Fred performed for us at the Venture Theater Folk Club Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire and twice at the Scrag end Folk Club in Oakthorpe NW Leicestershire. He was a Supernova!!!!!!! I just wish the whole world could become familiar with his talent. He is now in the "Tower of Love" as Leonard Cohen described in a song about famous entertainers.

Fred was always only a smile away.
I am a lifelong (well over 30 years) fan, and still treasure his songs when I am feeling both up and down.
I learnt nearly all the songs off Frolicks and a couple from the Folker, performing some of them during my busking/folk- clubbing days. Many's the time I was joined in by the crowd, and they always seemed to be the noisy ones!
I only managed to catch Fred live twice, once in London (with Firey Chris Newman) and the other time at Bath University. What a hoot .... :)
My son managed to find the Folker on CD for a birthday present, which meant I could laugh without the scratches in the background from my ground-down vinyl album!

My condolenses go to his family and close friends.

Fred, my heart smiles and thanks you.
A fan forever...
Richard Triance

I remember Fred from many years ago (late 70's and early 80's) when I used to babysit for his guitarist and singer, Chris and Min Newman. Loved all of the band and was given a signed copy of his LP Oldest Swinger in Town which featured my friend Martin's car on the cover. They were a great band and full of fun and laughs. Remember them best at the old Stonehouse in Bristol which I understand is sadly not there anymore either. Fred was a fantastic entertainer and musician - Loved all his funny stories and am very sad to hear of his premature passing. Kind regards and sympathy to his family who must have lovely memories of the great man xx

It was my priviledge to see Fred perform and speak with him on many occasions when he came to London. The last time at Twickenham on the occasion of the Strawbs 40th anniversary last September, he was actually the first person I saw when I entered, though that time I did not hear him sing.

When Fred was in the same room as you, it was just not possible to be "down in the dumps", you forgot all your problems and had a great time. Fred just made happy.

Fred, we will miss you, I'm certain you have the angels laughing now..

I was at bath university in the 1970's and i never knew a bad Fred Wedlock concert. 'Breathalysed' - just one of the many he made us laugh with. You made a lot of us very happy, Fred, rest in peace.

Back in the late 60's I was a pupil at The Castle School, Thornbury when we were introduced to our new Geography teacher. In walked this guy with a bright kipper tie, guitar in hand. He said my name is Mr Wedlock. Every Thursday we could not wait to get to Georgraphy. Did we learn about glaciers and meanders? No but we learnt some brilliant folk music. Teachers like this no longer exist but he certainly made a lasting impression on us kids.

In the 1970s Fred used to come and do a turn at our freshers' ceilidhs at Bath University. He always went down very well. Everyone sat and listened to his songs, which were perfectly chosen or written, to appeal to students. He sang about Bristol Buses and pubs that didn't sell real ale, and some "adapted folk songs" which appealed to a larger audience than just us folkies. Rest in peace Fred. You were a great entertainer and a lovely person.

Here you come with your chest all bare
A little gold ingot and a lot of gold hair
Like the disco king meets Yogi Bear
You're the oldest swinger in town

When you're feeling as stiff as a skinhead's boot
Rub on Vick's where you used to splash Brut
And the latest punk fashion is your wedding suit
You're the oldest swinger in town

When you have to go shopping for your sex appeal
Travolta's shades and nine inch heels
They say a man is just as old as the woman he feels
Yo're the oldest swinger in town

Here you come with your lips closed tight
You never smile you know it wouldn't look right
Cause your dentures glow in the ultravoilet light
You're the oldest swinger in town

And you look so mean
Cause your pants are too tight
You're the oldest swinger in town

And it takes you all night
To do what you used to do all night
You're the oldest swinger in town

When your scoring with a chick in a disco bar
Take her home in your hairy little car
Then you find you went to school with her ma and da
Your the oldest swinger in town,

When you wont look in the mirror in the light of day
Sware you've died it when your hair turns grey
When you zip up your throusers and your belly's in the way
Your the oldest swinger in town

Here you come and there you go
White wheels spots and a stero
But the engin is jacked and the driver is too
You're the oldest swinger in town

The barber takes a little less time each week
The kids dont understand a word you speak
When you walk into a disco and they offer you a seat
You're the oldest swinger in town

You prefare a pint of shandy to Bacardi and Coke
The sounds are too loud and there's too much smoke
You'd like another dance but you're afraid you'll get a stroke
You're the oldest swinger in town