and in the end..
The last gig in London was ace; Sice was there, we played well and The Union Chapel is possibly the most beautiful venue in the land. Jimmy Webb, in thanking me from the stage, called me a ‘doll’ and a ‘beautiful cat’ so a decision that had been lurking around my head these past few months was made. This was to be my last live performance and there will be no more records for the foreseeable future. Everytime I play or record I end up losing money and the all the good albums and great reviews in the world won’t make a difference to that.
I’m going to concentrate instead on writing songs for other people. I don’t know how to do this but I do know where to begin; I want to spend what little free time I have nowadays working on my writing. It does feel like weight has lifted. I’m not one of those men who leave bringing up the kids and most household stuff to the little woman. We share everything and I’ve been trying to do too much lately with the usual result being that I completed nothing to anyone’s satisfaction, least of all my own.
I will still write stuff on here, chart my way through this new phase of my life and I will be posting new songs and demos whenever I can, so stick around. It might even get interesting.
Love
Martin
Obviously for selfish reasons I am saddened there will be no immediate follow up to Ye Gods but best of luck with everything mate.
Maybe you could write one for Jedward!?
I too for very selfish reasons am gutted to hear this news.
I am hoping your general disillusionment with your current lot changes and you can bring us some more music. I have always believed you to be underrated and think that the bravecaptain stuff has supplied me with some songs I will take to the grave.
Good luck and I hope you have a change of heart mate as the music industry needs mavericks like you.
Sadly
John
Bugger :(
I blame that Bongo. Costs a fucking fortune in petrol so it does.
Oh well. You’re my all time hero and I’m sure I’ll keep track of what comes next.
K x
Very bad news… I hope things work out with whatever you do next. I hope it is some consolation that there are some of us out there who rate your songs as some of the best ever.
I would have paid, i would!
My and me lady have seen the photos from the chapel.
xxx
truly gutted…but i suppose it’s always best to go out on a high…all the best with whatever comes next…been following since near the beginning and will keep on following…scott
I bet you 5 bucks I talk you into playing a gig within a year.
Ta for the tunes.
I’ve loved them far more than most [and far more than my waffling could ever accurately convey.]
You tripped off the audible toil on a high, too. Ye Gods is a great last personal testament.
Gonna miss you doing your songs.
But I look forward to someone with a nicer arse belting them out.
it’s been emotional. good luck, cowboy
Damn. Really sad to hear that, good luck and thanks for all the lovely tunes.
You’ll never get to heaven if you don’t vote you.
I really hope Corin is right…that said, I respect your decision but am still heavy hearted on hearing this news. Also must thank you for all of the amazing music! Good luck with all of your future projects, where ever they may lead… I have a feeling it’s not the last we’ll hear from you.
Good luck chief! Hopefully see you for a pint one of these days…
Sad news man, but understandable.
Thanks for writing some of my favourite ever songs ever.
drat, and double drat!!
My hubby is a massive fan - I got excited when a friend told me you were playing a few gigs, but alas I got here just a little too late!
If you ever find you can’t keep yourself away form the stage, let us know!
all the best :O)
Boo’s on podcast
http://silentbob69.podomatic.com/player/web/2009-12-06T08_43_12-08_00
When a brilliant songwriter who makes beautiful records cannot make it pay, what hope is there for the rest of us? You will be missed.
I wish you the success you deserve with your new direction.
Take care.
Giant Steps changed my life when I first heard it the year it came out. I still contend it’s the best album of the nineties and very few have come close to reaching it’s heights since. Every since that I moment i’ve been an indebted, committed fan through everything you have done. I will always be with you to end. Thanks for all the brilliant music.
Sad news to end 2009 with. Your music has been the soundtrack to my life ever since I was first given Giant Steps as a present. It’s difficult to find the right words to express my gratitude for all the music you have given us - it must have been a hard decision to reach, but please know that your efforts over the last 20 years has made my life all the better and bearable during some hard times.
Thank you so much and good luck!!
You’re not going to stop making music. You can’t. I don’t mean for my sake, I mean for you. Nobody makes money on art, so don’t let that get you down. Just create it at your own pace, and release it on your own schedule. There will still be people who want to hear it.
-Matt
USA
(proud fan since the day the Lazy Day single showed up at my high school radio station)