I see he’s coming to Sydney in May. Solo, and billed as something of a “raconteur”
I saw him in London in 1973-74, his current album then was “Easy”, which I loved. Since then I’m afraid I’ve just lost touch – well – lost interest tbh.
Anyone seen him lately? It’s a big deal for musicians and performers to come to this part of the world. It’s billed as a “farewell tour” and I guess he’s topping up his super – and deservedly
Thoughts?
I saw him in Belfast in 2024 – absolutely brilliant. A talent completely undiminished by age, so worry not on that front. Wry humour, compelling songs and deft instrumental skills. All intact.
Big fan of Ralph and I’d go to see him like a shot if he played near me.
He played Sidmouth Folk Festival recently and, while I didn’t go, I know many who did. He clearly satisfied both the diehards and the casually interested.
I saw him 3 months ago at Costa Festival in Portugal in October. He was the headliner and I thought he sang and played very well. I mentioned this to a few people in the bar afterwards who agreed but said they’d seen him a couple of years before when he had been noticeably below par in both departments. I got the impression he had suffered a slump, possibly due to losing his beloved wife but that he was now back on form. He played 2 sets in Portugal with largely different material and I enjoyed them both.
I saw him at Canbridge the year before Covid, brilliant and surpassed expectations.
Likewise.
Saw him for the first time in Dublin last year. Fully recommended. He knows what he’s doing.
I never tire of this since I saw it back in the day.
That’ll be the same year I last saw him perform. He was the very epitome of a brilliant singer-songwriter, and even asked for requests as an encore and played ‘Grande Affaire’ when I yelled for it.
Many people are iffy about McTell because of the albatross around his neck, Streets of London, myself included. But look away and beyond that staple of buskers and floorspots, and he has a fine repertoire of songs, as well as being a deft guitarist. He still plays Streets, usually as an encore, and so, if like me, you can’t stomach, time then to beat a swift exit.
Streets of London will always remind me of this perfect sketch, which is really about how insufferable people are when it comes to new music. https://youtu.be/p1YNEtaHbzA
As I said above, I only saw him for the first time last year and was more than happy to hear SoL because *he’s the guy that wrote it.* I also noticed Ralph’s nice camper van in the carpark of the venue. And the President of Ireland was in the audience too.
I think it’s a lovely song and I still play it to myself sometimes on the guitar – it’s one of the first ones I learned. I’m mystified at the animus.
Love him if for no other reason than that this recording of his song exists in the world
Yes that’s a gem, and his version is good too.