Big MuffJohn Martyn 70s Giglist
If you know of any other performances, do not hesitate to send me a note...
1970
January
1970-01-08 UK, London, Kingston, Polytechnic Students Union. John Martyn 8pm.
1970-01-16 UK, Dorking, Congregational Hall. Shelter with Bridget St. John, John Martin [sic]. 6 shillings and 7/6, 7:30pm.
1970-01-17 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm John Martyn, Mike Cooper, Nick Drake.
1970-01-21 UK, London, College for the Distributive Trades - John Martyn, Rick Davey, Barry Youldon.
1970-01-23 UK, London, Walthamstow, Waltham Forest Technical College. Concert in aid of Shelter; shared bill with Richard Digance, Gasworks and Terry Hutchings. Tickets 5 shillings.
1970-01-24 UK, Greenwich, Greenwich Theatre Folk Club (Saturday). Solo gig.
February
1970-02-00 UK, Bristol, unknown. Band gig accompanying Stormbringer release, of same nature as Queen Elizabeth Hall performance, so with uninterested band members.
1970-02-07 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn, Dr Strangely Strange.
1970-02-07 UK, Bristol, Troubadour. Solo gig.
1970-02-09 UK, London, Putney Half Moon - John Martyn, Cliff Aungier, Royd River, Gerry Lockran.
1970-02-14 UK, London, Les Cousins: supporting act for Dr Strangely Strange. Four tracks taped.
1970-02-21 UK, London, Queen Elizabeth Hall (together with Beverley and a full band, to launch Stormbringer on a Saturday). "John and Beverley Martin [sic] and their musicians - A concert of contemporary songs, plus Nick Drake. Tickets 20, 16, 12, and 8 shillings. A NEMS presentation." About 1,500 people showed up. "Nick Drake opened the show, staring at his feet, playing extraordinary finger-style guitar and disappearing as quickly as possible as though to deny he'd ever been there at all. [] That night John smacked a guitar while the lovely Beverley sang the extended, muscular funk of Sweet Honesty." (Mark Cooper) John's anger was caused by unsympathetic band musicians.
March
1970-03-05 UK, Bedford, Bedford college. Solo.
1970-03-06 UK, Hull, University Folk Club. Solo.
1970-03-14 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn, Dando Shaft (very good sensitive band of minstrels).
1970-03-18 UK, London, Holloway, Northern Polytechnic. Solo concert.
April
1970-04-18 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn.
May
1970-05-00 UK, Leyton (London), Leyton Senior High School for girls.
1970-05-00 UK, High Wycombe, venue unknown. "An evening with John Martyn, John James and Heron", advertised in Melody Maker, 25 April 1970. "L.P. and Leonard Cohen tickets in a Lucky Ticket Draw."
1970-05-08 UK, London, Bedford College. All night festival also featuring Nick Drake, Spencer Davis Group and Graham Bond.
1970-05-22 UK, London, East Ham, Denmark Arms. John Martyn, Chris Davies, Richard Digance.
1970-05-23 UK, Sheffield, Sheffield University. Principal Edwards Magic Theatre, Strawbs, and John Martyn.
1970-05-29 UK, Ware (Hertfordshire), Ware College. John Martyn, John James, John Foot - 8pm.
June
1970-06-05 UK, London, London City University. John Martyn, 8pm.
1970-06-21 UK, London, Westfield College. Elton John, Stefan Grossman, John Martyn, The Humblebums took part in what is loosely termed as a 'folk event'. Started after end of World Cup Final.
1970-06-22 UK, London, Phonograph. John Martyn, Mythica - 7:30-11pm.
July
1970-07-11 UK, London, Les Cousins. Solo concert.
1970-07-27 UK, Richmond, Hanging Lamp. Solo concert.
August
1970-08-15 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm: John Martyn, Ceilidh at the House.
September
1970-09-20 UK, Glastonbury: small event for 2.500 guests, more of a barn dance.
October
1970-10-01 UK, London, Kingston, Polytechnic Folk Club. Solo gig, 8pm.
November
1970-11-17 UK, Redruth (Cornwall), Room at the Top. Solo concert.
1970-11-21 UK, Reading, Reading University. Opening for Mott The Hoople with John Morgan.
December
1970-12-07 UK, London, South Bank Students Union. Solo concert.
1971
UK tour with Claire Hamill
Claire Hamill remembers playing several universities with John:
1971-00-00 Scotland, Glasgow. What a wonderful man he is. I have many fond memories of the times we spent on the road in the seventies, like in a club in Glasgow where the dressing room was the most bleak I've ever been in! We only had a few empty paint tins to sit on, needless to say the audience were as warm as they usually are in Glasgow which incidentally is my father's home town. In Stirling we spent the night in a guest house. It was extremely cold but the landlady had put hot water-bottles in our beds for us. We were all starving when we came back from the gig but everyone was in bed so no luck there. The decor was decidedly Scottish..."
1971-00-00 Scotland, Stirling, University.
1971-00-00 UK, Warwick (Warwickshire), University of Warwick.
1971-00-00 UK, York, University of York.
1971-00-00 UK, Durham, University of Durham.
1971-00-00 UK, London, Imperial College
January
1971-01-02 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - Solo gig.
1971-01-11 UK, Richmond, Hanging Lamp. 8pm - Solo gig.
1971-01-12 UK, Hayes, Folk Club. John Martyn, John Coverdale, Richard Bartram.
February
1971-02-13 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn solo.
March
1971-03-09 UK, Twickenham College. Shared bill with Michael Chapman and Dando Shaft. Reviewed Sounds 20 March 1971.
1971-03-11 UK, Guildford, Civic Halls. John Fahey, Gordon Giltrap, John Martyn, Nick Gray, Bernie Roy. "Contemporary Music in Guildford | 5-14 March 1971 | The Guildford Festival". Reviewed Sounds 20 March 1971.
1971-03-18 UK, Bradford, University. Michael Chapman, John Martyn, Dr Strangely Strange.
1971-03-19 UK, Bradford, University. Shared bill with Steeleye Span and Dr Strangely Strange.
1971-03-20 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn.
April
1971-04-05 UK, Richmond (Surrey), Hanging Lamp (Monday 8 p.m.). Solo concert.
1971-04-15 UK, Plymouth, Guildhall (Van Dike). Opening act for Mott The Hoople, tickets 50p.
1971-04-18 UK, Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent), Victoria Hall. Opening act for Mott The Hoople; ticket mentions 'John Martin'. Admission 50p.
1971-04-24 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn.
May
1971-05-09 UK, unknown. John is listed with Groundhogs for a Sunday Concert by BBC Radio 1. Unconfirmed.
1971-05-11 UK, Kingston, Get Stuffed. John Martyn - 8pm.
June
1971-06-18 UK, Sheffield, University. Principal Edwards Magic Theatre, John Martyn.
1971-06-19 UK, Reading, Town Hall. Michael Chapman, John Martyn, Wizz Jones, Pete Berryman. 7:30pm, tickets at door.
July
1971-07-10 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn.
1971-07-21 or 1971-07-22 UK, Glastonbury, first festival. John played for '9.000 hippies'. Actually there were 12.500 people. The real first Glastonbury was one year earlier.
1971-07-31 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn.
August
1971-08-16 UK, Richmond, Hanging Lamp. John Martyn, 8pm, please come early!
September
1971-09-04 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn.
1971-09-10 UK, London, Queen Elizabeth Hall. Sandy Denny, John Martyn, Duncan Browne (part of the Festival of Progressive Music).
1971-09-17 UK, Worcester, Gaumont Theatre: supporting act for Traffic. "One-off promotion by a local Worcester guy called Mitch." (Ben Hodgkiss).
1971-09-20 UK, London, Playhouse Theatre (Northumberland Avenue). Recorded for John Peel session broadcast 20 October 1971.
October
1971-10-03 UK, London, Chalk Farm Roundhouse. IMPLOSION! 3:30pm-11:30pm - Fresh Form Frisco, Stoneground, Brinsley Schwartz, John Martyn, Help Yourself, Derrick & Armstrong, Jeff Dexter.
1971-10-23 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn.
1971-10-24 UK, Hull, Brickhouse.
1971-10-30 UK, London, PCL (Polytechnic of Central London, 115 New Cavendish Street). Second evening of "Festival Three". Shared bill with Loudon Wainwright III, Mr Fox, Ian Campbell Group and Jeremy Taylor. 7:30pm, admission 60p.
November
1971-11-04 UK, London, Kingston Polytechnic. John Martyn, Roger Ruskin Spear, 8pm - 35p (members).
1971-11-09 UK, London, University College. Tuesday Folk with Bridget St John, John Martyn.
1971-11-12 UK, Lancaster, University. Amazing Blondel, Bronco, John Martyn. 60p.
1971-11-18 UK, London, Queen Mary College. John Martyn, 7:45pm - 30p.
1971-11-21 Ireland, Belfast, Queen's University. Concert for students' Esoteric Music Society, admission 40p. Brendan Quayle was probably involved in this one.
1971-11-25 UK, Croydon, Fairfield Halls. Supporting act to Amazing Blondel. 7:45pm. Review: "An acutely nervous John Martyn sadly gave a disjointed introverted performance. He seemed obsessed with his guitar playing to the neglect of his singing. As his voice can be uncommonly good, this seemed a waste." - We've come a long way...
December
1971-12-00 UK, London, Paris Theatre, acoustic solo performance (Head and Heart, BBC Live; probably recorded for John Peel's BBC Rock Hour).
1971-12-19 UK, London (Camden), Chalk Farm Roundhouse (Sunday 15:30-23:00). IMPLOSION! - shared bill with Mott the Hoople, England Dan, John Ford Coley, Brett Marvin & the Thunderbolts, Gallagher & Lyle and Max Merriott & the Meteors. Admission 50p.
1972
1972-00-00 UK, Bromley, Bromley College of Technology. (John was playing a Gibson Flying V guitar.)
Island Artists Tour with Bronco and Claire Hamill
January
1972-01-14 UK, Leeds, Polytechnic. (Friday).
1972-01-15 UK, Ripon, College of Education. (Saturday).
1972-01-21 UK, Huddersfield, Polytechnic. (Friday).
1972-01-22 UK, Twickenham College of Technology. (Saturday).
1972-01-26 UK, Manchester, University. (Wednesday).
1972-01-27 UK, Warwick, University. (Thursday).
1972-01-29 UK, Bradford, University. (Saturday).
February
1972-02-04 UK, Guildford, University of Surrey. (Friday).
1972-02-09 UK, Keele, University. (Wednesday).
1972-02-12 UK, Southampton, University. (Saturday).
1972-02-13 UK, Bangor, University of North Wales. (Sunday).
1972-02-16 UK, Lancaster, University. Shared bill with Sutherland Brothers.
1972-02-18 UK, Birmingham, University. (Friday).
1972-02-19 UK, Colchester, Essex University. (Saturday).
1972-02-20 UK, Fulham, Greyhound. Probably solo.
1972-02-26 UK, London, Imperial College (Great Hall; Saturday). "Spring" concerts. Admission 50p.
March
1972-03-01 UK, Aberystwyth, University. (Wednesday).
1972-03-04 UK, Leicester, Polytechnic. Shared bill with Bronco and Bridget St John.
1972-03-09 Scotland, Hamilton, College of Education. (Thursday).
1972-03-10 Scotland, Stirling University. (Friday).
1972-03-11 Scotland, Edinburgh University. (Saturday).
April
1972-04-21 UK, Ilford (London), General Havelock Soft Rock Club. "I was at the gig in Ilford. It was a small venue, full of friendly people. Everyone pretty much knew everyone else. The promoters, as was often the case in those days, weren't in it for the money. I got involved with banter as John was tuning up for Singing In The Rain which ended up mildly pornographic. The music was out of this world." (Tom Alford).
May
1972-05-15 UK, Richmond (Surrey), Hanging Lamp.
1972-05-20 UK, Aberystwyth, University. "John Martyn | Claire Hammill | A Concert in New Union Refec | Sat. 20th May - Start 8.00pm | Limited No of Tickets at 35p Each."
1972-05-21 UK, London, Sadlers Wells Theatre. Afternoon concert preceding Roy Harper evening show. Shared bill with Claire Hamill and Roger Williamson. Apparently this gig was cancelled, Roy Harper being seriously ill.
1972-05-28 UK, Lincoln, Great Western Express Festival. The festival lasted 26-29 May; John played in a "Giants Of Tomorrow" marquee sponsored by the NME.
June
1972-06-00 UK, Leyton (London), Down River 1.
July
1972-07-30 UK, Redcar, Redcar Jazz Club (at the ballroom of the Coatham Hotel). Dando Shaft & John Martyn.
Touring with Sandy Denny
September
1972-09-06 UK, London, Queen Elizabeth Hall. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.
1972-09-14 UK, Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent), Victoria Hall. Shared bill with Sandy Denny; John was supporting act. Admission 50p. The gig was scheduled for Friday 15 September but moved to the preceding Thursday due to unforeseen circumstances.
October
1972-10-05 UK, Liverpool, Liverpool Stadium. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.
1972-10-06 UK, Cambridge, University. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.
1972-10-07 UK, Bath, University. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.
1972-10-11 UK, Brighton, Brighton Dome. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.
1972-10-12 UK, Newcastle, Civic Hall. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.
1972-10-14 UK, York, University. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.
1972-10-21 UK, Leicester, University.
1972-10-26 UK, Mile End (London), Sundown Theatre.
1972-10-27 UK, Bolton, Institute of Technology.
November
1972-11-08 UK, Manchester, University Union. (With Beverley, both playing acoustic guitars.)
December
1972-12-06 UK, Newcastle, City Hall. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.
1972-12-08 UK, Twickenham, Tech College. "Friday, December 8th, 7.30 p.m.-midnight | Christmas Feast | John Martyn | Dando Shaft | Pisces | Country Jug | Twickenham Tech., Egerton Road | Tickets 60p on night or 50p in advance from One Stop, Richmond; Parlour Sounds, Twickenham; Musicland, Hounslow or S.U. | Licensed Bar :: Lights".
1973
American Tour with Traffic and Free
January
1973-01-17 US, New Orleans (Louisiana), Loyola Fieldhouse.
1973-01-18 US, Houston, Coliseum.
1973-01-19 US, Fort Worth (Texas), Tarrant County Convention Center.
1973-01-20 US, El Paso, Civic Center.
1973-01-21 US, Tucson, Arena.
1973-01-22 US, Santa Monica (California), Civic Center.
1973-01-23 US, Long Beach, Arena.
1973-01-24 US, San Diego, Sports Arena.
1973-01-25 US, San Francisco (California), Winterland.
1973-01-26 US, San Francisco (California), Winterland.
1973-01-27 US, Santa Monica, Civic Center.
1973-01-28 US, Albuquerque.
1973-01-29 US, Denver.
1973-01-31 US, St. Louis, Kiel Auditorium.
February
1973-02-01 US, Pittsburgh, Civic Arena. "Two of those groups, Traffic and Free, and singer John Martyn appeared at the Civic Arena last night for Pat DiCesare productions and drew a crowd of 13,219, almost all teen-agers." And: "Pittsburgh is nearly mid-point of the tour which will go into 28 cities." (The Pittsburgh Press).
1973-02-02 US, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Spectrum Arena.
1973-02-03 US, Baltimore (Maryland), Civic Center.
1973-02-04 US, Chicago (Illinois), Kinetic Playground.
1973-02-06 US, Detroit.
1973-02-08 US, New York, Nassau Coliseum (Uniondale, Long Island).
1973-02-09 US, New York, Academy of Music.
1973-02-10 US, New York, Academy of Music.
1973-02-11 US, Boston (Massachusetts), Music Hall.
1973-02-13 US, Williamsburg, College of William and Mary.
1973-02-14 US, Atlanta, Municipal Auditorium.
1973-02-15 US, Orlando.
1973-02-16 US, Tampa, Curtis Hixon Hall.
1973-02-17 US, Hollywood, Florida Sportatorium.
This tour consisted of 35 dates in 39 days. (Liquorice interview). "He played about 30-minute sets and because of the vast stadia Martyn found that he could only perform his "electric side". (Geoff Brown in Melody Maker). Eight days later Martyn was back in America for a ...
1973-02-25 US, ... Tour supporting Solid Air sales that 'went well'.
Solid Air Tour
March
1973-03-02 UK, Bolton, Institute of Technology.
1973-03-08 UK, London Kensington, Town Hall.
1973-03-09 UK, York, University. "I remember John Martyn at York University Central Hall sometime around about 1974? The hall wasn't full, maybe 2-300 people and he got everyone to move down to the front. He had a hip flask and a couple of joints in his pockets. At some point he passed one or more of these items out into the audience. He had his fairly newly acquired electric box of tricks and we floated on seemingly timeless waves of his imagination as well as listening to songs from Solid Air and Bless the Weather." (A fan from Huddersfield).
1973-03-10 UK, Durham, Trevellian College.
1973-03-11 UK, Hull, Arts Centre.
1973-03-13 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.
1973-03-17 UK, Portsmouth, Polytechnic.
1973-03-23 UK, Slough, College of Technology.
1973-03-25 UK, Euston (London), Shaw Theatre.
April
1973-04-03 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour. Listed in Billboard of 14 April 1973.
1973-04-04 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour.
1973-04-05 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour.
1973-04-06 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour.
1973-04-07 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour.
1973-04-08 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour.
1973-04-12 UK, London, Rainbow Theatre (Finsbury Park). Supporting act for Traffic. Tickets £ 1.50.
May
1973-05-18 UK, York, University.
1973-05-26 UK, West Wycombe (Buckinghamshire); solo echoplex set on Soundscene '73, an all day open air festival. Headline act was Roy Wood's Wizzard. Admission £ 1.00; "All artists appearing free in aid of the New Chilterns Samaritan Centre."
June
1973-06-02 UK, Leicester, Polytechnic.
1973-06-03 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. Supporting act Longdancer; admission 65p. "On selected UK summer dates he will be supported by Longdancer who recently signed for Elton John’s Rocket label."
July
1973-07-17 UK, Chatham, Medway Folk Centre (Kent). Solo gig recorded reel to reel by owner George Harden. Released on CD May 2007.
August
1973-08-22 Scotland, Edinburgh, Empire Theatre. JM and Horslips play at the Edinburgh Festival - one of ten concerts which marked the first time rock music appeared at the Festival.
1973-08-26 UK, Reading, Richfield Avenue; 13th National Jazz & Blues Festival. John and Danny Thompson played in the early Sunday afternoon and put on a strong show. Same bill as Sensational Alex Harvey Band and headliners Genesis. Other acts were Medicine Head, Ange and Roy Buchanan. The final day of the festival was opened by Italian band Premiata Forneria Marconi who got the power cut off during their final song.
Promoting Inside Out
With Danny Thompson
October
1973-10-03 Scotland, Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University.
1973-10-03 UK, High Wycombe, Town Hall. Same date announced by Sounds, 11th August.
1973-10-04 Scotland, Dundee, University.
1973-10-05 House Call (STV). Scottish tv-programme.
1973-10-06 Scotland, Glasgow, University. Queen Margaret Union.
1973-10-10 Sounds of the Seventies.
1973-10-11 UK, Warwick, University Coventry.
1973-10-12 UK, Hatfield Polytechnic.
1973-10-13 UK, Leeds, University.
1973-10-14 UK, Euston (London), Shaw Theatre, with Danny Thompson, supporting act Bridget St. John. Two shows, 18:00 and 20:45 hrs. Both sold out, admission 75p... (reviewed NME 20 Oct).
1973-10-15 UK, Oxford, Polytechnic.
1973-10-16 Old Grey Whistle Test.
1973-10-17 UK, Keele, University.
1973-10-19 UK, Bradford, University.
1973-10-20 UK, Hull, University.
1973-10-21 UK, Gravesend, Civic Theatre.
1973-10-24 UK, Manchester, University.
1973-10-25 UK, Sheffield, University.
1973-10-26 UK, Aberystwyth, University.
1973-10-27 UK, Bristol, University.
1973-10-29 UK, Birmingham, Aston University.
1973-10-31 UK, Colchester, Essex University.
November
1973-11-02 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.
1973-11-03 UK, Leicester, Polytechnic (Hawthorn Hall). Supporting act Gasworks. Tickets 50p advance, 70p door.
December
1973-12-02 US, San Antonio (Texas), Municipal Auditorium. With Foghat and Humble Pie.
1973-12-05 US, Kansas City (Missouri), Cowtown Ballroom. Supporting Foghat. John: "Worst night I ever had. It was the same sort of vibe as Spinal Tap, if you can imagine that. The gig was at a place called the Kansas City Cow House and just as we were finishing up it started to burn down, so I swiftly moved my guitar and amp and left."
1974
Supporting act for Yes
on US Tales from Topographic Oceans tour
(not all gigs, by the way)
February
1974-02-06 US, Kansas City (New York), Max's (upstairs). Billboard lists more concerts, from 6-11 February, in the issue of 9 Feb 1974.
1974-02-09 US, Florida, Tampa Stadium (coldest night of the year; audience disrespectful to John).
1974-02-10 US, Columbia (South Carolina), Carolina Coliseum (University of South Carolina). "John Martyn opened up for them, who was really good, but I couldn't wait for him to finish." (Bill Dunn).
1974-02-11 US, Atlanta (Georgia), Alexander Memorial Coliseum. "A gentleman (I cannot recall his name) opened the show playing an acoustic guitar and singing. He was pretty good. I remember one song being about a river. The guitar was run through an echoplex." (Mark Brown).
1974-02-12 US, Roanoke (Virginia), Civic Center Coliseum. "John Martyn opened, letting us know that his set was just a sort of sound check. 'If you want to fuck, have a good screw,' he said." (Edward Kyle).
"I had no idea who he was but I thought then that he was AMAZING - his sound was so THICK it seemed like you could take a knife and cut it out of the air." (Spifclown).
1974-02-13 US, Baltimore (Maryland), Civic Center. "The audience, all abuzz about Yes, talked throughout opening act John Martyn's set, making him so angry he cursed the crowd from the stage." (Jeff Smith).
1974-02-22 Canada, Toronto, Maple Leaf Gardens. "When cult-followed John Martyn appeared before the masses for the first time in Toronto and Montreal (Feb. 22 & 25) it was preceding Yes, and most of the fans probably didn't need an acoustic folkie to set them up for the Grand Rock they had paid for." (Billboard, March 30 1974). Nevertheless they saw, "warm-up: John Martyn, sitting on a stool with a thundering Martin acoustic."
1974-02-24 US, Ithaca (New York), Bailey Hall (Cornell University). "John Martyn opened, and we got off on that. The music was spacey acoustic guitar, and the sound guy was doing these cool quadraphonic effects, bouncing the guitar sound all around the hall." (Miner Gleason).
1974-02-25 Canada, Montreal, Forum.
1974-02-27 US, Detroit (Michigan), Cebo Hall. Capacity 11,400. Supporting act to Yes.
March
1974-03-01 US, Hershey (Pennsylvania), Hersheypark Arena. Capacity 7.225. Supporting act to Yes.
1974-03-06 US, Chicago (Illinois), International Amphi Theatre. "I recall a guy coming onstage by himself with a guitar and then, before even playing a note, walking off. Somebody later told me that it was John Martyn and that he was disgusted with the setup and split." (Bradford Harvey).
1974-03-10 UK, Gravesend (Kent), Woodville Hall.
1974-03-16 UK, London, Imperial College. (Saturday) Supporting act Rab Noakes; tickets 80p advance, £ 1.00 door.
1974-03-25 France, Paris, Olympia. Two shows in this theatre at Boulevard des Capucines. One was recorded by Brian Pickering and Brian Humphries on the Island mobile unit. Three songs were issued on Solid Air De Luxe in 2009.
April
1974-04-00 UK, London, The Roundhouse (supporting act Dr Feelgood).
May
1974-05-12 UK, London, Chalk Farm Roundhouse. Martyn, Carol Grimes and Byzantium are among the featured acts; presented by Greasy Tuckers.
1974-05-14 UK, London, Imperial College. John Martyn and Rab Noakes. Admission 80p advance, £ 1 door.
1974-05-23 Scotland, Glasgow, Cumbernauld Theatre. Tickets £ 4.25, £ 2.50 standing.
1974-05-24 Scotland, Glasgow, Cumbernauld Theatre. Tickets £ 4.25, £ 2.50 standing.
1974-05-26 UK, Hull, Spring Street Theatre. Tickets £ 4.00.
1974-05-27 UK, Hull, Spring Street Theatre. Tickets £ 4.00.
1974-05-28 UK, Sheffield University. Tickets Tickets £ 3.50 (advance), £ 4.00 (door).
June
1974-06-00 UK, Southampton, with Danny Thompson (reviewed NME 29 June).
1974-06-02 Scotland, GLC Jobs & Environment Festival.
July
1974-07-05 UK, London, Olympia National Hall; London Rock Proms. Three day festival; part of Friday night bill, with Fairport Convention, Roy Harper, Sutherland Brothers & Quiver, Keith Christmas and 'special guest Beverly Martyn'. Tickets £ 2,60. (reviewed NME 13 July).
October
1974-10-05 US, Winston-Salem (NC), Wait Chapel on campus at Wake Forest University 55 minute solo set as opening act for John Sebastian. Setlist 8:30 Outside In, 8:40 May You Never, 8:45 Easy Blues, 8:51 Make No Mistake, 8:58 Bless the Weather, 9:02 Singing In the Rain, 9:05 Head and Heart, 9:10 Sugar Lump, 9:13 Rather Be the Devil, 9:20 The Glory of Love, 9:25 Set over. (J. Batchelor)
1974-10-10 US, Loudonville (NY), Gibbons Hall. Opening act for John Sebastian. "The Student Center Entertainment Committee - Sienna College presents." Thursday evening, 20:00 hours. Admission $ 4.00, students $ 2.50.
1974-10-31 US, Springfield (MA), Sanderson Theatre. Shared bill with Focus (main act) and Gentle Giant. Thursday evening, 20:00 hours. Admission $ 6.00.
1975
Extensive touring to promote Sunday's child
Danny Thompson, Jon Stevens and Paul Kossoff for the encores (but not on the bill; he only showed op half of the times).
Sunday's Child Tour
Supporting act Lucas & McCulloch. Backing the Scottish duo are Kenny Slaven (fiddle) and two members of the JSD Band, Jim Divers (bass) and Iain Lyon (guitar).
January
1975-01-17 UK, Old Grey Whistle Test.
1975-01-18 UK, Lancaster, University.
1975-01-19 Scotland, Leith (Edinburgh), Citadel (Leith Halls). 7:30 PM, tickets £ 1.30. "Brian Adams presents John Martyn in Concert with Guests." Support act were Lucas & McCulloch. Reviewed Melody Maker 25 Jan.
1975-01-20 Scotland, Glasgow, City Hall. "JM and Danny Thompson. I was utterly blown away by the musical pyrotechnics they presented from Solid Air and Inside Out. After Outside In the guy in front of me, who'd been a bit uncomfortable with the new sounds he was hearing, turned to his partner and said 'Now THAT was fucking BEAUTIFUL!' JM had some problems with a heckler in the audience who turned out to be someone he knew. The guy wouldn't shut up, until eventually JM stood up and shouted 'If you don't fucking shut your mouth I'll come up there and shut it for you!' The audience were behind JM all the way. And the guy DID shut up... I floated home." (David Ward Maclean).
1975-01-22 UK, Newcastle Polytechnic.
1975-01-23 UK, Leicester University.
1975-01-24 UK, Uxbridge (London), Brunel University S.U. Social Club (supporting act Brown's Home Brew). Tickets 90p.
1975-01-25 UK, Colchester, Essex University.
1975-01-29 UK, Aberystwyth, University of Aberystwyth.
1975-01-30 UK, Bristol, University of Bristol (first gig with Paul Kossoff).
1975-01-31 UK, Hull, University of Hull.
February
1975-02-01 UK, Sheffield, University of Sheffield.
1975-02-02 UK, London, Victoria Palace Theatre (with Paul Kossoff). Two shows, sold out. Supporting act Browns Home Brew or Lucas and McCulloch (bootlegged, 90 minutes). Tickets £ 1.50, £ 1.25, £ 1.00 and 75p.
1975-02-04 UK, Swansea, University.
1975-02-05 UK, Cardiff, University of Cardiff.
1975-02-07 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.
1975-02-08 UK, Portsmouth, Guildhall (for Portsmouth Polytechnic). Ticket price £ 1.00.
1975-02-10 UK, Cambridge, University of Cambridge.
1975-02-11 UK, Nottingham, University of Nottingham.
1975-02-12 UK, Liverpool, University of Liverpool.
1975-02-13 UK, Leeds, University of Leeds (Live at Leeds was recorded here) (with Paul Kossoff). "John Martyn In Concert | Presented by Leeds University Union | Thursday 13th February | in the Refectory 7:30pm | Tickets 75p from Porters, Services, Union, Door"
1975-02-15 UK, Manchester, University of Salford (with Paul Kossoff).
March
1975-03-16 UK, London, Rainbow Theatre Act in the last live concert, captured on Over The Rainbow album. All tickets £ 1.00. Also on the bill Sassafras, Hatfield and The North, Richard and Linda Thompson, Frankie Miller, Procul Harum, Kevin Coyne. "Martyn played over his time limit, however, and was refused the encore demanded, which seemed slightly unfair as Procol Harum who followed were to play for a stultifying two hours (it seemed like weeks)." (Steve Lake in Melody Maker of 22nd March).
Eight venue tour with Danny Thompson and John Stevens
May
1975-05-16 UK, Guildford, Civic Hall Surrey University (solo).
1975-05-17 Ireland, Dublin, University.
1975-05-18 Northern Ireland, Belfast, University.
1975-05-19 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Victoria Rooms.
1975-05-22 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall. Tickets £ 1.00 (ground floor). 'Steve Royston presents | John Martyn | plus support | Thursday, 22 May, 1975, at 1930 hours | Latecomers will not be admitted until a convenient break in the programme.'
1975-05-23 UK, New Cross (London), Goldsmiths College.
1975-05-24 UK, Oxford, Polytechnic, with Danny Thompson. "One of my all time top 10 gigs" (Victor Yorke)
1975-05-25 UK, Croydon, Fairfield Halls (supporting act Hedgehog Pie).
June
1975-06-30 Germany, Freiburg (solo), first concert in Germany, only one too in this period. Described in Sounds.
July
1975-07-04 Switzerland, Montreux, Casino. Solo performance at jazz festival. John appears on Guitar Night along with Bert Jansch and Larry Coryell.
1975-07-05 UK, Knebworth (Hertfordshire), Knebworth Park, Knebworth Festival; act preceding Pink Floyd in year of Wish you were here tour. ."John Martyn walks on stage carrying an acoustic guitar, calmly sits down in a chair as thousands of stoned, impatient Floyd fans scream 'We don't want fucking FOLK music, we want the FLOYD.' Plugs into a huge panel of effects boxes, turns up to 11 and proceeds to blow everyone away for 25 minutes. Gets a huge standing ovation."
August
1975-08-16 France, Orange, Amphitheatre, first Festival d'Orange. Opening act for Saturday; 12.000 people in 9.000 seater. NME one week later: "There is John Martyn, who we hear getting applause for his last number as Our party enters the chariot stables (the backstage area). Unfortunately I'm too late to catch the set but there's no doubt the French are going mildly spare. Martyn is apoplectic with disbelief when he comes offstage.'Couldn't believe it,' he splutters to ZigZag's Andy Childs. 'Play on one beat, they clap on another. Couldn't see what was going on, me eyes were shut, but I had to change to get in time with them. Then they changed back again.'"
Laurent Olszer remembers the show as being "quite successful with the audience".
1975-00-00 UK, London, Regent Park Open Air Theatre (Solo concert.)
September
1975-09-17 Germany, Bremen, Rathaus/ Festsaal (Town Hall). Solo gig produced by Radio Bremen ("Forum Junge Musik"). Second concert in Germany and better received than Freiburg. Released as On Air as late as 2006.
1975-09-21 UK, London, Theatre Royal (Drury Lane). "Virgin Concerts Present John Martyn plus Out To Lunch. 7.30 pm, Sunday, September 21st. Tickets £ 1.50, £ 1.25, £ 1.00, 50p." "A lot of swearing but great music and Paul Kossoff came on for the encore." (John Hawkins).
1975-09-24 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall. 'On Tour With Special Guests Out To Lunch'.
1975-09-29 Scotland, Leith (Edinburgh), Citadel Centre. 'On Tour With Special Guests Out To Lunch'.
1975-09-30 Scotland, Glasgow, City Hall. 'On Tour With Special Guests Out To Lunch'. "Tuesday | 30 September, 1975 | Virgin Concerts | present | John Martyn." Doors open 7.00pm, tickets £ 1.00 (stalls).
November
1975-11-00 UK, Colchester, Essex University (Lecture Theatre, Wivenhoe Park). "I was only there 75-76 so it couldn't have been the '77 concert" (Alan Carter).
1975-11-01 UK, Kingston, Polytechnic. (Main Hall, 20:00 hrs, admission 85p).
1975-11-06 France, Paris, Bataclan. With Danny Thompson. Tickets 20 FF (mentioned in French Sunday's child press kit).
1975-11-07 UK, London, North London Polytechnic. "John and Hedgehog Pie at the North London Polytechnic - Bar, disco, lights - £ 1.10 in advance, £ 1.30 on the door."
1975-11-08 UK, Southampton, University.
1975-11-12 UK, Bedworth, Civic Hall.
1975-11-13 UK, Plymouth, Guildhall.
1975-11-14 UK, Bath, University.
1975-11-15 UK, Manchester, University. With Danny Thompson. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie.
1975-11-19 UK, Reading, Reading University (solo).
1975-11-20 UK, London, Middlesex Polytechnic.
1975-11-21 UK, Bristol, Polytechnic.
1975-11-22 UK, Sheffield, University.
1975-11-26 UK, Leeds, University.
1975-11-27 Scotland, Dundee, University. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie.
1975-11-28 Scotland, Stirling, University. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie.
1975-11-29 Scotland, Glasgow, Strathclyde University. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie.
1975-11-30 UK, Newcastle, City Hall. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie.
John did seventy-five gigs in the course of 1975 and needed a long sabbatical afterwards.
1976
May
1976-05-01 Scotland, Glasgow, Queen Margaret Student Union (Glasgow University). 20:00 hours, with Danny Thompson, supported by Hedgehog Pie. Tickets 85p... "It was the night of the Scottish Cup Final and Rangers had beaten Hearts 3-1. During the gig, John Martyn, who was accompanied by Danny Thompson, mentioned something about Celtic and the whole place erupted into something akin to Wild West brawl. I can't remember if order was restored or the gig continued, but years later, and just by chance I mentioned this incident to a guy whilst talking about music in general and John Martyn in particular. It so happened this guy was Mick Doonan who had played in Hedgehog Pie at that time. He remembered the night well and said when it all kicked off, John Martyn actually jumped down off the stage into the midst of the brawl and chinned a couple of students!" (Simon Godley).
July
1976-07-03 UK, Newcastle, City Hall.
1976-07-04 UK, London, Regent's Park, Open Theatre; solo for capacity crowd (reviewed NME 10 Jul). Headlines the gig, Hedgehog Pie in support. Show was recorded for subsequent transmission on Capital Radio, 15 October 1976.
1976-07-13 UK, Ilford (London), Tiffany's.
1976-07-25 UK, Charnock Richard (Chorley), Park Hall: closing act of July Wakes Festival, with Danny Thompson. "Best performance of festival" (Clare Broderick). Other acts were Country Joe McDonald, Pete Atkin, Mike Harding, Dave Cousins, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Barbara Cickson, John Otway & Wild Willie Barrett, Tannahill Weavers, Mike Chapman, June Tabor, Leo Kottke, Alan Hull's Radiator, Rab Noakes, Drew McCulluch, Paul King, Fairport Convention. The Chieftains top the bill.
September
1976-09-12 Scotland, Edinburgh, Playhouse Theatre. 7:30 pm, tickets £ 2.00. John was one of the acts during the Festival Of Popular Music and shared the bill with Bert Jansch and Davy Johnstone. The festival lasted from August 20 through September 17. Other artists were for instance Queen (2 nights), Soft Machine, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Billy Connolly.
October
1976-10-29 UK, Nottingham (solo). Liquorice magazine benefit, recorded from soundboard onto cassette by David Belbin. Released as Live In Nottingham 76.
Fall
1976-10-00 France, Paris La Villette, La Grande Halle. Fête Rouge (Fête de l'Humanité). John opened quite successfully for this all-night festival.
1976-00-00 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion (solo, One World tour). "His joint never seemed to go out!" (Jim McAllister)
1976-00-00 UK, London, Marquee club (Wardour Street). Acoustic solo with echoplex; John was signing copies of Live at Leeds afterwards. "He introduced 'Black Man At Your Shoulder' as being from the next album." (Matt Dawson).
"John played for two nights and I think about twenty copies of Live At Leeds were given away to the first 20 people that came through the door. I went to the gig with one of John's cousins, a certain Marian from Orpington (Kent)." (Dennis Moore).
December
1976-12-05 UK, Sheffield, Highcliffe Hotel. (Sunday). "It was in a small room above the pub where he had played at folk clubs there in the past. Brilliant, intimate solo gig." (Chris Taylor).
1976-12-25_26 US, Boston, John opened in a small club for Mose Allison. "He was bigger, bearded but still bouncy." (Mark Cooper)
1977
February/ March: 14 dates in Britain and Ireland.
February
1977-02-04 UK, York, University of York (solo), supporting act Wiz Jones. "No smoking, no dancing." Friday night concert reviewed NME 26 Feb. "I went and remember he definitely played Dead On Arrival and One For the Road on his guitar strung with octave 12 string strings, as per Liquorice benefit." (Chris Taylor). Admission £ 1.10.
1977-02-05 UK, Sheffield, University. Saturday.
1977-02-06 UK, Belfast, Queen's University. Sunday.
1977-02-07 Ireland, Dublin, Liberty Hall. Monday.
1977-02-08 UK, Coleraine, New Ulster University. Tuesday.
1977-02-11 UK, Canterbury, Kent University. Friday.
1977-02-12 UK, Colchester, University of Essex, Lecture Theatre Building. (Saturday, solo plus support act). Advance tickets £ 1.20, doors open 8.30 pm.
1977-02-18 UK, Uxbridge, Middlesex (Western London), Brunel University, Kingdom Room (Friday, solo plus support act). Advance tickets £ 1.00, door £ 1.20. "Bar available to club members."
1977-02-19 UK, Nottingham, Nottingham University. Saturday night gig recorded by John Moon; excellent sounding master reel to reel tapes surviving amounting to 90 minutes.
1977-02-20 UK, London, New Victoria Theatre (500 standing, broke the box office record). Possibly played Dead On Arrival, reviewed National Rockstar 26 February. This was a Sunday evening; tickets £ 1.00, £ 1.65, £ 2.00 and £ 2.25.
1977-02-21 UK, Coventry, Warwick University. Monday.
1977-02-22 UK, Leeds, Leeds University. Tuesday.
1977-02-25 UK, Liverpool, Eric's Club. Friday.
1977-02-26 UK, Manchester, University. Saturday.
March
1977-03-01 UK, Old Grey Whistle Test.
1977-03-25 Germany, Hamburg (probably), Musikhalle (supporting act for J.J. Cale).
June
1977-06-03 Canada, Toronto, New Yorker Theatre. Supporting at Joe Hall; tickets $ 6.60. "One show only! First North American Tour in 4 years." Recorded in mono and broadcast on McMaster University radio (Hamilton) early 1978 but tapes have been erased. The poster says "One show only, Friday Midnite June 3/ First North-American Tour in 4 years" and mentions full name of supporting act: "Joe Hall & the Yodelling Himalyan Compact-Car".
Bridget St John claims she was present at this concert.
1977-06-10 US, Roslyn (New York), My Father's Place. (support act for a post-Collins Brand X). Bootlegged.
1977-06-11 US, New York, WBAH FM radio (15 minute solo set).
1977-06-17 US, New York, Kenny's Castaways (two solo sets, supporting act Bridget St. John, Dick Morrisey & Jim Mullen) (bootlegged).
1977-06-18 US, New York, Kenny's Castaways (two solo sets, supporting act Bridget St. John, Dick Morrisey & Jim Mullen)
1977-06-19 US, New York, Kenny's Castaways (two solo sets, supporting act Bridget St. John, Dick Morrisey & Jim Mullen; first set bootlegged).
July
1977-07-30 UK, Battersea, Town Hall: FMOB (Fond Memories of Battersea), benefit for Danny Thompson after heart attack. 18:00 hrs; admission £ 1. "Stan Tracy (piano) came on first. JM had forgotten his capo and made one out of a pencil and rubber bands. They kept breaking, and I gave him a couple (which presumably also broke). He played May You Never, Over The Hill, Bless The Weather, Solid Air, among others. John Stevens' Away played afterwards and JM jammed with them." (Richard Royston).
August
1977-08-14 Australia, Sydney, Town Hall (supporting act Bert Jansch).
September
1977-09-08 UK, London, Marquee Club. Solo gig. "The usual joint was passed around!" (Jerry Page)
Jerry Page provided the scan of this ticket.
"It's in the usual shambolic style of Marquee tickets for that time.
Note the original misspelling of 'Martin' before being manually converted!"
October
1977-10-15 London, Golders Green, Hippodrome: acoustic solo performance (Spencer the Rover, Outside In from BBC Live; also Dealer (Sight and Sound in Concert, BBC video).
1977-10-18 UK, Liverpool, Eric's (warming up for One world tour).
1977-10-19 UK, Liverpool, Eric's (warming up for One world tour).
November
1977-11-11 UK, Brighton, Sussex University.
1977-11-12 UK, Bristol, University.
1977-11-13 UK, Plymouth, Fiesta.
1977-11-15 Ireland, Belfast, Queen's University.
1977-11-16 Ireland, Dublin, Stadium.
1977-11-18 UK, Guildford, University of Surrey.
1977-11-19 UK, Colchester, Essex University.
1977-11-21 UK, London, Rainbow Theatre (with Steve Winwood, probably also Gong rhythm section). Reviewed NME. "First time I saw him was at the Rainbow with Danny Thompson and Steve Winwood. Thompson did a solo spot and he called one number 'The loneliest monk in town' [Blue Monk, ed]. Martyn was in his chair and pedals phase. Security was pretty lax at the Rainbow that night and I have fond memories of one guy running at the stage, jumping up and handing JM a huge joint which he, of course toked on (queue comment: 'the colours, the colours!'), until the guy jumped back and took it off him. Don't know if that's any use, but it made me smile. The music was, of course, incredible." (Terry Crewes)
1977-11-23 UK, Reading, University.
1977-11-24 UK, Bristol, Colston Hall.
1977-11-25 UK, Manchester, Rafters.
1977-11-26 UK, Leeds, University. Bootlegged; tape surfaced April 2007. "Interesting gig because the electrics in the building were screwing up the sound... They found out that if they switched off the lights, the background ‘buzz’ disappeared... So the gig was played in total darkness. [...] We were sat on the floor of the University for the whole of the gig, just about every person chilled and/or stoned." (Tony T.)
1977-11-28 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall.
1977-11-29 UK, Lancaster, University. 'In full quadraphonic sound', with supporting act, 7:30 pm, admission £ 1,50. "I was at this gig, knowing nothing about his work but being intrigued by the promise of quadraphonic sound. Been a fan ever since. It was a custom at Lancaster for John to invite the audience up on to the stage towards the end of the Concert, so naturally quite a few of us obliged. Nice memory." (Rob Griffiths).
1977-11-30 UK, Newcastle, Polytechnic.
1978
January
1978-01-10 UK, London, Collegiate Theatre (Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC Video: Small Hours, Bless the Weather). Also May You Never and other songs broadcasted.
March
1978-03-15 France, Paris, Bus Palladium (cancelled).
1978-03-17 Germany, Hamburg, Audimax, University (solo act broadcasted by Rockpalast).
Supporting act for Eric Clapton's Slowhand tour
(second half, East Coast):
"John Martyn, obviously a very strange choice. He used to sit in the middle of the stage on a big pile of pillows, playing acoustic guitar and singing fairly unintelligible lyrics."
1978-03-19 US, Miami (Florida), Jai-Alai Frontun.
1978-03-20 US, Lakeland (Florida), Civic Centre Coliseum.
1978-03-21 US, Savannah (Georgia), Civic Centre.
1978-03-22 US, Macon (Georgia), Coliseum.
1978-03-24 US, Charlotte (North Carolina), Memorial Coliseum.
1978-03-25 US, Columbia (South Carolina), Carolina Coliseum.
1978-03-26 US, Huntsville (Alabama), Von Braun Civic Center.
1978-03-28 US, Detroit (Michigan), Cobo Arena. Bootlegged: Big Muff, Outside In, Small Hours/ One World and Rather Be The Devil.
1978-03-29 US, Cleveland (Ohio), Convention Center.
1978-03-31 US, Baltimore (Maryland), Civic Center Arena.
April
1978-04-01 US, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Spectrum Arena.
1978-04-02 US, New York, Radio City Music Hall. Announced but unconfirmed.
1978-04-03 US, Uniondale (New York), Nassau Coliseum. "John had a metal folding chair, his 'acoustic' guitar was plugged into his full array of pedals; far from Donovan redux, he played loud and mean, finishing with a ferocious Rather Be The Devil, introduced as 'a song by Skip James, but he's dead now so I don't suppose you'd care'. He finished the song by rising from his chair and, clutching the strapless guitar in a twisted grip, doing a slow skank-walk back and forth across the middle of the stage as he squeezed out another volley of echoes. This was not unappreciated by the crowd." (John Walker).
1978-04-05 US, Springfield (Massachusetts), Civic Centre.
1978-04-07 Canada, Montreal (Quebec), Forum. (uncertain).
1978-04-09 Canada, Toronto (Ontario), Maple Leaf Gardens.(uncertain).
May
1978-05-00 US, unknown, club tour. The Sarasota Journal of 10 May states that John is "now touring the States on a club tour". No further details yet.
Summer: second Australian Tour
(ended around 1 August)
July
1978-07-13 Australia, Canberra, Canberra Theatre. Supporting act Margret Roadknight. "That night at the Canberra Theatre he continued to air his contempt for the Aussie's, with a diatribe between each song about how backward, racist and murderous all Australians were."
1978-07-15 Australia, Melbourne (solo), Dallas Brooks Hall. Supporting act Margret Roadknight. Tickets $ 8.40. "He'd just starting playing with all the electronic stuff with his guitar. It was just him, a drum machine and all the effects he was using at that stage. It was fantastic concert. Dallas Brooks Hall seemed to be vibrating with all the feedback and sythesized noises. Not one for the acoustic purists I guess but I thought it was fantastic. He went through about 12 cans of the local beer while he did his set because he said he had a sore throat. I thought that was a great excuse.." (An eye witness).
Another one: "Dallas Brooks Hall holds maybe 2000 people so it was a fairly intimate setting."
1978-07-00 Australia, Sydney, State Theatre (supporting act Margret Roadknight). Solo act broadcast by ABC radio.
1978-07-00 End of month: Sydney, Kirk Gallery (recorded). Organized by makers of In search of Anna movie.
Fall
1978-00-00 UK, Colchester, Essex University. "I saw John at Essex University in the fall of 1978. He played solo acoustic in the Lecture Theatre Block there." (Mark Brierley).
October
1978-10-20 UK, Reading, University (Rock goes to college, BBC Video: Certain Surprise). John replaced The Stranglers who had walked off stage, swore at students, smashed equipment and sang 'obscene songs'.
November
1978-11-08 UK, Brighton, Sussex University (Mandalla Hall). Tickets £ 1.30 in advance, £ 1.50 on door. "S.U. only".
1978-11-10 UK, Bristol University, Students Union.
1978-11-12 UK, Southampton, Guildhall.
1978-11-16 UK, Plymouth, Polytechnic.
1978-11-17 UK, Uxbridge, Middlesex (Western London), Brunel University, Kingdom Room (Friday, solo plus support act). Starts 8.30pm. Advance tickets £ 1.30, door £ 1.50.
1978-11-21 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall.
1978-11-22 UK, Lancaster, Lancaster University.
1978-11-23 UK, Newcastle University.
1978-11-24 UK, Sheffield University.
1978-11-29 UK, Keele (Staffordshire), University.
1978-11-30 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion.
December
1978-12-01 Scotland, Edinburgh, Odeon. Admission £ 2.50, 7:30 PM.
1978-12-02 Scotland, Aberdeen, Capitol.
1978-12-04 UK, Durham University. "Prior to playing, he was sat on the steps alone, wearing a black greatcoat, and had a crate of beer beside him, which he consumed, staggered off, and played the most amazing set I ever saw him play! " (Ian Wallis).
1978-12-06 UK, Manchester University. "This was the first time I'd seen John in concert. We saw him in the Union bar before the concert. He was dressed in his white suit. The concert itself was brilliant. Lots of echoplex. I had a few problems deciphering which song was which, but it didn't matter. There were a few sound problems also. The sound system couldn't cope with the audience standing up - problems with the treble, but the hall was too packed for everyone to sit down. John got quite annoyed with the whole thing and announced that he was going off for a p**s and that by the time he got back he needed it sorted out one way or another - either bad treble or squashed audience. I think we ended up squashed." (SteveO).
1978-12-07 UK, Huddersfield Polytechnic.
1979
April
1979-04-13 Netherlands, Rotterdam, Exit. (Solo gig, Friday).
May
1979-05-00 Italy, Gorizia, date and venue unknown. Part of the concert has been bootlegged, though.
1979-05-14 Italy, Milan, Teatro Di Porta Romana (bootlegged, released as Live in Milan 1979).
1979-05-17 Italy, Turin, Teatro Alfieri (bootlegged).
1979-05-18 Italy, Bologna, Teatro Antoniano. Solo set, bootlegged with soundboard cassette. "He was in top form - as usual. One can also hear some stomach grumbling inbetween songs: that evening was very hot and maybe he needed something extra to drink... " (taper Nobody). This tape was dated 1977 but this probably was mistaken.
June
1979-06-21_25 UK, Glastonbury festival. "He drove across the field to the stage in his Volvo estate, with barrels of ale strapped to the roof, then he tapped off quite a few pints before playing." (Ian Wallis).
Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis considers this performance his personal all-time favourite Glasto act: "He was so good, it brought tears to my eyes."
Text from an advert from the period: "GLASTONBURY FAYRE | Steve Hillage. Sky. Tim Blake. Barry Ford Band. | John Cooper Clarke. Leyton Buzzards. The Good Missionaries. | X-Dreamysts. Sex Beatles. Nik Turner's Sphinx. | Carol Grimes. Matumbi. John Martyn. U.K. Subs. | Clayson and the Argonauts. The Pop Group. The Only Ones. | Raja Ram. Patrick Fitzgerald. Etc. Etc.
Theatre, dance & mime from: Footsbarn. Abracadabra. Continuum.
Incubus. Cunning Stunts. Many Ways Of Moving. Matchbox Purveyors. | Natural Theatre Company. Beril & The Peril. Headless Wonder. | All Women Cabaret, and many more! Plus: Camping and van space. | Wholefoods. Welfare. Crafts. Clowns. Market. Yoga. Medical & legal services. | Giant childrens play area. Lecture area.
Thurs. June 21. Fri. June 22. Sat. June 23. | Worthy Farm, Pilton, Nr. Shepton Mallet, Somerset. | Tickets £5. From all Virgin shops or by post from Glastonbury Fayre, | 57 Elgin Cres. London W.11. Please enclose an S.A.E. | All profits to Unicef International Year of the Child."
July
1979-07-21 Ireland, Kilkenny, Rose Hill Hotel. Handwritten poster: "An evening with John Martyn | Rose Hill Hotel | Saturday 21st July." With Alan Thomson, keyboard and drum machine. As remembered by Bill Carroll, owner of Carroll's Bar, Thomastown.
October
1979-10-23 UK, London, Roundhouse. Camden Jazz Festival; gig with John Stevens Dance Orchestra.
1979-10-24 UK, London, studio performance with John Stevens Dance Orchestra. Line-up: Elton Dean, Paul Rutherford, Trevor Watts, John Martyn, Pepi Lemer, Nick Stephens, Phil Collins.
November
1979-11-04 UK, Guildford, Surrey University.
1979-11-05 UK, Leicester, University.
1979-11-07 UK, Norwich, East Anglia University.
1979-11-10 UK, Nottingham, University (solo). "Just John, the miked-up acoustic, his echoplex and PA, in a pretty small room. He came on with a 4-pack and cigarette, clearly already under the influence of something (maybe beer, maybe not ;) and plonked the lighter and pack on his amp ('Johnny's lighter is on Johnny's amplifier'). His playing was absolutely stunning..." (Dave Porter).
1979-11-11 UK, Northampton, Royal Theatre.
1979-11-13 UK, Plymouth, Polytechnic.
1979-11-14 UK, Warwick, Warwick University. Supporting act Dave Kelly. "After the [amazing] gig, John and Dave Kelly went to the senate building (it was being occupied by students in protest against overseas fees increases) and they continued to jam together into the small hours aided only by copious Camberwell carrots." (Bill Goodall).
1979-11-15 UK, Hanley, Victoria Hall. Plus supporting act. Tickets £ 2, £ 2.50, £ 3.
1979-11-16 UK, Manchester, UMIST. Tickets £ 1.50 (advance), £ 1.80 (door). "I remember this gig very well. I was a student at UMIST at the time and it was the day before my 21st birthday. I couldn't persuade any of my friends to go with me, so I went alone. It was quite packed and John did a good set. There was a bit of trouble with feedback and so the poor sound crew came in for a bit of stick - I think it was all good humoured! I remember John lighting up one of his special hand rolled long cigarettes. Some one in the audience shouted out: 'audience participation'. John looked down, said OK and threw it down to him." (SteveO).
1979-11-17 UK, Sheffield, University.
1979-11-18 UK, Redcar (Teesside), Coatham Bowl. "The place wasn't full and he was swearing (like bigtime!)" (Ian Hepplewhite). "He came on stage pissed, then smoked the biggest spliff seen by mankind and was then too out of it to play. My friend ended up crying at our table because he was so disappointed with the performance.." (Ian Wallis).
1979-11-22 Scotland, Edinburgh, Odeon. Admission £ 2.50 centre circle, £ 3.00 stalls; 7:30 PM. "He was superb" (David Ward Maclean).
1979-11-23 Scotland, Aberdeen, University.
1979-11-24 Scotland, Glasgow, Strathclyde University.
1979-11-27 UK, London, Putney; Halfmoon Putney. Phil Collins on drums.
1979-11-30 UK, Uxbridge, Brunel University. "Brunel University | Kingdom Room, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge | Friday 30th November | John Martyn | + support | £ 1.80 in advance | £ 2.00 on the door | Tickets available from Hard Pressed Records, Uxbridge or by post from Social Sec, Students' Union."
muffnote: I had to reconstruct this date but 30 November only falls on a Friday in 1973, 1979 and 1984. Price level points towards this year.
December
1979-12-03 UK, Brighton, Brighton Dome.
1979-12-06 France, Paris, Bataclan. 20:00 hours, admission 35 francs.
1979-12-08 Netherlands, Dordrecht, Winterfolk festival (broadcast).
