John Martyn 90s Giglist

 

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


1990

The Apprentice Tour

March

stub

1990-03-16 Scotland, Edinburgh, Buster Brown's. Recorded.

1990-03-27 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. Tuesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50. "One of the undisputed masters of the guitar, moving easily beween rock and ethnic styles, Martyn returns for his most extensive tour in recent years. His epic run at the Shaw Theatre until April 7 features special guests ranging from Pink Floyd's David Gilmour to Mary Coughlan" (the Guardian). The Observer also mentioned as guest star Danny Thompson. He was intended for an acoustic slot but this plan did not succeed.

1990-03-28 UK, London, Shaw Theatre.

1990-03-29 UK, London, Shaw Theatre.

1990-03-30 UK, London, Shaw Theatre.

1990-03-31 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50. "JLP Concerts | Present John Martin [sic] | & Special Guests | Sat 31 March 1990 | 7.30 doors." This evening the Apprentice video and Live album were recorded. One of the other nights The Apprentice was recorded for Deny This Love single.

April

stub
stub

1990-04-02 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. Monday night.

1990-04-03 UK, London, Shaw Theatre.

1990-04-04 UK, London, Shaw Theatre.

1990-04-05 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50.

1990-04-06 UK, London, Shaw Theatre.

1990-04-07 UK, London, Shaw Theatre.

1990-04-11 Ireland, Cork.

1990-04-12 Ireland, Tramore (co. Waterford), O'Shea's Hotel. "A legendary gig in local folklore." (Paul Flynn).

1990-04-14 Ireland, Dublin, Tivoli Theatre. Easter Saturday, late night show.

1990-04-15 Ireland, Killarney.

1990-04-20 Norway, Trondheim.

1990-04-21 Norway, Alesund, Skansen.

1990-04-22 Norway, Bergen.

1990-04-24 Norway, Stavanger, De Røde Sjøhus.

1990-04-25 Norway, Oslo.

1990-04-27 Sweden, Stockholm.

1990-04-28 Sweden, Stockholm.

1990-04-29 UK, Manchester, Royal Exchange.

1990-04-30 UK, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Bridge Street Arts Centre.

May

stub

1990-05-01 UK, Leeds, Irish Centre.

1990-05-02 UK, Worthing, Pavilion. Wednesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.50.

1990-05-03 UK, Poole, Arts Centre. Audience of about 40 people. "John was wearing a 'Stuff the Poll Tax' T-shirt." (Jo Windsor)

1990-05-04 UK, Southport, Arts Centre. Bootlegged, 100 minutes.

1990-05-05 UK, Nottingham, Trent Poly.

1990-05-06 UK, York, Opera House or Hull, Spring Street Theatre.

1990-05-07 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry. Monday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00 (£ 3.00). Mayfest, supporting Aly Bain. "BBC TV Scotland are recording this series of concerts for later transmission. The feisty fiddler‘s friends sharing the platform tonight are Irishman Mark O'Connar and the unique guitarist/ songwriter John Martyn."

1990-05-08 UK, Colne, Pendle Hall.

1990-05-09 UK, Birmingham, Irish Centre. "JLP presents | John Martyn | & His Band | Wednesday 9 May 1990 | Doors: 8 pm | Tickets: £7 Advance."

stub

1990-05-10 UK, Cambridge, Junction (Corn Exchange).

1990-05-11 UK, Kendal (Cumbria), Brewery Arts Centre.

stub

1990-05-12 UK, Kendal (Cumbria), Brewery Arts Centre.

1990-05-13 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre. Mayfest; Sunday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00 (£ 4.00), £ 5.00 (£ 2.50). "Passionate energy, slurred vocal delivery, remarkable guitar skills and uniquely beautiful songs have won the Glaswegian a world following over the last two decades."

1990-05-14 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre. Mayfest; Monday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00 (£ 4.00), £ 5.00 (£ 2.50).

1990-05-15 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre. Mayfest; Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00 and £ 5.00.

1990-05-16 Scotland, Aberdeen, Ritzy. Tickets £ 6.00. "Duncan Hendry in association with JLP presents | John Martyn and his band on tour in May."

1990-05-17 Scotland, Dundee, Whitehall Theatre. Tickets £ 6.00.

1990-05-18 Scotland, Ayr, Pavilion Theatre, Esplanade. Friday night. "Martyn has been known in the past to send reviewers to sleep, but solo sets witnessed in the last few years have been charged with intensity and good-humoured joking in equal measures. A master of lulling textures, Martyn puts his eclecticism to tasteful and effective use. For this tour, we hear he will be backed by a band — a rarity these days."

1990-05-19 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall. Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.60. "Legendary songwriter/ guitarist with his top rate band."

1990-05-20 UK, Hull, Spring Street Theatre.

stub

1990-05-21 UK, Newcastle, Playhouse. "John Martyn and his Band." Monday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 7.50 and £ 6.50 (advance).

1990-05-22 UK, Newcastle, Playhouse. Tuesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 7.50 and £ 6.50 (advance).

1990-05-23 UK, Reading, Hexagon.

1990-05-24 UK, Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall.

1990-05-25 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.

1990-05-26 UK, Hemel Hempstead, Pavilion.

1990-05-27 UK, Southend, Cliffs Pavilion.

1990-05-28 UK, Bristol, Thekla.

1990-05-29 UK, Bristol, Thekla. Admission £ 8.50 (bootlegged).

1990-05-30 UK, Exeter, St Georges Hall.

1990-05-31 UK, Exeter, St Georges Hall.

June

1990-06-01 UK, Newtown, Powys, Theatre Hafren.

1990-06-02 UK, Swindon (Wiltshire), Wyvern Theatre.

stub

1990-06-03 Scotland, Glasgow, Custom House Quay. Sunday afternoon free program. John played for twenty minutes at the Bandstand by the river Clyde for 'The Big Day' celebrating Glasgow City of Culture. Alan Thomson was on bass. Also a saxophone player. John shared the bill for this stage with among others Eddi Reader, Paco Pena, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham and Dick Gaughan. The show was broadcast live by Channel 4.
There also is a mention of UK, Wolverhampton, Civic Hall for this date.

1990-06-04 UK, Hayes, Beck Theatre.

1990-06-05 UK, Cardiff, St David's Hall. Tuesday, 8.00pm. Admission £ 7.00.

1990-06-06 UK, Fareham, Ferneham Hall (near Portsmouth). "Wed 06 Jun 90 at 19:30 | John Martyn & Band." Tickets £ 7.50. "It was a great night. JM bounced onto the stage and said 'I should say Hello Fareham, but where the f*ck is Fareham!'. Storming night, the correct balance of young guns in the band and just the right amount of alcohol in JM." (John Stait)

1990-06-08 UK, Bradford, St George's Hall. Friday, 7.30pm. Tickets £ 7.50, £ 6.50, £ 5.50.

stub

1990-06-09 UK, London, Lewisham Theatre. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 6.50 and £ 8.50. "One of the undisputed masters of the guitar, moving easily between rock and ethnic styles, Martyn returns to London after one of his most extensive tours in recent years" (the Guardian).

1990-06-10 UK, Sheffield, Crucible Theatre. "The Legendary John Martyn In Concert." Saturday 10 June at 7.30pm. Tickets £ 6.50.

1990-06-11 UK, Oldham, Queen Elizabeth Hall.

1990-06-12 UK, Lincoln, The Drill Hall. Tuesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 7.50.

1990-06-18 Germany, München, Schlachthof. Bootlegged, 130 minutes.

1990-06-20 Germany, Köln, Live Music Hall.

1990-06-21 Germany, Bochum, Zeche.

1990-06-24 Netherlands, Uden, De Nieuwe Pul. With band. Sunday night, 22:00 hrs. Tickets fl 15,00 (advance), f 17,50 (door). "That evening the Dutch 11 played the 1/8 World Championship finals against West-Germany. They set-up a TV-set in the lounge so people wouldn't have to miss the match. John agreed to begin the concert after the match was done, so he and his fabulous band came on at about 11:30 that night! After some additional sound trouble they really took off for an unforgettable and intense show, playing three hours of the best Martyn music with only a twenty minute break. For less than 40 people in the audience..." (Peter Klaessens).

1990-06-25 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso. With band. Monday night, 21:30 hrs. Tickets fl 12,50 plus membership. Bootlegged, 150 minutes.

stub

July

1990-07-00 Italy, Isola del Liri, Liri Blues Festival. (Small village between Roma and Napoli, 20 kilometers east of Frosinone).

1990-07-04 UK, Warrington, Par Hall. "He was meant to do this gig but never turned up (it was the evening of the World Cup semi-final)." (Dav Devalle). Show was transferred to 26 Sep 1990.

1990-07-14 Scotland, Stirling, Stirling Castle. Part of Scotland's Day Out festival, Hue and Cry and Runrig topped the bill. Tickets £ 5.00 (advance). Either this entry is not correct or the Pistoia one isn't. "Day For Scotland | A Festival For Our Future | Saturday 14 July Stirling | Organised by STUC in association with Regular Music and Stirling District Council | A positive celebration of Scottish life - Which says we must decide our future - No-one else!" Featuring Runrig, Hue & Cry, John Martyn, Dick Gaughan, Test Department, The Fini Tribe, The Hamish Moore Band, Wild River Apples, The Right Stuff, Stu Who?, Kith And Kin, Rhythm Chillun, World Wide, The Thieves, Makossa, Ceolbeg, Carol Laula, The Shamen, The John Rae Collective, Wildcat, 7:34 Theatre Company, The Funny Farm, Alex Frackleton, Alien Arts Company, Project Ability, Bhangra, Mary Sandeman, Hamish Henderson, African dancers, Gen Michael of Sty, and Kids' entertainment, Buskers, Fun fayre, Over 200 stalls, Beer tents, Juggling, Fire eating, Workshops, plus more to be announced..

ad

stub

1990-07-14 Italy, Pistoia, Pistoia Blues Festival. (13-15 July). John was scheduled for Saturday evening 14 July 1990 at the 11th edition of the festival 'dedicated to the music of the devil'. The Friday was about Chicago Blues featuring John Hammond, First Experience, Edoardo Bennato, Otis Clay, B.B. King.
John was to play Saturday with Tolo Marton, Robben Ford, and the Jeff Healey Band, Sunday was a soul day for ladies: Anna e Le Sorelle, Ladri di Biciclette, Chaka Khan, Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown, Miriam Makeba. Presenter was Andy J. Forest.

Summer

1990-00-00 UK, Nottingham, Wollaton Park. First edition of Heineken Big Top Festival; John headlined with Tom Robinson.

August

1990-08-14 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall (Edinburgh Festival). Tuesday, 23:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.50 (£ 5.00). "The Festival Fringe '90". According to John these shows were John Martyn with computerised keyboards, a drum machine in fact, and a guest guitar player.

1990-08-15 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall (Edinburgh Festival). Wednesday, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 6.50 (£ 5.00). Bootlegged (audience recording).

stub

September

1990-09-06 Scotland, Glasgow, Botanic Gardens. Deny This Love in The Garden Party live BBC TV show.

1990-09-22 Belgium, Bruxelles, Ancienne Belgique. Part of Bruzzle, the Brussels Arts Festival (13-23 Sep). "He opened acoustic, then the band blew everyone out of their chairs." (Patrick Teugels).

1990-09-24 UK, Cambridge, The Junction. Supporting act Cassell Webb. Monday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 7.50 (advance). "Guitarist of distinction in rare visit to Cambridge" (the Guardian).

1990-09-25 UK, Leeds, Irish Centre. Supporting act Cassell Webb. Tickets £ 5.00 advance, £ 6.00 door.

1990-09-26 UK, Warrington (Cheshire), Parr Hall. Supporting act Cassell Webb. "Par Hall, Warrington | SJM concerts present | John Martyn plus guests | Wednesday 4th July 1990 | [stamped] 26 SEP 1990 | Doors open 7.30pm." Tickets £ 6.00 (advance). "As we approached the hall, John appeared at the stage door (situated at the front of the hall!). John was right there in front of me and he asks 'Where's the nearest pub?' Me being Mr Beer Head, tells John to avoid Friars Court or the Woolpack and get to the Lower Angel for some decent beer, at which point John kindly looks at me and says 'I'm looking for the band!'..." (Stuart Massey)

1990-09-27 UK, London, Dominion Theatre. Supporting act Cassell Webb.

stub

1990-09-28 Ireland, Sligo, Arts Festival.

1990-09-29 Ireland, Dublin, Olympia. Supporting act Cassell Webb. Probably Midnight At The Olympia; 'instant sell-out'.

October

1990-10-17 Scotland, Edinburgh, Amphitheatre. Bootlegged, audience recording.

November

1990-11-17 Italy, Torino, Folk Club.

December

1990-12-10 Germany, Dortmund, Live Station.

1990-12-16 Germany, Paderborn, U-Bahnhof. With band, bootlegged, 130 minutes.

1990-12-22 Italy, Torino, Folk Club. Concert announced but postponed.


1991

1991-00-00 Scotland, Edinburg, Lothian Road: free lunchtime gig at club.

February

1991-02-09 Italy, Torino, Folk Club. 21:00 and 23:00 hrs. Show announced in La Stampa.

1991-02-10 Italy, Roma, Teatro Castello. Duo performance with Spencer Cozens. Reviewed in La Repubblica. "The place was a small disco-pub named Teatro Castello, a few yards from St. Peter's (now it hosts a conference room of the Vatican's spokesman!). The concert was great, but very badly promoted so the audience was small, and many among them had come to dance! So they were waiting for the gig to end and the disc-jokey to start... Very sad!" (Ricardo Cartocci)

March

1991-03-19 Spain, Madrid or Barcelona. Live TV-performance for final show of Sigue Sigue Plastic by RTE2. John plays Send Me One Line with a full band.

April

1991-04-13 France, Paris, New Morning Club. "The New Morning is a very good place for concerts (it's rather small) and John was fantastic there." (Robert Laugier). John played this venue twice in April 1991. This was the first evening.

stub

May

1991-05-13 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre. Mayfest. Monday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 7.00, £ 6.00 (£ 3.50, £ 3.00). "With nearly twenty albums to his name and still going strong, John Martyn brings his personal mix of jazz, folk and blues for two nights at the Pavilion Theatre, Mon 13—Tue 14 May, 8pm."
"Can't remember much of this one, probably full band" (David Hardie). Reviewed Glasgow Herald.

1991-05-14 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre. Mayfest. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 7.00, £ 6.00 (£ 3.50, £ 3.00). "An appearance by John Martyn at an event like Mayfest is so predictable that it would be easy to overlook him completely. That would be a mistake indeed. Martyn's performances —just his voice, a guitar and a set of effects pedals— can shift gear from lulling. dreamy ballads to tortured exorcisms. Breathtaking."

1991-05-27 UK, Milton Keynes, Campbell Park. May Daze Festival; shared bill with Cockney Rebel. Tickets £ 9.50.

June

1991-06-19 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso. Supporting act The Watchman. Wednesday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets f 12,50.

1991-06-21 Netherlands, Tilburg, probably Noorderligt. Cancelled.

July

1991-07-04 UK, Hopwood, Middleton (near Rochdale), Hopwood Hall College. Thursday night, 19:00-23:00 hrs. "Heineken Music Big Top Comes To Middleton! | 4th-7th July 1991 | Hopwood Hall | Rochdale Road - Middleton - Manchester M24 | John Martyn Band | George Borowski & Amazon Rags | The Bobby Charltons." John headlined the opening night of this Heineken sponsored (free) festival. "John Martyn was well received in the green big top, although unknown to many there. He and the band had the audience dancing to Apprentice songs. Also on the bill were The Days, and The High [both 6th July, ed]." (Craig Millar).

1991-07-00 UK, Sheffield, Devonshire Green. There was a concert in the Heineken tent there.

1991-07-21 UK, Swansea, probably Heineken Big Top festival (bootlegged).

Picture

August

1991-08-04 UK, Bristol, Castle Park. Heineken Big Top (bootlegged). In the early to mid-1990s Heineken sponsored free admission four-day live music events in the United Kingdom, in and around large capacity big top tents in Heineken green. The events took place in city parks up and down the UK, the first one being held in Wollaton Park, Nottingham in 1990. Regular venues included Swansea, Brighton, Portsmouth and Leeds.

1991-08-15 UK, Southsea Castle (near Portsmouth, Hampshire), Heineken Big Top Festival. Big John topped the bill, also present was Hazel O'Connor and probably Richard Thompson. Band gig with Cooltide Tour line-up. "I saw him in the audience watching acts earlier in the day, sporting a dark blue blazer with a nautical emblem on the front top pocket; seemed rather an odd choice of attire to me for his lordship!" (Ian Hepplewhite).
"John necked a full bottle of Bacardi in the first hour of the gig." (Doug Miller).

1991-08-23 UK, Brighton, Stanmer Park. Friday night, 18:00 hrs. Admission free; first day of Heineken Big Top festival. "Heineken Music Big Top Comes to Brighton! | Friday 23rd to Monday 26th August 1991 | Stanmer Park, Lewes Road, Brighton | Friday 23rd August 6pm | John Martyn Band | Nine Below Zero | The Bobby Charltons".

Cooltide tour

Band: Spencer Cozens (keyboards), Dave Lewis (sax), Alan Thomson (bass), Gerry Conway (drums)

September

1991-09-26 UK, Coventry, Tic Toc.

1991-09-27 UK, Wolverhampton, Civic Hall.

1991-09-28 UK, Manchester, International II.

1991-09-29 UK, Bradford, Queens Hall. Bootlegged, 100 minutes.

1991-09-30 UK, Cardiff, St David's Hall.

October

1991-10-01 UK, Hanley, Freetown Club.

1991-10-02 UK, Kendal (Cumbria), Brewery Arts Centre.

1991-10-03 UK, Kendal (Cumbria), Brewery Arts Centre.

1991-10-04 Scotland, Aberdeen, Music Hall.

1991-10-05 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall. Saturday. "John Martyn playing live with a band for the first time in years, and although his solo guitar and voice shows have occasionally been breathtaking, the chance to hear his songs played by jazz-literate musicians will make a nice change — so long as it doesn't take too much of the weight off Martyn, or send the music spinning off into indulgent muso realms." Bootlegged, audience recording.

1991-10-06 Scotland, Kilmarnock, Vito's.

1991-10-07 Scotland, Glasgow, Tron Theatre. Monday, 20:30 hrs, tickets £ 7.00. "Alive at the Tron".

1991-10-08 Scotland, Glasgow, Tron Theatre. Tuesday, 20:30 hrs, tickets £ 7.00. "Two nights for the legendary John Martyn".

stub

1991-10-09 UK, Warrington (Cheshire), Parr Hall. "Parr Hall, Warrington | SJM Concerts present | John Martyn & His Band | in concert | Wednesday 9th October 1991 | Doors open 7.30pm." Tickets £ 7.50 (advance).

1991-10-11 Ireland, Dublin, Olympia Theatre. Friday night.

1991-10-12 Ireland, Dublin, Olympia Theatre. Saturday night.

1991-10-13 Ireland, Cork, Everyman's Theatre. Sunday night.

1991-10-15 UK, Bristol, Thekla.

1991-10-16 UK, Aylesbury, Civic Centre. John was ill but played fine: "He dragged himself on stage a little late, started a mumbled apology - then raised his arms and shouted 'Hello Aylesbury, I've got flu, so %$&£ you!'" (Al Muir).

1991-10-17 UK, Southport, Arts Theatre. After this concert John was interviewed for five or six minutes by David Barber, he talked about Nick Drake. Quotes went public as late as 2005. David: "I think it’s fair to say that he was, on this occasion, a reluctant interviewee."

1991-10-18 UK, Nottingham, Polytechnic (Trent Poly).

1991-10-19 UK, Birmingham, Red Lion.

1991-10-20 UK, Sheffield, University.

1991-10-21 UK, Newcastle, Playhouse. Monday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 9.50.

1991-10-22 UK, Newcastle, Playhouse. Tuesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 9.50.

1991-10-23 UK, Carlisle, The Front Page.

1991-10-24 UK, Cambridge, Junction.

1991-10-25 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.

1991-10-27 UK, London, Subterania.

1991-10-28 UK, Lewisham, Theatre.

flyer

1991-10-29 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso. Supporting act The Watchman. Tuesday night, 21:00 hours. "John looked like an old hippie with long curly hair, dressed in a long sleeve coat and was either drunk or stoned (or both). During the concert he even shouted at Dave Lewes.The music was great." (Peter Klaessens). Reviewed in Trouw 01 Nov 1991.

1991-10-30 Netherlands, Den Haag, Paard. (I was there).

1991-10-31 Netherlands, Tilburg, Noorderligt. Supporting act The Watchman. Thursday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets f 17,50 (advance), f 20,00 (door). "John was fresh and wore a white suit. Jan Douwe Kroeske (host of the 2-meter sessions) was in the audience that night." (Peter Klaessens).

November

1991-11-01 Belgium, Kortrijk, Parochiaal Centrum.

1991-11-02 Netherlands, Apeldoorn, Gigant.

1991-11-03 Netherlands, Utrecht, Tivoli. Supporting act on the bill Calvin Russell. Sunday night, 21:30 hrs. Tickets f 15,00. "John didn't want to play after Calvin so John opened first. I had a chat with him after the the show, his son was also there" (Marc ter Horst). Same day studio performance in 2 Meter Sessies.

1991-11-04 Germany, Krefeld, Kulturfabrik.

1991-11-05 Germany, Köln, Alter Wartesaal. 'A.S.S. Concerts presents | John Martyn & Band | The Cooltide Tour 1991 | Beginn 20.00 Uhr.'

1991-11-06 Austria, Linz, Posthof.

1991-11-08 Germany, Berlin, Quasimodo.

1991-11-10 Germany, Hamburg, Fabrik.

1991-11-11 Danmark, Copenhagen, Montmartre.

1991-11-13 Germany, Frankfurt, Batschkapp. Tickets DM 24 (advance), DM 28 (door).

1991-11-14 Germany, Dortmund, Live Station.

1991-11-15 UK, London, Dominion Theatre.


1992

January

1992-01-00 Italy, Roma, Big Mama. In an October '91 article, L'Unità announced the reopening of this club in Trastevere mentioning that John was to perform there in January. No confirmation yet.

1992-01-20 US, Northampton (Massachusetts), Iron Horse Music Hall. Monday night. Announced Hartford Courant.

1992-01-22 US, Cambridge (Massachusetts), Nightstage. Wednesday night, 19:30 hrs. Announced Boston Globe.

February

1992-02-15 UK, London, The Grand (Clapham Junction). Tickets £ 8.00.

March

1992-03-11 Ireland, Dun Laoire, The Purty Loft. Wednesday night.

1992-03-13 Ireland, Limerick, Royal George Hotel.

1992-03-16 Ireland, Dundalk, Derry Hale Hotel.

1992-03-17 Ireland, Waterford, The Mansion House, with band. Tickets £ 5.00. "John Martyn at the Back o' the Mansion | St. Patrick's Night | A Music Moves Mansion House production." "Too pissed to play, the gig lasted an hour or so as he kept forgetting lyrics and changing in mid song and the band trying to keep up with him. Not his finest hour." (Paul Flynn).

1992-03-18 Ireland, Cork, Sir Henry's.

1992-03-19 Ireland, Galway, Setanta Hotel (Salthill). Thursday night. Reviewed by Galway Advertiser one week later.

1992-03-20 Northern Ireland, Belfast, The Conor Hall. Friday night.

April

1992-04-13 UK, Birmingham, The Hibernian (Selly Park). Monday night. Two concerts organised by promoter Paul O'Brien. "Couldn't believe that John Martyn was playing the backroom of a pub. Took my daughter, she would have been 11. John insisted a space was cleared for her to sit on a window sill near the front. He was brilliant. My favourite ever gig bar none" (Steve Clamp).

1992-04-14 UK, Birmingham, The Hibernian. Tuesday night. "Martyn's always a 50/50 proposition. Sometimes, like his recent local visits, he's yawningly introspective and indulgent, at others he metaphorically lets his hair down, rips his shirt and rips out. Assuming he's still in moody vibe Cool Tide mode, expect smoked gravel Tom Waits vocals and Coltrane/ Parker tinged jazzy blues. And maybe some more Tommy Cooper jokes." (What's On).

1992-04-28 UK, Folkestone (Kent), Metronome (with supporting act). Admission £ 7.50 (advance).

May

1992-05-20 Scotland, Glasgow, SECC Hall 1. Wednesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 8.00 (£ 5.00), £ 6.50 (£ 3.50). "One of Scotland's most distinguished soloists, and a man whose commercial success never matched up to his unclassifiable talent. With his voice, a guitar and a set of effects pedals, he can whip up a cathartic storm. First of two nights."

1992-05-21 Scotland, Glasgow, SECC Hall 1. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 8.00 (£ 5.00), £ 6.50 (£ 3.50).

1992-05-22 UK, Telford, Oakengates Theatre. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 7.50. "Town Hall Oakengates | Setting the Standard | At Oakengates Theatre | John Martyn in concert | Wrekin District Council | Fri 22 May 92 | Perf. Evening 7.30pm | £ 7.50" Two hour show with Spencer Cozens, Jerry Underwood, Alan Thomson and Gerry Conway. "John [...] turned up an hour late as he was stuck in traffic. As was I, we arrived around the same time!! (Steve W.) Short review Shropshire Star the next day.

stub

1992-05-23 UK, London, Subterania (Acklam Road). Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Admission £ 8.00 (advance).

1992-05-24 UK, London, Subterania (Acklam Road). Sunday night (uncertain).

June

1992-06-02 UK, London, The Grand.

1992-06-17 US, New York, Tramps.

1992-06-18 US, Washington, The Bayou.

1992-06-20 US, New York, The Bottom Line. Saturday night, 20:00 and 23:00 hrs. Tickets $ 15.00. Martyn, Ahmun, Cozens, Underwood; 2 sets, one broadcast on WBAI FM, one track -Big Muff- released on Georgia On Our Mind.

1992-06-21 US, Cambridge (Massachusetts), Nightstage. Sunday.

1992-06-22 US, Burlington (Vermont), Club Metronome. 'Part of the Cooltide Tour'. Monday night, 21:30 hrs. Tickets $ 12.00 (advance) and $ 15.00 (door). Small place, capacity 120. "His daughter was on board as tour-master. JM and I chatted briefly at the bar. I had been a fan for so long I couldn't believe it. The gig was amazing, of course." (John Dennison).

1992-06-25 US, Chicago, Beat Kitchen. Thursday night, 20:00 and 22:00 hrs. "Scottish folk-jazz-blues legend John Martyn, a longtime cult favorite on the Island Records label and recently signed to Offbeat Records, is in Chicago working on a new album with local producer Jim Tullio. Martyn will do two shows (8 p.m. and 10 p.m.) at the Beat Kitchen Tursday" (Chicago Tribune). A possible date of 2 June seems less likely.

1992-06-26 US, Northampton (Massachusetts), Iron Horse Music Hall. Friday night, 19:00 hrs. "Tonight at 7, the Iron Horse features Scottish singer/ songwriter/ guitarist John Martyn, whom the folks at the Iron Horse describe as 'one of the top three living guitarists' (who are the other two?)." (Berkshire Eagle) "I remember it well, it was a sweltering hot, early summer night. The lighting in the old Iron Horse was terrible for taking photographs." (Lahri Bond).

1992-06-00 UK, Guernsey, venue unknown. Date uncertain. Friday night. John had flown in from Chicago the day before.

1992-06-27 UK, Jersey, St Helier, La Buvette. Saturday night, with band. Ticket: "Le Masurier Sports and Social Club present John Martyn and his band". Packed pub with 400 people audience. Reviewed in Jersey Evening Post.

August

1992-08-03 Edinburgh, Preservation Hall. Monday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 7.50. "One of the few truly soulful voices in Scottish music, and one of its most renowned guitarists and songwriters as well, John Martyn is still under-appreciated here after nearly 25 years in the business. Check him out. Another show may be added tomorrow, otherwise The Rootsie Tootsie Band's Tuesday residency will carry on unaffected."

1992-08-08 UK, Hastings, The Stade. Saturday afternoon free Beach Concert; charity show for Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Poster text: "The Nelson Tigers '92 | Free RNLI Beach Concert | Featuring John Martyn [...] Saturday 8 August | 2pm until 8pm | on The Stade | Hastings Old Town". John headlining for Moonshot Blues, Tich Turner's Mish Mash Band, The Pullbacks, Chris Fyfe & friends plus support. "Live coverage by Hastings Local Radio on 100.5FM". This show was cancelled due to a 'missed plane' but John corrected the omission by playing one day later.

1992-08-09 UK, Hastings, The Stade. Sunday afternoon, spontaneous band performance. Charity for Lifeboat Institution show missed one day earlier. Spencer Cozens (keyboards), John Giblin (bass), Jerry Underwood (saxophone) and Jeff Allen (drums).

1992-08-18 UK, London, Half Moon. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00. (announced The Guardian).

1992-08-19 UK, London, Half Moon. Wednesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00.

stub

September

1992-09-11 UK, Milton Keynes, Woughton Centre (Chaffron Way). Friday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 6.00 and £ 7.00. "Languid singer and guitarist with a rich past and a wide range" (the Guardian).

1992-09-13 UK, Wolverhampton, The Lighthouse. Sunday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 7.50. "A Special Evening of Music | with the Legendary | John Martyn | In Concert | Live at The Lighthouse | Fryers Street - Wolverhampton | Sunday 13th Sept at 8pm". Alan Hallett reports this show was cancelled due to The Lighthouse not having a license. It was moved to the Wulfrun Hall a while later.

1992-09-24 UK, London, Town and Country Club (Forum): Prison Reform Trust Charity gig. Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00 (door), £ 9.00 (advance). "P.R.T. presents | John Martyn and band | Plus Special Guests | + Support - Microgroove | All proceeds to Prison Reform Trust | Thursday 24 september 1992 | Doors 7pm Show 7:30pm | Adv £9.00 Door £10.00". Andy Sheppard on sax; "mind blowing version of John Wayne".

November

1992-11-03 UK, London, The Grand (Clapham Junction). Admission £ 8.

1992-11-04 UK, London, Mean Fiddler (series of 10th anniversary concerts for the venue).

1992-11-05 UK, BBC2: Later with Jools Holland, first series. Man In The Station, Sweet Little Mystery, May You Never. Andy Shepherd was in same show.

December

1992-12-20 US, Chicago, Beat Kitchen (solo).


1993

stub

January

1993-01-03 Scotland, Glasgow, Cathouse. Support act to The Party Boys (Sensational Alex Harvey Band). "It was the night he signed some of my pictures taken at the Sub Club and christened me Snapper." (David Hardie)

1993-01-29 UK, London, Town & Country Club. "Magnetic South presents John Martyn in Concert." Friday night, door 19:00 hrs, showtime 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 11.00 in advance.

1993-01-30 UK, Bradford, Queens Hall. "John Martyn with full band plus special guests." Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 8.00.

Couldn't Love You More Tour

February

1993-02-02 UK, London, Mean Fiddler. But also:

1993-02-02 UK, London, Half Moon, Putney.

1993-02-08 UK, London, Half Moon, Putney.

1993-02-16 Scotland, Edinburgh, Queen's Hall. Tuesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50. "Never mind about this 'secret hero' Paul Brady — John Martyn's been making grown-up and often challenging music for quarter of a century now, but is too often looked on as part of the furniture than as the historically important figure he is. To be fair. though. Martyn himself has made a habit of not taking paths that might bump up his profile. His new LP, Couldn't Love You More, features new versions of his best-known songs by an impeccably tasteful and sometimes rather too laid-back band. Perhaps the songs will burn a little more fiercely live."

1993-02-17 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre. Wednesday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50, £ 7.50. "Don't be surprised to catch sight of many local starlets he‘s influenced gawping in the audience tonight."

1993-02-18 UK, Telford, Oakengates Theatre. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 8.00, £ 9.00. 'Plus Special Guest [Ian] McCallum'.

stub

1993-02-20 UK, Manchester, Students Union (Main Hall, bootlegged). "Manchester University Union | SJM Concerts present | John Martyn | Saturday 20th February 1993 | [...] Doors 7.30 p.m. | Over 18's only." Tickets £ 9.00 (advance).

1993-02-23 UK, Worthing, Pavilion Theatre. "John Martyn & Band." Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Admission £8.50.

March

1993-03-05 UK, London, Watermans Arts Centre (Brentford).

European spring tour

Spencer Cozens (keyboards), Scott [Firth] (bass), Gerry Conway (drums), Jerry Underwood (sax)

stub

April

1993-04-08 Germany, Berlin, Franz Club.

1993-04-09 Germany, Hamburg, Fabrik.

1993-04-10 Germany, Hannover, Capitol. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets DM 18 (advance), DM 22 (door). "25 Jahre | John Martyn | Sa., 10.04.'93 | Einlaß: 19.30 Uhr | Vorverkauf DM 18,-- | Abendkasse DM 22,-- | Tourneeleitung: BIG MUFF".

stub

1993-04-12 Germany, Köln, Luxor.

stub

1993-04-14 Germany, Bremen, Lagerhaus.

1993-04-15 Germany, Erlangen, E-Werk.

1993-04-16 Germany, Halle, Capitol.

1993-04-18 Germany, Wuppertal, Forum.

1993-04-19 Germany, München, Nachtwerk.

1993-04-20 Germany, Bochum, Bahnhof Langendreer. "John had our addresses collected for a 'traditional' mailing list, but no information whatsoever arrived in the last 11 years (-:)" (Hermann Wüst).

1993-04-21 Netherlands, Amsterdam, Melkweg. With band. Wednesday, 22:00 hrs.

1993-04-22 Netherlands, Den Haag, Paard. Thursday, 22:00 hrs.

1993-04-23 Germany, Bielefeld, PC69. Friday night, 20:00 hrs. Admission DM 20 (advance), DM 24 (door).

1993-04-24 Netherlands, Haarlem, Patronaat. Saturday night.

1993-04-25 Netherlands, Uden, De Nieuwe Pul. Sunday night, 22:00 hrs. Tickets f 15 (advance), f 17,50 (door). John was more than an hour late. "zondag 25 april | 25-jarig jubileum tour | John Martyn | & Band | + Special Guests | open: 21.00 uur • aanvang: 22.00 uur | entree: f 15,- (vvk) / ƒ 17,50 (kassa)". Reviewed Limburgs Dagblad 28 Apr 1993.

1993-04-26 Germany, Bonn, Jazz Galerie.

1993-04-27 Belgium, Bruxelles (Molenbeek), De Vaartkapoen (VK*). "Horrible. John arrived an hour late and totally drunk. The band seemed to be together for the first time. John had to show the chords for some requests which they turned into muzak." (Patrick Teugels).

1993-04-28 France, Paris, Passage du Nord-Ouest. "I remember it was an awful concert. John was in a terribly bad mood." (Robert Laugier). There is a reference to the New Morning club but that is faulty.

June

1993-06-05 Scotland, Glasgow, The Scottish Fleadh (Glasgow Green). Saturday 5 June, People's Palace, Glasgow Green. Tickets £ 20.00. "Scottish Fleadh 1993 | On the main stage | Runrig, Van Morrison, Aztec Camera, The Pogues, Mary Black, Dougie MacLean, The River Detectives | And in the marque | John Martyn, Eddi Reader, The Humpff Family, Mary Coughlan, Carol Laula, Mouth Music, Lost Soul Band, The Dreaming, Disney Moon." John topped the bill at 20:15 hrs.

1993-06-12 UK, London, Finsbury Park - Fleadh. Saturday. John played the Mean Fiddler Marquee 19:45 hrs. Rest of the line-up for this stage: Nomos, Toss The Feathers, Storm, Lindisfarne, Eddi Reader, Christie Hennessy, Capercaillie, Tommy Makem, Kirsty MacColl, Mary Coughlan, JM, A Woman's Heart, Moving Hearts. John played while Van Morrison was on the Fleadh Stage, followed by Bob Dylan.

1993-06-22 UK, London, Forum. Supporting act Pat Orchard.

August

1993-08-07 US, Los Angeles, The Troubadour.

1993-08-24 Scotland, Edinburgh, Acropolis (Edinburgh Festival).

1993-08-25 Scotland, Edinburgh, Acropolis (Edinburgh Festival).

stub

1993-08-28 UK, Stansfield, Suffolk & Good Festival. John Martyn and Bert Jansch apparently replaced Rick Wakeman (see flyer clip). Strawbs 25th anniversary festival. Line-up: Spencer Cozens, Jerry Underwood, John Giblin, Gerry Conway. From the program, sponsored by Nethergate Fine Ales: "At Suffolk & Good, John Martyn plays for us with his band. He's still using the 'echo-plex' effect, but these days the sound is achieved digitally. That's progress for you." Perhaps that is also the reason they claim Solid air had a track called I'd Rather Go Blind.
John noticed the Strawbs were heading the bill and decided to rename his band The Mixed Fruits for the occasion. "Less than 1000 people attended but it was a superb line-up and JM was in fine form. I spoke to him as he arrived and he had clearly had a snifter or two on the way there. He played wonderfully and was supposed to play for much less time than he did. The stage manager took to hopping up and down in front of the stage (which wasn't high) trying to get him to stop - John just smiled at him and carried on. Wonderful, classic Martyn behaviour." The show was bootlegged.

September

1993-09-03 Scotland, Edinburgh, The Castle. Supporting Nanci Griffith, Friday night, 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 18.00 and £ 15.00. "The Edinburgh 1993 Castle Concerts | Direct from the USA | Only European Date | Nanci Griffith, John Martyn, Horse." Reviewed The List of 10 Sep 1993.

1993-09-08 US, New York, Bottom Line (duo with John Giblin bass, two sets, first song solo).

1993-09-10 US, Ferndale (Michigan), Magic Bag Cafe. Friday night. With John Giblin, bootlegged.

1993-09-12 US, Chicago, Beat Kitchen (solo performance).

1993-09-15 US, Fort Worth (Texas), Caravan of Dreams. Wednesday night, duo with John Giblin. Supporting act Bruce Williams. Intimate gig, 91 people attended. Sympathetic review Fort Worth Start-Telegram.

1993-09-16 US, Seattle, The Backstage. With John Giblin, supporting act Elizabeth Cable. Thursday night, 20:30 hrs. Tickets $ 10.00 (advance), $ 12.00 (door). "Glasgow born song/poet, celebrating his 25th year of tuneful expression with a cool new release on Mesa/ Blue Moon which includes performances by, among others, Phil Collins & Levon Helm. Though Martyn is not as well recognized as many of his contemporaries, his music has had a constant and profound effect on cult fans & musicians alike."
"Fantastic event, also attending this show were Eddie Vedder & Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam" (Miro Jugum) Bootlegged.

1993-09-19 US, San Francisco, The Great American Music Hall (solo). "Neat little venue holding about 250-300 people, tables with waitress service. Very civilized concert going! The surprising thing was that it was fairly full. I didn't think that many people over here had heard of old John. He played a great set consisting totally of older songs." (anonymous).

1993-09-24 US, Santa Monica (California), McCabe's (two sets). With John Giblin, bootlegged.

1993-09-26 US, [unknown]. Radio session for NPR radio.

December

1993-12-10 US, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), WXPN Studios (World Cafe broadcast March 30 1994).

1993-12-17 US, Philadelphia, Tin Angel. Friday night, 20:00 and 22:30 hrs. Tickets £ 12.00. Promoting No Little Boy, supporting act Huffamoose. (Announced Philadelphia Daily News)


1994

January

1994-01-09 UK, Chester, Telfords Warehouse.

March

1994-03-05 US, Seattle, The Backstage. Solo, supporting act The Invisible Orchestra. Saturday night. Start of East Coast tour, from here they drove to San Francisco. Show reviewed in The Rocket of 16 Mar 1994. At least six songs recorded in the audience.

1994-03-09 US, San Francisco, GAMH (The Great American Music Hall). Supporting act Dirk Hamilton. Wednesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets $ 10.00.

advert

1994-03-12 US, Santa Monica (California), McCabe's (two sets). Saturday night, 20:00 and 22:30 hrs. Promoting No Little Boy.

1994-03-15 US, Scottsdale, Arizona, The Rockin' Horse. "Life has not been the same here since musically. The club burned to the ground in 1996." (Mariah Fleming)

1994-03-16 US, Tucson, Southwest Center for Music. Wednesday night.

1994-03-18 US, Tucson, Cushing Street Bar & Grill. Friday night.

April

1994-04-16 US, Philadelphia, Theater of Living Arts. John Martyn with Huffamoose. Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets $ 13.50. Half full, reviewed Philadelphia Inquirer.

1994-04-21 US, New York, The Bottom Line. John Martyn & Huffamoose and The Charlie Musselwhite Band. Thursday night, 19:30 and 22:30 hrs. Tickets $ 17.50.

1994-04-23 US, Northampton (Massachusetts), Iron Horse Music Hall. Saturday night. 'Casual dress'.

1994-04-27 US, Somerville (Massachusetts), Johnny D's (Davis Square). Wednesday night, 21:00 hrs. "Great show, although he was so drunk I don't think he'd remember it." Venue officially called Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant and Music Club.

1994-04-29 Italy, Bergamo, Blob House.

1994-04-30 Italy, Bologna, Ruvido. 'Live Music & Restore.' Solo show, Saturday, 22:30 hrs. Bootlegged.

May

stub

1994-05-01 Italy, Vicenza, Totem.

1994-05-00 Italy, Milan, solo concert.

1994-05-05 UK, Telford, Oakengates Theatre.

1994-05-06 Ireland, Dublin, Olympia Theatre.

1994-05-07 Ireland, Dublin, Olympia Theatre.

1994-05-09 UK, Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms. Tickets £ 10.00.

1994-05-10 UK, Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms. Tickets £ 10.00.

1994-05-11 UK, Bath, The Hub.

stub

1994-05-12 UK, Newport, King's Hotel. "The Kings Hotel presents | Thursday 12th May | John Martyn & Band | plus support | Tickets: £8.00 | Doors open 8.00pm No Admission after 10.00pm | Management reserve the right to refuse admission."

1994-05-13 UK, Northampton, Roadmenders.

1994-05-14 UK, London, Blackheath Concert Halls. Saturday night, 20:00 hrs, Great Hall. Tickets £ 12.00.

1994-05-15 UK, Manchester, University, Students Union (Minor Hall).

1994-05-17 Scotland, Aberdeen, Lemon Tree.

1994-05-18 Scotland, Aberdeen, Lemon Tree.

1994-05-19 Scotland, Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.50, £ 8.50. "Influential singer/ songwriter from these very shores whose gruff tones and warm songs make a special combination."

1994-05-20 UK, Blackpool, Winter Gardens.

1994-05-22 Scotland, Edinburgh, The Royal Lyceum Theatre. Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00 and £ 9.00. "Still going strong after about 30 years as a performer, an understatedly emotional singer and guitarist in a venue which should suit his style."

1994-05-23 UK, Kendal (Cumbria), Brewery Arts Centre. Monday night, 20:30 hrs. Tickets £ 9.50.

1994-05-24 UK, Kendal (Cumbria), Brewery Arts Centre. Tuesday night, 20:30 hrs. Tickets £ 9.50.

stub

stub

1994-05-25 UK, Leeds, Irish Centre. "John Martyn plus Special Guests." Wednesday evening, doors open 8.00pm. Admission £ 8.00 (advance), £ 9.00 (door).

1994-05-26 UK, Southport, Arts Centre.

1994-05-27 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall. Tickets £ 7.50.

Ticket stub

1994-05-28 UK, Leicester, University Queens Hall.

1994-05-29 UK, Chester, Telfords Warehouse (Tower Wharf). Sunday night, 20:00 hrs.

1994-05-30 UK, Stoke, Wheatsheaf.

1994-05-31 UK, Swansea, Penyrheol Leisure Centre. Tuesday, 8.00pm. Admission £ 8,50 (balcony) Bootlegged.

June

1994-06-01 UK, Cambridge, The Junction.

1994-06-02 UK, London, The Grand (Clapham Junction). Thursday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50. "The Grand Presents | John Martyn at The Grand | St. John's Hill, Clapham Junction | London, SW11 2RS | Doors: 7:00pm - Midnight Showtime 9:00pm | Thursday 2nd June 1994 | Tickets £8.50 (Advance) | No under 18s".

1994-06-03 UK, Derby, Assembly Rooms.

1994-06-05 UK, High Wycombe, Swan Theatre.

1994-06-06 UK, Winchester, Theatre Royal.

1994-06-08 UK, Newcastle, Riverside.

1994-06-09 UK, Chester, Telfords Warehouse.

1994-06-10 UK, Middlesbrough, Town Hall Crypt.

1994-06-11 UK, Colchester, Leisure World/ Charter Hall. 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 9.50. "Charter Hall | The Main Event | Colchester Leisure World | Proudly Presents | John Martyn | Plus Support".

stub

1994-06-12 Scotland, Irvine, Irvine Beach Park (harbourside). Sunday afternoon, 11:30 hrs. Admission free. Second day of Rock On The Watter festival. Shared bill with The Rhymes, Harmonica Jones, Dream Kitchen and JDF (Jean De Florette). "Rootsier sounds for the second day of Rock On The Watter, including the spellbinding husky-tones Martyn and Ayrshire blues group The Rhymes."

1994-06-13 UK, Preston, The Mill (Aqueduct Street). "A great show with John Giblin on bass." (Craig Millar).

1994-06-25 Scotland, Macduff (Aberdeenshire), Tarlair Music Festival. Part of the Saturday bill, headlined by Runrig. "Runrig were supported by The Blazing Apostles, Velvetead, Jerry Jablonski and John Martyn." About 5.000 people present in emptied outdoor swimming pool; last year the festival took place. Sunday main act was Wet Wet Wet. The weather on Saturday was pretty wet and apparently John refused to play as the rain was getting onto the stage. Also "the fire brigade pumped out part of the arena when the sea flooded it mid-set."

1994-06-00 Scotland, Glasgow, Old Fruit Market. Recording of Loudon Wainwright hosted BBC Scotland show Loudon & Co. Big Muff turning into Hurt In Your Heart with unchanged rhythm. John on electric guitar, John Giblin on acoustic bass guitar. Broadcast 3 Aug 1994.

stub

September

1994-09-08 UK, London, Mean Fiddler. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 8 in advance, reviewed in Q #97.

1994-09-10 UK, St Ives (Cornwall), Guildhall. September Festival with supporting act Mike Silver.

Autumn: solo tour

Supporting act Jay Fisher

stub

October

1994-10-08 Italy, Torino, Folk Club. Saturday night gig announced but also cancelled. La Stampa claimed John had suffered a heart attack, needing recovery in a Birmingham hospital. This info is unconfirmed and not very likely either.

1994-10-09 Italy, Mezzago (Mi), Bloom. Sunday night, 21:30 hrs.

1994-10-15 Scotland, Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Norscot Angling Club. "He was supported by the Red Vans (a local band) who also backed John for some of the night." (James Carlyle)

1994-10-21 UK, London (Islington), Union Chapel. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00 (bootlegged).

1994-10-22 UK, Carlisle, Front Page. Saturday.

1994-10-23 UK, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Maltings Arts Centre. Sunday.

1994-10-24 UK, Newcastle, The Cellar. Monday.

1994-10-25 UK, Bath, The Hub. Tuesday.

1994-10-27 UK, Newport, The King's Hotel. Thursday.

1994-10-28 UK, Exeter, St. Georges Hall. Friday.

November

1994-11-01 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia. Tuesday.

1994-11-02 UK, Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall. Wednesday.

1994-11-04 UK, Milton Keynes, The Sanctuary (Saxon Street). Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00.

1994-11-06 UK, Banbury, The Mill Arts. Sunday.

1994-11-07 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall. Monday.

1994-11-08 UK, Chester, Telfords Warehouse. Tuesday.

1994-11-09 UK, Chester, Telfords Warehouse. Wednesday.

1994-11-10 Scotland, Glasgow, Castlemilk Community Centre. Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00 and £ 1.00. First night of three evening Castlemilk Folk Festival, John was supported by Jay Fisher. "Castlemilk Folk Festival presents the world—famous Glasgow guitarist/ songwriter in a solo show. Support slot from rising English songwriter Jay Fisher." Not a good evening, "John was paralytic and barely able to stand never mind play. His band just turned up the volume and played an interminable groove."

1994-11-11 Scotland, Edinburgh, George Square Theatre. Joint bill with Jay Fisher. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50.

flyer

1994-11-12 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry. Saturday night, tickets £ 10.00.

1994-11-13 UK, Hull, Hull Truck Theatre. Sunday.

1994-11-14 UK, Stoke (Cheshire), Wheatsheaf. Monday.

1994-11-15 UK, Nottingham, Old Vic. Tuesday.

1994-11-16 UK, Southport, Arts Centre. Wednesday.

1994-11-17 UK, Leeds, Irish Centre. Solo, Thursday night, 8.00pm. Admission £ 7.50 (advance), £ 8.50 (door).

stub

1994-11-18 UK, Allendale Town (Northumberland), King's Head Hotel. Friday.

1994-11-19 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry. Saturday night, tickets £ 10.00. "Gravelly soulful simplicity from the highly influential Scots singer on his second Ferry date." Sold out.

1994-11-20 Scotland, Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree. Sunday.

1994-11-24 UK, Manchester, University. Thursday.

1994-11-25 UK, London, Watermans Arts Centre. Friday night, 22:30 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00.

1994-11-27 UK, Henley-on-Thames, Town Hall. Supporting act Jay Fisher. Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 12.00.

1994-11-28 UK, Brighton, Concorde Bars. "Superb." (John Hawkins)

1994-11-29 UK, Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms.

1994-11-30 UK, Southampton, The Gantry.

December

1994-12-01 UK, Salisbury (Wiltshire), The Arts Centre.

1994-12-02 UK, Ashburton (Devon), Lanterns. Jason Feddy was the support act, he played a few more gigs on that tour with John. (Chris Walters)

stub

1994-12-03 UK, London, Blackheath Concert Halls. Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. Supporting act Jay Fisher.

1994-12-04 UK, Sheffield, Leadmill.

1994-12-05 Ireland, Galway, Róisin Dubh. Monday night. Tickets for these two shows sold out in a record-breaking two hours.

1994-12-06 Ireland, Galway, Róisin Dubh. Tuesday night. "I remember when John Martyn was here [in the Róisin Dubh] for the first time. On his second night, everybody started singing along with him, and he just broke down in tears because he was so moved by their response. And that's not unusual." (John Mannion)

1994-12-07 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Conor Hall.

1994-12-08 Ireland, Culdaff (Donegal), Mac's Backroom Bar (solo; moron performance [ipse dixit]).

1994-12-09 Ireland, Dublin, Dublin Olympia.

1994-12-10 UK, Kendal (Cumbria), Brewery Arts Centre.

1994-12-11 UK, Saint Donats (Vale of Glamorgan, Wales), Tythebarn Theatre.

1994-12-12 UK, Stratford [upon Avon], Civic Hall.

1994-12-16 UK, Birmingham, The Digbeth Institute.

1994-12-17 UK, Worksop (Nottinghamshire), Regal Centre.

1994-12-18 UK, Bristol, Bierkeller. "Bristol Bierkeller | Hanx presents | John Martyn | + Jay Fisher | Sunday 18th December 1994 | Doors 8:00pm". Tickets £ 8.50 (advance).

1994-12-19 UK, Burnley (Lancashire), Mechanics.

1994-12-20 UK, Cambridge, The Junction (Clifton Road). Tuesday night, 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 7.00 and £ 8.00. Supporting act Jay Fisher.


1995

January

1995-01-12 Scotland, Glasgow, Grand Ballroom (Hospitality Inn). Celtic Connections; John Martyn and New Celeste supporting. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50 (£ 6.50). "Mellow roots/ rock originating in 60s and 70s Glasgow. Martyn created and defined a stylised musical language on guitar and attenuated vocals and as a songwriter has been consistently creative over the three decades."

1995-01-14 Italy, Torino, Folk Club. Saturday night, 21:00 hrs. Admission Lit 30.000. Replacement for the cancelled 08 Oct 1994 show.

March

1995-03-13 Germany, Berlin, Quasimodo. 22:00 hrs.

1995-03-14 Germany, Berlin, Quasimodo. 22:00 hrs.

1995-03-17 Netherlands, Haarlem, Patronaat. (Good solo gig.)

1995-03-18 UK, London, Astoria Theatre (supporting act Pat Orchard). Saturday night, doors 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. Ticket text: "EQ Presents | John Martyn | Plus Special Guests | at London Astoria | 157 Charing Cross Road | London WC2 | Admission £10 advance". Cf 2 June 1996. "Due to Exceptional Public Demand | an evening with | John Martyn | plus special guest | Saturday 18th March."

1995-03-18 France, Paris, New Morning (faulty).

concert program

Snoo Tour

Supporting act Iain Archer

June

1995-06-01 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10. "The gravel-voiced troubadour still on top after all these years. Support comes from the 23-year-old Belfast singer-songwriter who's been acclaimed, appropriately enough, as 'the new John Martyn' and releases his debut album on Sticky Records (Lies Damned Lies label) this month."

1995-06-02 Scotland, Kirkcaldy, Adam Smith Theatre.

1995-06-04 UK, Newcastle, The Playhouse.

1995-06-05 UK, Chester, Telfords Warehouse (bootlegged).

1995-06-06 UK, Newbury, The Corn Exchange.

1995-06-08 UK, High Wycombe, The Swan Theatre.

1995-06-09 UK, UK, Lowestoft [Suffolk], The Marina Theatre.

1995-06-10 UK, London, Finsbury Park. Fleadh festival. Fifth anniversary of the Fleadh (so sixth show). John played the (secondary) Time Out stage from 18:15 to 19:15 hours. He was followed by Michelle Shocked but most people probably went to the Main Stage for Van Morrison afterwards.

1995-06-11 UK, Cambridge, The Corn Exchange.

1995-06-13 UK, Gravesend, Woodville Halls. 20:00 hrs, tickets £ 10.00. "John came back from the pub/ curry house through the auditorium in Hawaian gear while a solo act was performing, and started heckling the poor guy himself" (Martin Futter).

stub

1995-06-14 UK, Leeds, Irish Centre. "John Martyn & His Band + Iain Archer." Wednesday evening, doors open 8.00pm. Admission £ 9.00 (advance), £ 10.00 (door).

stub

1995-06-15 UK, Preston, The Charter Theatre.

1995-06-16 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Folk festival.

stub

1995-06-17 Ireland, Dublin, Olympia Theatre.

1995-06-20 UK, Swansea, Penyrheol Leisure Centre.

1995-06-21 UK, Bath, The Pavilions.

1995-06-22 UK, Tavistock [Devon], The Wharf.

1995-06-23 UK, Wolverhampton [Birmingham], Wulfrun Hall. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. 'Plus special guest Iain Archer.' "John was playing like a demon & sweating up a storm" (Garry Corbett).

1995-06-24 UK, Stone [Staffordshire], The Forum Leisure Centre.

1995-06-25 UK, Spalding, South Holland Centre.

1995-06-26 UK, Coventry, Warwick Arts Centre.

1995-06-27 UK, Yeovil (Somerset), Octagon Theatre.

1995-06-28 UK, Portsmouth, The Wedgewood Rooms.

1995-06-29 UK, London, The Grand (Clapham Junction).

1995-06-30 UK, Crawley [West Sussex], The Hawth. Friday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. "Crawley Borough Council | Leisure Services | for the best in | Arts and Entertainment | The Hawth | John Martyn plus support | £10.00 Ad Rear Stalls | Fri 30 Jun 95 | 8:00 pm".

stub

July

1995-07-01 UK, Winchester, Theatre Royal.

1995-07-02 UK, Bracknell [Berkshire], South Hill Park. John headlined the Sunday line up of the Bracknell Festival (19:30 hrs). "He was pissed as a fart. Rubbish." (Neil Jung).

August

1995-08-06 UK, Swansea, Singleton Park. Swansea Music Fest '95 lasted four days from Thursday 3 through Sunday 6 August and was organised by Square One Events and the Swansea City Council. The Sunday show ran from 14:00 - 22:30pm. Text from the poster: "4 days of big name live music for a tenner! | Season tickets only £10 in advance | Produced by Square One Festivals the people behind the Heineken Festivals". Artists billed for Sunday: Big Country, John Martyn, Oysterband, Energy Orchard, Wilko Johnson, John Otway Big Band, Killing Time and many more.
"When, after several years of the Heineken Big top in Swansea the show stopped, the council ran it's own festival for a few years, on exactly the same lines as the Heineken. That is free [sic], in a big top in the park, and on the grass outside. 6 August 1995 was a hot day, perfect for listening to John and band playing for about for 75 minutes. The band were Alan Thomson bass, Gerry Underwood saxes, Spencer Cozens keyboards and Ted McKenna drums. Setlist: Big Muff | Couldn't Love You More | Step It Up | Lookin' On | Fisherman's Dream | unknown song | Suzanne | Rock, Salt and Nails | Johnny Too Bad | John Wayne." (Ian Burgess). Bootlegged.
According to Sean Wilkie the sax player was Andy Sheppard: "Andy played most of the gig. Martyn was in dungarees and had put on a few inches around the waist since the last time I'd seen him. It was a good show."

1995-08-00 UK, Hastings. Beach concert during carnival as remembered by Susanne Mead.

1995-08-14 Scotland, Edinburgh, The Palladium (Edinburgh Festival). Monday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets £ 9.50. "Welcome Festival-time gig for the Scotsman who started in Hamish lmlach-influenced folk and has branched into just about everything since, developing a distinctive, laid-back but intense style on the way."

1995-08-19 Scotland, Aberdeen, Bridge of Don Barracks. John headlined this 'Event In A Tent', an all day festival. Also on the bill were The Gin Goblins and various local bands. Benefit show for aids research.

October

1995-10-26 Spain, Bilbao, El Carmen (Plaza Indautxu). Solo show, Thursday.

November

1995-11-11 Scotland, Glasgow, Castlemilk Community Centre. Show at Castlemilk Folk Festival, with band. Supporting act Sugartown. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 5.00 (£ 1.00). "Glasgow’s John Martyn has won an international following since the late 60s for his distinctively stylised and beautiful songs, in everything from solo acoustic guitar settings to out-and-out jazz/rock."

1995-11-17 UK, London, Mean Fiddler. Friday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 11.00.


1996

February

1996-02-13 UK, London, Blackheath Halls (bootlegged).

April

1996-04-05 UK, Carlisle, probably Front Page. With band, Karl Vandenbossche on percussion (soundboard recording). John calls his band "The Bumdusters".

stub

ticket

May

1996-05-03 UK, Chester, Telfords Warehouse.

1996-05-04 UK, Sandbach, Leisure Centre. Saturday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50. "Sandbach Arts Festival 1996 | The Balcony Arts Foundation Presents | John Martyn and guests | Sandbach Leisure Centre | Saturday 4th May at 7.30pm | Price £8.50". There were more than 500 people present at this show which took place during the 5th edition of the Sandbach Arts Festival.

1996-05-09 Ireland, Culdaff (Donegal), Mac's Backroom Bar (with band).

1996-05-10 Ireland, Sligo.

1996-05-13 Ireland, Galway, Rosh and Dove (Róisin Dubh). "John Martyn & His Band." Monday night, 21:00 hrs.

1996-05-14 Ireland, Galway, Rosh and Dove (Róisin Dubh). "John Martyn & His Band." Tuesday night, 21:00 hrs.

1996-05-29 UK, Banbury, The Mill. Wednesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 12.00. "The Mill | Community Education & Arts Centre | Presents | John Martyn".

1996-05-31 UK, BBC2, Later with Jools Holland; Step It Up, She's A Lover, Easy Blues with Danny Thompson (bass) and Jools on piano. Recorded Friday night, broadcast Saturday 1st June.

June

1996-06-01 UK, London, Blues West 14 (Kensington, 11 Russell Gardens). Saturday night, 22:00 hrs. Tickets £ 15.00 or £ 30.00 (with dinner). "A private audience with the legendary John Martyn and his band | 1st June 1996 | At Blues West 14 | Show starts 10pm. Doors open 7.30pm. Table Reserved for Diners only. £30 per head includes 2 Course Meal | Tickets only £15. 'A once in a lifetime opportunity to see the man and his music'."

advert

1996-06-02 UK, London, Astoria Theatre. Supporting act Pat Orchard. "EQ Presents | John Martyn | plus Special Guests | at London Astoria | Sunday 2nd June 1996 | Doors 7.00pm." Tickets £10.00 advance, £11.00 door. Cf 18 March 1995.

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advert

1996-06-20 UK, London, Forum: guest appearance at The Band concert. "The show was enlivened by a totally drunken John Martyn lurching around during Ophelia." (Peter Viney) And: "Mysteriously, John Martyn wandered onto the stage and richly intoned the chorus of Ophelia, then just as mysteriously vanished again. [...] Levon Helm from behind the safety of his drumkit called for 'Bobby O' to come back on. Then added 'He's called Bobby O in the States. He's just shy.' That was just the first of the euphemisms that seemed to be circling the stage that night. (Julian Moseley). Reviewed The Guardian.

1996-06-29 UK, Watford (Hertfordshire), Cassiobury Park. Saturday appearance at the annual local council sponsored Rainbow Festival (also dubbed 'Environmental Fair'). Short 20 minute set; last minute replacement for 90s boy band Let Loose who cancelled due to illness. Other replacement was soul band Odyssey. "John appeared on set clad in a fur coat and clutching a can of special brew. When a fan requested May You Never he responded tersley that 'I may *ucking play it later!' His reason for the fur coat he insisted was that he was suffering from a heavy cold and had aquired it the previous day from a local charity shop. Cynics believed that it was a little mischievous. The fur coat attracted more space in local paper the Watford Observer than details of the performance itself." (Lawrence Williams).

July

1996-07-06_07 Germany, Bonn. Festival 'Rheinkultur Umsonst & Draussen'. Line-up mentioned in Der Spiegel: Element of Crime, Paulo Mendonca, Blumfeld, John Martyn, Orange, Die Schweisser, Ignite, Millencolin, Lightning Seeds, My Own Victim and others.

1996-07-20 UK, Stratford upon Avon, Long Marston Airfield: Phoenix festival. Saturday night. John played the Mean Fiddler stage together with Beth Orton and Ian Archer (among others). Main acts like Björk, Massive Attack and Skunk Anansie played the Phoenix stage.

1996-07-18 UK, Newcastle, The Cellar (South Shields). 'John Martyn Band'. Thursday night, 21:30 hrs.

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1996-07-29 UK, Gosport (Hampshire), Gosport Summer Festival, in a tent ('Big Top') on Walpole Park. With band but no support act, although ticket says otherwise. Doors 7:30pm, tickets £ 8.00. "Gosport Borough Council present | John Martyn & his Band | + support | Monday 29th July 1996 | Big Top | Walpole Park, Gosport | Gosport Summer Festival 1996."
"One of the best gigs I've been to" (David Veale). "Our own post-Festival report refers to his show being 'stylish and charismatic'. 452 people attended - not bad for a Monday night in Gosport!" (Peter Chegwyn).

August

1996-08-04 Ireland, Millstreet (Co. Cork), The Green Glens Arena. Sunday evening band gig on the Millstreet Music Fair, a one day three stage festival with 30 acts. Day tickets £ 20.00. John played stage 2, the World Stage, from 21:05-22:05 hrs, after Cowboy Junkies and before Shane MacGowan. Other acts there included Emmylou Harris, Tom Robinson, Altan, Kiki Dee and Ann di Franco. Van Morrison was scheduled for stage 1, Greenfield Stage.
"I saw John do an incredible 10 minute version of Johnny Too Bad. Gobsmacking. Unfortunately Johnny Too Bad was all I saw. I had been watching Van Morrison's 9pm outdoor set which finished up about 10. I headed to the indoor arena for Shane McGowans 10:15 set, arriving around 10:10. As happens schedules had gotten behind and Martyn was running late. I arrived to see the stage manager feverishly gesticulating at John to finish up, who indicated he wanted to do one more. John, being typically contrary, then did that awesome version of Johnny Too Bad, to the obvious despair of the stage manager. One of my treasured memories." (Martin Foyle).

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September

1996-09-13 UK, London, Royal Festival Hall (RFH1). Supporting act Beth Orton. Friday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50 - £ 13.50. "John Martyn plus Bess [sic] Orton | Maverick singer, songwriter and genius guitarist" (Guardian advert). "Awesome, people were sitting in the aisles, John was suited, booted, hair extensions a la Thelonious And. top class gig...." (John Hillarby). Reviewed one week later in The Independent.

advert

October

1996-10-10 Scotland, Kirkcaldy, Adam Smith Theatre. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs.

1996-10-11 Scotland, Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree.

1996-10-13 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion. Sunday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 12.00, £ 11.00 and £ 10.00. "So much for the crossover fever of the 90s — this man has been cross-pollinating for years, creating hybrid styles with jazz, rock, blues and folk, all held together by his deep, gravelly voice. Current album And should keep the fans happy."

1996-10-21 UK, Liverpool, The Philharmonic Hall.


1997

January

1997-01-15 Italy, Treviso (bootlegged).

1997-01-17 Italy, Rimini, Svego (bootlegged).

1997-01-18 Italy, Recanati (MC), Barfly Club.

1997-01-20 Italy, Napoli, Teatro Cilea.

ticket

February

stub

1997-02-02 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry. Sunday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. During Celtic Connections; "John Martyn Unconnected - The blues/ jazz/ folk man with the distinctive gruff voice weaves some atmospheric magic."

1997-02-04 UK, Derby, The Flowerpot. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. "RAW Promotions presents | John Martyn live at The Flowerpot, King Street, Derby". "The sight of John Martyn tripping on to the stage from the adjacent dressing room only to play an immaculate two and a half hour set" (Alan Woolley).

1997-02-05 UK, South Shields (John Wayne became John Major, also Maggie's Farm played).

1997-02-09 UK, Chester, Telfords Warehouse (about 150 present).

April

1997-04-14 UK, Southampton, The Brook.

1997-04-15 UK, Oxford, Zodiac.

1997-04-16 UK, Swansea, Penyrheol Leisure Centre.

stub

1997-04-18 UK, London, Shepherds Bush Empire. Friday night. "John Martyn | special guests".

1997-04-19 Ireland, Dublin, Olympia. With band, Midnight at the Olympia. "Awful gig, unfortunately. Terrible drunken audience, Saturday night, wretched sound. John did his best, but it was kind of going through the motions." (Martin Foyle).

1997-04-20 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Queens University. Sunday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 9.00. "Q.U.B.S.U. Ents Presents | John Martyn | Mandela Hall | Sunday 20th April 1997 | £9.00 | Doors 7.30pm - Late Bar | Over 18's Only". "Sublime gig with a three song solo acoustic break in which he played I'd Rather Be The Devil" (Joel Clarke).

1997-04-22 UK, Coventry, Warwick Arts Centre.

1997-04-23 UK, Dudley, Robin Hood. Wednesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00 (advance), £ 11.00 (door). "The Robin R'n'B Club | John Martyn + Support | Wednesday 23rd April 1997 | Doors open 8.00pm".

1997-04-24 UK, Plymouth, Pavilion.

1997-04-25 UK, Cheltenham, Town Hall. "Cheltenham Festivals & Entertainments | Town Hall, Imperial Square | John Martyn & Band | Promoter: Cheltenham Borough Council | Fri 25 Apr 1997 at 8.00pm | Town Hall £10.50."

1997-04-26 UK, Leicester, University (Queens Hall). Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 8.50 (advance). "Leicester University Students Union Ents Presents | John Martyn | The Queens Hall at Leicester University | Saturday 26th April 1997".

1997-04-27 UK, Telford, Oakengates Theatre (bootlegged).

stub

1997-04-29 UK, Liverpool, Irish Centre. Tuesday night, 21:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. "The Irish Centre | Mount Pleasant, Liverpool | Tue 29th Apr 97 9:00 pm | Admission includes membership | Wise Moves Presents | John Martyn".

1997-04-30 UK, Leeds, Irish Centre.

May

1997-05-01 UK, Colne, Municipal Hall.

1997-05-02 UK, Manchester, University. "Manchester University | Students Union | C.M.P. Presents | John Martyn | + Special Guests | Friday 2nd May 1997 | Doors 7.30 p.m. £ 10 (Advance)."

stub

advert

1997-05-03 UK, Middlesbrough, Town Hall Crypt.

1997-05-04 Scotland, Glasgow, Cottier Theatre. Sunday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 15.00. Part of Mayfest. "One of the most respected singer/ songwriters, blah, blah. You know it by now – many, many people dig the big man's gruffly poignant songs, but the snooze element has been there in increasing measure in recent years." "John Wayne transformed into John Major..." (Chuck Wearing). "The old man can still rip it up!" (Mark Fitchett).

1997-05-06 UK, Guildford, Civic Hall.

1997-05-07 UK, Cambridge, Junction.

1997-05-08 UK, Ipswich: Corn Exchange.

1997-05-09 UK, Norwich: University of East Anglia.

1997-05-11 UK, London, Blackheath Concert Halls. Sunday night, 20:00 hrs, Great Hall. Tickets £ 13.00.

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1997-05-12 UK, Yeovil (Somerset), Octagon Theatre. Monday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. "Said he was just getting over a bout of cold/ flu but was absolutely brilliant, vocals wonderful." (Barronell Bayley)

June

1997-06-30 Ireland, Galway, Róisin Dubh. Monday night, 21:30 hrs. "Scottish folk legend, only Irish performance with his full band."

July

1997-07-01 Ireland, Galway, Róisin Dubh. Tuesday night, 21:30 hrs. "In a surprise move even for the enigmatic John Martyn, all of the seven shows on his Irish tour have been pulled - except for his three nights at Róisin Dubh -June 30, July 1 & July 2- one of his alltime favourite venues. Martyn's visit also celebrates the success of his new album -'and'- his 25th, which is already being hailed by critics the world over as 'a timeless work of art'." (Galway Advertiser).

1997-07-02 Ireland, Galway, Róisin Dubh. Wednesday night, 21:30 hrs.

1997-07-04 Ireland, Thomastown, Kilkenny, Caroll's Bar (benefit with full band). Friday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. "John Martyn & His Band In Concert at Carroll's Beer Garden | Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny | In aid of Kilkenny / Carlow Home Care Team & The Bob Champion Cancer Test [sic]".

Solo tour with Jim Lampi

Supporting act Phil Shackleton

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October

1997-10-14 Scotland, Kirkcaldy, Adam Smith Theatre.

1997-10-16 UK, South Shields, The Customs House.

1997-10-17 UK, Alnwick, Playhouse. "He made the stage an hour late and made beautiful music but only for about half an hour."

1997-10-18 Scotland, Airdrie, Sir John Wilson Town.

1997-10-20 Scotland, Ayr, The Gaiety Theatre.

1997-10-21 UK, Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 12.00. Supporting act Phil Shackleton.

stub

1997-10-22 UK, Milton Keynes, The Stables.

1997-10-23 UK, Colchester, Arts Centre. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. (I was there!).

1997-10-24 UK, Croydon, The Cool Room (cancelled).

1997-10-25 UK, London, Jazz Café (sold out). Saturday night, 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 12.50 and £ 15.00.

1997-10-26 UK, London, Jazz Café. Sunday night. "Legendary Folk songwriter in rare acoustic mode | Support from Phil Shackleton."

1997-10-27 UK, London, Jazz Café. Monday night.

1997-10-28 UK, London, Jazz Café. Tuesday night.

1997-10-29 UK, Stamford, Arts Centre. Wednesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 11.50.

1997-10-30 UK, Newbury, The Corn Exchange. Thursday night, 19:30 hrs. Tickets £ 12.00.

1997-10-31 UK, Worcester, Huntingdon Hall. Friday night.

November

1997-11-01 UK, Cardiff, Coal Exchange.

1997-11-02 UK, Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms.

1997-11-03 UK, Birmingham, Ronnie Scott's.

1997-11-04 UK, Birmingham, Ronnie Scott's.

1997-11-05 UK, Birmingham, Ronnie Scott's.

1997-11-06 UK, Birmingham, Ronnie Scott's.

1997-11-07 UK, Birmingham, Ronnie Scott's.

1997-11-08 UK, Birmingham, Ronnie Scott's.

1997-11-09 UK, Newark, The Palace Theatre.

1997-11-11 UK, Whitehaven, Rosehill Theatre.

1997-11-12 UK, Leeds, City Varieties Music Hall. Wednesday night. "John Martyn | totally live | absolutely solo | City Varieties, The Headrow, Leeds" (poster).

1997-11-13 UK, Beverley, The Picture Playhouse.

1997-11-14 Ireland, Dublin, Whelans.

1997-11-15 Ireland, Dublin, Whelans. Saturday, 8.30 pm, tickets € 12.00. "Whelans, Wexford Street | Doors open 8.00pm | Sat 15-Nov-97 8.30pm." These must have been dangerous gigs: "Strictly over 18's | I.D. Essential | Ticket Holders Admitted 1st."

stub

1997-11-16 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Empire Music Hall (bootlegged).

1997-11-17 Ireland, Dublin, Temple Bar Music Centre. Solo show.

1997-11-18 Ireland, Dublin, Temple Bar Music Centre (bootlegged). Solo show, supporting act Juliet Turner.

December

1997-12-18 UK, London, Mean Fiddler (Venue's 15th anniversary; recording of Excuse me mister single).

1997-12-19 UK, London, Mean Fiddler.


1998

March

1998-03-06 UK, VH1 Cable TV studio live show (Cozens, Ahmun, Lampi).

1998-03-22 UK, London, Jazz Café. Sunday night.

1998-03-23 UK, London, Jazz Café. Monday night.

1998-03-24 UK, London, Jazz Café. Tuesday night.

1998-03-25 UK, Norwich, The Waterfront. Wednesday night.

1998-03-26 UK, Newcastle, The Riverside. Thursday night.

1998-03-27 UK, Northampton, Roadmender Club. Friday night, 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00 (advance). "Mean Fiddler Concerts presents | John Martyn plus support | Doors open 7pm * Show finishes 9:45pm | The Roadmender 1 Lady's Lane, Northampton".

1998-03-28 UK, Salisbury, Arts Centre. Saturday night.

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1998-03-29 UK, Cambridge, The Junction. Sunday night.

1998-03-30 UK, Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall. Monday night.

1998-03-31 UK, Sheffield, The Leadmill. Tuesday night.

April

stub

1998-04-01 UK, Bristol, The Bierkeller. Wednesday night. "Bristol Bierkeller Presents | J- Martyn [hand written] | Date: 1-4-98 [hand written] | Bristol Bierkeller | All Saints St. Bristol | Strictly over 18's."

1998-04-02 UK, Exeter, St. Georges Hall. Thursday night.

1998-04-03 UK, Cardiff, Coal Exchange. Friday night.

1998-04-04 UK, Liverpool, L2. "Mean Fiddler Concerts presents | John Martyn | Plus Support." Saturday night, tickets £ 10.00. Doors 7.00pm. "Please note that this show will be over by 10.30pm".

1998-04-05 UK, London, Blackheath Concert Hall. Sunday night.

1998-04-06 Ireland, unknown. Monday night.

1998-04-07 Ireland, Dublin, Mean Fiddler. Tuesday night. With Spencer Cozens, Jim Lampi and a drummer. Reviewed by Q's Rob Beattie.

1998-04-08 Ireland, Galway, The Quays. Wednesday night, 21:00 hrs. "John Martyn & Band | New album tour | Only West of Ireland gig | With support of The Three Amigos | Late Bar."

1998-04-09 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Waterfront BT studio. Thursday night.

May

stub

1998-05-14 Scotland, Glasgow, Renfrew Ferry. Thursday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00 (advance), £ 12.00 (door). With band, part of FuncT 98. "Another mix of old and new from a 30-year career which has seen Martyn's mellifluous voice master blues, pop and jazz styles."

1998-05-16 Scotland, Edinburgh, Liquid Rooms. With band. Saturday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 10.00. "The Liquid Room | Victoria Street, Edinburgh | presents | John Martyn & His Band | on Saturday, 16th May, 1998 | Doors open 7.30 p.m. | Ticket £10.00 in advance".

1998-05-24 UK, Wigan, Haigh Hall. "John supported The Verve (at the bands request) at their homecoming concert at Haigh Hall in Wigan. With a capacity crowd of 33.000 he performed a short unrehearsed set, whilst the crowd either ignored or harassed him. Only days before he found out that his band could not play with him, as Beck's equipment made the set change impossible." (Lee Barry)
"I was particularly drawn to the support act, folk-rocker John Martyn. He got the worst reception I've ever seen, they were throwing bottles of piss at him! But he had real soul." (Jamie Walsh)
"At six, John Martyn shuffled on-stage and fired up his Echoplex. For the first few numbers, including a fine version of Rather Be the Devil, he was comfortably enveloped in his playing and his distinctive slur and barely decipherable lyrics were quite well received by the masses. Then it all went a little sour. While he was experiencing difficulties with his guitar, the crowd lost patience, began to jeer and thereafter were largely indifferent to his efforts. Next up was Beck, playing his only British date of the year. Predictably he got a much more positive reception." (anonymous)

June

Guinness Fleadh

1998-06-02 UK, London, Mean Fiddler (warm-up for the Fleadh). Tuesday night, tickets £ 11.00. The Mean Fiddler organized a Flead Week and John opened it. Other acts on subsequent dates were Ron Sexsmith, World Party, Mike Scott and Mary Coughlan.

ad

1998-06-06 UK, London, Finsbury Park. "Saturday 6th June 98 | Guinness Fleadh | Finsbury Park London N4 | An open air event - with two stages | Simple Minds | The Corrs - Sinéad O'Connor | Shane MacGowan & The Popes - Dr John - Mike Scott | Paul Brady - World Party - Eddi Reader - Altan | Bootleg Beatles - John Martyn | Capercaillie - Robert Forster - Ron Sexsmith - Mary Coughlan | Oysterband - David Gray - Picturehouse - Ghostland - Anam - Equation | More Acts To Be Announced."

1998-06-10 US, Northampton (Massachusetts), The Iron Horse Music Hall. Support act Peter Mulvey.

1998-06-12 US, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), WXPN Studios (World Cafe broadcast August 13 1998).

1998-06-13 US, New York, Randall's Island. "John Martyn started playing and the security guy said 'You know, he's really not bad for an American white guy playing blues.' 'He's from Glasgow.' 'What, man, then he really is good.' " (Eddie Punch)

1998-06-15 US, New York, WFUV radio session with band (released on CD as The New York session).

1998-06-17 US, New York, The Bottom Line (2 separate sets).

1998-06-20 US, Chicago, Arlington International Racecourse.

1998-06-21 US, Chicago, The Beat Kitchen (Belmont Avenue). "Age 21+." With band; hardly promoted. "It was transcendent, and I've always considered myself extremely lucky to have been present in that small group of fans here in Chicago who were were treated to a rare experience." (R. Ritsema).

1998-06-27 US, San Francisco.

1998-06-30 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour.

July

1998-07-28 Scotland, Edinburgh, The Playhouse. One song with Paul Weller. Bootlegged, soundboard recording.

August

1998-08-22 Ireland, Galway, The Róisin Dubh. Tickets £ 12.50, sold out. "On Saturday August 22 the mighty John Martyn comes in for one show only with his full band."

1998-08-23 Ireland, Thomastown (Kilkenny), Caroll's bar (with band; support act Spider Baby). Sunday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 12.00. "John Martyn | And his band | in Concert | Carroll's Beer Garden | Thomastown Co. Kilkenny | 23 August 1998 | In Aid of The Kilkenny / Carlow Home Care Team | & The Bob Champion Cancer Trust."

1998-08-25 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Empire Music Hall. "Tuesday 25th August 1998 | Doors open 8.30pm | Seating not guaranteed | The management reserves the right to refuse admission | Over 18's Only." Tickets £ 10.50. "It was a great show with a very appreciative crowd" (Stephen Boyle).

stub

1998-08-26 Ireland, Dublin, The Mean Fiddler. Wednesday night, 20:30 hrs. "Over 18's Only | John Martyn | The Mean Fiddler | Wexford St. Dublin".

1998-08-30 UK, Stansfield, Stansfield Hall. Suffolk & Good Festival; main stage, with band. ('Superb performance'). Saturday 29/ Sunday 30 August 1998, weekend tickets £ 34.00. Quite a line-up judged by the text from an advert for the occasion: "The Eagle Bitter Suffolk & Good music festival | Guests appearing | Paul Brady, Richie Havens, Nick Lowe, John Martyn, Papa Wemba and Molokai, Sinéad Lohan, Jackie Leven, Eliza Carthy Band, Edward II, Celtus, The Good Sons, Churchfitters, Diz Disley, Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby, Jeff Davis, Gwazigan, The Copper Family."

September

1998-09-02 Ireland, Skibbereen, Liss Ard Event. John was host on the first (Wednesday) night and topped the bill for the main event. Other acts were Mary Coughlan & Band, and The Frames.

1998-09-04 Ireland, Skibbereen, Liss Ard Event. Host of the Friday night was Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. John played the final concert, the so-called Parting Glass, during a live version of Here Comes The Night (the Donal Dineen radio show), in a joined bill with John Kelly and apparently Nick Cave. "My favorite gig ever was at Liss Ard in 1998 watching John Martyn and then Nick Cave play in a small hidden tent (a very late night private show). Lou Reed sat beside me for the concert. The whole gig was insanely beautiful. It was a mind blowing weekend." (Cat Dowling). "John was on fire that night and seemed so contented and happy." (@Donnach).

1998-09-17 Scotland, Glasgow, STV Studios (Cowcaddens). 25 minute set during Boxed Set, a show produced by ITV Grampian Television for invited audience, presented by Carol Laula. Spencer Cozens, Jim Lampi, Alan Thomson and Arran Ahmun.

October

1998-10-02 UK, London, Queen Elizabeth Hall. Shared bill with Bill Nelson, at the first 'LaBradford International Festival of Drifting'. "We came back to see JM and band all sitting on chairs on stage, reading magazines, relaxing. The whole of the audience expects something musical to happen, still JM and band just sit there reading their magazines! Eventually, JM turns to a mike and says, 'Don't mind us, we're just drifting!', and goes back to his magazine, before eventually getting the two hour gig underway. I thought it was funny, my friend thought it was funny, but the rest of the audience did not seem to get the joke." (Pete Grant).
First Bill Nelson played; "Next on was John Martyn - trying to 'drift' - the sound and mix was abysmal but JM still managed to shine with some startling guitar work."

Italian intermezzo

Band: Spencer Cozens (keyboards), Jim Lampi (Chapman stick), Arran Ahmun (drums)

December

1998-12-03 Italy, Palermo, Cantieri alla Zisa (with band).

1998-12-04 Italy, Codevilla (Lombardia), Thunder Road (with band). Friday night, 22:30 hrs. Bootlegged (60 min).

1998-12-05 Italy, Torino, Folk Club (with band). Saturday night, 21:15 hrs. Bootlegged (60 min).

1998-12-07 Italy, Trento, Auditorio S. Chiara (with band). Monday night, bootlegged (60 min).


1999

stub

Guinness Fleadh

June

1999-06-05 US, San Francisco, Golden Gate Park (cancelled).

1999-06-12 US, Chicago, Chicago Motor Speedway, Sportsmans Park (cancelled).

1999-06-19 US, Boston, Suffolk Downs.

1999-06-26 US, New York, Randall's Island.

July

1999-07-05 UK, London, Harlesden, Mean Fiddler. Monday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 9.50. "London Fleadh Presents | John Martyn & Band | 10th Anniversary warm up | The Mean Fiddler | High St, Harlesden, NW10 | Mon 05-jul-99 Doors 8pm". Spencer Cozens, Jim Lampi, Arran Ahmun. Rocking the joint for more than two hours with a broken toe.

stub

1999-07-10 UK, London, Guinness Fleadh at Finsbury Park.

1999-07-23 Scotland, Glasgow, The Garage. Friday night, 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 12.00. "No age restriction. Martyn does the strong words, softly spoken thing to near-perfection. His long and illustrious career has spanned folk, blues and jazz styles without nailing colours to any one mast. His next album will appear on lndependiente, home to Travis."

1999-07-24 Scotland, Edinburgh, Liquid Ballroom (with band: Spencer Cozens, Jim Lampi, Arran Ahmun). Saturday night, 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 12.00. "If you like Gomez, there's no reason you shouldn't love John Martyn. He's just been doing that folk blues thang a wee bit longer is all."

August

1999-08-10 UK, Cornwall, St. Neot, Roscarrek Farm (The Cornish Eclipse Blues Festival) (cancelled).

1999-08-11 Ireland, Waterville (Kerry) (mainly acoustic with percussionist in hotel after stage collapsed).

1999-08-27 Ireland, Skibbereen, Liss Ard Event (with band). John played at the Wildflower Meadow on the Friday evening.

1999-08-29 Ireland, Thomastown (Kilkenny), Carroll's bar, with band. Sunday night, tickets £ 14.00. Supporting act Henry McCullough. "Carroll's Bar | Thomastown | John Martin [sic] & His Band | Plus | Henry McCullagh [sic] & His Band". "Fantastic gig, very intimate" (Paul Flynn). Bootlegged (soundboard).

1999-08-30 Ireland, Galway, Róisin Dubh. Monday night, with band.

1999-08-31 Ireland, Galway, Róisin Dubh. Tuesday night, with band.

September

1999-09-07 UK, London, Jazz Café. Tuesday night, 19:00 hrs. Tickets £ 13.50. "Jazz Cafe presents | John Martyn | No under 18's admitted." "Fusing Celtic despair with early jazz and blues hues, he has kept his artistic drive for over 25 years." (Newspaper ad).

stub

1999-09-08 UK, London, Jazz Café.

1999-09-09 UK, London, Jazz Café.

October

1999-10-29 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Elmwood Hall. Friday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets £ 9.00. BBC radio, Five Live, with Spencer Cozens; also recorded on video.

November

1999-11-13 Ireland, TVE Studio, Saturday Live: May You Never.

1999-11-14 Ireland, Wexford, Ferry Carrick Hotel (Cozens, Ahmun, Lampi). No supporting act.

stub

1999-11-15 Ireland, Cork, City Limits (Cozens, Ahmun, Lampi). Supporting act Roesy. "Flip Proudly Presents... At City Limits, Cork City... | John Martyn | £12.00 Mon 15th Nov '99 | Doors 8pm | 8 til late."

stub

1999-11-16 Ireland, Dublin, Vicar Street (Cozens, Ahmun, Lampi). Supporting act Roesy (bootlegged, also parts on Tell Them video). "John Martyn | & Band | Vicar St | Doors open 8.00pm | Tue 16-Nov-99 | Strictly over 18's." Tickets £ 14.00. "Needless to say it was a superb gig.."

1999-11-17 Ireland, Limerick, Dolan's Warehouse (Cozens, Ahmun, Lampi). Supporting act Roesy. "The audience was treated to his uncannily accurate Chris de Burgh impression and some jokes delivered in his impenetrable Scottish brogue. At one point, he even managed to get everybody to miaow." (Pat Walsh).

1999-11-18 Ireland, Lisdoonvarna (Clare), the Hall (Cozens, Ahmun, Lampi). Supporting act Roesy.