John Martyn 80s Giglist

 

Latest additions are marked in yellow.
If you know of any other performances, do not hesitate to send me a note...


1980

1980-00-00 UK, Lancaster, Lancaster University. Exact date unknown.

January

1980-01-09 Scotland, Falkirk, Burns Bar. Supporting Hamish Imlach. "The Burns Folk Club, Burns Bar, Vicar Street, Falkirk, has got off to a flying start (on January 9) with Hamish Imlach providing a cracker of a night – John Martyn dropped in and did a floor spot."

1980-01-27 New Zealand, Ngaruawahia (Waikato river), Sweetwaters 'festival of Music, Culture and Technology'. Shared bill on first edition of two day festival with Elvis Costello, Renee Geyer, Split Enz, Mi-sex. John played on the Sunday morning: "I saw John Martyn playing to a small gathering at 10am on a Sunday morning at the Sweetwaters festival in New Zealand january 1980. Even at that time of day with his joint stuck in guitar strings. I was impressed and have enjoyed his music ever since." (Nick Ash).

February

advert

poster

1980-02-22 UK, London, University of London Union (Malet Street, WC1). "John Martyn + Friends | Amba Spartacus | Fri. Feb 22. 8.00pm | £2.00." The show carried the logo of Rock Against Racism; Reggae - Soul - Rock'n'Roll - Jazz - Funk and Punk - Our Music!

1980-02-29 UK, Pilton, Worthy Farm. Friday. Supporting act Talisman; admission £ 2.00. "It was a very small event, probably no more than 100 people in the audience. Talisman were a Bristol based reggae band... A very special evening and a great night - I was the designated driver so didn't partake of anything (well much) of what was on offer that evening. I think he played a lot of the stuff that came out a short time later on Grace and Danger. Been a big fan ever since." (Graeme Bagley)

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Spring

1980-00-00 Ireland, Limerick, Glentworth Folk Club. This concert took place March or April.

March

1980-03-14 UK, Bournemouth, Winter Gardens. Band gig featuring Phil Collins on drums and vocals. John Giblin played bass but poster incorrectly states John Gidman. "B'mth Winter Gardens | Friday 14th March | *John Martyn* | Solo & Accompanied | *Featuring* | *Phil Collins* | *John Gidman* | plus | *The Outsiders* | Show Starts 7.30p.m." Tickets £ 3.50, £ 2.50, £ 1.75 and £ 1.00. (bootlegged).

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April

1980-04-09 Netherlands, Dordrecht, Kunstmin. Wednesday night, 20:15 hrs, upper hall. "John Martyn and Scullion".

1980-04-10 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Melkweg. Thursday night, 21:00 hrs Scullion, 23:00 hrs John Martyn. (Announced by Trouw newspaper, broadcasted VPRO radio, reviewed by NRC Handelsblad and Trouw).

1980-04-12 Netherlands, Rotterdam, Eksit. Saturday night.

1980-04-13 Netherlands, Groningen, Huize Maas. Solo gig with Scullion as supporting act. Sunday night, 20:30 hours. More than 100 people attended.

May

1980-05-07 Ireland, Limerick, Glentworth Hotel. Wednesday night at The Glen Folk Club.

1980-05-08 Ireland, Sligo. Probably The Blue Lagoon on Thursday night.

1980-05-09 Ireland, Dublin, Trinity College (Exam Hall). Friday night, supporting act Sounds Unreel.

1980-05-20 UK, Tolworth (London), Tolworth Recreation Centre [year uncertain]. "Tolworth Recreation Centre | Fullers Way Nth | John Martyn | and Friends | + support | May 20th at 7.30 pm | Price £ 3.25".

1980-05-30 UK, Ewell, Bourne Hall [year uncertain]. "In aid of Epsom Riding for the Disabled Assn | Bourne Hall | W. Ewell | John Martyn | Charity Concert | May 30th 8 p.m." Tickets £ 2.60 in advance, £ 2.95 at door.

June

1980-06-05 Greece, Athens, Lycabettus Amphitheatre. World Environment Day concert; shared bill, bad weather, small audience. "The only consolation was that the concert was broadcast in its entirety over national radio, reaching many homes with its message The Seas Must Live. Those that did brave the elements came equipped with blankets and winter coats. But even so, the concert, perched high above the glittering lights of Athens on Lycabettus hill, was exhilarating, with the soulful electric guitar of John Martyn and later the orchestra of Yannis Markopoulos, its traditional Greek music echoing out into the night." (William M. Johnson, The Monk Seal conspiracy, 1988).

concert program

July

1980-07-12 Ireland, Lisdoonvarna (Clare), Lisdoonvarna Festival. John played as one of the last acts on the Saturday night. "11th, 12th & 13th July, 1980 | Zenith Promotions present the 3rd Lisdoonvarna Festival County Clare Ireland | Emmylou Harris & the acoustic band | The Chieftains, Paul Brady, Clannad | Richard & Linda Thompson Band, John Martyn | De Danann, Boys of the Lough, Freddie White | Rockin' Dopsie and the Twisters, Andy Irvine | Vin Garbutt, Scullion, Bob Fox & Stu Luckely [...]." Tickets cost £4.00 (Friday), £6.00 (Saturday) and £5.00 (Sunday). “At this stage [1980] Lisdoon was still very much a folk music festival and 90% of the acts were Irish. The only visitors from abroad I can recall that year were John Martyn (who hardly counts as he spent so much time in Ireland in those days), The Blues Band from England, Rockin’ Dopsie and the Twisters who closed the festival with a great New Orleans cajun party and Emmylou Harris, who was the festival headliner that year."

Summer

1980-00-00 UK, London, Queen Elizabeth Hall (South Bank).

August

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1980-08-12 Scotland, Shetland, Lerwick, Garrison Theatre. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Admission £ 3.00 Foggy day on island, John turned up solo anyhow. (bootlegged).

1980-08-13 Scotland, Edinburgh, Festival Club. "This is upstairs at the Edinburgh Playhouse. It was a great night though I can remember next to nothing about it." (John Neil Munro)

September

1980-09-06 UK, St. Ives (Cornwall), Guildhall. September Festival; with supporting act.

October

1980-10-17 UK, Epsom (London), Baths Hall. 19:30 hrs. "John Martyn | And Band | + support | at the Baths Hall, | East St. Epsom, | Surrey | on Friday 17th Oct. | Tickets £ 3.25 [green] and £ 2.60 [blue] | - more on the door [...]"

1980-10-18 UK, Manchester, Polytechnic.

1980-10-20 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall.

1980-10-22 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia. John was rather pissed and not so good.

1980-10-24 UK, Hull, University (College of Education). Friday night.

1980-10-25 UK, Colchester, Essex University.

1980-10-26 UK, Canterbury, Lyceum (Odeon).

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1980-10-27 UK, Brighton, Dome.

1980-10-29 UK, Leeds, Leeds University. Riley Smith Hall. Wednesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 2.00. With band (bootlegged).

1980-10-30 UK, Coventry, Lanchester Polytechnic.

1980-10-31 UK, Huddersfield, Polytechnic.

November

1980-11-01 UK, Loughborough University. Saturday night. Tickets £ 1.60 (advance), £ 1.80 (door). "In S.U. building Ashby Road | John Martyn plus support."
"With him on stage were Phil Collins on drums & vocals, Alan Thomson on fretless bass and Danny Cummings on percussion. John looked fit and well and wore a dark suit. There was also a notable absence of between-song ramblings and absolutely no boozing or spliffing onstage."

ticket

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1980-11-02 UK, London, New Apollo Victoria theatre. Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. With Phil Collins. Tickets £ 4, £ 3.00 or £ 2.50. "Dereck Block presents- | John Martyn | plus support | Sunday, 2nd November 1980 | Evening 7-30 | No Cameras or Recording Equipment. | No Ticket exchanged nor money refunded. | Official Programmes sold only in the Theatre." Reviewed The Guardian and Record Mirror.

1980-11-04 UK, Bangor, University of North Wales. "One of the best gigs of my life." (Dav Devalle).

1980-11-05 UK, Liverpool, Mountford Hall.

1980-11-07 Scotland, Stirling, University.

1980-11-08 Scotland, St. Andrews (Fife), University.

1980-11-09 Scotland, Edinburgh, Odeon Theatre. With support act. Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. Admission £ 3.25.

1980-11-10 Scotland, Glasgow, City Hall. Bootlegged.

 

Ten gigdates in Italy to promote Grace and Danger. Advertised on back of first issue of Buscadero magazine: "John Martyn and Band in Concerto".

 

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1980-11-21 Italy, Genova, Teatro Massimo. "Place full, very good gig largely based on the Grace and Danger songs. Amazing John Giblin on bass" (Fausto Meirana).

1980-11-22 Italy, La Spezia, Teatro Civico. There's also a reference to Stezzano, cinema teatro Eden for this date.

1980-11-23 Italy, Milan, Teatro Cristallo, in the afternoon. Bootlegged, 45 minutes; day of big earthquake Southern Italy. 'He played half the gig solo, the rest with Danny Thompson and a drummer I can't remember... Danny was wearing an improbable orange worksuit which made him look like a huge carrot.' (Giampaolo Abbondio).

1980-11-24 Italy, unknown.

1980-11-25 Italy, Mestre, Teatro S. Marco.

1980-11-26 Italy, unknown.

1980-11-27 Italy, Roma, [Teatro Tendastrisce]. Supporting act Marco Bonino. Admission Lit 4.000; about 2.500 people turned up. After this concert John gave interviews to Ciao 2001, Il Mucchio Selvaggio and Prisma magazine. "Where his music had to adapt to the weather conditions; to the wind, and to the rain that insistently participated in the concert." Show was also reviewed in the Ciao 2001 issue of 14 Dec 1980.

1980-11-28 Italy, Napoli, Teatro Politeama (uncertain).

1980-11-29 Italy, Firenze.

December

1980-12-01 Italy, Bologna, Palazzo Sport.


1981

1981-00-00 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia. (Astounding solo echoplex set).

Glorious Fool Tour

Band: Max Middleton (keyboards), Alan Thomson (bass), Jeff Allen (drums) and Danny Cummings (percussion). Supporting act "Bumble & The Beez"

stub

February

1981-02-25 Scotland, Stirling, University (Rock goes to college, BBC Video: Some People Are Crazy, Grace and Danger, Save Some, Eibhli Ghail, Couldn't Love You More). "This was the Grace And Danger Album gig, held in the Pathfoot building. He started with a blinding solo version of Outside In (also Seven Black Roses later on). Huge energy with a great band, and Save Some was fantastic. A really good gig, even though I must admit it's not my favourite album. I met him afterwards and asked to do an interview for the student magazine - which he kindly agreed to but it didn't happen." (David Ward Maclean).

1981-02-28 UK, London, Cecil Sharp House (Camden). Saturday. John took part in the 'Concert for Perform'. Other acts were The Arizona Smoke Revue, The English Country Blues Band, The Watersons, Martin Simpson and June Tabor, Happy Traum. "John played Jelly Roll Baker and May You Never as well as a typical bit of JM comedy in between" (Andrew Dellow). Dave Peabody took a picture of John with Hamish Imlach on this occasion.

March

1981-03-00 UK, London, Paris Theatre (with band). Broadcast by BBC In Concert April 11.

April

1981-04-05 Canada, Montreal, Le Club. Sunday night. 'John Martyn featuring Max Middleton'. Also Jeff Allen and Alan Thomson. 'Rampaging electronics.' Reviewed The Gazette.

poster

1981-04-06 Canada, Ottawa, Beacon Arms Hotel. Monday night, 21:30 hrs. Tickets $ 7.00. Supporting act Bob Stark. "In the Fife and Drum at the Beacon Arms Hotel | Direct From England | John Martyn | (Island Recording Artist/ WEA) | Monday April 6 & Tuesday April 7". Reviewed in The Ottawa Citizen.

1981-04-07 Canada, Ottawa, Beacon Arms Hotel. Tuesday night, 21:30 hrs. Tickets $ 7.00. "You showed up in style in a Rolls, before you went on stage. You had us mesmerized" (anonymous).

1981-04-09 Canada, Toronto, The Edge. (A small bar/club originally called 'Egerton's'.) A recording exists. A Capitol/ Island press release from the period claims "In April of this year, John Martyn played in front of eight consecutive sold-out houses at Toronto's 'The Edge' nightclub. John Martyn's cult following is in serious danger of exploding".
Cash Box's Kirk Lapointe wrote in November "Martyn's recent stint at the now defunct The Edge, in a band that sports Max Middleton on keyboards, was among the most fluid of any jazz-rock performances this city has seen."

May

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1981-05-00 Ireland, Waterford, Bridge Hotel (solo). "The gig was organized by a local group of music lovers who arranged several gigs with other artists for the Waterford area. They operated under the banner 'Music Moves'. John played the gig solo starting with an acoustic set but changed over to electric due to the sounds of a 21st birthday party being held in an adjoining room. The content was very similar to the Old Grey Whistle Test footage of John playing solo shown after the 'Johnny Too Bad' documentary." (Paul Flynn).

1981-05-21 UK, Birmingham, Odeon (with band). Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50, £ 3.00, £ 2.50. "Outlaw presents - | John Martyn | plus Support | Thursday, 21st May 1981 | Evening 7-30 | centre stalls | £3.50".

1981-05-22 UK, Brighton, Dome (with band). Friday night 7.30pm. Tickets £ 3.50, £ 3.00, £ 2.50.

press pass

1981-05-23 UK, London Dominion Theatre (with band). Saturday 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 4.00, £ 3.50, £ 3.00. Reviewed The Times 26 May 1981.

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1981-05-24 UK, London Dominion Theatre (with band). Sunday 19:30 hrs. Date added after first sold-out. Tickets £ 4.00, £ 3.50, £ 3.00. Broadcast by Radio London, 90 minutes. Reviewed Melody Maker.

1981-05-26 Ireland, Dublin, National Stadium.

1981-05-27 Ireland, Cork, Connolly Hall.

1981-05-28 Ireland, Limerick, Savoy Theatre. "Savoy Limerick | In Concert | John Martyn and Band | Thur., 28th May | At 8.15 p.m. | Admission Stalls - £ 3.50."

June

1981-06-00 France, Pacé (Bretagne). Difficult first part to James Brown.

1981-06-19_21 UK, Glastonbury Festival. 18.000 crowd, first benefit Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Shared bill with Hawkwind, Gong, Gordon Giltrap, Richard & Linda Thompson, New Order, Taj Mahal, Steve Ashley, Judy Tzuke, Ginger Baker and others.

July

1981-07-12 Ireland, Lisdoonvarna (Clare), 4th Lisdoonvarna Festival. The festival was on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; John played the final night on 6.30 hrs. "A blistering success" (Margaret Collins). "Zenith Promotions present the 4th Lisdoonvarna Festival | County Clare | Ireland | Featuring Chris de Burgh & his band | Paul Brady & his band, Planxty | The Beat, John Sebastian, Lindisfarne | De Danann, John Martyn and his band, Steel Pulse | Moving Hearts, The Roches, Clannad | Country Joe McDonald, Shakin' Pyramids, Freddie White | Dr. Feelgood, Roy Harper and his band, Home Service, Stockton's Wing, Rhythm Kings | Arizona Smoke Revue, Chris Smither, Tony Koklin & Wall To Wall | Seamus Ennis, Hank Wangford Band, Johnny Coppin, Dave Edwards Band, Last Night's Fun, Dan Ar Bras and special guests Scullion (farewell performance) | 10th, 11th & 12th July, 1981."

festival program

1981-07-24 Belgium, Brussels, Muntplein. Friday, closing act during tenth edition of Mallemunt festival. Shared bill with Drs P, Queen Ida & Her Bon Temps Zydeco Band. Might have been cancelled due to illness.

stubs

August

1981-08-12 UK, Bristol, BBC Studio (A little night music, BBC Video: Johnny too Bad, Outside In, Hurt in Your Heart).

1981-08-15 Italy, Rimini, Melody Mecca.

 

"Will be touring the UK in mid-autumn as part of a four month world tour opening in Australia on September 1st. Also takes in New Zealand, North America and Europe." (NME 4th July 1981)
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September

1981-09-06 Australia, Melbourne, Dallas Brooks Hall. Sunday. 'John Martyn and Band'. Announced The Age.

October

1981-10-11 Netherlands, Rotterdam, Lantaren. Probably moved to 22 Nov 1981.

1981-10-23 UK, Manchester, Free Trade Hall. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50. "Outlaw presents John Martyn plus support. Evening 7-30. No Cameras or Recording Equipment. No Ticket exchanged nor money refunded. Official Programmes sold only in the Theatre."

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1981-10-24 UK, Liverpool, Royal Court Theatre.

1981-10-25 Scotland, Edinburgh, Playhouse. Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50 and £ 3.00. "Playhouse Theatre | Greenside Place | Edinburgh | Regular Music Presents | John Martyn | Plus Guests."

stub

1981-10-26 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion.

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1981-10-27 UK, Lancaster, Lancaster University.

1981-10-28 UK, Newcastle, City Hall. Tickets £ 3.50 (stalls) and £ 3.00 / £ 2.50 (balcony).

1981-10-30 UK, Poole, Wessex Arts Centre.

1981-10-31 UK, Aylesbury, Friars (Maxwell Hall). Extra act Marillion. First time John played Friars. From an advert: "At the Maxwell Hall | Friars Aylesbury | Saturday, October 31st, 7.30 p.m. | John Martyn | and his band | + Bumble & The Beez | + special guest | Marillion". Tickets 335p. "In terms of sheer energy and feeling we have never seen anyone put so much into their live performance as John Martyn did [...]. When he came off stage he was literally drenched from head to foot in sweat" (Friars staff).

stub

November

stub

1981-11-01 UK, London, Hammersmith Odeon. Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 4.00, £ 3.50, £ 3.00. Reviewed Melody Maker one week later.

1981-11-02 UK, Plymouth, Top Rank.

1981-11-03 UK, Bristol, Colston Hall. Tuesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50. Reviewed Record Mirror 21 Nov 1981.

1981-11-04 UK, Oxford, Apollo Theatre (now New Theatre). Bootlegged, 88 minutes.

1981-11-05 UK, Guildford, Civic Hall.

1981-11-06 UK, Birmingham, Odeon. "Outlaw presents- | John Martyn | plus support | Friday, 6th November 1981 | Evenings 7-30." Tickets £ 3.50 (stalls).

1981-11-07 UK, Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre.

1981-11-22 Netherlands, Rotterdam, Lantaren/Venster (Lantaren 1). John Martyn Band, Sunday night, 20:30 hrs, admission fl 10,00. Broadcast; also reviewed by De Volkskrant.

1981-11-23 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso. Supporting act Cindy Peress. Monday night, 21:30 hrs. Admission fl 7,50 plus membership. Reviewed by NRC Handelsblad.

stub

1981-11-25 Belgium, Bruxelles, Ancienne Belgique.

1981-11-26 France, Paris, Le Palace. With band. Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. "SoS présente | John Martyn and his band | Jeudi 26 Novembre 81 | 19 h 30 | Le Palace | Rue du Fbg Montmartre"

stub

December

1981-12-21 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre. Monday night show referred to in Glasgow Herald article.


1982

Well Kept Secret Tour

Band: Ronnie Leahy (keyboards), Alan Thomson (bass), Jeff Allen (drums), Danny Cummings (percussion)

1982-00-00 Germany (bootlegged, 40 minutes).

March

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ticket stub

1982-03-08 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Grosvenor Hall. First gig in the city in five years. "Tamsin Promotions | -presents- | In Concert | John Martyn & His Band | Monday, 8th March, 1982 | at 8.00 p.m. | Grosvenor Hall, Belfast | Admission - £4.00."
"The Grosvenor Hall was a small Victorian venue sadly no longer with us. The support band was Light, a local Belfast band with Jim Armstrong on guitar, he was part of Van Morrison's band Them. They played a heavy set of very loud pub rock. When John hit the stage the volume went up even further and John played this very loud set. Great sound though and he was in great form." (Maurice Shannon).

1982-03-09 Ireland, Dublin, National Stadium. "Tamsin Music | presents in concert | John Martyn & his band | National Stadium | Tuesday, 9th March, 1982 at 8 p.m." Tickets £ 4.50.

May

1982-05-24 Netherlands, Arnhem, Stokvishal. Monday night.

1982-05-28 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso. Friday evening.

ticket stub

stubs

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September

1982-09-17 UK, Southend, Cliffs Pavilion.

1982-09-18 UK, Guildford, Civic Hall. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. All tickets £ 3.75. "Outlaw presents | John Martyn | plus support."

1982-09-19 UK, Malvern, Winter Gardens. Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50. "ECG promotions present | John Martyn & support | at Malvern Winter Gardens".

1982-09-20 UK, Manchester, Free Trade Hall. Monday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.25 and £ 3.75.

1982-09-21 UK, Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall.

stub

1982-09-23 UK, Newcastle, City Hall. Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50.

1982-09-24 Scotland, Dundee, Caird Hall. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50. "Regular Music presents John Martyn in concert."

1982-09-25 Scotland, Aberdeen, The Capitol. Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50 (stalls).

1982-09-26 Scotland, Inverness, Eden Court Theatre.

1982-09-27 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion. 'Regular Music Presents John Martyn in concert. Monday 27 Sept 1982 at 7.30 p.m. Ticket £ 3.50.' This was for balcony seats, the circle cost £ 4.00. Rather short show, 1:15; bootlegged, 90 minutes.

stub

poster

1982-09-28 Scotland, Stirling, Albert Hall. Supporting act David Ward Maclean and John Boyd. "This gig was organised by my friend Ted Christopher of Roadshow Music (Bridge of Allan), who kindly gave the supports to myself and another Stirling musician John Boyd. I met JM on the steps of the venue when I arrived, shook hands and went into soundcheck. The support went OK. JM was not at his best to be honest, very distant with the audience." (David Ward Maclean).

1982-09-29 Scotland, Edinburgh, Playhouse. Wednesday night, 7:30pm. Tickets £3.50 (stalls). "Playhouse Theatre | Greenside Place | Edinburgh | Regular Music Presents | John Martyn | plus support | NO Cameras or Tape Recorders Allowed." Bootlegged, audience recording.

stub

October

1982-10-01 UK, Birmingham Odeon Theatre. Solo plus support act, tickets £ 3.75.

stub

1982-10-02 UK, Milton Keynes Bowl, Six Of The Best show; Genesis Benefit Concert for WOMAD (World Of Music And Dance). Saturday, concerts lasted from 14:00 to 20:00 hrs. John opened at 14:00 hours, causing a lot of people to miss his act. Ticket price £ 9.00 (advance) and £ 10.00 on the day. "The concert Bowl was packed with over 50,000 of the most faithful (and resilient) fans. It had rained steadily all day as the bowl had filled with those who had made the pilgrimage. John Martyn turned in a moody and powerful performance that went well with the dreary weather. The Blues Band and Talk Talk seemed out of place and did little to warm the crowd. The weather tested the mettle of even the hardiest zealot and as the daylight faded all crowed closer to the stage sharing body heat and electric anticipation." (Marc Gottschalk).
"Organisation Peter Gabriel put together around 1980 to present different types of modern music acts from all over the world. It was overambitious at the time and suffered substantial losses. After JM came the Blues Band who tried to get everybody warmer in the cold October rain. They did a good job - only to be let down badly by the next act, Talk Talk." (Nick Stevenson)
"A very sogg day/night indeed. However, JM played a blistering electric set that made up for all the mud and cold wind -it was July after all!" (Robert Bowcock)

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1982-10-03 UK, Croydon, Fairfield Halls.

1982-10-04 UK, Hitchin (Hertfordshire), Regal.

1982-10-05 UK, Nottingham, Rock City. Tickets £ 5.00. Also announced for October 7th.

1982-10-06 UK, Lancaster, Lancaster University. "JM dripping with sweat spat out Gun Money with angst-a-plenty; a most powerful performance." (Craig Millar).

1982-10-07 UK, Hanley, Victoria Hall. Outlaw presents John Martyn plus support. 7:30 p.m, tickets £ 3.50.

1982-10-08 UK, Sheffield, City Hall.

stub

1982-10-09 UK, Leeds, Leeds University. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50. "Leeds University Union | presents | John Martyn and his Band | Refectory | Saturday 9th October 7.30pm". Reviewed in Melody Maker one week later.

1982-10-10 UK, Oxford, Apollo Theatre. "Outlaw Artists Ltd | presents | John Martyn | Evening 7.30 | Sunday 10th Oct 1982". Tickets £ 3.75. Hung Up, Don't Want to Know from Philentropy were recorded here; also Hiss On The Tape from the Gun Money US remix single.

1982-10-12 UK, Durham, University.

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1982-10-13 UK, Bradford, University.

1982-10-14 UK, Colchester, Essex University.

1982-10-15 UK, Southampton, Gaumont Theatre. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50, plus support.

1982-10-16 UK, Cardiff, University.

1982-10-17 UK, Bristol, Colston Hall.

1982-10-19 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.

1982-10-21 UK, Brighton, Dome (Johnny Too Bad, Make No Mistake from Philentropy recorded here. Also bootlegged, 90 minutes).

1982-10-22 UK, London, Hammersmith Odeon. With band, supporting act Any Trouble. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 4.50, £ 4.00, £ 3.50. Phil Collins came on at the end. "In this dislikeable group, with its flat-handed drummer, superfluous percussionist and preposterously insensitive keyboardist, Martyn simply plugs in his heavy metal guitar. It's tiresome, it's lazy, it's wasteful." (Richard Cook, NME, Oct 30 1982). Another recollection: "Great energy there, he played most of the set on tiptoe!" "I think the Durutti Column originally had been due to support but were unable to, due to Vini Reilly’s ill health." (Martin Cowan).

1982-10-23 UK, London, Dominion Theatre. With band, supporting act Any Trouble. "Extra show by public demand." Tickets £ 3.50 - £ 4.50. "I was there and remember Any Trouble was supporting John and his band. I taped both artists although unfortunately my tapes have since been lost" (Jon Storey). Reviewed The Guardian.


1983

Australian Tour

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1983-01-22 Australia, Adelaide, Opera Theatre (58 Grote Street). Saturday evening, 8:00 pm. Admission $ 13.90. 'We took a pint & it was a stunning show full of power, emotion & of course, hilarity!!' (Christopher Powell).

1983-01-24 Australia, Melbourne, Dallas Brooks Hall. "John Martyn plus 2." Monday night, 20:00 hrs. Supporting act Redgum. Big can of beer.

1983-01-25 Australia, Sydney, Her Majesty's Theatre (supporting act Redgum). With band, Jeff Allen and Alan Thomson. "The Promcom Corporation | presents | John Martyn & Redgum | Tue 25th Jan 1983 8:30 pm." Tickets $ 15.90 (stalls). Capacity crowd of 1.450. Reviewed Sydney Morning Herald. "Heavy electric set. There was a drunk Scot yelling to him throughout the performance. Seemed to fit in nicely" (Michael Sprott).

1983-01-28 New Zealand, Pukekawa (Waikato river), Sweetwaters Festival (main stage) "John played on the Friday night on the main stage, he was really excellent and then as a bonus he played on the Aerial Railway stage on the Saturday evening to a reasonably small audience (the majority were watching UB40 I think). He was superb. [] It was an outdoor concert and the stage had been built with an excellent backdrop of Ponga trees and ferns, really quite something." (Sue Richardson).

1983-01-29 New Zealand, Pukekawa (Waikato river), Sweetwaters Festival (Aerial Railway stage).

1983-01-30 New Zealand, Auckland, Mainstreet club.

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Spring

1983-00-00 UK, London: (Four songs for Philentropy recorded).

1983-00-00 UK, Manchester, Polytechnic Students Union. "JM struggling to stand but not at his worst." (Craig Millar).

March

1983-03-19 Germany, Ludwigshafen, Friedrich Ebert Halle. Saturday night, 20:00-02:00 hrs. Südwestfunk SWF 3 Festival, with band, televised and bootlegged. John plays with much energy having to compete with the preceding Whitesnake, and George Thorogood & the Destroyers. Moderation: Christoph Lanz and Berd Mohrhoff.

1983-03-22 Germany, Bochum, Zeche. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. "Peter Rieger Konzertagentur | präsentiert | 'Well Kept Secret' | John Martyn Band | Tour '83." Also: "Keine Haftung für Sach- und Körperschäden."

1983-03-24 Germany, Frankfurt, Alte Oper (Mozart Saal). 20:00 hrs, tickets DM 20.

Spring tour

Jeff Allen (drums), Alan Thomson (bass).
"Two complete sets, one solo and one ensemble. No support act for the two-hour shows." (NME 26 February 1983)

April

1983-04-08 France, Lyon, West Side Club (with band). Recorded for Radio Bellevue FM, also bootlegged.

1983-04-09 France, Paris, Theatre Le Palace (with band). Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. "Le Palace présente | John Martyn | And His Band | Theatre Le Palace | Samedi 9 Avril 83 19h30 | Location: 3 Fnacs, Clementine".

1983-04-10 Belgium, Elsene, Aula V.U.B. (Campus Etterbeek of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel). Sunday night, 20:30 hrs. Tickets Bfr 320. Someone wrote on the back of a ticket stub: "Concert fantastique devant circa 300 personnes. Tout était bon. Super bassiste. Rien à redire."

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1983-04-12 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso. (I was there). Supporting act Well Brian. Tuesday night, 21:30 hrs. Tickets fl 10,00. Partially broadcasted live by Vara radio. Reviewed NRC Handelsblad.

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1983-04-13 Netherlands, Rotterdam, Arena.

1983-04-17 UK, Bournemouth, Winter Gardens.

1983-04-18 UK, Cardiff, St. David's Hall.

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1983-04-19 UK, Bradford, University. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 2.75 (advance), £ 3.00 (door). "U.B.U. Entertainments Presents | John Martyn plus support | Communal Building | Tue 19 Apr | Doors open 8.00 p.m." Tickets £2.75 (advance), £3.00 (door).

1983-04-20 UK, Newcastle, Dingwalls.

1983-04-21 UK, Hull, Dingwalls.

1983-04-22 UK, Mansfield, Leisure Centre. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 2.50 (concession), £ 3.00. Poster text: "John Martyn & His Band | Mansfield Leisure Centre | Friday 22 April 1983 7.30pm | Nottinghamshire County Council | Leisure Services Promotion". "It was a superb evening, the audience were in high spirits ;-)" (Andy Kilbourne).

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1983-04-23 UK, Aylesbury, Friars. "At The Maxwell Hall | Saturday April 23rd 7.30pm | John Martyn | A complete evening in two sets including both Electric and Solo sections." Tickets £ 3.75.

1983-04-24 UK, Northampton, Derngate Centre.

1983-04-27 UK, Chippenham, Goldiggers.

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1983-04-29 UK, York, University Hall, with band (bootlegged). "No smoking, no dancing." Admission £ 3.00.

1983-04-30 UK, Plymouth, Polytechnic. Cancelled.

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May

1983-05-01 UK, Cheltenham, Town Hall. "World's End Music | Tryclops Ltd present | John Martyn | and His Band | Cheltenham Town Hall | Sunday 1st May 8 p.m. start | All seats advance £3.25."

1983-05-02 UK, Reading, Hexagon.

1983-05-04 Ireland, Dublin, National Stadium. "Tamsin Music | presents in concert | John Martyn & his band | National Stadium | Wednesday, 4th May 1983 | at 8 p.m." Tickets £ 6.00. Reviewed in Irish Times.

1983-05-05 Northern Ireland, Coleraine, Ulster University.

1983-05-06 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Queens University Students Union (Snack bar). With band. "MCD presents | John Martyn | and His Band | Snack Bar, Students Union | Friday 6th May, 1983 | Doors open 8.00 p.m. | Ticket £4.00 [...] | No Cameras, No Recorders, No Alcohol".

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1983-05-12 US, Cambridge (Massachusetts), At Jonathan Swift's. Thursday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets $ 6.00. Announced Boston Globe.

1983-05-13 US, New York, The Bottom Line. Friday night, 21:00 hrs and midnight. First time in this venue. "An evening with the John Martyn Band." All seats $ 7.50.

1983-05-15 US, Burlington (Vermont), Hunt's. Sunday night, two shows: 19:30 and 22:30 hrs. Tockets $ 7.00. "The soft spoken Englishman brings his distinct style to Hunt's with two backup musicians" (Burlington Free Press).

1983-05-17 Canada, Montreal, Le Spectrum. (Advertised in Montreal Gazette).

1983-05-17 Canada, Ottawa, Barrymore's Imperial Theatre. Tuesday concert, trio. Bootlegged, "CKCU-FM presents from Glasgow Scotland John Martyn". Reviewed the Ottawa Citizen.

1983-05-19 Canada, Toronto, Larry's Hideaway. Thursday.

1983-05-20 US, Kent (Ohio), JB's (Water Street). John Martyn Band. Friday night. Announced Akron Beacon Journal.

1983-05-21 US, Chicago, Tuts (959 W. Belmont Avenue). Saturday night, 21:30 hrs. Tickets $ 7.00. With Alan Thomson and Jeff Allen. Show recorded for WXRT Chicago and broadcast May 1983.

1983-05-28 UK, Leicester, Leicester University. Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00 (advance), £ 7.00 (door). Supporting act Vikki Clayton. "Leicester University | Students' Union Ents. Presents | John Martyn + Vikki Clayton + Rock Disco | In the Pitt | Over 18's only".

June

1983-06-09 Germany, Heinsberg, Festhalle Oberbruch. With band, broadcast WDR II.

1983-06-10 Germany, Bremen, Schauburg. Alan Thomson (bass, synth), Jeff Allen (drums). Various FM radio broadcast, 60 and 44 minutes; digitally rebroadcasted in the nineties.

1983-06-11 Germany, Köln, Großer Sendesaal. WDR II 'Open House', with band, 85 minute broadcast.

July

1983-07-31 Ireland, Lisdoonvarna (Clare), 6th Lisdoonvarna Festival. Shared bill with Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher and Amazulu. Poster text: "6th Lisdoonvarna Festival | 30th - 31st July 1983 | August Holiday Weekend | [...] Sun. Van Morrison and his Band | Moving Hearts | John Martyn and his Band | Climax Blues Band | Amazulu | Flying Pickets | The Blades | Max | [...] Sun. 1.00 p.m. - 2.30 a.m. | Presented by RTE 2 radio | 'Acrobatic displays, theatre, & numerous other sideshows'. | Sunday Ticket £ 10.50." John was scheduled with his band from 5.30pm through 7.00pm. "John Martyn was boring to the level of distraction, never performing like he did two years ago in the same venue." And: "I found him to be a major disappointment. It must be remembered that he was working in very difficult conditions, because it was during his act the Waterford Free Wheelers began to do battle with the gate-crashers" (Margaret Collins). On the other hand Hot Press (vol 7 #16) wrote in its August issue "John Martyn played well, though he was eventually disturbed by the first big outbreak of aggro on the field."

August

1983-08-27 Belgium, Heusden-Zolder, Heusden Folk 83 festival. Band performance in tent on sixth edition of festival. John was one of the main acts on the Saturday. Tickets Bfr 200. Others on the bill that day: La Fanfafonie (Quebec), Marion Arts & Robbie Laven (New Zealand), Dirk van Esbroeck & Juan Masondo, Mechanical Horsetrough (England), Scullion (Ireland), Maluzerne (France) and Osibisa (Africa).

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September

1983-09-10 UK, Leeds, Leeds Festival (solo). "The Leeds festival JM played at in 1983 was over the weekend of 9, 10 & 11 September. I think John was on Saturday's programme (so the 10th). John did play a superb solo set, one of the best I ever saw him do. Despite it pissing down all weekend and the site becoming a swamp, it was a great festival." (Iain Thow).

October

1983-10-12 Ireland, Bray, Royal Hotel. "This gig was so good I went to the Drogheda gig too" (James Quinn). "He was performing one winter's night in the basement of a hotel on the Bray seafront and being financially pinched he made to with an electronic drum machine instead of a band. But he was mesmeric and after the concert was over I and a friend ended up playing pool with him in an adjoining room" (John Boland).

1983-10-14 Ireland, Drogheda, White Horse Hotel (West Street). Supporting act Seanie McPhail and Geno Coyle. Thursday night, 20:30 hrs, tickets £ 4.00. Sold out.

1983-10-15 Ireland, Salthill (Galway), The Castle. Duo show with Alan Thomson and drum machine; part of a club tour. Saturday night, 21:00 hrs, tickets £ 4,00. "A very relaxed and entertaining gig" (Margaret Collins).

November

1983-11-04 UK, Guildford, Surrey University. Friday night, 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 3.00 (advance) and £ 3.50 (door). "Surrey University Guildford presents in the University Main Hall".

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1983-11-09 Scotland, Glasgow, Henry Afrikas club. With Alan Thomson (bass, synth) and Jeff Allen (drums). Simultaneous FM radio broadcast, 90 minutes. "A couple of hundred fans without tickets had to be turned away and also missed the radio broadcast." (Stuart Lapping)

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1983-11-13 Scotland, Dundee, Whitehall Theatre. 'Goodguys presents John Martyn in concert, Sunday 13th November 1983. Advance ticket £ 3.00, At door £ 4.00.'

1983-11-14 Scotland, Ayr, The Pavilion. 'Goodguys presents John Martyn in concert, Monday 14th November 1983. Advance ticket £ 3.00, At door £ 4.00.' "I travelled up from London to see John play these successive nights." (Simon Bryant).

1983-11-17 Italy, Bergamo, Teatro Nuovo. John with Alan Thomson (bass, synth, drum machine).

1983-11-00 Italy, Milano. Trio with Alan Thomson and Jeff Allen on drums.

1983-11-00 Italy, Bologna.

1983-11-25 Italy, Roma, cinema Palladium. Friday night. Admission 7.000/ 9000 Lire. Uncertain if it took place but L'Unità announced: "He hasn't yet announced the line-up with which he will perform, last time he came with a trio and no disdain for the electric guitar, but if he has overwon his economic problems we will see him also being accompanied by a keyboard."

1983-11-28 Germany, München, Alabamahalle. Recorded for radio and broadcast 11 March 1984.


1984

June

1984-06-24 UK, Glastonbury (bootlegged, 60 minutes).

July

1984-07-15 Scotland, Galashiels (bootlegged, 60 minutes).

posters

1984-07-17 Ireland, Limerick, Savoy (Eastwoods night club). Mike Maguire remembers a three-piece band.

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1984-07-24 Ireland, Bray, Rockalls. Tuesday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets £ 4.00. "An evening with John Martyn | 9.00 p.m.".

1984-07-27 Ireland, Drogheda, White Horse Hotel (West Street). Sold out.

1984-07-29 UK, Port Eliot, St. Germans (Cornwall). Elephant Fayre (bootlegged, 90 minutes). Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers and The Fall also appeared at this fayre, which took place on the grounds of Lord Eliot's stately home. Poster text: "27-29 July 84 | Elephant Fayre | Video Theatre Music Dance | Prefab Sprout : The Fall : The Armoury Show : Linton Kwesi Johnson & The Dennis Bovell Dub Band : John Martyn : John Harle : Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers : Neil Innes : Rumillajta (from Bolivia) : The Joeys : No Fixed Address (Australian Aboriginal Band) : Popticians : Centre Ocean Stream : Cliffhanger : And dozens more. | The Port Eliot Estate, St. Germans, Cornwall […] | Free Camping | Accompanied Children Free. | £15 for three days | £10 for Saturday and Sunday | £5 Sunday Only | £12 in advance until July 14th."

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August

1984-08-30 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall (bootlegged, 100 minutes). "Thursday 30th Aug/84 | At | The Queens Hall | South Clerk St. Edinburgh." Tickets £ 4.00. "Show commences 10:30 PM | Finish approx 1:00 AM | Management reserve the right to refuse admission."

September

1984-09-22 UK, London, Royal Festival Hall. "John Martyn headlines a one-off concert at London Royal Festival Hall on Saturday, September 22." Tickets £ 4.00, £ 3.50, £ 3.00, £ 2.50 and £ 1.50.

October

1984-10-07 UK, Ambleside (Cumbria), Zeffirellis. Sunday night, prelude to Sapphire tour, John Wayne was played. "This gig was very disappointing, partly because he was pretty pissed." (Alex Turner). "I thought it was a fabulous intimate performance, just him hanging really loose and jamming." (Andrew Hoaen).

1984-10-10 Scotland, Glasgow, Cumbernauld Theatre (acoustic).

Sapphire Tour

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November

1984-11-12 UK, Keele, University. Bootlegged.

1984-11-13 UK, Manchester, Free Trade Hall. Tuesday night, 20:30 hrs. Tickets £ 4.25. "MANCOR presents | John Martyn plus support". (bootlegged)

1984-11-14 UK, London, Dominion Theatre (FM Radio broadcast). Wednesday night, 20:00 hrs. "Nick Leigh presents | John Martyn | plus guests | Wed./ Thurs. 14th/ 15th November 8pm."

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1984-11-15 UK, London, Dominion Theatre (bootlegged, 60 minutes). Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 5.50, £ 4.50, £ 4.00. One of these shows was reviewed NME 8 Dec 1984.

1984-11-18 UK, Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall.

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1984-11-19 UK, Chippenham, Golddiggers.

1984-11-22 UK, Guildford, Civic Hall (with support act). Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 4.50. "Under no circumstances must photographic and/or recording equipment be brought into the auditorium."

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1984-11-23 UK, London, Camden Palace Theatre (recording of Live from London). "Trilion pictures present | John Martyn | Camden Palace | Friday 23 November | Doors open 7.30pm for 8.00pm SHARP SHOW | Special Performance for Satellite Television Broadcast | Tickets £ 3.75 from all agents"

1984-11-25 UK, Birmingham, Odeon Theatre. Solo plus guests. Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 4.50, £ 4.00. Bootlegged. "Nick Leigh presents | John Martyn plus guests."

1984-11-26 UK, Brighton, Dome. Tickets £ 4.50. Bootlegged on two cassettes (audience recording). "I sneaked in pre show while they were unloading the lorry and sat through the sound check, eventually meeting the great man and being utterly tongue tied." (Tim L.).

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1984-11-27 UK, Bristol, Colston Hall. Tickets £ 4.50 stalls. 'Nick Leigh presents | John Martyn | plus guests | Tuesday 27th Nov 7:30pm'.

1984-11-28 UK, Oxford, Apollo.

1984-11-30 UK, Workington, Carnegie Theatre.

December

1984-12-01 Scotland, Dundee, Bonar Hall (Park Place). Plus support. 7:30 pm, admission £ 4.00. This was on a saturday. 'Management reserve the right ro refuse admission.'

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1984-12-02 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion. "Glasgow Pavilion Theatre | John Martyn | In Concert | Sun 02nd Dec/84 | 7.30pm | £4.50 | Front Stalls."

1984-12-03 Scotland, Edinburgh, Assembly Rooms / Music Hall (bootlegged, 110 minutes).

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1984-12-09 Scotland, Edinburgh, Usher Hall. "Roy Deane/Rockmine | presents | The Ethiopia Benefit | In Aid of 'Save the Children Fund' | The Usher Hall, Edinburgh | Sunday, 9th December, 1984 | Doors open 6.30 p.m." Ticket price is unclear; printed £ 10.00 stalls, 'upper circle unreserved' £ 8, but also stamped £ 4. So perhaps they became cheaper.
With Jack Bruce, Charlie Watts, Rory Gallagher, Ian Stewart, Don Weller, Willie Garnett, John Picard, Clem Clempson, Bruce Gary, Ronnie Leahy, Rick Wakeman, John Martyn, Bert Jansch and others. (Charity show for famine relief; bootlegged.) John played Dealer/Outside In, One World and Johnny Too Bad. He also joined the last set but with mixed results: "Martyn, in an apparently inebriated state, attempted to join in on Set 5, and can be heard on guitar at a few points on the tape. He only lasted a few tunes, and you can hear a few shouts of protest from the crowd."
A person named Chris posted some photos on Flickr of the occasion with a memory: "John Martyn played a set at a rather bizarre concert in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, for famine relief. I saw him in a nearby pub beforehand and he was, as they say, steamin'. He had blood on his face, presumably from an argument with a door frame or his manager. Whatever it was, he was very angry. For some reason, he seemed to have issues with Rory Gallagher that night. [...] To complete this lineup of oddities we had Charlie Watts on drums, Ian Stewart on piano, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Dick Heckstall-Smith on saxophone."
More persons remembered this show: "John Martyn was drunk out of his skull and was physically being held back by the roadies before he finally managed to get loose and get onto the stage. He behaved really obnoxiously and played the same too. During the last set he unplugged Rory Gallagher and tried to plug his guitar into Rory's amp."
"Martyn made a real pest of himself during the last set. He could be heard taunting Rory from the edge of the stage with gentleman Rory responding the wink and a wave every so often. There were 'tuning problems' stemming from Martyn plugging into Rory's amp. Towards the end of the set, Martyn sat at the back of the amps, plugged in and let out bends and squeals on his SG at the most inopportune times. I think he was definitely aiming to spoil Rory's performance. On the last number, he came round from the back area, and joined them on stage, but once again, rather than jamming, he just tried to spoil the show, and was clearly drunk."
So not an encore this time eh.


1985

Sapphire Tour

ticket

January

1985-01-16 UK, Coleraine, University of Ulster. "U.U.S.U. (Coleraine Ents.) | Presents | John Martyn | and His Band | Coleraine Students Union | Wed., 16th January, 1985 | Doors open at 8.00 p.m. | No Cameras No Recorders No Alcohol" Admission £ 3.00 (Students, advance tickets), £ 3.50 at door.
"There was definitely a gig at The University of Ulster, Coleraine in Jan/Feb 1985 because it was the first time I saw him. Remember it being a solo gig and John doing an onstage dance with Billy, the head of the SU at the end - Singing in the Rain with umbrellas." (Doug Miller).

1985-01-18 Ireland, Salthill (Galway), The Castle. Friday night, 20:30 hrs. Duo performance probably with Foster Paterson.

1985-01-2x UK, Leeds, Town Hall. John played in front of the organ one of these nights.

1985-01-29 Sweden, Uppsala, Barowiak. Duo with Foster Paterson. Reviewed in a local paper.

1985-01-31 Norway, Oslo, Club 7. Duo with Foster Paterson. FM broadcast in two parts after the date on NRK Radio (total time 1 hr 9 min). In the 60s and 70s Club 7 was a centre for counterculture in Norway. Operations were stopped in 1985.

February

1985-02-01 Norway, Oslo, live tv performance in Zting. Duo with Foster Paterson: Sweet Little Mystery, Dealer and Over The Rainbow.

1985-02-03 Denmark, Copenhagen, Montmartre (Duo performance with Foster Paterson).

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1985-02-06 Netherlands, Nijmegen, O42. Wednesday. Duo with Foster Paterson. (Bootlegged, audience recording). Sold out. Reviewed De Volkskrant 09 Feb 1985.

1985-02-07 Netherlands, Utrecht, Vrije Vloer. Thursday night. Duo with Foster Paterson. Reviewed NRC Handelsblad 09 Feb 1985.

1985-02-08 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Melkweg. Friday night, 24:00 hrs. Full house in spite of hour; three hours for enthousiastic audience. Reviewed Het Parool and by Trouw 11 Feb 1985. Marcel de Winder took pictures.

1985-02-09 Netherlands, Leeuwarden, Zalen Schaaf. Duo performance with Foster Paterson. Saturday night, 21:00 hours. Supporting act Skuor, a Frisian rock group. Gig organized by Stichting De Ooievaar; audience about 250 people. Reviewed Leeuwarder Courant 11 Feb 1985.

1985-02-12 Germany, Köln, Luxor. Duo performance with Foster Paterson. "Maybe the best concert I've seen by the man." (Rolf Spengler)

1985-02-13 Germany, Mannheim, Capitol.

1985-02-14 Germany, Berlin, Quartier Latin (Metropol). 20:00 hrs.

1985-02-15 Germany, Hamburg, Markthalle.

1985-02-16 Germany, Bremen, Schauburg.

1985-02-17 Germany, Bochum, Zeche.

May

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1985-05-18 UK, Leeds, Leeds University.

1985-05-26 UK, Hull, Hull Truck Spring Street Theatre. Sunday night, 19:45 hrs. Tickets £ 4.00. "This was an amazing gig by the late, legendary John Martyn."

1985-05-27 UK, Hull, Hull Truck Spring Street Theatre. Bootlegged.

1985-05-28 UK, Sheffield University. With Foster Paterson, supporting act Kevin Siesay. Tuesday night, tickets £ 3.50 (advance), £ 4.00 (door). Reviewed Sounds.

June

1985-06-02 UK, London, Jubilee Gardens. Sunday evening, 19:45 hrs. With Foster Paterson; Greater London Council free two day festival. John played the Main Stage from 19:45 till 21:30 hrs, after Gil Scott-Heron and Amerefacade and before Malopoets. "Jobs & Environment | Southbank, Jubilee Gardens |GLC Jobs Year '85 | 2 day festival | Music | Theatre | Exhibitions | Cabaret | Kids Area | Stalls | Speakers | Saturday June 1st 12-6 PM | Open Workshops on Jobs & the Environment | Speakers, Exhibitions, Demonstrations | Sunday June 2nd Noon to Late | Gil Scott Heron & Amerefacade | John Martyn, Winston Reedy | Malopoets (from Soweto) | Ruby Turner, Fionnuisce | Microdisney, Annie Whitehead | Guest stars, Funghetti Quartet"
"John just blew the face off my skull, again. Standout moment was a marvellously long version of Don't Want To Know. Beautiful weather, beautiful girlfriend, beautiful day. Glorious stuff." Bootlegged; Don’t Want To Know, Johnny Too Bad, Sweet Little Mystery, Root Love, Could've Been Me, Big Muff, One World, Mad Dog Days, Solid Air, John Wayne, Dealer, Outside In.

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1985-06-04 UK, Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre. Electric trio, bootlegged.

1985-06-05 UK, Croydon, Fairfield Halls.

1985-06-15 Scotland, Skye, Broadford (Ashaig Airstrip). Band show, Saturday. Tickets £ 10. "The Isle of Skye Music Festival | June 15 Broadford Skye 11am-10pm | Danny Kyle introduces Runrig, John Martyn, Boys of the Lough, Morrissey-Mullen, Man at the Window, Phil Cunningham, Honky Tonk Ceilidh Band".

1985-06-20 US, Philadephia, Chestnut Cabaret. Thursday night.

1985-06-21 US, New York, The Bottom Line (2 sets). Friday. Shared bill with Chris Rush. All seats $ 8.00.

1985-06-22 US, New York, The Bottom Line (2 sets). Saturday. Shared bill with Chris Rush. All seats $ 8.00.

1985-06-24 US, Cambridge (Massachusetts), Jonathan Swift's. Monday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets $ 8.50. Announced Boston Globe: "Elegant folk-rocker John Martyn, who has opened for Eric Clapton, comes in this Monday for a 9pm show".

1985-06-26 Canada, Toronto, Larry's Hideaway. Wednesday.

1985-06-27 Canada, Montreal, Le Vieux Port. Donovan and guest John Martyn. Thursday night, 21:00 hrs. Part of the festival Les Grands Concerts Des FestivEtes, in Old Montreal. "Donovan, the veritable leader of the psychedelic/ folk-rock movement of the early '70s. Also, guitar craftsman John Martyn." Tickets $ 13.50 and $ 14.50. Reviewed The Gazette.
Apparently also concerts with Donovan and JM had been planned for Hunt's (Burlington, Vermont) but the club just closed down. Perhaps Montreal was the replacement.

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July

1985-07-27 UK, Cambridge, 21st Cambridge Folk festival. Saturday. Band gig, broadcasted by BBC seven months later, also released on CD 2003. "A fantastic day, John followed Vin Garbutt and Loudon Wainwright III, and the event closed with Christy Moore and Paul Brady - Folk Heaven." (Paul Millington)

August

1985-08-10 UK, Coventry, Belgrade Theatre. Part of the Coventry Festival. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 3.50 and £ 4.00.

1985-08-26 UK, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall. With band, bootlegged. "Downhome Music | At the Festival | Proudly | Presents | John Martyn | And Guests | A Festival Performance | on | Mon 26th Aug/85 | at | The Queens Hall | South Clerk Street, Edinburgh | 10.30pm | unreserved | £4.00 adv / £4.50 door"

September

1985-09-07 Ireland, Limerick, Savoy (Eastwoods night club). Tickets £ 4.00.

1985-09-00 Ireland, Cork, Cork Folk Festival. There is evidence that John played the 1985 edition of the Cork Folk Festival. Further details not available. Yet.

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October

1985-10-11 Netherlands, Rotterdam, Doelen (Big Hall, second act, Pandora's Music Box Festival). [Cancelled] John was to play with Foster Paterson and Alan Thomson, Friday night from 22:30 to 23:30 hours. First night in a two day, four hall festival with 35 acts.. Other acts included Nico, Einstürzende Neubauten, Nick Cave, Hula, Alan Vega, Defunkt, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Triffids, The Legendary Pinkdots, Echo & the Bunnymen, Anne Clark, Fur Bible, Green on Red, Fatal Flowers, Tex & the Horseheads, Swans, The Rain Parade and The Long Ryders.
John cancelled at the last moment and was replaced by The Legendary Stardust Cowboy (US) in combination with Claw Boys Claw (Amsterdam), which turned out to be quite a surprising act. Other cancellations were Jesus And Mary Chain Gang, and The Lighthouse Keepers from Scotland.

1985-10-12 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Melkweg (Saturday). "John Martyn & Band".

November

1985-11-07 UK, Durham, Dunelm House. "A Benefit Concert for Jobs & the Environment." Thursday night, 19:30 hrs, tickets £ 4.50. "The Legendary John Martyn | Appearing Live at Dunelm House | Durham City (Durham Students Union) | With Michael Chapman [unconfirmed hb] - Bar to Midnight | with Gerry Kaley & Chuck Fleming | at 7.30pm on 7th November 1985 (Evening Bar)."

1985-11-15 UK, London, Dominion Theatre.


1986

Piece by Piece Tour

"Harvey Goldsmith Entertainment Presents"
Band: Foster Paterson (keyboards), Alan Thomson (bass), Dave Cantwell (drums)

January

1986-01-29 UK, Bannockburn, Tamdhu bar. Warming-up for the tour; activity of the ATOM club (All Types Of Music). Gus Glen played a few songs as supporting act. "My most memorable experience was a pre-tour performance in about 1987 at Tam Dhu's bar in Bannockburn. You have to imagine himself with Colin Tully et al in a wee bar. To sit amongst about 30 people at most and hear the band in pre-match fervour! Breathtaking! I shall carry the memory to my grave" (John Andrew). Ted Richardson recalls 124 tickets had been sold at the door, so quite a night.

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February

1986-02-01 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.

1986-02-02 UK, Ipswich, Gaumont Theatre. Sunday, tickets £5.00, £4.00.

1986-02-04 UK, Newcastle, City Hall. Tuesday night, 19:30 hrs. 'John Martyn plus support'. Tickets £ 5.00 (advance), £ 5.50 (door).

1986-02-05 UK, Leeds, Town Hall.

1986-02-06 UK, Hull, City Hall.

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1986-02-07 Scotland, Edinburgh, Assembly Rooms - Music Hall. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00. 'Superb guitar, vocal stylist a long way from his folksy roots.' Bootlegged, audience recording.

1986-02-08 Scotland, Aberdeen, Capitol Theatre. "The Capitol | Aberdeen | Down Home Music present | John Martyn | Stalls | £5.00 | Sat. Feb. 8 | at 7.30 p.m."

1986-02-09 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre. 'John Martyn in Concert'. 'Glasgow‘s own unpredictible blues/hippy artist returns to a favourite venue of his.' Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5 and £ 4.50. Reviewed Glasgow Herald one day later and in NME 1 Mar 1986. Lots of hecklers and Hamish Imlach was in the audience.

1986-02-10 Scotland, Ayr, The Pavilion.

1986-02-12 UK, Dunstable, Queensway Hall.

1986-02-13 UK, Guildford, Civic Hall.

1986-02-14 UK, Canterbury, New Marlowe Theatre. Friday night, 20:00 hrs. Supporting act Martin Stephenson & The Daintees. (Radio broadcast Invicta FM.)

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1986-02-15 UK, Bournemouth, The Pavilion Theatre.

1986-02-16 UK, Cardiff, St. Davids Hall.

1986-02-17 UK, Exeter, University.

1986-02-19 UK, St. Austell, Cornwall Coloseum. "Carlyon Bay | St. Austell | Par 4004 | Wed. 19th February 1986." Tickets £ 4.00 (front stalls).

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1986-02-20 UK, Cheltenham, Town Hall. Thursday, with support. 7.15pm, tickets £ 4.50. "No recording equipment or cameras in hall."

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1986-02-21 UK, Brighton, The Dome. Friday, tickets £5.00 (stalls), £4.00.

1986-02-22 UK, Southend, Cliffs Pavilion. Saturday, tickets £5.00.

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1986-02-24 UK, Oxford, Apollo Theatre. Monday, tickets £5.00, £4.00.

1986-02-25 UK, Bristol, Hippodrome. Tuesday, tickets £5.00, £4.00.

1986-02-26 UK, Manchester, Apollo Theatre. Wednesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00, £ 4.00. "Harvey Goldsmith Entertainment present | John Martyn plus Guests".

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1986-02-27 UK, Hanley, Victoria Hall. Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00. "Victoria Hall, Hanley | Thursday, 27th February '86 at 7.30 p.m. | M.L.A. present John Martyn plus support | Side balcony £5.00 each".

1986-02-28 UK, Nottingham, Royal Centre. Friday, tickets £ 5.00, £ 4.00.

March

1986-03-01 UK, Birmingham, Odeon Theatre. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00, £ 4.00. "Odeon | New Street Birmingham | Harvey Goldsmith Entertainments presents | John Martyn plus special guests."

1986-03-02 UK, London, Hammersmith Odeon. (Radio London broadcast, 100 minutes). Sunday, tickets £6.00, £5.00. Rumour that surprise guest for 3 March includes Robert Palmer.

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1986-03-03 UK, London, Palladium. Monday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00 and £ 7.00. "Harvey Goldsmith Entertainments proudly presents | Special 20th Anniversary Concert | featuring John Martyn | with surprise guests | plus support | Martin Stephenson & The Daintees | London Palladium | Monday 3rd March | 7.30 pm." (Capital Radio FM broadcast, 30 minutes) Two tracks released on Lonely Love singles. Five songs broadcast by BBC2 on TV five days later. Ad and flyer mention special guest appearance by Robert Palmer but apparently he never showed up.

1986-03-05 Ireland, Dublin, Stadium. "Tamsin Promotions | present | The John Martyn Band | National Stadium | Wednesday, 5th March | at 8.00 p.m." Tickets £ 7.50. (probably bootlegged, 55 minutes).

1986-03-06 Ireland, Cork, Connolly Hall.

1986-03-07 Ireland, Galway, Leisure Land. Friday night, 20:30 hrs. Supporting act Hot House Flowers. "The Piece By Piece Tour | John Martyn & His Band & Guests | List Band Members: Alan Thomson (bass/keyboards), Foss Patterson (keyboards), Mike [sic] Cantwell (drums) and Colin Tully (sax) | Leisureland | Friday, 7th March, 8.30 p.m. | Special Guests: Hot House Flowers | Seated concert." John played until 23:35 hrs. The Galway Advertiser conducted a short interview after the show.

1986-03-08 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Queens University.

1986-03-21 Sweden, Uppsala, Barowiak.

1986-03-23 Denmark, Copenhagen, Montmartre.

1986-03-25 Netherlands, Groningen, Stadsschouwburg. (And not the Oosterpoort.) Tuesday, 20:15 hours. 240 people present; concert reviewed in local newspaper. John did not start until 21:30 hrs. Sound problems during first half. "De Schot John Martyn valt de eer te beurt als eerste popact in de vernieuwde Groninger Stadsschouwburg te mogen optreden. Dat gebeurt dinsdag 25 maart wanneer Martyn met band (en dus niet alleen met ritmebox zoals bij zijn vorige Nederlandse tournee) zijn nieuwste elpee Piece By Piece komt promoten."

1986-03-26 Netherlands, Utrecht, Tivoli. Supporting act Francine Blok Quintet. Wednesday night. I was there.. Reviewed two days later by De Volkskrant, Trouw and also by Het Parool.

1986-03-27 Netherlands, Nijmegen, Stadsschouwburg. Thursday night. With band, no supporting act. "RoDiO presenteert i.s.m. de stadsschouwburg: | John Martyn | 27 maart 1986 - Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen | Zaal open 19.30 uur | Aanvang 20.30 uur | Voorverkoop f 15.00 | Avondkassa f 17.50."

poster

1986-03-28 Netherlands, Heerlen, Stadsschouwburg. With band, no supporting act. Friday night, 20:15 hrs. Tickets f 15,00 (advance), f 20,00 (door). Concert organized by Pinkpop boss Jan Smeets. Wrongly announced one week later. About 200 people attended and one synthesizer broke down.

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1986-03-29 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso. With band. Saturday night, 21:30 hrs. Tickets f 12,50.

1986-03-30 Netherlands, Haarlem, Patronaat.

1986-03-31 Netherlands, Rotterdam, Arena. Monday night, 21:30 hrs (Westkruiskade 26). Admission f 12,50. Originally announced for 25 March but this must have been a misunderstanding.

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April

1986-04-01 Netherlands, Den Bosch, Casino.

1986-04-05 Italy, Venezia, Tenda.

1986-04-07 Italy, Napoli, Teatro Tenda Partenope.

1986-04-08 Italy, Roma, Teatro Tenda Pianeta. Tuesday night, 21:00 hrs. Announced L'Unità: "Martedi 8 alle 21 presso il Tenda Pianeta, la Best Events presenta John Martyn in concerto." Not many people present; reviewed in La Repubblica.

1986-04-10 Italy, Milano, Rolling Stone Club. "Special 20th Anniversary Concert | John Martyn | Special Guest | Kaimano | Presentato da Claudio Trotta per Barley Arts."

1986-04-11 Italy, Torino, Big Club. 22:00 hrs, admission L15.000.

1986-04-18 Germany, Bad Salzuflen, Glashaus. Full band club gig. "Glashaus | Discothek Bad Salzuflen am Hauptbahnhof | präsentiert | John Martyn | Piece By Piece | Freitag, den 18. April 1986 | um 21.00 Uhr - Einlaß 20.00 Uhr | Vorverkauf: DM 14,- | Abendkasse DM 17,- | Keine Haftung für Sach- und Körperschäden. [] Das Mitnehmen von Flaschen, Dosen, Waffen, pyrotechnischen Gegenständen, Tonbandgeräten, Film- und Videokameras ist untersagt."

1986-04-21 Germany, Frankfurt, Batschkapp. Monday night, 21:00 hrs, with band. Tickets DM 16 (advance), DM 16 (door). "Keine Haftung für Sach- und Körperschäden".

flyer

1986-04-22 Germany, Berlin, Quartier Latin. "Piece By Piece Tour '86 | John Martyn & Band Live."

1986-04-23 Germany, Hamburg, Fabrik. (FM radio broadcast, 100 minutes).

1986-04-24 UK, London, Royal Albert Hall. Sound Waves For Greenpeace. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Day tickets £ 7.00 plus voluntary donation £ 3.50. Benefit festival 21-25 April with headliners Kim Wilde and Nik Kershaw (Monday), Lloyd Cole (Tuesday), Echo and the Bunnymen (Thursday) and the Cure (Friday). "Ocean Conservation and Outlaw present | Soundwaves for Greenpeace | All artistes have donated their performances." Other artists: Echo and the Bunnymen, China Crisis, "and an agressive, mostly solo set by John Martyn" (the Guardian).

June

1986-06-00 Ireland, Dublin, Gaiety Theatre. With Danny Thompson; broadcast by RTE 'Live In Dublin'. DVD release 2005.

1986-06-11 UK, Kendal (Cumbria), Brewery Arts Centre, with Danny Thompson and Arran Ahmun.

1986-06-12 UK, Kendal (Cumbria), Brewery Arts Centre, with Danny Thompson and Arran Ahmun. Recording of Kendal 1986 during one of these nights.

1986-06-16 UK, Manchester, International II. Monday night, solo; Danny was absent for some reason. "He started off by saying 'Let's have a trip down memory lane', and kicked off with Don't Want To Know" (Frank Connolly).

1986-06-21 UK, Pilton (Somerset), Worthy Farm. Glastonbury CND Festival 1986 (20-21-22 June). John played Stage 1 on the Saturday. Most tracks BBC Radio 1 Live In Concert were recorded and also the show was broadcast by BBC 1 in Pete Drummond's In Concert. Line-up: Foster Paterson (keyboards), Alan Thomson (bass), Colin Tully (saxophone), Arran Ahmun (drums). That day featuring artists on Stage One were The Cure, Guest, Lloyd Cole & The Commotions, John Martyn, Latin Quarter and Buddy Curtis. A three day ticket cost £ 17.00.

1986-06-30 Israel, Tel Aviv, Hayarkon Park: supporting act for Jethro Tull, 'Greetings From Tel-Aviv'. Probably with Foundations band, Arran Ahmun and Dave Ball were there.

July

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1986-07-18 Switzerland, Montreux, Casino. Band performance at jazzfestival; support act for George Benson. (FM radio broadcast, 65 minutes).

1986-07-21 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. "Shaw Theatre | Sensational Summer Sounds | present In Concert | A Rare Reunion Concert | John Martyn plus Danny Thompson | July 21-24, 7.30pm | £6/£4 Concs."

1986-07-22 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. With Danny Thompson (bootlegged, 90 minutes).

1986-07-23 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. With Danny Thompson.

1986-07-24 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. With Danny Thompson (bootlegged, 100 minutes).

August

1986-08-01 UK, Cambridge, 22nd Cambridge Folk Festival. With Danny Thompson; they replaced Redgum. Friday, Main Stage One, 21:15-22:00 hrs. Followed by Kate and Anna McGarrigle and Musselwhite, Peabody and Hall.

1986-08-02 UK, Cambridge, 22nd Cambridge Folk Festival. With Danny Thompson; they replaced Redgum. Saturday, Main Stage Two, 19:45-20:30 hrs. Followed by Martin Carthy, Musselwhite, Peabody and Hall, Neil Innes and the Balham Alligators. One of the shows was bootlegged.

1986-08-24 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall. Sunday night, 22:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5. 'Return of Scotland’s folk legend, these days more into a very laid-back MOR. Still one of the country’s finest, subtlest guitarists, he’s reunited tonight with Danny Thompson and Arran Ahmun on percussion and drums in a mainly acoustic set. Also Mon 25 Aug with his full band.'

1986-08-25 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall. Full band. Monday night, 22:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.

Oktober

1986-10-22 UK, Warwick, Arts Centre. Solo show, Wednesday night.

1986-10-23 UK, Durham, Dunelm House (Students Union). With Danny Thompson. "John Martyn & Danny Thomson [sic] | Thursday 23 Oct 7.30 | Dunelm Durham | tickets £4.50 adv".

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November

1986-11-07 UK, Manchester, Manchester International. Friday night.

1986-11-08 UK, Nottingham, University. Saturday night.

1986-11-09 UK, Bideford (Devon), Halley's Disco (Leisure Center). Sunday night. The club opened 03 Jan 1986 at the old Strand Cinema. Info from North Devon Journal.

1986-11-12 UK, London, Town & Country Club (bootlegged). Tickets £ 6,50 advance, £ 7,50 door.

1986-11-13 UK, London, Town & Country Club (Recording of the Foundations album).

December

1986-12-09 Germany, Frankfurt, Sinkkasten. With Danny Thompson. Tuesday night, 21:00 hrs.

1986-12-11 Germany, Hamburg, Markthalle. Duo with Danny Thompson.

1986-12-12 Germany, Berlin, Sudhaus. With Danny Thompson. Friday night. 'A rare acoustic evening'. "Unvergessen seine Akustik-Show mit Danny Thompson am 12.12.1986 in Sudhaus. Er hatte an dem Abend schon viel zu viel getrunken und mancher Fehler wurde lachend übergangen..."

1986-12-15 Germany, Köln, Luxor Theater. Acoustic duo, Reunion Tour. Bootlegged 90 minutes.

1986-12-16 Germany, Recklinghausen, Flexi. Acoustic duo, Reunion Tour. Bootlegged 80 minutes.


1987

July

1987-07-04 UK, Iver Heath (Buckinghamshire), Pinewood Studios. Acoustic piano duo with Foster Paterson (Patterns In The Rain), captured on Island Alright Now video. Also a jam during the party featuring Eric Clapton.

beer mat

August

1987-08-06 Belgium, Brussels, Mallemunt. Free solo acoustic with Danny Thompson on bass, open air. Rather tedious tuning. Other names on the bill: Richard Thompson, The Bhundu Boys.

1987-08-14 UK, Cropredy (Banbury, Oxfordshire), Festival - twentieth anniversary. Friday night, 22:30 hrs. Headlining with Danny Thompson, also on the bill Le Rue and Gordon Giltrap. "Fairport Convention | Invite you to their 20th Anniversary Weekend | at Cropredy near Banbury, Oxfordshire, England | Friday 14 August & Saturday 15 August 1987 | Featuring Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Dave Mattacks, | Ric Sanders, Martin Allcock With guests | Ralph McTell, Richard Thompson,, Dave Swarbrick, | Jerry Donahue, June Tabor, Cathy Lesurf plus, | from Jethro Tull: Ian Anderson & Martin Barre | With John Martyn & Danny Thompson, | Whippersnapper, Gordon Giltrap, | Chicken Shack, Le Rue, Mara, | The Steve Ashley Band, Muzsikas." First night closing act with Danny Thompson; broadcasted, 40 minutes.
"JM told the audience he needed a leak halfway through their set and left Danny to play a bass solo for 5 minutes!"

1987-08-26 Ireland, Dublin, [Gaiety Theatre]. Possibly a gig with Danny Thompson as DVD release points to this date. This however took place one year earlier.

Foundations Tour

Band: Foster Paterson - keyboards, backing vocals; Arran Ahmun - drums; Taj Wyzgowsky - rhythm guitar; David 'Taif' Ball - bass guitar. Supporting act: Cry No More

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September

1987-09-11 Scotland, Edinburgh. Small show in Edinburgh neighbourhood, as told to Tony Tickle.

1987-09-12 Italy, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Piazza Duomo (Sicily). With Danny Thompson; bootlegged. "There were less than 30 persons, but only big fans of John and Danny; we considered this unexpected visit a wonderful gift." (Angelo Firrito). Saturday night, might also have been one week earlier.

1987-09-13 UK, London, Mean Fiddler. Sunday night. "A packed house, sweaty, we waited, waited, waited and waited again. Finally, yer man comes on stage, sings a bit, stylishly pukes into a thoughtfully placed bucket and exits. One and a half songs, Claire bit our ears all the way home..." (Bryan Dunbar).
"Arriving at 7.30pm, JM didn't take the stage until around 11pm from memory - due to a flight delay from Italy. After performing Mad Dog Days, John rushed from the stage and a few minutes later, his road manager announced that as John was physically ill backstage, the gig wouldn't be able to continue. It was a bummer but everyone was offered a refund or free entry to an upcoming Town & Country gig a month later. And as JM's road manager said upon the roars of disapproval when announcing the Mean Fiddler gig was to be abandoned: (thick Scottish brogue) '...Oh, come on now. You wouldn't want the man to play if he's not well, would ye?' " (Stephen from Melbourne, Australia).
The owner of the Mean Fiddler, Vince Power, 'managed venues but Vince also managed one music act, the late John Martyn. Vince: "It was great, apart from the time, I booked the singer John Martyn who I was managing at the time. He was due to play on Sunday night at 7pm but didn't show up till midnight. He'd been drinking all day and went on stage and threw up over the front row. I ran out to the box office and gave everyone their money back. John was the only act I ever managed. It only lasted a week."' (quoted in an Irish Sun obituary from 2024).

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1987-09-14 UK, Brighton, Dome. 7.30pm, tickets £ 5.50 stalls.

1987-09-15 UK, Oxford, Apollo Theatre.

1987-09-16 UK, Manchester, Free Trade Hall.

1987-09-17 UK, Liverpool, Empire. "J.L.P. present | John Martyn | Thu 17 Sep 1987 | 7:30 pm." Tickets £ 6,00 stalls.

1987-09-19 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall. "Regular Music | presents | John Martyn | at Queens Hall, Edinburgh | on Saturday, 19th September, 1987 | Ticket £5.00 | Doors open at 7.30 p.m." 'Once part of the great folkie boom, now purveyor of very laid-back, moody jazzy folk-rock. Brilliant guitarist, but not teenybopper material.'

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1987-09-21 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion. Monday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.50. 'His influence seems to be under-rated, as a rather interesting letter in the NME was pointing out recently.'

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1987-09-22 Scotland, Aberdeen, Capitol Theatre. Bootlegged.

1987-09-23 UK, Newcastle, City Hall. "JLP present - | John Martyn | plus support | Wednesday 23rd September '87 | Evening 7.30 | Stalls £5.50."

1987-09-24 UK, Harrogate, Convention Centre.

1987-09-26 Spain, Madrid. John also recorded Angeline and Over the Rainbow for the RTVE television programma Fin de Siglo, live in the studio.

1987-09-27 Spain, Barcelona.

1987-09-29 UK, Bristol, Hippodrome. Plus support act. Tuesday evening, 7.30pm. Tickets £ 6.00 (stalls).

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1987-09-30 UK, Leeds, Irish Centre. "The Irish Centre | York Rd. Leeds | John Martyn | And Band | Wednesday 30 September | guests Cry No More | 7.30pm."

October

1987-10-02 UK, Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall. "John Martyn plus support". Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00 (advance), £ 5.50 (door).

1987-10-03 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.

1987-10-04 UK, Reading, Hexagon. Sunday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 5.50.

1987-10-05 UK, Cardiff, St. David's Hall. Monday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.50. "JLP Concerts Presents | John Martyn + Cry No More | 'The Foundation Tour' | Cardiff | St David's Hall | Neuadd Dewi Sant".

1987-10-06 UK, Nottingham, Rock City.

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1987-10-07 UK, Cambridge Corn Exchange (supporting act Cry No More). Tickets £ 6.50, £ 5.50, £ 4.50.

1987-10-08 UK, Cheltenham, Town Hall (supporting act Cry No More). Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. "Town Hall | Pump Room | Cheltenham Town Hall | Cheltenham Borough Council | John Martyn | Thu 08 Oct | Evening 7.30pm." Tickets £ 4.00 advance and £ 4.50 on the door.

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1987-10-09 UK, London, Hammersmith Odeon. "John arrived wearing a raincoat which he kept only during the first song, and then took off." (Robert Laugier). Reviewed NME 24 Oct 1987.

1987-10-11 UK, London, Town & Country Club. John wore the same raincoat as in the Hammersmith Odeon but kept wearing it all concert long. "Each time John lowered a hand, sweat was flowing down the sleeves like a cascade." (Robert Laugier).

1987-10-12 UK, London, Town & Country Club.

1987-10-13 UK, London, Town & Country Club. Tickets £ 6.50 (advance).

1987-10-15 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Queen's University.

1987-10-16 Ireland, Dublin, Stadium.

poster

1987-10-17 Ireland, Galway, The Warwick. Saturday night, 22:30 hrs. "An evening with John Martyn | Late'n'Live"; "With his new 3 piece band."

1987-10-18 Ireland, Cork, Opera House.


1988

John headlined the outdoor concert that concluded the Lune Valley Festival, a three week event.

February

1988-02-04 UK, Newcastle, City Hall (Thursday), plus support.

March

1988-03-11 Scotland, Edinburgh, George Square Theatre. Friday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.50 (advance). "Downhome Music presents | John Martyn | Alone Again - A Solo Performance | at George Square Theatre (Bristo Place, Edinburgh) | on Friday, 11th March, 1988." Bootlegged (audience recording).

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1988-03-12 Scotland, Glasgow, Moir Hall (Mitchell Theatre). Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.50 (advance). Solo performance, sold out. "Downhome Music | presents | John Martyn | Alone Again - A Solo Performance | at Moir Hall | (Mitchell Street, Glasgow)".

1988-03-13 Scotland, Glasgow, Moir Hall (Mitchell Theatre). Sunday night. Solo performance.

1988-03-21 UK, Bristol, Bierkeller. Monday night, 20:00 hrs. "Supported by talented new American singer/ songwriter" Tracy Chapman. (the Guardian).

1988-03-22 UK, Nottingham, Rock City. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00 and £ 6.00. Supporting act Tracy Chapman.

1988-03-23 UK, Leeds, Leeds University (Riley Smith Hall). Wednesday night. Tickets £ 4.00 (advance). "John Martyn (a rare solo date) | guest Tanita Tikaram". John played Leeds University on twelve occasions and this was the last time. Show reviewed in Leeds Student.

1988-03-26 UK, Manchester, Manchester International (Anson Road). Saturday night, solo show. Supporting act Tracy Chapman.

1988-03-28 UK, London, Sadlers Wells (supporting act Tracy Chapman). Monday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 6.50 and £ 7.50.

1988-03-29 UK, London, Sadlers Wells (supporting act Tracy Chapman and Tanita Tikaram). Tuesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 6.50 and £ 7.50. "Chapman was clearly a level above Tikaram. And despite the dreadful venue, John was storming as ever. 'John Wayne' stood out, as always." (Richard King).

April

1988-04-15 Germany, Wilhelmshaven, Pumpwerk. Solo gig.

1988-04-17 Germany, Köln, Luxor. Solo gig, bootlegged 90 minutes.

1988-04-19 Germany, Detmold, Hunky Dory. Solo set.

1988-04-20 Germany, Frankfurt, Sinkkasten. Wednesday night, 21:00 hrs. 'An Evening With' John Martyn. "Kein Sitzplatzenanspruch!".

1988-04-21 Germany, Bochum, Zeche. Solo gig, bootlegged 85 minutes.

1988-04-28 UK, Folkestone, The Metronome.

May

1988-05-20 UK, London, Tramshed (51 Woolwich New Road). Friday night, 20:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.50. "Veteran guitarist whose roots are in folk music but these days covers the spectrum of modern music from rock to jazz" (the Guardian).

1988-05-21 UK, Brighton, Zap Tent, Festival Big Top. Saturday, 22:00 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00. The tent was situated Dome Car Park, Church Street.

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1988-05-29 UK, Cheltenham, Town Hall. "Town Hall | Pump Room | Cheltenham Town Hall | Cheltenham Borough Council | John Martyn | Sun 29 May | 8.00 pm." Tickets £ 6.00 balcony.

June

1988-06-01 UK, Bath, Theatre Royal. Wednesday, part of the Fringe Festival. John played with Foster Paterson.

July

1988-07-23 Italy, Giulianova, Rockroads festival (City park). John played a solo performance at the Rockroads festval in 1988 in Giulianova, on the third and final edition. John was not announced on the posters but there is no doubt he appeared on the Saturday night, so 23 July 1988. (The festival ran from Friday through Sunday.) My guess is he came as a replacement for Van Morrison and the Chieftains. Other acts announced: Martin Stephenson & the Daintees, Primal Scream, Derek B., Norman Cook, Double Trouble, Carmel, the Woodentops, the Primitives, the Weather Prophets, the Gang, the Vegetable Men and Yellowman and Sagittarius. Three thousand paying visitors over three evenings.

1988-07-24 Scotland, Fife, St. Andrews (Craigtoun country park): Eco Rock festival, ('Fife Aid'). Sunday. Solo performance on second day of festival, captured on video. John played Stage One. A roadie wrote "There were rumours that John Martyn may not be showing up to do his slot between Rick Wakeman and Van Morrison. A good few hours of hanging about ensued. There were sets by Steve Hackett, Davy Spillane, and Phil Manzanera and his all star band. Eventually a car rolled up, and John Martyn rolled out. We were consoled with a bottle of whisky." Reviewed by The List, 5th August.

1988-07-30 UK, Burnley, Burnley Mechanics Arts & Entertainments Centre (Manchester Road). Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 5.50. "John Martyn & Danny Thompson" (the Guardian).

August

1988-08-15 Scotland, Edinburgh, Heriot Watt Theatre. Monday night, 23:15 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00. "John Martyn, acoustic or electric guitar and vocal spellbinder, who from a late sixties Glasgow beginning now sells his song albums round the globe, plays Heriot Watt Theatre (Grindlay Street) 11:15pm on the l5th. 16th. 17th" (the List). "First of a series of solo gigs by singer/ songwriter John Martyn, continuing the Fringe's tradition for hosting intimate, often acoustic shows by those used to playing bigger venues. Expact a melodic, folk-orientated set" (the Guardian).

1988-08-16 Scotland, Edinburgh, Heriot Watt Theatre. Tuesday night, 23:15 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00. "Brilliant show in a tiny venue so close you could have reached out and touched him."

1988-08-17 Scotland, Edinburgh, Heriot Watt Theatre. Wednesday night, 23:15 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00.

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1988-08-18 Scotland, Edinburgh, Heriot Watt Theatre. Thursday night, 23:15 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00.

1988-08-19 Scotland, Edinburgh, Heriot Watt Theatre. Friday night, 23:15 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00. 'The second-last of a string of solo shows for the outstanding Scottish singer/guitarist, now in his 21st year of performing. Armed with only a guitar and his voice the man can be stunning — who cares what the purist folkies think?'

1988-08-20 Scotland, Edinburgh, Heriot Watt Theatre. Saturday night, 23:15 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00. These shows took place as part of the Fringe festival. Tickets were limited to 200 per night.

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September

1988-09-12 UK, Liverpool, Neptune Theatre. Monday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00. "Neptune Theatre | Hanover Street | Liverpool | John Martyn in Concert." Bootlegged. "Great set and I remember buzzing for days after" (Iain Myers).

1988-09-23 UK, London, Watermans Arts Centre (Brentford). Friday night, 23:00 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00. "Romantic rock-poet, performing with Danny Thompson" (the Observer). Danny was announced in The Guardian too but it became a "Low key solo gig with maybe 100-150 people at it, no seats you just sat on the floor, and John was on superb form, absolutely mesmerising." (Paul Scott).

October

1988-10-01 UK, Manchester, International 2. Saturday. Supporting act Tracy Chapman. Greenpeace benefit as part of the Manchester Festival.

1988-10-13 UK, London, Dominion Theatre. Christy Moore was announced for six nights in this venue on 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 October and John was on the bill for one of them. No further details.

1988-10-15 UK, Carlisle, The Sands Centre. Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00, 'nurses and children £5'. Green Wedge benefit; shared bill wih Osibisa. "Benefit for Cumbrians Opposed to a Radioactive Environment [CORE] with thoughtful singer-songwriter Martyn and the funky highlife band Osibisa [...]. Top comic stand-ups Chris Lynham, Tony Allen and Mark Thomas, plus local band Daisy Chain Connection also appear" (the Guardian). NME also announced this.

End of year: Solo tour (with Apprentice songs)

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advert

November

1988-11-28 UK, London, Royal Festival Hall (South Bank Centre). Monday night, 19:30 hrs, plus band. "JLP Concerts presents | John Martyn | Robert Perry". Tickets £ 6.50, £ 7.50, £ 8.50 and £ 9.50. "Rare appearance of this highly respected, if slightly doomy singer/ songwriter" (the Observer). "John came on stage and said he had both bad and good news - the bad being that he had a broken hand (big groan from audience) but the good was that a member of his band would be playing the guitar instead (which didn't make up for the bad news, really)." (John Spiers).

December

1988-12-09 UK, Bristol, Colston Hall. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00. "Stop Hinkley 'C' benefit | Organised by Stop Hinkley Expansion and Friends of the Earth". John Martyn, Blue Aeroplanes & Rodney Allen. Guest speaker Jonathan Porritt. Rodney Allen replaced Helen Lederer on the bill. Originally proposed ticket price was £ 7.00 for non-consessionaries but on second thought one overall fee was chosen.

1988-12-22 Scotland, Edinburgh, Music Box. Thursday. 'The things John Martyn can do with just his voice and a guitar can be pretty awesome in a small venue.'

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1988-12-23 Scotland, Edinburgh, Music Box. Friday. 'Returning for another session.' 'Home from home for big John, it would seem, and if you‘ve never seen him live, now could be a good time.'

1988-12-28 Scotland, Glasgow, The Sub Club. Wednesday night, 22:00 hrs. John had hurt his hand and could only sing on this occasion. 'First of two nights with the cuddly, bearded singer/ guitarist, rescheduled after the inferno on Jamaica Street shut things down for a while. One of the greats of Scottish music. Martyn can hold his own with a band or solo, and his between-song asides deflate any pomposity that might arise from the tortured exorcisms of his more intense moments.'

1988-12-29 Scotland, Glasgow, The Sub Club. Thursday night, 22:00 hrs.


1989

Spring tour with Foster Paterson

March

1989-03-29 UK, Bristol, Bierkeller. "J.L.P. Concerts presents | John Martyn | plus support | Bristol Bierkeller | Wednesday 29th March 1989 | 8.00pm." Tickets £ 6.50 advance.

1989-03-31 UK, London, Powerhaus. Friday night. Tickets £ 6.00. Reviewed Melody Maker 15 Apr 1989.

April

1989-04-11 UK, Leeds, Irish Centre. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Admission £ 4.00 (advance). With Foster Patterson [sic], supporting act Robert Perry.

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1989-04-12 UK, Southport, Arts Centre. Bootlegged.

1989-04-15 UK, Nottingham, Trent Polytechnic. Saturday night.

1989-04-17 UK, London, Hackney Empire. Monday night. Supporting act Robert Perry & special guests.

1989-04-18 UK, Cheltenham, Town Hall.

1989-04-19 UK, Birmingham (Digbeth), Irish Centre. Solo, special guest Robert Perry. Tickets £ 5.50; original print April 5 but manually changed.)

1989-04-28 UK, Cardiff, St David's Hall. Friday, 7.30pm, admission £ 7.50 (stalls). Full band including sax (bootlegged).

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1989-04-29 UK, Torrington (Devon), The Plough Arts Centre. Saturday night 20:00 hrs, tickets £ 6.00 (£ 5.00). Supporting act Robert Perry.

May

1989-05-07 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry. Sunday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets £6.00 (£3.00). Sold out, extra show on Tuesday 9 May. 90 minute show during Mayfest with Foster Paterson. Reviewed in Glasgow Herald.

1989-05-08 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry. Monday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets £6.00 (£3.00).

1989-05-09 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry. Tuesday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets £6.00 (£3.00).

1989-05-10 Scotland, Aberdeen, Ritzy's. Wednesday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets £5.00. "Aberdeen Rock proudly presents | John Martyn | Wednesday 10th May | at Ritzys | £5 | Doorsopen9pm".

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1989-05-14 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry.

1989-05-15 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry.

1989-05-00 Spain, Madrid (unconfirmed).

1989-05-25 Spain, Valencia, Garage. With Foster Paterson. Thursday night, 23:30 hrs. Tickets 1.500 ptas (advance), 2.000 ptas (door). Great unannounced concert in small venue, 30-40 people attended.

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June

1989-06-05 UK, Liverpool, Hardiman House (bootlegged, with Foster Paterson).

1989-06-10 Netherlands, Rotterdam, Nighttown. Saturday night, 21:00 hrs.

1989-06-11 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Melkweg. Sunday night, 22:30 hrs. Cancelled.

1989-06-12 Netherlands, Uden, De Nieuwe Pul. Monday night. Cancelled.

1989-06-16 UK, Stoke on Trent, The New Wheatsheaf. "Classic concert on Friday night. Safe to say, a good time was had by all." (John Farmer).

July

1989-07-07 Scotland, Glasgow, The Shed. Supporting act Bill Craig. Friday night, 19:00 hrs. Tickets £6.00 (£3.00). Part of Glasgow Folk Festival. "Legendary Scots electro-acoustic guitarist and songwriter with multitudes of admirers, and a visitor from Toronto, an exiled Ulsterman making a name for himself as a songwriter and performer in Canada".

August

1989-08-03 US, Northampton (Massachusetts), Iron Horse Music Hall. Thursday night, 19:00 hrs, tickets $ 12.50. Announced in Boston Globe.

1989-08-09 Scotland, Stirling, The Albert Hall. Wednesday act during Stirling Festival. Tickets £ 5.00. "This was just John and Foster Paterson" (David Hardie).

1989-08-18 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00 (£ 5.00 concessions). "Aegis Productions presents John Martyn (no support)". Duo with Foster Paterson, reviewed The Observer.

1989-08-19 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00 (£ 5.00 concessions). "Effortlessly skilful Glaswegian guitarist with a career that spans the polarities of commercial rock and jazz returns to his folk roots" (the Guardian).

1989-08-20 UK, Halifax, Piece Hall. John was scheduled but did not show up. "Saw Steve Harley and the band at Halifax Piece Hall in 1989, playing a benefit for the charity CARE Concert, for rainforests and elephants. The way I remember it, they stepped up to headline the event after John Martyn failed to show up, a no-show which I don’t think was ever explained. I spent part of the event chatting with a guy who'd flown in from Oz to hook up with JM who was supposed to be providing transport and accommodation for him. Who knows where he spent the night! Harley more than measured up to being headliner – a terrific performance that helped folk forget the no-show." (John Manning)

1989-08-25 US, Santa Monica, McCabe's. (Announced Los Angeles Times).

1989-08-26 US, Santa Monica, McCabe's. (Announced Los Angeles Times).

September

1989-09-10 Scotland, Glasgow, Glasgow Green. John was one of many supporting acts for Wet Wet Wet during a free concert visited by 80.000 people (the Herald estimated 45.000, the NME 30.000). "One of the ironies of Wet Wet Wet's recent Glasgow Green concert was the appearance of John Martyn as support. Little over a year ago the selfsame Mr Martyn was demanding a songwriting credit on the Wets' track Sweet Little Mystery. The song now has the distinguished songwriting credit of Clark/ Cunningham/ John Martyn/ Mitchell/ Van Morrison/ Pellow!" John seemed nervous and only played three songs. Also reviewed by the NME: "They're not actually rude to him, he's just completely ignored."

October

1989-10-04 Netherlands, Uden, De Nieuwe Pul. Wednesday night.

1989-10-05 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso. Thursday night, 20:30 hrs. Tickets fl 10,00 plus membership.

1989-10-15 Germany, Hattingen, Wolfgang Borchert Realschule. Solo, electric on Sunday night. "20:00 Uhr | Abendkasse 10,- DM." And: "Veranstaltet von der Musiker-Initiative Hattingen und Bredebusch Concert Promotion. | Keine Haftung für Sach- und Körperschaden." Bootlegged.

1989-10-16 Germany, Osnabrück, Hyde Park. Solo, electric. Bootlegged, 90 minutes.

stub

Three week tour with Ian McCallum

McCallum was promoting his album Left-Handed

Places visited: Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Newcastle, Hull, Newtown Powys (Wales), Worthing, Southend on Sea, Telford (among others).

November

1989-11-15 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion (with Ian McCallum).

December

1989-12-01 UK, London, Mean Fiddler. Friday night, 20:00 hrs; tickets £ 6. Supporting act Robert Perry.

1989-12-06 UK, London, Town & Country Club. (bootlegged, 45 minutes, probably also 20 minute FM radio broadcast).

1989-12-13 Scotland, Glasgow, The Sub Club. Wednesday night, 19:00 hrs. "Unpredictable folk rock singer/ songwriter with a fanatical following. New material will be on show."

1989-12-14 Scotland, Glasgow, The Sub Club. Thursday night.

1989-12-17 Scotland, Edinburgh, Calton Studios. Sunday night. "Two sets from the moody singer/ songwriter, the first acoustic, the second with his band, showcasing some new material."

1989-12-18 Scotland, Dundee, Fat Sams. Monday night. "Tennents Live! making music happen."