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.
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Comments

The original song is on the 1972 of (the grandmaster) Terry Callier. The albums is titled "Occasional Rain", and the song there is performed only by (the grandmaster) Terry Callier himself. The duet version of (the grandmaster) Terry Callier and Beth Orton (not Aimee Mann) is on Beth's 1997 EP, titled "Best Bit". I've never heard any version of the song by John Martyn, and I seriously doubt there is one in any official release of his. Do share the specific info of the track you say you have. Greetings from Greece.

Chania
Greece

My greetings to everyone out there! Its a great relief to find a "fan base" for an artist I haven't met anyone in person that really enjoys his music! John's music has kept me good company the few last years I've discovered it, and when no other "chords and lines" are working, there's his long-long catalog to fill in the need of the moment, like no other.
And in case you are reading this John: Don't Stop! Looking forward to the new album over here, under the sun!
PS: Loved the site. You have put so much effort on it, and it shows! Simple looks, rich context.... like every site over the net should be.

Chania
Greece

Hi a pleasure to work for the man.

Any chance you can help me. I play in a band called Grace & Danger; we only play John's music from Solid Air to John Wayne with a few solo efforts by myself. We are playing at The Queens Head Monmouth on Sunday 22nd July, entrance is free, just pass the hat around to pay for the beer:) I have been as well for the rest of the band John Martyn fans for a long time and we attempt to recreate the music as close as we can to the original with a little influence of our own. The track list for the last gig is as follows: Couldn't love you more Some people are crazy Could have been me Evil/ My Creator Make no mistake/ Bless the weather Solid Air The Apprentice Angeline Big Muff Jelly Roll Baker May you never Dealer/ Inside Out One World Glorious Fool Yes you can Mad Dog Day Looking On Sweet Little Mystery Johnny too bad John Wayne Anyways if we can get the message out there will be very greatful Allluck Alllove Peter.

Cwmbran, Wales
UK

great to find a true fans website.. was first caputulated to john and his magic on a balmy summers eve in trinity college dublin, 79/80.. was only a nipper... one irish punt entry.. he sat on a chair with just him and his guitar wizardry and a crate of beer cans.. he and his guitar spellbound the audience uninterrupted by the empty beer cans he flung at us in between songs.. been hooked ever since and he's been a wonderful sometimes solitary and often wonderfly happy part of my life, i've walked through storms and crawled on all fours to get to his gigs and never been once disapointed., just bought sundays child remastered.., is rather beautiful, having a nice dance to it, am worried to see johns health suffer and as above john.., please look after yourself..., we need you... take it away for another day....x

Ireland

My wife and I saw John, for perhaps we believe the 25th time in total, at the Buxton Opera House last night. (Also saw him at the Lowry, Manchester in January). Very easy to make comparisons, very difficult to pinpoint differences. John was playing well, singing well but perhaps not quite as good as the Lowry gig. Banter in between tracks was incomprehensible as mentioned previously but that's JM, no difference there. Band excellent as ever, the inclusion of Foster Paterson being an added bonus. Very clean sound and compliments John's sound brilliantly. Sound quality overall was superb, better than the Lowry. Not sure about the audience reaction at first BUT he was given a standing ovation at the end AND many positive comments were being passed as we left the venue. Absolutely no doubt we will go and see him for the 26th time!!!. Bring on a "One World" tour.

Cheshire
UK

Hi Hans, congratulations on the all new Big Muff. An excellent piece of work. All the best John

Saw John in Nottingham on Monday night. Was very shocked by how ill and enormous he looks, and upset that his voice is suffering as a result of his health problems. Loved the gig, but I really felt that his band propped him up, he just couldn't hit the notes anymore. John, please start looking after yourself before its too late! You are a genius, don't throw it all away for drink and drugs. We need you.

Nottingham
UK

Just spent 2 hours listening to the great man at The Brook in Southampton. Have loved him since London Conversation (showing my age now!!!). He was fantastic!!!!!

Southampton
United Kingdom

Hi, just discovered this great website. What fun to read all the mails from fellow JM-fanatics. He shure is the greatest. I first saw him on an open air show at Regents Park, London, in 1976 (still have the tour brochure) and I am hooked ever since!!! Pity he stopped touring in Germany since the early 80's. I hope to see him and the band again, here or somewhere else in the world. Good luck to everybody and keep the devil down. Niels!

Lübeck
Germany

Never met a ss better than John Martyn, his adequate mix of various musical style is brilliant. I very much regret he doesn't move here (Holland) for concerts like he used to, and I went to see him everytime.

Nooddorp
Holland

If you want to see John performing May You Never and really enjoying it, see his duet with Kathy Mattea on You Tube.

Glenrothes
Scotland

I was born in South Africa and now live in Cleveland. I used to play at the Four Winds Folk Club in Port Elizabeth, South Africa for many years. It is the oldest folk music club in South Africa. In the early 70s I remember a musician playing "Bless the weather" and the song, along with its open tuning, fascinated me. I bought the album and from there on I started to listen to and play the songs of John Martyn, John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, Stefan Grossman, and others. I also was introduced to open tunings for the guitar. It was Bless the Weather that set me on a musical journey that was way outside mainstream music, and I have never looked back!

Cleveland
USA

Saw JM twice, the pavilion in Ayr and the Queens Hall (amazing acoustics) in Edinburgh - both fantastic! Have fallen asleep, wasted in bed at night, whilst listening to 'Small Hours', more than any other song!

Scotland

I have two tickets for tonights roundhouse Gig 3rd Feb at face value. Buyer collects 07979965690.

Camberley
England

Had the good fortune to meet JM first of many Gigs by the Great one that I went to from 1976 onwards. Met him in a pub opposite the Odeon, Edinburgh, Theatre Bar/ Stage Door.? Had a good chat and bought each other a pint, he capitulated later and played a song for his 'Friends in the front row'. Will be with me for ever now. A true gentleman and fine song writer.

Burntisland
Scotland

My wife and I were (once again) at the Manchester Lowry gig last night (Saturday). It was a sell out!! Concert was excellent, John in very good singing form and the band (including saxophonist) were excellent as ever. Alan Thompson really is a first rate bass player. The "Solid Air" section really was worth the ticket price alone and John's acoustic guitar playing was a joy to behold. Very moving indeed. A "One World" tour would be amazing!!

Cheshire
UK

The BBC Radio Scotland programme Classic Scottish Albums featuring Solid Air is available on the BBC web site now.

Glenrothes
Scotland

Attended Cardiff concert last night... loads of people there... long standing ovation at the end of evening and cries of 'one more, one more' all over the place. Really enjoyed the evening. 'Tidy' (as we do say roung ere like!) A big thank you to John and band methinks. Would love to see a One World tour sometime... Plus DVD/CD of this tour...

Caerphilly, Wales
UK

I used this site for informations about an artists I really admire for years now and it's time to say: thanks a lot for this great website! Keep it going please.

Hamburg
Germany

carnt wait for the tour next year, its so good and takes you away all the best john. ps. a lot of people come to this site now the outher yen is a bit like hitler fucking sad, we think in glasgow... tim

Glasgow
Scotland

Great to see the big man so well represented on the web! F**k knows what Tim Stewart is talking about - Hitler?? Guess he's been on the amber nectar...... Looking forward to the tour big fella! Phil.

Glasgow
Scotland

Life long fan, saw him at the Bein Inn, Glenfarg last November, and discovered he does not do requests!!?? He does vary but never less than fantastic in my experience. I do believe he still enjoys the "banter" as most of it emanates from him! He mentioned on stage that he never refuses a request, but I'll let him off! Looking forward to the gig in Glasgow early next year, Jamie.

Kilmacolm
Scotland

Great to find your site, found it while listening to Bless The Weather. We had a pint and a smoke together one afternoon in Sligo in Ireland a few hours before you played. Thank you for your down to earth feel and the escape and stress free freedom you give through your music. Thank you and please come back to N.Y.

Brooklyn, New York
USA

I've been searching for a way to see Martyn live for 10 years ever since I received on my 20th birthday a present in the form of John Martyn's Solid Air album recorded on a tape from a friend that was 5 years older than me. He showed me a new world of playing guitar (I played guitar then for three years). Now in Croatia I finally had found the only copy of Martyn's at BBC (currently playing in my DVD) and I'm amazed, stunned and I can't take the smile of of my face... The man is joking.... the man is actually talking (not singing)... and finally I have a real person I can imagine... and hehe it's definitely a certain surprise... Love you John love your music... and finally I can see you play live (even if it's from my living room).

Croatia

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN WE LOVE YOU XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Reading, Berks
UK

Thank you Big Muff! I have had a wonderous melody held in my head since 1982, overheard from big bro's vinyls way back when and after long years of singing intermittent lyrics at bemused (and embarrassed) record shop assistants in the hope that they could end my seemingly endless quest; at last, tonight, I have sublime rest - Hold on to my Heart - Glorious Fool (that I am). Once again, many thanks. Dx

Guernsey, Channel Islands
UK

Can't wait for John's show tonight here in Italy. Hope I'll be able to talk to the man about how his music influenced me (even though I play different music). I see clouds in the sky, since it's an open air show I hope I'll be allowed to see him for the first time...

Webmaster: It's on the giglist, Sarnico (Bergamo), Piazza XX Settembre. And it rained allright. Lucky Italians..

Brescia
Italy

Played the Queens Head Monmouth on Sunday 30th July It went down well with a good size audience. Joined on stage by Ian Day on lead guitar and a bit of funk to boot. Track Title Time 1 Some people are crazy 2 Could have been me 3 Man at the station 4 Solid Air 5 Evil 6 Make no mistake/Bless the weather 7 The Apprentice 8 Angeline 9 Big Muff 10 Couldn t love you more Second Set 1 May you never 2 Dealer/Inside Out 3 One World 4 Glorious Fool 5 Yes you can 6 Mad Dog Day 7 Looking On 8 Sweet Little Mystery 9 Johnny too bad 10 John Wayne It was strange to say the least but I think our version of Big Muff was great:) Have added a set list from Sunday and was over the Moon when contacted on Monday to be invited to Brecon Jazz due to a band dropping out. Also at the Queens Head was presented with recording of JM some time in the early 70's playing live in Germany great to see the guy playing Black Roses and Singing in the Rain. Anyway Allluck Alllove Peter.

Cwmbran, Wales
UK

John Martyn has a unique music style and an incredible sound. He deserves more acclaim than he receives.

Bagsvaerd
Denmark

Hello John Martyn fans, I'm just back from a recording session with the man himself, he's in good form. Check out my website in the near future to hear him accompany us on our original track!

Galway
Ireland

Does a recording exist of John playing on the Avalon stage at Glastonbury was it 2000. I would pay good money. If my memory serves me right then it was the just the best.

Cilgerran, Wales
UK

I first saw John at a benefit gig in a leisure centre in Nottingham in 1975 or 76. I don't think it was the one recorded for the 1976 album. Much alcohol was consumed that night but I seem to recall he shared the bill with Kevin Coyne and John James (?)

Stockport
UK

When, oh when can we hear you play in Holland. It has been too long ago!!! So pack your guitar and bring it over to Holland after all these years!!!!

Gouda
Holland

Many thanks for your comments re the Ayr gig. Was it the full band, certainly sounds like it. Glad you enjoyed. Looking forward to the next time he is playing live.

Cheshire
UK

Yes Keith I was there in Ayr on the 26th. He was in magnificent form, a really excellent set, John Wayne was fantastic, he opened with Cooltide and continued with all the favourite classics, his banter and the jokes were great. He was saluted by a very long standing ovation from everyone at the end of the gig and the town was full of talk of the concert afterwards in the hostelries I visited. I am biased tho cos it was my 22nd time seeing him live and I hope to see him many more times.

Beith
Scotland

Hi, Any feedback re the gig in Ayr on Friday evening? Thanks.

Living in London during the 1980's, I had several opportunities to see JM play live. Firstly were both nights at the Kentish Town & Country (now The Forum) which were recorded (audio & visual) for what became the "Foundations" album and VHS releases. Still gives me a buzz to watch/listen, knowing that I was actually there! Also saw a one number (Mad Dog Days) Mean Fiddler gig promoting Foundations the following year. Arriving at 7.30pm, JM didn't take the stage until around 11pm from memory - due to a flight delay from Italy. After performing MDD, John rushed from the stage and a few minutes later, his road manager announced that as John was physically ill backstage, the gig wouldn't be able to continue. It was a bummer, but everyone was offered a refund or free entry to an upcoming Town & Country gig a month later, and as JM's road manager said upon the roars of disapproval when announcing the Mean Fiddler gig was to be abandoned, (thick Scottish brogue) "...Oh, come on now. You wouldn't want the man to play if he's not well, would ye?"

Melbourne
Australia

The Mean Fiddler gig was that of 13 September 1987.

Tilburg
Netherlands

John played Dublin the other night, he opened with Cooltide which was so wonderful (and so beautiful too on the Radio 2 clip - PLEASE LISTEN) John Wayne was really powerful, massed orchestral force. I would love to see a live album from John's shows. Is there any possibilty of this at all?

Dublin
Ireland

The Newcastle gig was great and john was in good spirit and his jokes were good, however, he was on fire in Leeds. He was in great humour, happy and smiling occasionaly. A much more intimate gig with a great line-up of songs. Whether it was because I was at the front or not but he really put his heart into the hole session. Alan Thompson gave some beautiful bass solos with Arran working away at the back and Spencer 'the professor' sealing the link of one of the finest gigs I have ever seen. I look forward to seeing the band and John for many moons, take care big fella.

Carlisle, Cumbria
UK

Saw John last night in Leeds, was his usual self, but my God does this guy improve with age!! It would be great to see his live performances of late made available. The man is precious!!

Chesterfield
UK

Was at Cardiff on Monday, a real nice show very laid back and mellow? John struggled with the effects and the guitar didn't really stand out until the last couple of numbers. Unusually he was using a Les Paul instead of the trusty SG and only a digital delay? My Creator was particularly good as was the whole set and Spencer Cozens guided the very able Colin Tully on sax in and out with great aplomb. On the bonus side my son Mark obtained the great man's towel which in turn the wife has washed and I said you just as well take it back to him on Friday in Bristol now. So until Friday Allluck Alllove Peter.

Cwmbran, Wales
United Kingdom

You know a lot of people criticised using the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for last years John Martyn gig. They said it was too big impersonal and all that. But I went to the gig at ABC on Sauchiehall Street this month and I saw a big problem for John Martyn. The ABC is a night club and there is a bar at the back and the stage is low with only limited seating available. So we got treated to drunks going front of the stage and demanding J. Martyn play their choices. He complained about the 'big man' patter and people interrupting him tuning up and all that. He was right. The John Martyn Glasgow thing is total pish - the crowd are drunk and on some idiotic nostalgia trip and not interested in John Martyn the musician but John Martyn the slot machine juke box.

To be honest I thought the gig was poor compared to the concert hall gig the year before and it was down to the venue. At the concert hall people are not allowed booze in the auditorium and the venue is big and designed for proper concerts and J. Martyn was excellent because the environment was right and the crowd got into the music. Yes there was shouting and all that but it got lost in the space and due to the size of the place, the manner of the place, the lack of booze and no drunks all over the place John Martyn played a very good gig and he really swung.

But the ABC gig was poor by comparison. You know John Martyn looked old and tired and he just seemed a bit beleagured in the face of this dumb assed contingent who all shout and demand as though they are his pals. It is embarrassing. It is a largely middle aged crowd he gets in Glasgow and they should just know better. That whole Glasgow patter thing is really a put on and unnecessary. I am not interested in the mega-egos interfering with the show. I wanted to hear John Martyn not the crowd. I just felt he looked uncomfortable and he muffed a few songs. No wonder - even I felt uncomfortable with the pissed crowd and people standing in crowds at the bar talking and shouting. I am not a fan of the 'J. Martyn can do no wrong' school of thinking and I expected a much better concert than I got (and live music isn't cheap) but whoever chose the venue needs their head tested. I can't see how J. Martyn can escape that Glasgow problem unless the venues are chosen very carefully. He looks old and tired and it isn't 1975. 'On the Cobbles' was a good album because of what J Martyn has become not because of what he was. I'll be thinking twice before I go to another J. Martyn concert in Glasgow because I can't be bothered with the 'lost world' the crowd inhabit and their antics.

Glasgow
Scotland

Is there anybody out there who has converted John's video "Tell them I'm somebody else" to DVD? I'm desperate to get my hands on a copy and would be prepared to pay duplication and postage costs if required. Very doubtful that we'll ever see him out here in Australia again and a copy of the aforementioned DVD will help me re-live the shows that I saw in the '70's and 80's!

Melbourne
Australia

Wow the gig in Glasgow on the 28 of April was superb, I have read other reports on other sites who were critical of the performance, I can only conclude that they were not really attuned to the nuances of John and his music. They should have stayed at home and listened to their albums cos John did what he always does and put his own interpretations and feelings at the time into his music. His version of Solid Air sent shivers down my spine, I had to look to the ceiling to see if Nick Drake was really there or not. Again I must remonstrate with the man who posted on John Hillarby's site Glasgow Hardmen and Patchouli oiled women (and that is how you spell Patchouli not the way he did) was utter rubbish, comments re the guy who got John a drink were again uncalled for, if the poster was so far up his own A--- he should have stayed at home. Anyway that is my rant and yes I am going to the Burns Festival to see him again. What people must realise is John has never compromised his style or his music, if you want to hear songs in the same way again and again listen to the albums and cd's dont go to a LIVE gig cos what you get is what the man puts out. Again sorry for the rant, keep up the good work great site Glynn.

Beith just outside Glasgow
Ecosse Scotia Scotland

First saw John in Manchester at the Apollo in late 70's, seen him live 19 times, once stood next to him in a pub at Rock on the Water in Irvine, I daren't talk to him I was over-awed. Had tickets for 2005 at Royal Concert Hall Glasgow but missed it due to silly quad heart bypass, still I am going to the gig at the ABC in Glasgow tomorrow night 28.4.2006 so that will make it 20 times. The man is a real artist and musician whose soul is everywhere in his music, I just thank him for making my life good. By the way I have been married 3 times and all three wives hated him!!!!! What do they know, gaun yersel Big Man.

Beith
Scotland

Played in The Kings Head Usk Friday 14th and Queens Head Monmouth 21st [with my own band]. Many of my friends attended the Usk venue. Many had not seen each other for many years so the crowd noise was dreadful but Monmouth was great, a very appreciative audience hit them with 22 tracks starting with Couldn t Love You More and finished on John Wayne. The icing on the cake for me was a couple at the Usk venue said they had been to see us three times now and really enjoyed it. I said if you like it, the Big Man himself is in Cardiff on the 8th to which they replied they had their tickets already (believe it or not had never heard his material before). I think it is about time the British Education Authority got together and made it compulsory for all children to take a new subject, perhaps call it Martynisation and drop less beneficial subjects such as English, Maths or P.E. I am sure the World would be a much nicer place. Allluck Alllove Peter (Cwmbran Wales).

Cwmbran, Wales
United Kingdom

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