John Martyn

Singer John Martyn dies aged 60.

Quote from John: “I’m not a folky, I’m a funky.”

Musical genius John Martyn, born Ian David McGeachy, has died aged 60 from double pneumonia. John died in hospital in Ireland. The singer and songwriter was awarded an OBE in the New Year honours and he collaborated with artists such as Eric Clapton and Phil Collins, who paid tribute to his "infuriating" friend.

A statement on John's official website said: "With heavy heart and an unbearable sense of loss we must announce that John died this morning."

From a recent interview with Simon Copland (The Sun):
WHEN I interviewed singer-songwriter John Martyn two months ago, he told me he was a tough person to kill. I believed him – after all, this hell-raising musician, who died yesterday aged 60, had survived drug addiction, car crashes, muggings, leg amputation and being shot at by an outraged love rival.

Sadly, he couldn’t beat double pneumonia, the latest health problem brought on by heavy boozing, which killed him in a hospital in Ireland.

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Update
MARTYN (Wollangrange, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny) Jan. 29, 2009, John (Muscian) (formerly of Roberton, Langside, Glasgow); deeply missed by Teresa, Bari, Spencer, Wesley and Eimer, sister Jules, brother David, relatives and friends. R.I.P. Reposing at his home. Service at St. Mary's Church, Kells, Co. Kilkenny at 12.30 o'c. tomorrow (Sunday). Cremation in Newlands Cross Crematoriam at 3 o'c. on Monday. No flowers. Collection during service.

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Taken from the John Martyn (http://www.johnmartyn.net/) Official Website:
A brief summary of the Memorial Service held to celebrate John's life:

"A service to celebrate John's life took place at St. Mary's Church, Kells, County Kilkenny on 1st February 2009. The service was conducted by The Reverend JP Kavanagh and was attended by John's family and close friends.

Pall Bearers were Arran Ahmun, Spencer Cozens, Alan Thomson, Foster Patterson, George MacCallum, Flavio Bellin, John Hillarby, Jimmy McKnight, Roy Corkill and Paul O' Byrne. Martin Winnings played Body and Soul on saxophone as John was brought into the church.

Mary Moore sang the traditional song The Sally Gardens (an old favourite of John's) accompanied on guitar by Alec Finn as life symbols were brought forward by family and friends in memory of John.

Flavio Bellin read from the Buddhist Sacred Text and Reverend JP Kavanagh from the Holy Gospel according to John.

Personal tributes were made by Spencer Cozens, Teresa Walsh, George MacCallum, Alan Thomson, John Hillarby, Billy Carroll, Reggie Hastings and John's dearest old friend Danny Thompson.

Alan Thomson, Arran Ahmun, Spencer Cozens, Foster Patterson and Martin Winnings read prayers. During the service music was played; My Creator, Over The Rainbow and Over The Hill.

As John was carried from the church (a church with one bell) May You Never was sung by all."

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My deepest condolences to Johns partner Theresa, family and friends.

RIP John x