John Martyn Live. rock, salt and nails

[@vodkatom6478]

Of all the great artists who are no longer with us I miss John Martyn the most. Lost count of times I’ve seen him over the years from early eighties until his last gigs. Mostly in and around north west uk, Liverpool, Madchester. Wether small clubs or bigger theatres he was always down to earth with his audience. Sitting on the back of me narrowband with a large vodka and a tear in me eye. Cheers John.

[@blexicon8914]

How on anyone on earth could even contemplate critisising any of his performances is so far beyond my comprehension. Loved that man.

[@stephenparker9434]

Such a heartwarming and emotive performance! but tinged with sadness! Ever so sad to see John end up this way, just before his death, but it was a lifetime of music and eventually, of self-destruction he pursued on his own terms right to the very end. Ever so unique: The slurred soulful voice, endearing heartfelt self-composed songs. the pioneering echo plex guitarist who fused folk, blues, jazz - a national treasure who unfortunately never achieved the widespread recognition his talents deserved, apart from his fans. Bless you John for leaving a legacy of wonderful music to enjoy. May you be with Nick Drake, in another world, in solid air where for now we cannot join.

[@richardjohnson3463]

well said

[@cahillgreg]

John wouldn't stand for such maudlin sentimentality - you do him a disservice

[@johnknottenbelt2727]

I met John by sheer chance in passing, as another smiling stranger, back in March 1974, without knowing who he was. He introduced himself as Iain & we ended up enjoying a few casual hours discussing a number of things a smiling strangers are want to do, ending up at the Red Lion in Fulham over a few beers. It was only after many months after I had arrived home in Durban South Africa, when a lady friend gifted me a John Martyn album (Solid Air) that I found out who Iain actually was. His sparkling eyes & brilliant smile could not be mistaken & the magic of Solid Air & our chance meeting made me a fan for life. The saddest thing was to witness his unhappy debilitating unravelling demise & how it visually stripped away the soul of that smiling stranger and strip the beauty reflected in his soul. The joy I hold is that his final transitions would have delivered him of his adversities & restored the beauty & joy he he revealed to this smiling stranger was back in 1974. ❤

[@pablosquared4868]

That's beautiful, thank you. RIP Big John, 15 years gone.

[@THAINBIRD]

THIS must be one of the most heartfelt performances of ALL time

[@annettehodgins5448]

Had a drink with him in Woodstock just before he passed still have the photo in pride of place,what a legend.I still love to play his songs and allways will.Tommy Hodgins

[@pentangle4444]

Martyn returend to the Woodstock area in 2008-Jan 2009 timeframe??? he passed away in Ireland in January 2009...I know Stormbringer was done in 1970 with a Woodstock connection and at Martyn played with Band member Levon Helm and was a neighbor of Jimi Hendrix and lived down the road from Bob Dylan.. interesting that Martyn returned to Woodstock area just before his death.. great info..

[@phillonsdale2952]

Just found this, left me in tears. Incredibly moving, what a performance

[@smwrbd]

To all who criticized this performance go back to your exciting life and do nothing with it. He bought and paid for his condition. Your last performance is going to be different from your first performance, not worse, not better, different. He lived it.

[@bigjeffmorris]

robert donaldson damn right... I saw John over 20 times and he was always different... and always MAGNIFICENT.

[@dubayadot]

Couldnt agree more seen him a few times in Glasgow, best for me was Castlemilk comunity centre ,1991 ? maybe , no band just him up there himself , he was smashed but soooo good . an amazing night.

[@jisnotavailable]

Totally agree, who could criticise. IMO a troubadour in his field.

[@beamzappa6266]

I think this performance is Earth shattering, it messes me up every time I listen to it

[@kianucollis3929]

trying not to cry now....Saw him in Brum a few months before he passed...A troubled genius.

[@MM-gf5zk]

Love this it’s so beautiful. I’ve been through hell like most of us and the way he sings this is as if he is in touch with God. Heartbreaking and deeply moving. RIP.

[@MM-gf5zk]

Well said it’s brilliant and some people are peasants with no class and can listen to the Spice Girls it’s more their bag, x

[@carltaylor4942]

Absolutely fucking magnificent!

[@jayceeisland20]

huge huge fan from the beginning to the end, saw him many times at different venues big and in local pubs, most of the time he was off his head - he was mega and so underrated.

[@screwgunscrewgun1363]

The greatest European blues singer for 40 years ! We love you, pal ....

[@patriciahealey2927]

Check out mick roach from liverpool meantime good in blues huge raw vocal ❤🎧

[@AlejoArraezGalvan]

I tell you drops came out of my eyes when I first listened this performance; but that is not all, I have shown to a couple of friends, and without sayimg nothing about that my first feeling they two also cried. Is is just the pain in every corner of his voice. Thanks God for John Martyn. Hope we will meet again

[@davidsambora2233]

I went to John's old house in Hastings the other day, to try and connect with him, Nick and Paul.. Their music is with me always..

[@MrDallman]

We love and miss you Big man ..... Your music was the sound track of my youth.....a time when life was so much less complicated .Not sure we will ever see the likes of you again.

[@georgemcelroy3058]

AWESOME!!! Such emotion is rare in a musician of his caliber. If you don't like this your soul died somewhere along the line.

[@Avrillo-gf7tx]

Loved John Martyn from the 1st listen, he was always so stunning as well as moving. Very sad he’s gone now and I’m annoyed I didn’t know he lived in Hastings. I visit it most years in spring and summer if I can, but would’ve loved to see the Great John Martyn there. Sadly I didn’t! Love you JOHN MARTYN ❤ 😢 RIP 😮💔

[@VincenzoSantarelli68]

....great man,with a beautiful heart and a wonderful voice.

[@catnapsnatch6799]

What an amazing voice and back up music...

[@astrojules]

If the stars of the great bear could sing they would sound like this, he will always be missed.

[@wladimir3728]

I love this comment.

[@astrojules]

Jamie Walton great minds think a like " Am in process of finishing a Robert Johnston painting not been easy full body with guitar."

[@wladimir3728]

Julia Whitelaw I love Robert Johnsons music.

[@bigmikeydread]

Love this comment too. Poetic and true..

[@timothylee8201]

Thank you

[@colinmacfarlane6838]

John martyn ...what a man grieving in this would love to have met him 😅

[@theresawilson6873]

Always a sublime experience listening to John

[@sandysandmartin]

My dear Bill loved John Martyn and he was so sad the way his life ended after leaving us with such beautiful music x

[@tison53]

still one of the best in my book, no competition so far

[@Briquette1000]

Sublime. The reason this is so amazing is that John lived the life, no compromises. No clean living pop tart could bellow this with such realness. Bless him, we're so lucky to have all the fine music he gave us.

[@Eline_Meijer]

Im a professional jazz player and play in a heavy metal band on weekends, in my opnion Johnny boy is the best to ever do it. Altough this song is a cover, it feels like Johnny just wrote it yesterday. Rest in Peace with a nose full of cocaine, a glass overflowing with Guinness, a belly packed with chips knowing you had a great run at life.

[@danwebb4418]

Cocaine for horses, it aint for man, doctor says it gonna kill you fast...

[@pedr0p0lis]

Pure soul, the pain and suffering this man has endured has to be worth the respect its deserved.....and boy could he play guitar.....no one will ever be ljke him. RIP.......the acoustic guitar guru..........i too shed a tear....

[@paulmillington9860]

What I wouldn't give to see him sing this just one more time - great version - brings it all back

[@johnharrington2400]

He was a true artist and must have been lonesome in the wee hours and we can all be grateful he was able to rip his heart out and throw it at his feet for everyone to see. Some are facsimiles and others are originals and any debate which he was is a waste of time. RIP and I'm happy there are people like you who come along and lay it out there.

[@GFEBMX]

you truly were the real deal.thank you john

[@stewarthamilton3867]

I have screensaver right now of John smoking a hash-pipe with his acoustic on his lap...ah good memories the big man was a force of nature from start to end..some of the most beautifully, crafted songs and guitar playing of all time ... from woolwich tramshed and beyond...he will never pass, but always remain

[@dietmarleuken4095]

Einer von den ganz Großen. Danke.

[@erikpirotte]

Incredible band performance too!

[@stuartmackenzie7922]

Seen John many times over the years and had the pleasure of being present on this tour at Coventry Uni. This song blew me and everyone away. You honestly can't imagine the sheer power and impact of this amazing mans voice, unless you were there. A simply fantastic voice!

[@taylorruth5309]

Was this at Coventry Uni? What was the date ... incredible !!

[@panchosvillos]

Absolutely love this guy, a true genius. RIP John Martyn

[@rikardogojenolagarcia1114]

Aiseak eraman du betiko doiñu entzungarri hoiek

[@nickspurway2862]

Johns voice was extraordinary, the emotion on his voice was phenomenal. Goosebumps whenever o hear his music.

[@alecgwynn510]

Loved & listened to John Martyn since 1970..I can't bring myself to watch this...heartbreaking

[@AlBowly]

Love the way John laughs at himself getting the words wrong in the last part of the song. No one will ever replace him , a true one off.

[@MrDallman]

Never a truer word was ever spoken…..saw him many times ….a true one off

[@richierobbo]

Amazing performance, he always done this song so well but this truly SOULFUL

[@andrewgreen9856]

The Work of a Genius 15 dislikes obviously dead from the head down more soul in that 5 minutes than 99 per cent of todays artists can muster

[@colinmacfarlane6838]

This is the great john martyn in his dying days... I remember you told me you thought it was him in the corona bar shawlands...he went to school there ...man was a genuis😢

[@juliethomas-rogers1681]

Heart breaking and beautiful as ever, loved and very much missed Mr Martyn ❤

[@wernerzender6314]

wohl das emotionalste an Stimme und Seele ws ich je gehört habe eine Legende ich hab Ihn erst vor einem Jahr gefunden ich höre Ihn jeden Tag wenn ich mit meinen Hunden Meer laufen gehe ich höre jede Silbe seiner Worte ich liebe Ihn diesen großartigen Musiker

[@purplejash]

Lovely, brought a tear to my eye. Bless you Big Man , much missed xx

[@gregstacey8215]

What a talent... I saw him in the early days with just a guitar and echo plex and throughout his life. An extraordinary artist, sometimes compared to marmite, you wither love him or not... to me utterly brilliant.

[@sadimasson8734]

Beautiful music as always...oh feck fabulous just the best ever

[@neilross1746]

Christ, this is so moving. So very sad. RIP, John.

[@stevedaley2734]

Glad this popped up on my feed again.

[@MegaNavek]

Oh John….you were a beautiful gift to the world……

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

What we lost. I think one of the stranges part of life is knowing we only have the wonderful things for a while and it oftem is only a short while. It is said all the time but this man was a completely wonderful artist, we were su fortunate

[@joachimguischard4861]

The good musicians gone too soon... RIP John You Are so Great ....

[@jimmeehan5556]

An inestimable talent. What a band. Privileged to have heard this line up live (without sax) and John sang this. O lord what soul.

[@TheAtticradio]

A unique ‘OneOff’ such soul and melancholy did JM have !!!

[@stevemepsted1]

Powerful, raw and truly felt. The drummer looks to be in tears at one point.

[@raymondscott8499]

Jesus to sing like this and then spread a guitar as he did.What a wonderful artist.Thanks John for all the tingles. Youre missed

[@seamonkey000001]

After watching some of his early stuff tonight. This brings tears to the eyes. What a guy.

[@terryanthony9686]

wonderful man i met him a few times and even rolled his joints of stage

[@joolspirog]

The emotion in this is incredible. A great rework of Utah Philips great song. The hurt only love can bring.

[@laurenmusso4719]

Please forgive the mortal men who know not what they have missed not loving you and your music. I love you John - Rest now my brother……

[@AlBowly]

Best thing I heard for ages, John was a master.

[@dominikostheotopoulis6877]

John, you brought joy to my life growing up, I saw you at the Candleriggs in Glasgow, amazing night, what a show, lives long in the memory... LOVE ya, you expressed your deep feelings in your music, thanks for sharing it with the world. It touched my heart and every friend that knew good music when they listened to you. Lord Jesus watch over your troubled but gifted son in Paradise.

[@Eline_Meijer]

One of my all time fav songs

[@stephenfairchild2786]

ive seen him many times since the 70s..and went twice on his last tour..why is he never mentioned in the top guitarists of all time...he was a genius

[@RICHARD.WRIGHT1]

ONE OF HUMANITY'S GREATEST MUSICIANS.

[@matshanssen2070]

John was intense yin and yang. Saw him in the flesh twice in 1984 and 1986. I'll never forget it. Made a deep impression on me.

[@danwebb4418]

Tormented by demons..

[@matshanssen2070]

@@danwebb4418 who isn't....

[@bobperry4351]

Amazing performance ,been a fan stateside since London Conversation,saw him live (77) open for Mose Allison at Jazz Workshop Boston,bought him a couple of drinks and he opened w Skip James "I'd rather be the Devil. May his memory be eternal...

[@richardwhitney7133]

I first heard John on a Sampler album put out by Island. I think it was called "You Can All Join In". Jog a memory maybe? Cost about 50p and was probably the best bit of vinyl I ever bought considering how most of the Talent went on to do great things. Fotheringay and Jerry Donahu's guitar solo (lasted about 30 seconds!) got me playing over 50 years ago & I still dabble. I followed John's music from the very beginning and loved the way he went where the flow took him as regards musical evolution. Kinda demanded it in fact....got a Copycat & a Swell Pedal toot sweet! Anyway, his playing was unique and his voice is like no other....can't top that. In this Gig, he didn't put on full length trousers with fake feet....he just let us know the way it was with him and sang with a voice that will never be heard again.

[@davidcohen1977]

Never ever forget this man...saw him many times....please if you don’t know his music investigate his music ....thanks John

[@peterpiperpuppets330]

My old friend , a great musician on tenor , Martin Winning, worked with Van Morrison for many years and others . Wonderful sax player & you should hear him on clarinet

[@eamonrodgers4751]

I miss you John, 😢, up there with the very best you were

[@Branton48]

Like an old mate coming to say hello... Rest easy Johnny boy...

[@RHannan]

omg... this is amazing!

[@PLATINFERN]

Floods of tears here. Thankyou for this post.

[@lumpymcphoomph5717]

Thanks, Antony - Been listening to JM since the early 70's, but sadly, was never able to see him live. This vid's a great testament to a wonderful, highly gifted, madman of an artist. In a world far madder than you ever were, John, you are, and always will be missed. God bless.

[@brucemargot7970]

Been listening to him since the early 70s, and in my humble opinion he was one of the greatest ever, and watching this, he matured like fine old brandy - beautiful - thanks John for all the years of pleasure

[@themonohub5455]

Wow! WOw WOW!!! This song is so beautiful and fragile that it hurts to to listen to it. Thank you for posting this.

[@nigelleppitt773]

Awesome musician just pure soul

[@IBeeZ2012]

Magnificent! Saw him perform this on a few occasions, most memorably at The Lowry in Manchester. Rest Easy John 🙏

[@cahillgreg]

I was there for that - outstanding.

[@sidstewart7399]

​@@cahillgregAs was I...sad as well as I knew it was the last time.

[@SuperLisalis]

What a voice,what a talent. what a great loss....miss u Johnny.

[@riverreeves9983]

Love coming to this side of KZbin - just love for music

[@joesouthport]

Classic John Martyn and some great sax playing too

[@TheFrenkling]

just great - thank you John

[@summittodo]

Always makes me well up

[@themoons7291]

This version just makes you just want to cry; sorely missed, there was, and still is, only one John Martyn!

[@davidmaslow399]

This gave me goosebumps!

[@markstevens6568]

A true star, but never got the recognition he deserved. Uniquely gifted and in many ways flawed and that is what made him Jon Martyn.

[@giuseppeforesta5215]

Indimenticabile JOHN!🙏

[@gerrytoomey5002]

will go down as one off the all time great artists .so so misted .

[@patriciaroberts100]

Miss you John, I saw you in Edinburgh in the 80's. Non replaced.

[@peteperry5712]

he just kept evolving. Just looking at my ticket from the Lowry, 2 months b4 he passed, yes there are plenty of words, but none in my vocab that adequately describe John/Ian. Am having over the rainbow at my wake.

[@robertevans6596]

Tears won't stop flowing RIP big bad Johnny too bad x

[@eddiecook8440]

Anyone who isn't moved by this performance must sad sad people, he was truly one of the greats.

[@raelene101]

Omg rip my heart out!!! ❤️

[@drfeelgood9814]

God bless ya John Martyn, love ya!

[@donlbrown9583]

WOW!!!!!!! Truly, truly amazing . Thank you so much for posting this video on You Tube.

[@pcreplayerpcreplayer3780]

On the banks of the river, where the willows hang down, Where the wild birds all warble with a low moaning sound, Down in the hollow where the water runs cold, It's there I have listened to the lies that you told. Now I lie on my bed and I see your sweet face. The past I remember, time cannot erase. The letters you wrote me were written in shame, And I know that your conscience still echos my pain. Now the nights are so long, my sorrow runs deep. Nothing is worse than a night without sleep. I walk out alone, I look at the sky, Too empty to sing, too lonesome to cry. Now if the ladies were blackbirds and the ladies were thrushes, I'd lie there for hours in the chilly cold marshes. If the ladies were squirrels with them high bushy tails, I'd fill up my shotgu

[@marcoliver7914]

😊 thanks

[@paulamos2817]

Thanks for the missing 3rd verse.makes sense now.

[@davidmaslow399]

He's life's spokesman! We hear You John!

[@前橋みき]

Beautiful music- sadly missed

[@martinwnaylor5219]

Love you Mr John Martyn

[@pacman4568]

RIP sir couln't love you more

[@gkitteringham]

This is awesome. Been waiting a long time to see a version of this from JM. Thanks for posting.