I first saw FC at Carnegie Hall in NYC in 1973. They were the opening act before Traffic (John Barleycorn tour). I had never heard of them. I was barely 17. They were remarkable and the crowd LOVED them. We were all kind of sad Traffic showed up. I have been a loyal fan ever since. I own most of their LPs and quite a few of Martin Carthy's as well. Saw Richard Thompson solo multiple times also. Swarb was magnificent and unforgettable. My young son recently (2023) picked up a new copy of Babbacombe for me at a local record shop. The guy at the register said "kudos to you. this a great album." My son said, "it's for my dad". But he listened also and was hooked, just like I was. Miss you terribly Swarb.
He came to Portsoy to do a workshop..I missed him..because the year before I attended a workshop by Martin Carthy..could not afford the journey to Scotland again....Shite...he was the great folk rock fiddler.....We all miss him...but he will aye be in our memory....God Bless Dave Swarbrick...May you be rocking them in Hell or shocking them in Heaven...
Thanks for posting this. I've always wanted to see this footage. I once asked Swarb for the lyrics to this song. He could barely recall writing it, never mind what the words were, but he gave me his email address and said to get back in touch after he'd had a listen to it. I did, and he sent me the words. I meant to record it. Still haven't got around to it. One day...Love ya, Swarb. This world is poorer for your no longer being here.
Swarb, you are loved and missed! Thank you for all your music and the joy you brought us. Dallastollerwade, thank you for posting this wonderful and rare footage. If you have any more, please post.
RIP Dave. - you were a big influence on my music.... and where is the rest of this programme (The Man they Couldn't Hang. BBC 1975)? Anyone got a full copy?
What great quality footage. I'm sure you realize that this is the first time any of this program me has seen the light of day. Do you have the rest of it? Please post! :)
D G D G D G A I often wonder why fortune follows one and lets another die D G D Is there more to life, than meets the eye G A G D A G D A D Farewell to a poor man’s son, farewell to a poor man’s son, farewell to a poor man’s son Beggars are made by kings, there’s many a man would sell his soul for wingsLove like death cures everythingFarewell... How the leaves are falling fast, the past we shuffle the present we adjustAnd it’s ashes to ashes, dust to dustFarewell x 1When needs must the devil drives, it’s dog eat dog, the strongest will surviveWhile the poor get poorer, buried aliveFarewell to a poor man’s son x 3
Swab's talking about John Lee, subject of FP's album "Babbacombe Lee". Nowadays, there's enough online about John Lee's life and death to find out about him. The song didn't appear on the original 1971 vinyl LP release, but on at least one CD release in the last ten or so years it's a bonus track.
One of the great voices. Effortless honesty and perfect pitch . Swarb, I salute you, sir.
I first saw FC at Carnegie Hall in NYC in 1973. They were the opening act before Traffic (John Barleycorn tour). I had never heard of them. I was barely 17. They were remarkable and the crowd LOVED them. We were all kind of sad Traffic showed up. I have been a loyal fan ever since. I own most of their LPs and quite a few of Martin Carthy's as well. Saw Richard Thompson solo multiple times also. Swarb was magnificent and unforgettable. My young son recently (2023) picked up a new copy of Babbacombe for me at a local record shop. The guy at the register said "kudos to you. this a great album." My son said, "it's for my dad". But he listened also and was hooked, just like I was. Miss you terribly Swarb.
Just a joy to see footage of Swarb. Giant amongst musicians. Dave Swarbrick you made folk rock music. God bless you and RIP.
He will remain the soul of of Fairport for me. Without him it doesn't quite fit anymore...
The voices in this band-my goodness.They were all great all could tell a story.
He was so influencial ..farewell Dave ..never forgotten by me and many more.....
He came to Portsoy to do a workshop..I missed him..because the year before I attended a workshop by Martin Carthy..could not afford the journey to Scotland again....Shite...he was the great folk rock fiddler.....We all miss him...but he will aye be in our memory....God Bless Dave Swarbrick...May you be rocking them in Hell or shocking them in Heaven...
Thanks for posting this. I've always wanted to see this footage. I once asked Swarb for the lyrics to this song. He could barely recall writing it, never mind what the words were, but he gave me his email address and said to get back in touch after he'd had a listen to it. I did, and he sent me the words. I meant to record it. Still haven't got around to it. One day...Love ya, Swarb. This world is poorer for your no longer being here.
Swarb, you are loved and missed! Thank you for all your music and the joy you brought us. Dallastollerwade, thank you for posting this wonderful and rare footage. If you have any more, please post.
RIP Dave Swarbrick, you really made a fantastic contribution to every band you ever graced, and such a cool looking guy as well.
Agreed
what a great voice
I met Martin Carthy in Portsoy..next year in Portsoy...missed seeing this man..
RIP Dave. - you were a big influence on my music.... and where is the rest of this programme (The Man they Couldn't Hang. BBC 1975)? Anyone got a full copy?
What great quality footage. I'm sure you realize that this is the first time any of this program me has seen the light of day. Do you have the rest of it? Please post! :)
ALLWAYS here in our harts
D G D G D G A
I often wonder why fortune follows one and lets another die
D G D
Is there more to life, than meets the eye
G A G D A G D A D
Farewell to a poor man’s son, farewell to a poor man’s son, farewell to a poor man’s son
Beggars are made by kings, there’s many a man would sell his soul for wingsLove like death cures everythingFarewell...
How the leaves are falling fast, the past we shuffle the present we adjustAnd it’s ashes to ashes, dust to dustFarewell x 1When needs must the devil drives, it’s dog eat dog, the strongest will surviveWhile the poor get poorer, buried aliveFarewell to a poor man’s son x 3
Swab's talking about John Lee, subject of FP's album "Babbacombe Lee".
Nowadays, there's enough online about John Lee's life and death to find out about him.
The song didn't appear on the original 1971 vinyl LP release, but on at least one CD release in the last ten or so years it's a bonus track.