But the message is rarely forgotten, throughout the festival. The call for a caring society comes across in the protest songs of Bragg, Phranc and the heavyweight folk of Christy Moore (memorably on Bobby Sands' Back Home In Derry). And for those of a more woolly, arcadian outlook there's John Martyn, reunited with Danny Thompson on a fine Solid Air opener, and finishing well with Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
The set John played was broadcast by BBC Radio 1 in Pete Drummond's In Concert. The show lasted one hour.
Nine tracks were released on BBC Radio 1 Live In Concert CD; Love Of Mine was excluded.
The vinyl transcription could be complete.
01 May 1986
The interview took place February 27th 1986, Hanley, Victoria Hall and appeared in two issues, #4 en #5.
R: How does it feel looking back over your 20 year career?
JM: It doesn't feel like twenty, for a start, it feels more like seven or eight, it feels fine.
R: Your very much a survivor of the music business, do you still enjoy touring?
JM: Yeah, well. I've always enjoyed it. I find it very dull staying at home. It's a bug once you get it...!
R: You described the new album Piece By Piece as your best to date. Would you like to tell us about it?
Ranges from the romantic 'Angeline' to the schizoid 'John Wayne', even venturing into pop with 'Lonely Love' and many will find it hard to believe that this [is] the same JM who was such an innovator in the '70s.
'Serendipity' and 'Nightline' stand out alongside 'Angeline' (which went to No. 1 in the CD charts) 1 and also 'Who Believes In Angels', on which John's voice finally takes on a life of its own -certainly the highest note he's ever sung- it'll soon be demanding its own dressing room.
Before Live Aid, the events this week at the Albert Hall would have been considered exceptional.
47 minutes
Five tracks from London Palladium show recorded 3 March preceded by six minute interview with Mick Brown.
Only a heartless bastard would knock old John.
30 minutes.
FM radio broadcast of London Palladium concert.
Two tracks released on Lonely Love singles (Fisherman's Dream, Sweet Little Mystery).
100 minutes.
FM broadcast of Hammersmith Odeon gig.
01 Mar 1986
● Mark Cordery edits some highlights from the brilliant career of a reformed hippy hooligan.
