I saw Martin and Eliza perform on Sunday evening at the Celtic Connections tribute gig for Dick Gaughan. Martin took a couple of attempts at starting the song and had to be prompted on the lyrics (Bonnie Woodha'). However the muscle memory is there and he played guitar beautifully as he played and sang the whole song. His voice is still strong.

The reception he got was overwhelming and yes I was a blubbing heap as a result. Of course no one had any idea that would be his final performance and I guess it was sort of fitting in a way that he was surrounded by fellow musicians who all obviously adore him. Dick Gaughan said on stage that Martin and Archie Fisher were the two he had learned the most from.

I've seen Martin in various line ups, with Chris Parkinson and Norma, with Swarb and just him solo. I feel enormously privileged to have see him live, Dick Gaughan too. I wish I had seen Nic Jones.

Iain's having an 80th bash...RT confirmed.

Sad news about Martin Carthy, but when he did the performance for the album awards, he was clearly not the man he was. I hate the dementia thief.

As for the report on harassment of female musicians in the Scottish music scene, that’s nothing new as there wà an article about its prevalence in the British scene last year, I think.

She can be quite chatty online but she's had some sh1t to deal with recently which I think is related to this week's news story about the number of female musicians in Scotland who have had unwanted attention from blokes on the folk music scene.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cyv5gze9142o

I didn't wish anyone to infer Eliza and I are acquainted

Never acknowledged?  Well, I never.

A sad, but inevitable announcement.

Martin appeared at Beardy a couple of years ago, solo. Unfortunately he was already at the point of forgetting lyrics or even the song he had just been playing, losing his way a few times and just coming to a halt, looking puzzled. He was treated well by the crowd who obviously loved and supported him and showed that very much.

At the time I sent a message to Eliza ( never acknowledged ) saying that he shouldn't be getting on stage solo any more and urging her to ensure that if he toured again, it was with her or a trusted musician accompanying him.

Dementia is awful. Sadly our family has experienced this with several becoming severely affected.

We send our love and best wishes to Martin, Eliza, their family and friends.

Lord Simon of Nicol in conversation with Messrs Ellen and Hepworth.
https://youtu.be/w7R0yDLLsxY?si=9Pbw3PxtOGOpGrLX

End of an era.

Jules

yes I saw it on instagram, apparently he was diagnosed a month ago. Very sad....