Thanks for the music, and the hangovers. David

I saw John for the last time at his most recent visit to Cardiff, having seen a number of his live shows over the years, it was a joy as usual.
I shall miss these opportunities (far to rare) to see and hear such a wonderful and soulful artist.

BIG JOHN.

Big John has gone, he’s gone
His music lives on in my heart.
His songs have eased me through all I have done
Big John has gone, he’s gone
An angelic minstrel on stage, full of fun
And a gruff growling bear, all part
Big John has gone, he’s gone
His music lives on in my heart.

28.02.09 PNR

John Martyn's music has been with me since the early 70's when I was introduced to him by my brother. I was lucky enough to meet him, albeit briefly at a burger van, late one evening at Cambridge Folk Festival. He was personable and funny, he stole a bite out of my husbands burger and this set my affection for him for ever more. His music has taken me through all my ups and downs and there is a song for every emotion anyone could have. 'Hurt in my heart' will remain forever with me when I need to remember any of these three men who are now gone from my life. Thankyou for the music and the memories. You are all sadly missed.

Some of the best times ...some of the worst times....you were always there.

Still trying to get to grips with what we have all lost.

Amazing that in remembering all the good times and celebrating Big Muff there have been so many laughs,smiles, tapping of fingers,stomping of feet and snapping of strings as we pay tribute in our "own wee way" in Coatbridge Scotland.

Goodnight Big Man..Gracias Amigo

Sad but Smiling

Johnis one of my favourite artists ever.i have all his work, and it has brought me such pleasure i cannot describe how much.
Thanks John for your talent, your guitar work, that amazing voice.And thanks most of all for brightening my life.

I feel as if I have lost a sole mate.I loved nothing more than listening to JM when I had a few Pints in me and just chilling.He has been taken to soon from us ,but that's the way it go's some times.I will injoy listening to John Martyn for the rest of my life. Thanks..

I have had John's music as a soundtrack to some of the best moments of my life I got to see him play many times and interviewed him for a student rag I tried to blag his guitar tunings which he carefully spelt out for me. When I tried to use them I realised I'd been twirled-the fact that my guitar neck was bending gave me a clue.

My 16 year old son is into John's music so I had tickets for Birmingham. Unfortunately this was the night before a GCSE exam so I tooka mate instead -the moral of the story is- bugger school- rock and roll every time!

I have played John's songs( badly)-perhaps the most surreal occasion was during the second Gulf War when I was working as a Police Inspector at Fairford air base, looking after the Peace camp. We were working nights and one of the campaigners started playing his guitar. I asked if I could have a go and sat at the camp fire and played May You Never for them. This helped to convince them that I wasn't a complete fascist and we got on very well for the rest of the week.

The first time I heard John's music was in 1979, in a smoky hall at Manchester Uni. There were no barriers, no seats, just the floor to sit on for the duration. What a privilege that was! The last time was nearly 30 years later at Buxton Opera House, where John was still wowing the fans with his unique style and infectious humour, despite his limited mobility. What to say about John Martyn's music that hasn't been said before? It can't be categorised or put into a box: it is unique. It finds its way into your soul and never leaves you. John, you have given inspiration and joy to so many. An impossible act to follow. "Lay down your sorrow, pick up your joy..."
Deep respect and love,
Faith (Sheffield).

I'm so sorry you've gone John.

So many happy memories of gigs I've been privileged to see, from twice on the Solid Air tour in the '70s, at Leeds & Sheffield; Hull City Hall in the late '70s (asked for requests, someone shouted 'Over the Hill' & you quipped 'hope that was a request madam, not a comment'). Hull Truck Theatre ( sadly to close soon), Beverley Playhouse (sadly closed), Leeds Irish Centre (always magical). The 'Sunshine Boys' tour at Leeds City Varieties, back with Danny Thompson. Belfast (supported by the super Johnny Dickinson I recall). Last time was Holmefirth Folk Festival, wonderful occasion, wonderful concert.

So many happy memories.....

Go Down Easy, Big Man.

St.Pancras Town Hall 1968.Me Bill Spack in front row,John warming up,jumps off stage,asks Spack for roll up,and says,"how does it sound"?We say "a bit loud John". John says "good,just how i want it." He kept winking at us all the way through the show.I was a fan before,and ever since.Thanks for all the joy your music has brought to my life.Bye John xxx

So sorry to hear the sad news. I first saw John in "Les Cousins" in 1969 and heard him play to a few friends away from the stage (he wasn't billed that night). I was knocked out then and ever since. Will be sadly missed - RIP.

Greatly saddened by Johns death. Just recently tranferred Solid Air album to my nano (from my original recording on cassette). Now a constant companion in the car again and giving even more pleasure than 30 years ago. Not sure whether it's the best but it is special as it was my first John Martyn album.
Hello Simon Arnold (posted 29.01.2009), like you I saw John at the Brighton Dome - it was in 1981 or 1982 and I was with your father.

Having Paid to see John on several occations one of My best Memories will be having a day out with My family and after going to the Magnum Center in Irvine for some fun on the Flumes with the Kids we went for a walk towards the Beach area and the whole place was Buzzing as it was the Irvine Fair, walking back from the Beach towards the car I could hear this Haunting sound and Said straight away to My kids Thats The Sound of John Martyn. We followed the sound down towards the Jetty area and sure enough there Was the Man in full flow Big Muff I wanted to stay but My then wife said today is for the Kids not You so she wanted to leave but Low and Behold the Kids wanted to Stay as Much as I did, What a Day John ThankYou, Always Remembered.

I'll start by being honest i only got into john about 5 years ago and i wish i'd been there all the time,the guy was a soulful genius who could put a tear in your eye and a smile on your face,when i heard he had died i was gutted and still am i never got to see him live and will be somthing i'll always regret,R.I.P. john martyn a legend we will never forget.

Bless the weather that brought you to me

Curse the storm that takes you away

Sweet God bless amber aka moonchild xxx

To J.M

While sands of time shift in the breeze
As clouds form in the sky’s
The loss of John will always bring
A tear in all our eye’s
Live music from this great man’s gone
His songs burnt to the core
Inside the minds of them who knew
Who care forever more
So time they say will heal the pain
But for me my answers not
Your voice will live inside my soul
And never be forgot,

Goodbye my friend
Alf Hibbert 2009

I'd seen JM on Whistle Test before, in the early-mid seventies, and thought he was ok, but when, in 1978 I saw him perform One World on the programme, it changed my appreciation of music forever. It got me into his phenomenal back-catalogue, as well as opening up my ears (and my heart) to so much jazz,folk etc that I would otherwise have missed. I saw him several times, and, as with his albums, I found him a bit hit-and-miss, but my goodness when he was on form he was genius !! I won't miss you John(I never knew you) - I will however occassionally listen to your stuff and feel forever grateful that you continue to enrich my musical landscape. In that sense you will always be around for so many of us. I hope your gnarly old soul finds peace at last.

I will always remember meeting John and enjoying his extraordinary musical talents. His live performances were legendary and i was very lucky to enjoy several, unfortunately no more. We have suffered a huge loss and he will never be replaced. We shall listen to his music until we meet him again. Our hearts go out to his nearest and dearest. Rest in peace John. Anji and Martin Plowes