‘We’re bidding goodbye to an old friend: Mike Henderson, bluesman extraordinaire and one of the founding members of bluegrass group The SteelDrivers. Mike was an extraordinary talent: as at home with bluegrass and old time fiddle music as he was with the blues. He was a superb blues harp player too. I first saw him backing singer/songwriter Kevin Welch at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, and subsequently with blues band the Kingsnakes. On both those gigs the tall man at his side playing either his old upright string bass or his Fender Precision, was one Glenn Worf, who would share the studio and the stage with me from around that time until today. Mike joined my band for our tour in 2001 and we saw a big chunk of the world together. I’m thinking of Mike’s family and friends at this time.’ – MK
Dire Straits – Live 1978-1992 is out November 3rd (UK/ROW). US date soon to be announced.
Featuring remastered, extended, and unreleased recordings from some of their most coveted live albums and performances. Including Live At The Rainbow, Alchemy, On The Night, Encores, Live At The BBC, plus artwork prints and exclusive 16-page booklet.
‘It’s a sad farewell to old friend in song Brendan Croker who has succumbed to leukaemia. You’ll probably read more about Brendan in obituaries soon. He was a true artist in every way, appeared eccentric to many but was positive, brave and generous to a fault.
We had many happy years sharing music including touring and singing with our mutual pal Steve Phillips in the Notting Hillbillies. The song I can hear Brendan singing now is the one we used to finish our set with, ‘Feel Like Going Home’.
My thoughts are with Brendan’s partner Ali and their friends everywhere.’ – MK
‘It’s time to bid a sad farewell to our friend Jimmy Buffett who passed away last week. Jimmy and his band were a pleasure to be around and I’m sure they’ll have a mountain of happy memories of their friend and leader. In the few short years of our friendship I’m proud Jimmy recorded a couple of my songs and glad that he enjoyed playing ‘Oldest Surfer On the Beach’ on his stage shows.
Our condolences go out to Jimmy’s family at this time.’ – MK
‘A sad farewell to our old friend Jack Sonni, whom I met when he was working at Rudy’s Music Stop on 48th St.
Jack was a genuine guitar enthusiast who loved to play, jam, and talk guitars and amps all day. He joined us on tour during the Brothers in Arms era and took to life on the road with the band like a fish to water.
Jack made friends wherever he went and will be missed by his many pals worldwide. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.’
‘A sad farewell salute to Robbie Robertson. I loved The Band from their earliest days. Robbie’s talents and his love for the music were always in evidence.’ – MK
‘The world is saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Tina Turner. She was a live force, a human dynamo.
Tina showed no sign of bitterness about a tough childhood, then a violent marriage and hard times following her divorce from Ike Turner. Instead she put her superhuman energy into her unique interpretations of songs, and eventually her records sold by the million. Meanwhile, a musical about her life plays in theatres everywhere.
She was an inspiration for women of all ages and social classes and was worshipped by major entertainers such as Beyonce and Rihanna.
Tina said she wanted to be remembered as the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll, and that is precisely what she became.’ – MK
‘A sad farewell to Séan Keane, fiddle player of The Chieftans, who passed away on May 7th. Sean was an extraordinary musician. I treasure the times we played together.’ – MK
