuff" on yer computer on this site, it impacts many people, real people.
Craig, I'm just so sorry. So very sorry about Allan.
Oh Craig, how awful not even to know. I wonder if we can put together a worldwide pint to Alan during the evening of a Sandy Bells session or when your band next gets together? It'd be nice to all hoist one more or less at the same time to remember him by, and perhaps rip a few tunes out at the same time, if he had a favorite set or two.
One thing I've seen done in other virtual communities is a designated in memoriam webpage where there can also be a guestbook where anyone can sign it & pay their respects. In the past, I've seen family members who had no idea their loved one had such friends on the net, post how much their comments have meant to them.
Craig, I was online last night when you posted this news, and like Jeremy I had a look at Alan's last comment and noted how fitting it seemed. I didn't post then as, not knowing Alan, I wondered whether it was appropriate to do so, when other people here did know him, but then I guess you don't need to know someone in order to "remember" them, their family and friends in the way that's most appropriate to you at such a time. Which is what I will do. My condolences to you for the loss of your friend and colleague.
I've just come in off the night shift and read the sad news. I didn't know Alan personally either but he contacted me a couple of months back to invite me through to Glasgow to play the flute. Unfortunately I had to pass up the invitation but hoped that some day I might be up to speed enough to play with him. My sympathy to all his family and friends who new him .
Even though I didn't know him, either, I am sorry. Life is full of strange juxtapositions. The more wonderful people we have in our lives (on line or otherwise), the greater chance for loss and sorrow when we eventually lose someone.
I'm so very sorry to hear of this, my sympathies to Alan's family and band mates and friends, including all on the Session who knew him even if just as a penfriend. Even though I'm relatively new on the board and did not know him aside from his wonderful posts, it was awful and shocking to hear this news. May he have peace.
I just remember reading some of his comments, particularly the last one about living your life. No truer words.....wonder if he had a premonition. I think all of us will carry that with us for a long time. I'm feeling very sad. I can only imagine what those of you that knew him personally must be feeling. You are in my thoughts.
Craig, so sorry to hear this. It's a terrible and shocking thing. Yes, Alan was right in that prescient comment of his. In fact, does this sound stupid, or would that (the whole post) not be a nice thing to read aloud at his funeral? A 'carpe diem' message to all and sundry, and with a nice bit of humour in it.
I hope you will let his family and other friends know that he'll be missed here.
I never met him, but some tears were shed here in Hackney.
xx H
I've just gone down this whole thread again and read all the messages - all very nice except for.....
one plonker - me!!
I can't spell Alan's name properly (I did that before, with 2 L's, and you quite rightly b0ll0cked me for it, I recall) - till now! Sorry Alan! wherever ye are!
I didn't know him except as an occasional -- and witty -- contributor to this site. I'll leave a stone on this metaphorical rockpile as well.
Alan, I'm sure we all have a few people we'd like you to say "hello" to for us...good sessioning to you.
While the following lyric was written about a fiddler; I feel it encompasses all who love, play and pass on the tradition. Although I did not know Alan McGregor, the following lyric seems a fitting tribute to one who so loved his music and shared it.
A Moment in Time, penned by
Maired ni Mhaonaigh & Mark Kelly of Altan:
A moment in time, rosin the bow.
Sound the strings, of years ago.
A sunlit room at Glenties fair.
A traveler plays a haunting air.
A story told the laughter peel.
The fiddler strikes another reel.
The music lifts: the tapping toe,
The listener calls for "Séan sa Cheo".
Feel his art
Lift the heart
Sense the spirits rise and fall
A fiddler plays...........in Donegal.
The story resounds, the tune rings on.
The given note, the given song.
And now a child lifts the master's bow.
A moment in time, from years ago.
Feel his art
Lift the heart
Sense the spirits rise and fall
A fiddler plays...........in Donegal.
Yes, sometimes it really does feel like a virtual family - definately a virtual session at least, my condolances to his family and friends, its very sad news.
This is Alan's wife Isobel. I thank you for all your comments. Alan collapsed into my arms on a street in Edinburgh a place where we both loved to be.
Please encourage Craig to carry on the Midgierakers.
Thank you again for your kind thoughts.
Isobel
Isobel, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help you, you've only to ask. I'm glad that you were together at the end.
Craig -- there you go. Mission from God and all that.
Alan McGregor
Alan McGregor
Fellow sessioneers;
It is with great sadness that I must inform you that one of the congregation has passed away, suddenly. Alan spent his last night at Sandy Bells in Edinburgh and sent me a voice message with the session playing in the background. I am happy that his last night was spent the way he would have chosen if given the the choice. He will be sadly missed by his friends, family and fellow band members. He took with him a huge knowledge of traditional music and I am so sad that I only had three years worth of picking his brains. Alan, if there is a session up there, gie it laldy wee man!
Craig.
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by bouzyboy
Re: Alan McGregor
Craig - I'm really shocked and saddened to hear that. I was very much looking forward to meeting the man in the flesh, on my next trip over the Border. Hope your band can carry on without his strong influence.
Very sad.
Danny.
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Nick Splease
Re: Alan McGregor
Sad news indeed, but it's nice that he spent his last night at a session!
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Dow
Re: Alan McGregor
Sorry to hear it - my sympathies to his family and his friends there at Sandy Bells; Michael, Craig, and any others...
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: Alan McGregor
This can't be true. I don't know what to say. Alan and I have emailed now and then over the last year or more--his band was putting "Bang Your Frog" on their cd....
Craig, how did he go?
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Miss Lonelyhearts
Re: Alan McGregor
This is very sad news indeed.
Of course I never met the man but then I've never met most members of The Session.
Alan contributed greatly to the site as you can see from his profile history:
http://www.thesession.org/members/display.php/439/history
He posted 103 comments to The Session. I find it fitting that the last comment he posted (on the "what is a Fiddlers F*ck?" thread) finished with these words:
"You've only got one life -lead it!
Alan"
I think the most fitting way I can pay tribute to the man is through the music. I plan to spend some time playing each and every tune in his tunebook:
http://www.thesession.org/members/display.php/439/tunebook
My sincerest condolences go out to his friends and family.
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Jeremy
Re: Alan McGregor
Will,
Aye we had 'bang your frog on the sofa' in one of our sets. I dont know what will happen with our band. 'The Midgierakers' was very much alan's band. I am so sad about this and have a huge lump in my throat as I type this. I suppose we must continue and play the music he loved so much. I hope we can do it. But I'm not sure.
Over the last 4-5 weeks Alan had a few incidents where he blacked out. He thought it was just a virus. He was off work and waiting to see a specialist. Unfortunately in the UK that that takes friggen weeks. Nuff said..... We need to wait for the report on how he died. It's a mystery!
Thanks for your kind comments folks, Alan would have appreciated it.
Craig.
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by bouzyboy
Re: Alan McGregor
My sincerest condolences to all Alan's family and friends.
He was right about life!
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Geoff Pollitt
Re: Alan McGregor
This summer, thanks to Paddy's Angels landing in my house for three days, I learned that my online friends really can as full of life and true to themselves here as they are in person--communicating through the Net doesn't necessarily preclude real communion among people if they do it in good faith.
Alan was one of the good ones. Through this site and many emails, and the music, we became friends. This news hit like a ton of bricks....
Rose and I send our deepest sympathies to Alan's family and friends--even half way around the world, here in Montana USA, he is missed.
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Miss Lonelyhearts
Re: Alan McGregor
I really hope youse keep The 'Rakers going as some form of musical entity, Craig, but I know yer a busy man. Obviously I never met Allan, but if he's someone you respect, then so do I. Also I hope when he left us, he wasn't in any pain.
Of course there's no way we could be saddened to the same extent as you, no way, losing a good buddy, central member of the band. But it's wierd that we addicts on this site, this webcommunity, knowing we can communicate with 'seisiun' musicians worldwide, can feel that to lose just one of that small community is a genuine loss, for us all.
Is there some way, apart from this, that we "e-buddies" might be able to pay our respect?
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Nick Splease
Yeah Will, I attempted to say something like what you just said so succinctly, and I'm glad I deleted it.. your words were much more appropriate. Only to add that when one types "Stuff" on yer computer on this site, it impacts many people, real people.
Craig, I'm just so sorry. So very sorry about Allan.
Danny
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Nick Splease
Re: Alan McGregor
Oh Craig, how awful not even to know. I wonder if we can put together a worldwide pint to Alan during the evening of a Sandy Bells session or when your band next gets together? It'd be nice to all hoist one more or less at the same time to remember him by, and perhaps rip a few tunes out at the same time, if he had a favorite set or two.
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: Alan McGregor
Oh my gosh this is so sad.
One thing I've seen done in other virtual communities is a designated in memoriam webpage where there can also be a guestbook where anyone can sign it & pay their respects. In the past, I've seen family members who had no idea their loved one had such friends on the net, post how much their comments have meant to them.
Craig, I'm so very sorry. *hug*
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by emily_bmore
Re: Alan McGregor
Craig, I was online last night when you posted this news, and like Jeremy I had a look at Alan's last comment and noted how fitting it seemed. I didn't post then as, not knowing Alan, I wondered whether it was appropriate to do so, when other people here did know him, but then I guess you don't need to know someone in order to "remember" them, their family and friends in the way that's most appropriate to you at such a time. Which is what I will do. My condolences to you for the loss of your friend and colleague.
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Tish
Re: Alan McGregor
I've just come in off the night shift and read the sad news. I didn't know Alan personally either but he contacted me a couple of months back to invite me through to Glasgow to play the flute. Unfortunately I had to pass up the invitation but hoped that some day I might be up to speed enough to play with him. My sympathy to all his family and friends who new him .
Willie
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Seasider
Re: Alan McGregor
This is so sad. All my sympathy.
Mark
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Ottery
Re: Alan McGregor
Even though I didn't know him, either, I am sorry. Life is full of strange juxtapositions. The more wonderful people we have in our lives (on line or otherwise), the greater chance for loss and sorrow when we eventually lose someone.
# Posted on October 4th 2003 by Andee
Re: Alan McGregor
I'm so very sorry to hear of this, my sympathies to Alan's family and band mates and friends, including all on the Session who knew him even if just as a penfriend. Even though I'm relatively new on the board and did not know him aside from his wonderful posts, it was awful and shocking to hear this news. May he have peace.
# Posted on October 5th 2003 by LH
Re: Alan McGregor
I just remember reading some of his comments, particularly the last one about living your life. No truer words.....wonder if he had a premonition. I think all of us will carry that with us for a long time. I'm feeling very sad. I can only imagine what those of you that knew him personally must be feeling. You are in my thoughts.
# Posted on October 5th 2003 by Gault802
Re: Alan McGregor
I feel so very sorry to hear such a sad news. My deepest condolences to everybody who knew him.
luska
# Posted on October 5th 2003 by luska
Re: Alan McGregor
Sorry to hear this - I didn't know Alan but have read most of his comments on the session - Sympathy to all his family & friends
# Posted on October 5th 2003 by Enob
Re: Alan McGregor
Craig, so sorry to hear this. It's a terrible and shocking thing. Yes, Alan was right in that prescient comment of his. In fact, does this sound stupid, or would that (the whole post) not be a nice thing to read aloud at his funeral? A 'carpe diem' message to all and sundry, and with a nice bit of humour in it.
I hope you will let his family and other friends know that he'll be missed here.
I never met him, but some tears were shed here in Hackney.
xx H
# Posted on October 5th 2003 by Nell
Alan, not Allan....
I've just gone down this whole thread again and read all the messages - all very nice except for.....
one plonker - me!!
I can't spell Alan's name properly (I did that before, with 2 L's, and you quite rightly b0ll0cked me for it, I recall) - till now! Sorry Alan! wherever ye are!
Danny.
# Posted on October 5th 2003 by Nick Splease
Re: Alan McGregor
I didn't know him except as an occasional -- and witty -- contributor to this site. I'll leave a stone on this metaphorical rockpile as well.
Alan, I'm sure we all have a few people we'd like you to say "hello" to for us...good sessioning to you.
# Posted on October 5th 2003 by cuchulain54
Re: Alan McGregor
Nine bows.
# Posted on October 5th 2003 by coyotebanjo
Re: Alan McGregor
I met Alan at Kelso, he was warm, friendly, encouraging and a very fine musician. My condolances to his family.
# Posted on October 5th 2003 by Davetnova
Re: Alan McGregor
I can't place Alan although we probably have met at festivals and places like Sandy Bell's. Please accept my condolences, also.
John
# Posted on October 6th 2003 by Back for a while
Re: Alan McGregor
While the following lyric was written about a fiddler; I feel it encompasses all who love, play and pass on the tradition. Although I did not know Alan McGregor, the following lyric seems a fitting tribute to one who so loved his music and shared it.
A Moment in Time, penned by
Maired ni Mhaonaigh & Mark Kelly of Altan:
A moment in time, rosin the bow.
Sound the strings, of years ago.
A sunlit room at Glenties fair.
A traveler plays a haunting air.
A story told the laughter peel.
The fiddler strikes another reel.
The music lifts: the tapping toe,
The listener calls for "Séan sa Cheo".
Feel his art
Lift the heart
Sense the spirits rise and fall
A fiddler plays...........in Donegal.
The story resounds, the tune rings on.
The given note, the given song.
And now a child lifts the master's bow.
A moment in time, from years ago.
Feel his art
Lift the heart
Sense the spirits rise and fall
A fiddler plays...........in Donegal.
Deb.
# Posted on October 6th 2003 by Agnes Nutter
Re: Alan McGregor
I can only echo the other comments on this thread. I didn't know him but I read his comments/profile and liked the way he put things.
Ewan
# Posted on October 6th 2003 by Yohan
Re: Alan McGregor
Yes, sometimes it really does feel like a virtual family - definately a virtual session at least, my condolances to his family and friends, its very sad news.
# Posted on October 8th 2003 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: Alan McGregor
This is Alan's wife Isobel. I thank you for all your comments. Alan collapsed into my arms on a street in Edinburgh a place where we both loved to be.
Please encourage Craig to carry on the Midgierakers.
Thank you again for your kind thoughts.
Isobel
# Posted on October 10th 2003 by Alanmmcgregor
Re: Alan McGregor
Isobel, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help you, you've only to ask. I'm glad that you were together at the end.
Craig -- there you go. Mission from God and all that.
Zina
# Posted on October 11th 2003 by Zina Lee