Archived Guestbook 2006-2010

These are the entries made in the Big Muff guestbook between 2006 and 2010.

The original guestbook was a dedicated Perl script but after twelve years I decided to incorporate it in the website for reasons of security and usability.
Comments on this page have been switched off.
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Comments

Heard the news yesterday sitting in the docs surgery, Could not believe it. I dashed home and checked on the web only to have it confirmed. I was devastated and have just sat playing his albums last night and today. I played with John in the Glasgow folk centre in the 60's backing him on Bongos, we did a few gigs together and I always found him to be a likable rogue. I remember the night a talent scout came to the club to hear him and shortly after him going off to London to record London Conversation. We practised in his Dads flat in Tantalon Rd. He was like a brother to me and although I never managed to keep in touch I always kept an eye an his progress hoping to meet up again some day in our old age. Alas this is not not to be but I will always remember my brother in music, John. Love to his old girlfriend from the Glasgow days too, Linda. My thoughts are also with Theresa his better half over in Ireland. God bless you John and keep playing whever you may be. Ian.

Inverness
UK

I saw him dedicate May You Never to some giant of a Greek waiter he knew who'd walked downstairs into Les Cousins to get a spliff. He sang it to him eye to eye. I don't think anyone drew breath for the whole song. You touched everyone and you were a beautiful boy. And you know you wanted to see what the record companies did when you popped it - well they're going to have to hire the Albert Hall for f*cking weeks so we can all pay tribute and if we can't get the album, Jeff Buckley style, in the charts so everyone can love you like we do, we'd be letting you down. Lay your head down mate, we're holding your hand.

I'm very sad to hear about JM's death. I'm listening to him as I write this and feel very emotional. I saw him 3 or 4 times in concert and he's has been the soundtrack to the wee hours of my life for many years. Listening to him just now I'm transported back to many beautiful and sad times of my life. Thanks for your big heart John (RIP) Callum.

Edinburgh
Scotland

We are truly shocked and saddened to hear that John has left us. He always seemed to be trying to blot out sadness and his struggle is finally over. We saw john at the Pavilion in Glasgow many moons ago with our friends Colin Lapping and Jackie Winning - this is a treasured memory. We have all had the priviledge of collecting John's music over the years - a legacy he can be justly proud of. We have enjoyed his company for such a long time and we will be playing our own "tribute concert" for him at our home in New Zealand tonight.

Nelson
New Zealand

Sad tidings. John Martyn will be sorely missed.

Amsterdam
Netherlands

I heard the news at work yesterday and just didn't know what to do, absolutely gutted. R.I.P. Big man, the Lowry will be a lonely place without you and you concerts.

Oldham
England

Totally gutted to hear about The Great Man's passing. What a influence he has been on so many lives and times. I am 53 now and have followed him since I was 15 and my daughter too has heard him all her life...its in the genes! Farewell John, saw you in Glasgow just recently and you were great. Sweet dreams pet.

Glasgow
Scotland

Saw John Martyn in August 1977 toured New Zealand first time I think for the NZ Student Arts Council with Bert Jansch. Not in the Big Muff Gig guide listing! Played Wellington University. Jansch was sick left the stage, one way or another he was under the weather! John covered the entire gig solo. Couple hundred students in the student hall, sunday night, very mellow. Sundays back then no alcohol could be bought. John had huge bottle on stage with him. Memory says burbon. At one point he stopped and said he felt guilty that we were all dry, told us toleave 3 inches or so at the bottom for him after the gig and passed the bottle down to the front row. In appreciation John was kept supplied with some sweet New Zealand herb. Magical evening. John seemed to just relax and genuinely be enjoying himself. Will never forget how Glistening Glyndebourne swirled like the music was playing him. Music lives on, so must he.

Webmaster: It's in the giglist now..

Paraparaumu
New Zealand

Have seen John at least once almost every since 1976, can't quite believe that he won't be round again. His music and his spirit will of course live on. Thoughts are with his family and friends. Cheers Big John. Steve.

Northern Ireland

I know you I love you - You are my friend - You'll follow me - Everywhere.

Chania
Greece

Such sad news. John seems to have been with me all my life, going back to the first album I discovered in 1970 - Bless the Weather when I was 16. I went on to buy everything new he ever produced. I'm very grateful to have had the chance to see him one last time in Brighton on the Grace and Danger tour last November. Even though he had to be helped onto the stage in his wheelchair, he still brought the same energy to that gig as he did to the first one I saw 35 years ago. Thanks for all the music John - I'm glad you had a life well lived. Bless the weather that brought you to me, curse the storm that takes you away.

Redhill
UK

With tears in my eyes I write to add my respects to a man who has touched my life more than any other in musician. Like many, I want to know the details of how he was taken from us. If you find out, please post it here or provide a link. I am so sad I did not get to see him just one last time on his 2008 tour. RIP big John. All my love, John.

Liverpool
UK

bless the man and his music.

Linz
Austria

RIP John. Your legacy will remain with us for ever. May you never leave us in spirit.

Bristol
UK

I heard the news on the car radio coming home from work. What a tragedy, he wrote some of the most beautiful songs ever created, and no-one has ever written a song for a friend more caring and loving than Solid Air. A unique singer and performer and a truly special man. RIP.

Glasgow
Scotland
In the morning of 29 January 2009 John Martyn died in hospital of double pneumonia.
Tilburg
Netherlands

So sad to hear of John's passing. What a talent he was! Thanks for the show. Sweet dreams now.

What a sad day. A huge part of my musical love for 30 years or so has gone. It will doubtless be said many times - but at least his music will live on. Bless you John, wherever you are. May you never.

Wallington, Surrey
UK

Thanks for the music and memories John.

Manchester
UK

Music shines a little less today! Cya big fella. A true genius. Nev in warwick.

Warwick
UK

I think I've seen John every time he toured up here since 1978 and bought every album. He has been a constant soundtrack to my life. When I was angry there was 'John Wayne', when I was dumped there was 'Sweet Little Mystery', when I fell in love with my wife listening to the 'Bless the Weather' album, it seemed he'd written the songs for us. Some of his songs had that weird 'How come nobody has written that before?' feel, such was the simplicity and beauty of them. Some of his songs needed cranking up to eleven and shouting along with, some of them challenged. All of them were life enhancing. Thanks John, the world was more interesting for your presence and just that little bit more tawdry for you absence.

Liverpool
UK

So sad to hear of John's passing. His music has been an inspiration and a consolation through times good and bad. The last time I saw him in the Roisin Dubh, Galway he was as sublime as ever: in great voice and exceptional humour. John's gigs were some of the best I have ever been to, the man was a true force of nature. Power and emotion wrapped inside a torrent of truth. And funk. I will forever treasure the night in a packed Kilkenny bar I saw John standing having a drink and a laugh and watched as he realised his foot was caught in the strap of my girlfiend's bag as she stood waiting to get served. I watched in increasing mirth as she tried to get his considerable leg to move. All the while she was oblivious as to who's leg it was she was trying to budge. When she sat down and looked back to the bar to see why I was convulsed in laughter at her tormentor only then did she recognise the great man. A brilliant, sweet, funny and emotional man. With an unholy beautiful voice. Rest in Peace Big Man.

Galway
Ireland

Condolences to all those who will miss our John. At least he's left s a wonderful legacy of warm music to listen to. I've been enveloped by it all afternoon (not to mention the past 30+ years). Just hearing the closing bars of Cry Me A River. Not just an original but a great covers artist too...

Newbury
United Kingdom

such a sad day. heard the news while listening to Radio London 1pm. Danny Baker dedicated his whole show to JM . playing nothing else. A MOVING TRIBUTE. RIP SIR.

London
UK

As a 46 year old it seems that you have always been there... will miss you deeply, whenever I needed to chill out you were there. Heaven will be a better place tonight....

Aberdeen
Scotland

Shocked and genuinely upset by the news of John's demise. Thanks for the music, the gigs and the attitude, a real inspiration since my teens (now 43).

Leeds, Yorkshire
UK

Sitting here listening to Glorious Fool - perhaps not his most critically acclaimed, but my favourite. Saw John more times in concert than any other artist, including a front row experience in Edinburgh 1983. Haven't felt this way since December 8th 1980. John, you are a legend and a maestro - you will be alive through your music forever to me, my family and friends. Go down easy. DAF

Cheam
England

John's work brought out my deep passion for music. A true genius, John will live on through his music.

R.I.P John. You have been such a big part of my musical life. I have seen him on good days and bad but always loved his sound.

Banff, Aberdeenshire
Scotland

John's music is woven deeply into the fabric of our lives - the soundtrack to all those stoned late nights, first kisses, old friendships, road trips - always the first album you reached for when coming down - John will always be alive for us all - RIP john and say hi to Nick for me.

The Guv'nor, a HUGE part of my life. You will be sorely missed big man. Love up !!!

Chatham
England

Rest In Peace John.

Lawford
England

Just heard the news, can't believe it. I'll miss you forever John. Thank you for giving us so much of yourself. Farewell and sleep well.

Leicester
UK

John is gone, I can't believe it, I really can't take it in yet... John, you are/were my hero, my idol and my musical soundtrack. RIP John, love you with my head and heart.

Dumbarton
Scotland

Can't believe the news. I bless the weather that brought you to me, curse the storm thats took you away.

John you were a one off, loved you....

St Leonards on Sea
UK

I am the original recorder of the 'The July Wakes' recording that has been 'officially' released. Flattered though I am a credit on the sleeve would have been nice... I have never sold any of my recordings... I have spread the gospel of John since 1973... and would continue to do so. Just saw him at The Lowry in Manchester... amazing... simply amazing.

Webmaster: Thank you for uploading the torrent file. I know for a fact that no-one uses his real name on the tracker so it would have been practically impossible to give proper credit.

Manchester
UK

Hi, ever since I've seen a documentary about John Martyn on TV a couple (3) years ago I've been hooked to his music..... the thing is I don't remember the name of the docu...... Plus I can't find any other docu about him than Johnny Too Bad and I can't find it as a download or a site were I can buy it....... I would love to see it again........ Can anybody help me???.........THANX.

Webmaster: Who would not help a desperate person in the town he was born and raised in..

Eindhoven
The Netherlands

Snooo! I saw John gigs in Bimingham with Roy Harper. Really liked Jay Fishers stuff and have followed his work since. He goes under the name Apple Rabbits at the moment and I don't think people would know he was Jay Fisher as I've never noticed him really advertising his past. Maybe you could add a link by his name to his myspace: www.myspace.com/applerabbits. I don't know if he'd mind but he's still plugging away there. Great site, Tabs.

UK

Hi there folks, I too also remember watching the BBC4 Johnny Too Bad documentary, it's probably the best retrospective of the man's career. Yet it went under the radar because the BBC put it on in the UK on BBC4 in the early hours of the morning. Anywho I have searched everywhere for the documentary, and now I can say that there is a torrent out there for the whole documentary in all its glory, you just have to type john martyn in a torrent search. It is by far the best promotional programme for the man himself and it made me by the albums so there you go. Cheers Jamie.

Edinburgh
Scotland

One more hour before the television series Rebus starts at one of the Flemish channels. The first episode was aired about 2 or 3 weeks ago and much to my surprise and goosebumped skin, there was this scene with John Martyn music in it. Aha. The detective Rebus is a fanatic John Martyn fan. Gotto love this series :-) best!

Belgium

I remember seeing Martyn open a Clapton concert (Clapton sucked that night... stoned and sloppy) in the mid 70's and I was very impressed. I couldn't find out much about him (no internet) and I didn't know his name was spelled with a "y". Now years later I've become a fan. Like the late John Fahey, Martyn is largely unknown but very gifted. How is it that artists this good slip "under the radar"? Is it possible to purchase the BBC documentary "Johnny Too Bad"? I can't find it for sale. Good Luck to all. Rich H.

Babylon NY
USA

Hi, I was wondering if you would maybe the one single person in the world that could help me with the following: I have been a John Martyn fan as long as I can remember, which at my age (51) is quite a couple of years. Back in the 70's, I think it must have been between 1977-1979, the British DJ Alan Bangs had his own radio show on the German Radio. One light night he played 4 or 5 tracks from a John Martyn Live EP he had received as a not-for-sale promo. Those tracks were tremendous live versions of John's full band at that time and I was totally smitten. Ever since that night, I have been searching for these tracks but to no prevail. I own pretty much every single live CD of John, with the exception of promo releases. Is there any chance that you would be able to tell me what EP this could have been? I have been trying to get in contact with Alan Bangs -probably the only person that know what I am talking about- but have not even been able to get his email address. I would very much appreciate it if you would be able to shed some light on my mystery. Thank you very much in advance. Regards, Hans.

USA

Hi there, thanks for the great site dedicated to The Man. I hope this information will help you perfect your utterly amazing lists. I attended a gig in Stuttgart, Germany, back in the hazy second half of 1990, though I'm unable to pinpoint the exact date. It was definitely between June and October, in a place called 'Die Röhre', which was a converted railway tunnel with, shall we say, interesting acoustics.
I went to school with Alan Thomson (Eastwood High, near Glasgow), where we were pretty close mates, so I sent backstage and Alan came out to see me before the gig, then saw me later with JM and the whole band after the usual memorable performance. (They all asked me to try and get something nice to smoke, but I failed miserably - major repression in Germany in those days, still is really.)
The date of the gig must be close to the other German gigs of that year, but as I recall the gig was fairly spontaneous (i.e. minor advertising and hence low attendance) and might not have appeared on any schedules that JM's biographer has dug up. I also vaguely remember the saxophonist seriously trying to pick up my girlfriend of the time... Can't blame him, she was gorgeous. Maybe Alan Thomson would know... and maybe some other gigs on that tour got lost... I'll have to try and find an email address for him. Keep up the excellent work! Best regards, Gordon.

Germany

My first listening of a song from John Martyn was in 1982. I heard "Solid Air" and I was quite electrified. (Credit to my English-teacher Keith Melville, a real Scottsman). Since then I followed closely the whole discography. I am still and I will always be a close listener of the works of John Martyn. Stay as you are. Peace.

Athens
Greece

What is the name of the song that is played at the end of the play The Seafarer, currently showing in NYC at the Booth Theater - an usher told me it was a John Martyn song.

Webmaster: The song is Sweet Little Mystery, from the 1980 album Grace & Danger. Another little mystery: both the writer of the play, Conor McPherson, and Big John suffered from an exploding pancreas. For the same reason.

USA

Has anyone heard a promo cd of rough mixes of tracks from "On The Cobbles" going under the title "Snong Dog"? Tracks included are My Creator, Walk Home/ My Summer (working title), Good Night Irene, Me And My Heart, Not My Day, Number Three, Stand Amazed and Heel Of The Hunt. Some fantastic songs that didn't make it to the album.

Webmaster: Yes I have and some of the demo tapes sound at least as good as the final mixes on the album.

Scotland

Hi Hans thanks for the great web site, keep it up. I have just read Neil Munro's book Some people are crazy, a well written and gratefully received 60th birthday present from my wife. On the night Linda Dunning met John in the ABC in Glasgow I was fortunate enough to meet her as well, we stood next to each other in the queue, we chatted about the big man and she graciously allowed me to copy the two pics of her and John into my phone. They have pride of place in my album of John Martyn pics. I seriously recommend all fans to read Neils book, and I thank this website for pointing it out to me. If you read this John get well soon we miss you. Thanks again Hans for the best JM site on the web.

Beith
Scotland

Any one ever heard of a song called Lean On Me...... No, it's the old "Lean on me/ when you're not strong". This song I am talking about was written by Terry Callier. But knock me down with a feather, it does sound like John Martyn have [sung] the song. Got it off the net and it's titled Lean On Me, John Martyn and Aimee Mann. Can't find the track at the moment but will soon (I have it on cd somewhere). Does anyone have any info on the official song? It's more than likely Terry Callier and Aimee Mann but crikey, there is a resemblence. Any thoughts could be interesting.

Ireland

Just to say I also have some tracks I got of the internet one of them being Lean On Me, which was listed as John Martyn and there are parts where it sounds like him. Also notice the Battle Of Medway is on release in Virgin or whatever it's called. Also done myself a copy of the video Transatlantic where he covers Evil - Sweet Little Mystery - May You Never:) Has anyone heared how he is? The Irish gig was cancelled after we had made arrangements to travel but I wonder if the Cypress Avenue location would have suited him bit dingy. Allluck Alllove

Cwmbran, Wales
UK

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