John Martyn Concerts 1970s

1970

1970-01-08 UK, London, Kingston, Polytechnic Students Union.

1970-01-16 UK, Dorking, Congregational Hall. Shelter with Bridget St. John, John Martin [sic]. 6 shillings and 7/6, 7:30pm.

1970-01-17 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm John Martyn, Mike Cooper, Nick Drake.

1970-01-21 UK, London, College for the Distributive Trades - John Martyn, Rick Davey, Barry Youldon.

1970-01-23 UK, London, Walthamstow, Waltham Forest Technical College. Concert in aid of Shelter; shared bill with Richard Digance, Gasworks and Terry Hutchings. Tickets 5 shillings.

1970-01-24 UK, Greenwich, Greenwich Theatre Folk Club (Saturday). Solo gig.

February

1970-02-00 UK, Bristol, unknown. Band gig accompanying Stormbringer release, of same nature as Queen Elizabeth Hall performance, so with uninterested band members.

1970-02-07 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn, Dr Strangely Strange.

1970-02-07 UK, Bristol, Troubadour. Solo gig.

1970-02-09 UK, London, Putney Half Moon - John Martyn, Cliff Aungier, Royd River, Gerry Lockran.

1970-02-14 UK, London, Les Cousins: supporting act for Dr Strangely Strange.

1970-02-21 UK, London, Queen Elizabeth Hall (together with Beverley and a full band, to launch Stormbringer on a Saturday). "John and Beverley Martin [sic] and their musicians - A concert of contemporary songs, plus Nick Drake. Tickets 20, 16, 12, and 8 shillings. A NEMS presentation." About 1,500 people showed up. "Nick Drake opened the show, staring at his feet, playing extraordinary finger-style guitar and disappearing as quickly as possible as though to deny he'd ever been there at all. [] That night John smacked a guitar while the lovely Beverley sang the extended, muscular funk of Sweet Honesty." (Mark Cooper) John's anger was caused by unsympathetic band musicians.

March

1970-03-05 UK, Bedford, Bedford college. Solo.

1970-03-06 UK, Hull, University Folk Club. Solo.

1970-03-14 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn, Dando Shaft (very good sensitive band of minstrels).

1970-03-18 UK, London, Holloway, Northern Polytechnic. Solo concert.

April

1970-04-18 UK, London, Les Cousins.

1970-05-00 UK, Leyton (London), Leyton Senior High School for girls.

1970-05-00 UK, High Wycombe, High Wycombe College of Art & Technology. "An evening with John Martyn, John James and Heron, advertised in Melody Maker, 25 April 1970. "L.P. and Leonard Cohen tickets in a Lucky Ticket Draw." "My fondest memory of the gig is marching up and down the corridor at the College with John doing Singing In The Rain." (Tony Pook, Heron)

1970-05-08 UK, London, Bedford College. All night festival also featuring Nick Drake, Spencer Davis Group and Graham Bond.

1970-05-22 UK, London, East Ham, Denmark Arms. John Martyn, Chris Davies, Richard Digance.

1970-05-23 UK, Sheffield, Sheffield University. Principal Edwards Magic Theatre, Strawbs, and John Martyn.

1970-05-29 UK, Ware (Hertfordshire), Ware College. John Martyn, John James, John Foot - 8pm.

June

1970-06-05 UK, London, London City University. John Martyn, 8pm.

1970-06-21 UK, London, Westfield College. Loosely termed as a 'folk event'. Sunday night, 20:45 hrs, tickets 10 shilling. Started after end of World Cup Final. "Westfield College Festival presents | Elton John - Stefan Grossman - John Martyn - Humblebums + surprise guests | Sunday, June 21st, 8.45 p.m. 10/- | Kidderpore Avenue, N.W. 3."

1970-06-22 UK, London, Phonograph. John Martyn, Mythica - 7:30-11pm.

1970-07-11 UK, London, Les Cousins. Solo concert.

1970-07-27 UK, Richmond, Hanging Lamp. Solo concert.

August

1970-08-15 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm: John Martyn, Ceilidh at the House.

September

1970-09-20 UK, Glastonbury: small event for 2.500 guests, more of a barn dance.

October

1970-10-01 UK, London, Kingston, Polytechnic Folk Club. Solo gig, 8pm.

November

1970-11-17 UK, Redruth (Cornwall), Room at the Top. Solo concert.

1970-11-21 UK, Reading, Reading University. Opening for Mott The Hoople with John Morgan.

December

1970-12-07 UK, London, South Bank Students Union. Solo concert.

1971

UK tour with Claire Hamill

Claire Hamill remembers playing several universities with John:

1971-00-00 Scotland, Glasgow.

1971-00-00 Scotland, Stirling, University.

1971-00-00 UK, Warwick (Warwickshire), University of Warwick.

1971-00-00 UK, York, University of York.

1971-00-00 UK, Durham, University of Durham.

1971-00-00 UK, London, Imperial College

January

1971-01-02 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - Solo gig.

1971-01-11 UK, Richmond, Hanging Lamp. 8pm - Solo gig.

1971-01-12 UK, Hayes, Folk Club. John Martyn, John Coverdale, Richard Bartram.

February

1971-02-13 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn solo.

March

1971-03-09 UK, Twickenham College. Shared bill with Michael Chapman and Dando Shaft. Reviewed Sounds 20 March 1971.

1971-03-11 UK, Guildford, Civic Hall. John Fahey, John Martyn, Gordon Giltrap, Bernie Roy, Nick Gray. "Contemporary Music in Guildford | 5-14 March 1971 | The Guildford Festival". Part two of 'The Contemporary Guitar.' Thursday, 7.30pm. Tickets 40p, 60p, 80p. Reviewed Sounds 20 March 1971.

1971-03-18 UK, Bradford, University. Michael Chapman, John Martyn, Dr Strangely Strange.

1971-03-19 UK, Bradford, University. Shared bill with Steeleye Span and Dr Strangely Strange.

1971-03-20 UK, London, Les Cousins.

1971-04-05 UK, Richmond (Surrey), Hanging Lamp (Monday 8 p.m.). Solo concert.

1971-04-15 UK, Plymouth, Guildhall. Opening act for Mott The Hoople, tickets 50p. "Van Dike and Island Artists ltd present | at the Guildhall | 8pm. thur. 15 April | in Concert | Mott The Hoople + John Martyn".

1971-04-18 UK, Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent), Victoria Hall. Opening act for Mott The Hoople; ticket mentions 'John Martin'. Admission 50p.

1971-04-24 UK, London, Les Cousins. 7:30-11pm - John Martyn.

May

1971-05-09 UK, London, Paris Theatre. John opening for Groundhogs on John Peel Sunday Show concert by BBC Radio 1. A 21 minute recording survives.

1971-05-11 UK, Kingston, Get Stuffed. John Martyn - 8pm.

June

1971-06-18 UK, Sheffield, University. Principal Edwards Magic Theatre, John Martyn.

1971-06-19 UK, Reading, Town Hall. Michael Chapman, John Martyn, Wizz Jones, Pete Berryman. 7:30pm, tickets at door.

July

1971-07-10 UK, London, Les Cousins.

1971-07-21 or 1971-07-22 UK, Glastonbury, first festival. John played for '9.000 hippies'. Actually there were 12.500 people. The real first Glastonbury was one year earlier.

1971-07-31 UK, London, Les Cousins.

Early August 1971, John featured in a series 'Summer Folk Concerts '71'. Concerts took place in Falmouth, Newquay, Redruth and St Ives. John crossed Cornwall via the latter three and did five shows. Other acts involved Tir Na Nog (June), Bridget St. John, Storyteller, Third Ear Band, Keith Christmas (July), Wizz Jones, Steve Tilston and/or Gerry Lockran (August), Pig Sty Hill Light Orchestra and Mike Maran Being (September). All concerts had Strange Fruit as supporting act and were promoted by David Penprase (of Room at the Top) and MC'd by Keith Warmington (of Strange Fruit).

1971-08-02 UK, Newquay, Congregational Hall. Supporting act Strange Fruit.

1971-08-03 UK, Redruth, Room At The Top. Supporting act Strange Fruit.

1971-08-04 UK, Newquay, Congregational Hall. Supporting act Strange Fruit.

1971-08-05 UK, Redruth, Room At The Top. Supporting act Strange Fruit.

1971-08-06 UK, St Ives, The Guildhall. Supporting act Strange Fruit.

1971-08-16 UK, Richmond, Hanging Lamp.

1971-09-04 UK, London, Les Cousins.

1971-09-10 UK, London, Queen Elizabeth Hall. Sandy Denny, John Martyn, Duncan Browne (part of the Festival of Progressive Music).

1971-09-17 UK, Worcester, Gaumont Theatre: supporting act for Traffic. "One-off promotion by a local Worcester guy called Mitch." (Ben Hodgkiss).

1971-09-20 UK, London, Playhouse Theatre (Northumberland Avenue). Recorded for John Peel session broadcast 20 October 1971.

1971-10-03 UK, London, Chalk Farm Roundhouse. IMPLOSION! 3:30pm-11:30pm - Fresh Form Frisco, Stoneground, Brinsley Schwartz, John Martyn, Help Yourself, Derrick & Armstrong, Jeff Dexter.

1971-10-23 UK, London, Les Cousins.

1971-10-24 UK, Hull, Brickhouse.

1971-10-30 UK, London, PCL (Polytechnic of Central London, 115 New Cavendish Street). Second evening of "Festival Three". Shared bill with Loudon Wainwright III, Mr Fox, Ian Campbell Group and Jeremy Taylor.

1971-11-04 UK, London, Kingston Polytechnic. John Martyn, Roger Ruskin Spear, 8pm - 35p (members).

1971-11-09 UK, London, University College. "Tuesday Folk at | University College, London | Bridget St John | John Martyn". "All concerts start at 8 p.m. | Central Collegiate Theatre, Gordon St., WC1".

1971-11-12 UK, Lancaster, University. Amazing Blondel, Bronco, John Martyn. 60p.

1971-11-18 UK, London, Queen Mary College. John Martyn, 7:45pm - 30p.

1971-11-21 Ireland, Belfast, Queen's University. Concert for students' Esoteric Music Society, admission 40p. Brendan Quayle was probably involved in this one.

1971-11-25 UK, Croydon, Fairfield Halls. "Thursday 25th November - 7.45pm | Island Artists present | Amazing Blondel & John Martyn". Review: "An acutely nervous John Martyn sadly gave a disjointed introverted performance. He seemed obsessed with his guitar playing to the neglect of his singing. As his voice can be uncommonly good, this seemed a waste." - We've come a long way...

1971-12-00 UK, London, Paris Theatre, acoustic solo performance (Head and Heart, BBC Live; probably recorded for John Peel's BBC Rock Hour).

1971-12-19 UK, London (Camden), Chalk Farm Roundhouse (Sunday 15:30-23:00). IMPLOSION! - shared bill with Mott the Hoople, England Dan, John Ford Coley, Brett Marvin & the Thunderbolts, Gallagher & Lyle and Max Merriott & the Meteors. Admission 50p.

1972

1972-00-00 UK, Bromley, Bromley College of Technology. (John was playing a Gibson Flying V guitar.)

Island Artists Tour with Bronco and Claire Hamill

January

1972-01-14 UK, Leeds, Polytechnic

1972-01-15 UK, Ripon, College of Education

1972-01-21 UK, Huddersfield, Polytechnic

1972-01-22 UK, Twickenham College of Technology. "Saturday, January 22nd, 8 p.m. till late." Tickets 50p.

1972-01-26 UK, Manchester, University

1972-01-27 UK, Warwick, University

1972-01-29 UK, Bradford, University.

1972-02-04 UK, Guildford, University of Surrey. Friday, 8:00pm. Tickets 40p. "sent presents | university of surrey | great hall | 8 till late. feb 4 | An Island Tour | featuring | Bronco John Martyn Claire Hammill."

1972-02-09 UK, Keele, University

1972-02-12 UK, Southampton, University

1972-02-13 UK, Bangor, University of North Wales

1972-02-16 UK, Lancaster, University. Shared bill with Sutherland Brothers.

1972-02-18 UK, Birmingham, University

1972-02-19 UK, Colchester, Essex University

1972-02-20 UK, Fulham, Greyhound. Probably solo.

1972-02-26 UK, London, Imperial College (Great Hall)

1972-03-01 UK, Aberystwyth, University

1972-03-04 UK, Leicester, Polytechnic. Shared bill with Bronco and Bridget St John.

1972-03-09 Scotland, Hamilton, College of Education

1972-03-10 Scotland, Stirling University

1972-03-11 Scotland, Edinburgh University

1972-03-21 Finland, Turku, Concert House. Opening for Free.

1972-03-22 Finland, Helsinki, Finlandia Hall. Opening for Free.

1972-04-12 Netherlands, Nijmegen, Diogenes. "Wo 12 Apr | John Martyn | Engelse Folkzanger".

1972-04-21 UK, Ilford (London), General Havelock Soft Rock Club. "I was at the gig in Ilford. It was a small venue, full of friendly people. Everyone pretty much knew everyone else. The promoters, as was often the case in those days, weren't in it for the money. I got involved with banter as John was tuning up for Singing In The Rain which ended up mildly pornographic. The music was out of this world." (Tom Alford).

1972-05-08 UK, Richmond (Surrey), Hanging Lamp. This show was recorded from the mixing desk and the tape included in the September 2013 release The Island Years. Also separately released on vinyl.

1972-05-12 UK, Maidenhead, Grammar School.

1972-05-20 UK, Aberystwyth, University. "John Martyn | Claire Hammill | A Concert in New Union Refec | Sat. 20th May - Start 8.00pm | Limited No of Tickets at 35p Each."

1972-05-21 UK, London, Sadlers Wells Theatre. Sunday afternoon concert (17:00 hrs) preceding Roy Harper evening show of 20:00 hrs. Shared bill with Claire Hamill and Roger Williamson. Tickets 25p, 50p, 75p, £ 1.00 and £ 1.25. Apparently this gig was cancelled, Roy Harper being seriously ill.

1972-05-28 UK, Lincoln, Great Western Express Festival. The festival lasted 26-29 May; John played in a "Giants Of Tomorrow" marquee sponsored by the NME.

June

1972-06-00 UK, Leyton (London), Down River 1.

July

1972-07-30 UK, Redcar, Redcar Jazz Club (at the ballroom of the Coatham Hotel). Dando Shaft & John Martyn.

Touring with Sandy Denny

September

1972-09-06 UK, London, Queen Elizabeth Hall. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.

1972-09-14 UK, Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent), Victoria Hall. Shared bill with Sandy Denny; John was supporting act. Admission 50p. The gig was scheduled for Friday 15 September but moved to the preceding Thursday due to unforeseen circumstances.

1972-09-22 Netherlands, Amsterdam, RAI Congrescentrum. Joint bill in Island Rock Festival on Friday night. Admission only fl 5,00. Large promotional event which also featured world premiere of film about Traffic. Other acts announced: Free, Vinegar Joe, Sandy Denny, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood, Mike Harrison and Luther Grosvenor, and Smith, Perkins & Smith.

October

1972-10-05 UK, Liverpool, Liverpool Stadium. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.

1972-10-06 UK, Cambridge, University. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.

1972-10-07 UK, Bath, University. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.

1972-10-11 UK, Brighton, Brighton Dome. Shared bill with Sandy Denny. "The Dome | Brighton | Wednesday 11th October 1972 - 7.30 pm | island artists presents | An Evening With | Sandy Denny | with her friend | John Martyn | Admission 50p." "I snagged the poster the day after the show – it was a stunner, not unexpected considering the pedigree of Denny and Martyn" (Neil Raphael).

1972-10-12 UK, Newcastle, Civic Hall. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.

1972-10-14 UK, York, University. Shared bill with Sandy Denny.

1972-10-21 UK, Leicester, University.

1972-10-26 UK, Mile End (London), Sundown Theatre. Solo set opening for Sandy Denny. Bootlegged, 45 min. Apart from usual suspects versions of Little Bit Of Love, and Keep On.

1972-10-27 UK, Bolton, Institute of Technology.

1972-10-00 UK, Oxford, Town Hall. Shared bill with Sandy Denny. "This was late 1972. Both were excellent. What sticks in my mind was all of the gadgets the John used, loops etc. It was way ahead of its time." (Trevor Grant)

November

1972-11-08 UK, Manchester, University Union. (With Beverley, both playing acoustic guitars.)

1972-11-22 UK, Brighton, Polytechnic. With Beverley; supporting act Rainmaker. "Brighton Poly | present a concert with | John & Beverley Martyn | And Rain Maker | Wednesday 22nd November 8 til 11.30 | Bar - Tickets 50p".

1972-11-24 UK, London, Imperial College. With Beverley, main act Argent. "City + Guilds College - Allnighter | to be held in College Block Imperial College | London, S.W.7 | Friday, November 24th | Argent | John & Beverley Martyn | Ellis - Biggles - Rainmaker." Tickets £ 1.25 (door), £ 1.10 (advance).

December

1972-12-06 UK, Newcastle, City Hall. Shared bill with Sandy Denny. "Oz Records | of 87 Westgate Road, Newcastle, Present:- | A Folk Nite with Sandy Denny | and John Martyn | on | Wednesday, 6th December, at 8 p.m. | at | Newcastle City Hall | Doors open at 7.30 p.m. Compere: Scott Pickard." Tickets 65p.

1972-12-08 UK, Twickenham, Tech College. "Friday, December 8th, 7.30 p.m.-midnight | Christmas Feast | John Martyn | Dando Shaft | Pisces | Country Jug | Twickenham Tech., Egerton Road | Tickets 60p on night or 50p in advance from One Stop, Richmond; Parlour Sounds, Twickenham; Musicland, Hounslow or S.U. | Licensed Bar :: Lights".

1973

American Tour with Traffic and Free

January

1973-01-17 US, New Orleans (Louisiana), Loyola Fieldhouse.

1973-01-18 US, Houston, Sam Houston Coliseum. Thursday night, 19:55 hrs.

1973-01-19 US, Fort Worth (Texas), Tarrant County Convention Center.

1973-01-20 US, El Paso, Civic Center.

1973-01-21 US, Tucson, Arena.

1973-01-23 US, Long Beach, Arena. Tuesday night, 7:30pm. "2 Big Dates | KRLA presents | Traffic | special guest star | Free | introducing John Martyn." Tickets $6.50, $5.50, $4.50. Produced by Concert Associates.

1973-01-24 US, San Diego, Sports Arena.

1973-01-25 US, San Francisco (California), Winterland.

1973-01-26 US, San Francisco (California), Winterland.

1973-01-27 US, Santa Monica, Civic Auditorium. Saturday night, two shows: 7:00 and 11:30 pm. "2 Big Dates | KRLA presents | Traffic | special guest star | Free | introducing John Martyn." Tickets $6.50, $5.50, $4.50. Produced by Concert Associates.

1973-01-28 US, Albuquerque.

1973-01-29 US, Denver, Denver Coliseum. "It was a typical early 70s scene with people tossing frisbees across the arena and reggae music by Jimmy Cliff playing over the sound system. The energy was high and everyone was stoked for the concert. The announcer, who was British, walked up and announced that unfortunately the opening act was not available, and that the replacement was John. When John walked on stage alone with his old beat up Yamaha, you could feel the energy drain from the crowd... They were ready to party and you give us a folk singer? Needless to say, he mesmerized the whole place and they called him back for two encores." (James LeClair).

1973-01-31 US, St. Louis, Kiel Auditorium.

February

1973-02-01 US, Pittsburgh, Civic Arena. "Two of those groups, Traffic and Free, and singer John Martyn appeared at the Civic Arena last night for Pat DiCesare productions and drew a crowd of 13,219, almost all teen-agers." And: "Pittsburgh is nearly mid-point of the tour which will go into 28 cities." (The Pittsburgh Press).

1973-02-02 US, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Spectrum Arena.

1973-02-03 US, Baltimore (Maryland), Civic Center.

1973-02-04 US, Chicago (Illinois), Kinetic Playground.

1973-02-06 US, Detroit.

1973-02-08 US, New York, Nassau Coliseum (Uniondale, Long Island). "Concerts East Presents In Concert | Traffic with their special guests | Free and John Martyn | Thursday, February 8, 8.00 pm | Nassau Coliseum." Tickets $ 4.50, $ 5.50 and $ 6.00.

1973-02-09 US, New York, Academy of Music.

1973-02-10 US, New York, Academy of Music.

1973-02-11 US, Boston (Massachusetts), Music Hall.

1973-02-13 US, Williamsburg, College of William and Mary.

1973-02-14 US, Atlanta, Municipal Auditorium.

1973-02-15 US, Orlando.

1973-02-16 US, Tampa, Curtis Hixon Hall.

1973-02-17 US, Hollywood, Florida Sportatorium.

This tour consisted of 35 dates in 39 days. (Liquorice interview). "He played about 30-minute sets and because of the vast stadia Martyn found that he could only perform his "electric side". (Geoff Brown in Melody Maker). Eight days later Martyn was back in America for a ...

1973-02-25 US, ... Tour supporting Solid Air sales that 'went well'.

Solid Air Tour

1973-03-02 UK, Bolton, Institute of Technology.

1973-03-08 UK, London Kensington, Town Hall.

1973-03-09 UK, York, University. "I remember John Martyn at York University Central Hall sometime around about 1974? The hall wasn't full, maybe 2-300 people and he got everyone to move down to the front. He had a hip flask and a couple of joints in his pockets. At some point he passed one or more of these items out into the audience. He had his fairly newly acquired electric box of tricks and we floated on seemingly timeless waves of his imagination as well as listening to songs from Solid Air and Bless the Weather." (A fan from Huddersfield).

1973-03-10 UK, Durham, Trevellian College.

1973-03-11 UK, Hull, Arts Centre.

1973-03-13 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.

1973-03-17 UK, Portsmouth, Polytechnic.

1973-03-23 UK, Slough, College of Technology.

1973-03-25 UK, Euston (London), Shaw Theatre.

April

1973-04-02 US, Denver (CO), Ebbets Field. Supporting act for Mahavishnu Orchestra. Possibly also on 03 April.

1973-04-03 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour. Supporting act for Incredible String Band. Listed in Billboard of 14 April 1973.

1973-04-04 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour. Supporting act for Incredible String Band.

1973-04-06 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour. Supporting act for Incredible String Band.

1973-04-08 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour. Supporting act for Incredible String Band.

1973-04-12 UK, London, Rainbow Theatre (Finsbury Park). Supporting act for Traffic. There were two shows: Thursday night, 18:30 and 21:30 hrs. "Island Artists present | Traffic In Concert & John Martyn | 1st performance 6-30 p.m. || 2nd performance 9-30 p.m. | Thursday, April 12th, 1973". Tickets £ 1.50 (stalls).

1973-05-05 UK, Durham, University. "Rag Ball | Dunelm House, | Saturday, 5th May | 8.00 p.m. Tickets £1 | Appearing Al Stewart | John Martyn | Keith Christmas | Plus University Folk & Disco."

1973-05-18 UK, York, University.

1973-05-26 UK, West Wycombe (Buckinghamshire); solo echoplex set on Soundscene '73, an all day open air festival. Headline act was Roy Wood's Wizzard. Admission £ 1.00; "All artists appearing free in aid of the New Chilterns Samaritan Centre."

1973-06-02 UK, Leicester, Polytechnic.

1973-06-03 UK, London, Shaw Theatre. Supporting act Longdancer; admission 65p. "On selected UK summer dates he will be supported by Longdancer who recently signed for Elton John’s Rocket label."

July

1973-07-17 UK, Chatham, Medway Folk Centre (Kent). Solo gig recorded reel to reel by owner George Harden. Released on CD May 2007.

August

1973-08-11 Finland, Turku, Ruissalo island. Saturday. Ruisrock festival, shared bill with Status Quo, Vinegar Joe, Roy Wood's Wizzard, Tasavallan Presidentti, Wigwam, Savage Rose, Rohdes Rockers.

1973-08-22 Scotland, Edinburgh, Empire Theatre. JM and Horslips play at the Edinburgh Festival - one of ten concerts which marked the first time rock music appeared at the Festival.

1973-08-26 UK, Reading, Richfield Avenue; 12th National Jazz Blues & Rock Festival (24-26 August). John and Danny Thompson played in the early Sunday afternoon and put on a strong show. Same bill as Sensational Alex Harvey Band and headliners Genesis. Other acts were Medicine Head, Ange and Roy Buchanan. The final day of the festival was opened by Italian band Premiata Forneria Marconi who got the power cut off during their final song.

Promoting Inside Out

with Danny Thompson

October

1973-10-03 Scotland, Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University.

1973-10-03 UK, High Wycombe, Town Hall. Same date announced by Sounds, 11th August.

1973-10-04 Scotland, Dundee, University.

1973-10-05 House Call (STV). Scottish tv-programme.

1973-10-06 Scotland, Glasgow, University. Queen Margaret Union.

1973-10-10 Sounds of the Seventies.

1973-10-11 UK, Coventry, Warwick University.

1973-10-12 UK, Hatfield Polytechnic.

1973-10-13 UK, Leeds, University.

1973-10-14 UK, Euston (London), Shaw Theatre, with Danny Thompson, supporting act Bridget St. John. Two shows, 18:00 and 20:45 hrs. Both sold out, admission 75p... (reviewed NME 20 Oct).

1973-10-15 UK, Oxford, Polytechnic.

1973-10-16 Old Grey Whistle Test.

1973-10-17 UK, Keele, University.

1973-10-19 UK, Bradford, University.

1973-10-20 UK, Hull, University.

1973-10-21 UK, Gravesend, Civic Theatre.

1973-10-24 UK, Manchester, University.

1973-10-25 UK, Sheffield, University.

1973-10-26 UK, Aberystwyth, University.

1973-10-27 UK, Bristol, University.

1973-10-29 UK, Birmingham, Aston University.

1973-10-31 UK, Colchester, Essex University.

November

1973-11-02 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.

1973-11-03 UK, Leicester, Polytechnic (Hawthorn Hall). Supporting act Gasworks. Tickets 50p advance, 70p door.

1973-11-29 US, Tulsa (Oklahoma), Tulsa Assembly Center. Opening for Foghat and Humble Pie. "Echoplex guitar playing solo in a cavern like, lousy acoustic hockey/basketball venue." (Steve Darr)

December

1973-12-02 US, San Antonio (Texas), Municipal Auditorium. With Foghat and Humble Pie.

1973-12-05 US, Kansas City (Missouri), Cowtown Ballroom. Supporting Foghat. John: "Worst night I ever had. It was the same sort of vibe as Spinal Tap, if you can imagine that. The gig was at a place called the Kansas City Cow House and just as we were finishing up it started to burn down, so I swiftly moved my guitar and amp and left."

1973-12-07 US, Charleston (WV), Civic Center. Shared bill with Foghat and REO Speedwagon. Show mentioned in Mountain tour archive.

1973-12-09 US, Plattsburgh (NY), SUNY Plattsburgh Gym. Solo show mentioned in Mountain tour archive.

1973-12-10 US, New York, Hofstra University. (Listed Billboard 15 Dec).

1973-12-11 US, Wilson (North Carolina), Christian College. (Listed Billboard 15 Dec).

1974

Supporting act for Yes

on US Tales from Topographic Oceans tour

(not all gigs, by the way)

On the tour, he shared bills with Lou Reed, Dave Mason and Livingston Taylor, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt.

January

1974-01-28 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour. John opened the tour with a week at The Troubadour Los Angeles, which ended Sunday 3rd of February.

February

1974-02-03 US, Los Angeles, Troubadour. Sunday; end of warming-up week.

1974-02-06 US, Kansas City (New York), Max's (upstairs). Billboard lists more concerts, from 6-11 February, in the issue of 9 Feb 1974.

1974-02-08 US, Miami, Miami Baseball Stadium (Supporting Yes)

1974-02-09 US, Florida, Tampa Stadium

1974-02-10 US, Columbia (South Carolina), Carolina Coliseum (University of South Carolina). "John Martyn opened up for them, who was really good, but I couldn't wait for him to finish." (Bill Dunn).

1974-02-11 US, Atlanta (Georgia), Alexander Memorial Coliseum. "A gentleman (I cannot recall his name) opened the show playing an acoustic guitar and singing. He was pretty good. I remember one song being about a river. The guitar was run through an echoplex." (Mark Brown).

1974-02-12 US, Roanoke (Virginia), Civic Center Coliseum. "John Martyn opened, letting us know that his set was just a sort of sound check. 'If you want to fuck, have a good screw,' he said." (Edward Kyle).

"I had no idea who he was but I thought then that he was AMAZING - his sound was so THICK it seemed like you could take a﻿ knife and cut it out of the air." (Spifclown).

1974-02-13 US, Baltimore (Maryland), Civic Center. "The audience, all abuzz about Yes, talked throughout opening act John Martyn's set, making him so angry he cursed the crowd from the stage." (Jeff Smith).

1974-02-22 Canada, Toronto, Maple Leaf Gardens. "When cult-followed John Martyn appeared before the masses for the first time in Toronto and Montreal (Feb. 22 & 25) it was preceding Yes, and most of the fans probably didn't need an acoustic folkie to set them up for the Grand Rock they had paid for." (Billboard, March 30 1974). Nevertheless they saw, "warm-up: John Martyn, sitting on a stool with a thundering Martin acoustic."

1974-02-24 US, Ithaca (New York), Bailey Hall (Cornell University). "John Martyn opened, and we got off on that. The music was spacey acoustic guitar, and the sound guy was doing these cool quadraphonic effects, bouncing the guitar sound all around the hall." (Miner Gleason).

1974-02-25 Canada, Montreal, Forum.

1974-02-27 US, Detroit (Michigan), Cebo Hall. Capacity 11,400. Supporting act to Yes.

1974-03-01 US, Hershey (Pennsylvania), Hersheypark Arena. Capacity 7.225. Supporting act to Yes.

1974-03-03 US, Cincinnati (Ohio), Cincinnati Gardens. Supporting act to Yes. Tickets $ 5.00.

1974-03-06 US, Chicago (Illinois), International Amphi Theatre. "I recall a guy coming onstage by himself with a guitar and then, before even playing a note, walking off. Somebody later told me that it was John Martyn and that he was disgusted with the setup and split." (Bradford Harvey).

1974-03-10 UK, Gravesend (Kent), Woodville Hall.

1974-03-16 UK, London, Imperial College (Prince Consort Road, SW7). Saturday, supporting act Rab Noakes. Tickets 80p advance, £ 1.00 door.

1974-03-25 France, Paris, Olympia. Two shows in this theatre at Boulevard des Capucines. One was recorded by Brian Pickering and Brian Humphries on the Island mobile unit. Three songs were issued on Solid Air De Luxe in 2009.

April

1974-04-00 UK, London, The Roundhouse (supporting act Dr Feelgood).

May

1974-05-04 UK, Leicester, Polytechnic, Hawthorn Hall. Supporting act Halcyon. Tickets £ 1. "Leicester Polytechnic presents | in Concert | Halcyon and John Martyn | 80p with N.U.S. in advance £1 otherwise | Sat 4 May at 8pm | Hawthorn Hall."

1974-05-12 UK, London, Chalk Farm Roundhouse. Martyn, Carol Grimes and Byzantium are among the featured acts; presented by Greasy Tuckers.

1974-05-14 UK, London, Imperial College. John Martyn and Rab Noakes.

1974-05-23 Scotland, Glasgow, Cumbernauld Theatre.

1974-05-24 Scotland, Glasgow, Cumbernauld Theatre.

1974-05-26 UK, Hull, Spring Street Theatre.

1974-05-27 UK, Hull, Spring Street Theatre.

1974-05-28 UK, Sheffield University.

1974-06-00 UK, Southampton, with Danny Thompson (reviewed NME 29 June).

1974-06-02 Scotland, GLC Jobs & Environment Festival.

1975-06-28 Scotland, Edinburgh, Caley Picture House. "Brian Adams presents | The Remarkable | John Martyn | with guest | Friday 28th June at 11.30 pm." Tickets circle £ 1.00.

July

1974-07-05 UK, London, Olympia National Hall; London Rock Proms. Three day festival; part of Friday night bill, with Fairport Convention, Roy Harper, Sutherland Brothers & Quiver, Keith Christmas and 'special guest Beverly Martyn'. Tickets £ 2,60. (reviewed NME 13 July).

1974-10-05 US, Chester (Pennsylvania), Widener College. Saturday night, opening act for John Sebastian and Leo Kottke. Concert following homecoming game of Widener football team. Bootlegged, audience tape (0:48).

1974-10-06 US, Winston-Salem (NC), Wait Chapel on campus at Wake Forest University. Sunday night. 55 minute solo set as opening act for John Sebastian. Setlist 8:30 Outside In, 8:40 May You Never, 8:45 Easy Blues, 8:51 Make No Mistake, 8:58 Bless the Weather, 9:02 Singing In the Rain, 9:05 Head and Heart, 9:10 Sugar Lump, 9:13 Rather Be the Devil, 9:20 The Glory of Love, 9:25 Set over. (J. Batchelor). The show was reviewed in the Old Gold and Black newspaper of Friday, 11 Oct.

1974-10-10 US, Loudonville (NY), Gibbons Hall. Opening act for John Sebastian. "The Student Center Entertainment Committee - Sienna College presents." Thursday evening, 20:00 hours. Admission $ 4.00, students $ 2.50.

1974-10-14 US, Worcester (MA). Shared bill with John Sebastian. Supporting act the Strongheart Band. "John was a great guy and very friendly to us." (Gabby Hendricks)

1974-10-31 US, Springfield (MA), Sanderson Theatre. Shared bill with Focus (main act) and Gentle Giant. Thursday evening, 20:00 hours. Admission $ 6.00 and $ 5.00 (balcony).

1975

Extensive touring to promote Sunday's child

Danny Thompson, Jon Stevens and Paul Kossoff for the encores (but not on the bill; he only showed op half of the times).

Sunday's Child Tour

Supporting act Lucas & McCulloch. Backing the Scottish duo are Kenny Slaven (fiddle) and two members of the JSD Band, Jim Divers (bass) and Iain Lyon (guitar).

January

1975-01-17 UK, Old Grey Whistle Test.

1975-01-18 UK, Lancaster, University.

1975-01-19 Scotland, Leith (Edinburgh), Citadel (Leith Halls). 7:30 PM, tickets £ 1.30. "Brian Adams presents John Martyn in Concert with Guests." Support act were Lucas & McCulloch. Reviewed Melody Maker 25 Jan.

1975-01-20 Scotland, Glasgow, City Hall. "JM and Danny Thompson. I was utterly blown away by the musical pyrotechnics they presented from Solid Air and Inside Out. After Outside In the guy in front of me, who'd been a bit uncomfortable with the new sounds he was hearing, turned to his partner and said 'Now THAT was fucking BEAUTIFUL!' JM had some problems with a heckler in the audience who turned out to be someone he knew. The guy wouldn't shut up, until eventually JM stood up and shouted 'If you don't fucking shut your mouth I'll come up there and shut it for you!' The audience were behind JM all the way. And the guy DID shut up... I floated home." (David Ward Maclean).

1975-01-22 UK, Newcastle Polytechnic.

1975-01-23 UK, Leicester University.

1975-01-24 UK, Uxbridge (London), Brunel University S.U. Social Club (supporting act Brown's Home Brew). Tickets 90p.

1975-01-25 UK, Colchester, Essex University.

1975-01-29 UK, Aberystwyth, University of Aberystwyth.

1975-01-30 UK, Bristol, University of Bristol (first gig with Paul Kossoff).

1975-01-31 UK, Hull, University of Hull.

February

1975-02-01 UK, Sheffield, University of Sheffield.

1975-02-02 UK, London, Victoria Palace Theatre (with Paul Kossoff). Two shows, sold out. Supporting act Browns Home Brew or Lucas and McCulloch (bootlegged, 90 minutes). Tickets £ 1.50, £ 1.25, £ 1.00 and 75p.

1975-02-04 UK, Swansea, University.

1975-02-05 UK, Cardiff, University of Cardiff.

1975-02-07 UK, Norwich, University of East Anglia.

1975-02-08 UK, Portsmouth, Guildhall (for Portsmouth Polytechnic).

1975-02-10 UK, Cambridge, University of Cambridge.

1975-02-11 UK, Nottingham, University of Nottingham.

1975-02-12 UK, Liverpool, University of Liverpool.

1975-02-13 UK, Leeds, University of Leeds (Live at Leeds was recorded here) (with Paul Kossoff). "John Martyn In Concert | Presented by Leeds University Union | Thursday 13th February | in the Refectory 7:30pm | Tickets 75p from Porters, Services, Union, Door"

1975-02-15 UK, Manchester, University of Salford (with Paul Kossoff).

1975-03-01 UK, London, Imperial College. "Imperial College | Prince Consort Road, S.W.7 | Saturday 1st Mar. John Martyn". Tickets 90p advance, £1 door.

1975-03-16 UK, London, Rainbow Theatre Act in the last live concert, captured on Over The Rainbow album. All tickets £ 1.00. Also on the bill Sassafras, Hatfield and The North, Richard and Linda Thompson, Frankie Miller, Procul Harum, Kevin Coyne. "Martyn played over his time limit, however, and was refused the encore demanded, which seemed slightly unfair as Procol Harum who followed were to play for a stultifying two hours (it seemed like weeks)." (Steve Lake in Melody Maker of 22nd March).

Eight venue tour with Danny Thompson and John Stevens

1975-05-16 UK, Guildford, University of Surrey. With Danny Thompson and John Stevens. Supporting act Wiz Jones. (Reviewed Melody Maker 24th May.)

1975-05-17 Ireland, Dublin, University.

1975-05-18 Northern Ireland, Belfast, University.

1975-05-19 Northern Ireland, Belfast, Victoria Rooms.

1975-05-22 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall. Tickets £ 1.00 (ground floor). 'Steve Royston presents | John Martyn | plus support | Thursday, 22 May, 1975, at 1930 hours | Latecomers will not be admitted until a convenient break in the programme.'

1975-05-23 UK, New Cross (London), Goldsmiths College.

1975-05-24 UK, Oxford, Polytechnic, with Danny Thompson. "One of my all time top 10 gigs" (Victor Yorke)

1975-05-25 UK, Croydon, Fairfield Halls (supporting act Hedgehog Pie).

June

1975-06-19 Netherlands, Rotterdam, De Lantaren. (with Woods Band)

1975-06-30 Germany, Freiburg (solo),

1975-07-04 Switzerland, Montreux, Casino. Solo performance at jazz festival. John appears on Guitar Night along with Bert Jansch and Larry Coryell.

August

1975-08-16 France, Orange, Amphitheatre, first Festival d'Orange. Opening act for Saturday; 12.000 people in 9.000 seater. NME one week later: "There is John Martyn, who we hear getting applause for his last number as Our party enters the chariot stables (the backstage area). Unfortunately I'm too late to catch the set but there's no doubt the French are going mildly spare. Martyn is apoplectic with disbelief when he comes offstage.'Couldn't believe it,' he splutters to ZigZag's Andy Childs. 'Play on one beat, they clap on another. Couldn't see what was going on, me eyes were shut, but I had to change to get in time with them. Then they changed back again.'"

1975-00-00 UK, London, Regent Park Open Air Theatre (Solo concert.)

1975-09-17 Germany, Bremen, Rathaus/ Festsaal (Town Hall). Solo gig produced by Radio Bremen ("Forum Junge Musik"). Second concert in Germany and better received than Freiburg. Released as On Air as late as 2006.

1975-09-21 UK, London, Theatre Royal (Drury Lane). "Virgin Concerts Present John Martyn plus Out To Lunch. 7.30 pm, Sunday, September 21st. Tickets £ 1.50, £ 1.25, £ 1.00, 50p." "A lot of swearing but great music and Paul Kossoff came on for the encore." (John Hawkins).

1975-09-24 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall. 'On Tour With Special Guests Out To Lunch'. "Virgin Concerts present | John Martyn plus support | Wednesday, 24th September, 1975, at 19:30 hours." Admission £ 1.25.

1975-09-29 Scotland, Leith (Edinburgh), Citadel Centre. 'On Tour With Special Guests Out To Lunch'. "Leith Theatre | Edinburgh (formerly Leith Town Hall) | Doors open 7.00 pm | Monday 29 Sept. 1975 at 7.30 pm | Virgin Records Present | John Martyn | in concert plus support | Stalls £ 1.50."

1975-09-30 Scotland, Glasgow, City Hall. 'On Tour With Special Guests Out To Lunch'. "Tuesday | 30 September, 1975 | Virgin Concerts | present | John Martyn." Doors open 7.00pm, tickets £ 1.00 (stalls).

1975-11-00 UK, Colchester, Essex University (Lecture Theatre, Wivenhoe Park). "I was only there 75-76 so it couldn't have been the '77 concert" (Alan Carter).

1975-11-01 UK, Kingston, Polytechnic.

1975-11-03 UK, Exeter, University.

1975-11-04 UK, Penzance, Winter Gardens.

1975-11-06 France, Paris, Bataclan. With Danny Thompson.

1975-11-07 UK, London, North London Polytechnic. Friday night, 20:00 hrs, 'come early'. "John and Hedgehog Pie at the North London Polytechnic - Bar, disco, lights - £ 1.10 in advance, £ 1.30 on the door."

1975-11-08 UK, Loughborough, University.

1975-11-08 UK, Southampton, University. [cancelled]

1975-11-09 UK, Sheffield, Grosvenor House Hotel.

1975-11-12 UK, Bedworth, Civic Hall. [cancelled]

1975-11-13 UK, Plymouth, Guildhall.

1975-11-14 UK, Bath, University.

1975-11-15 UK, Manchester, University. With Danny Thompson. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie.

1975-11-19 UK, Reading, Reading University. John played with Danny Thompson and John Stevens with Hedgehog Pie as support.

1975-11-20 UK, London, Middlesex Polytechnic.

1975-11-21 UK, Bristol, Polytechnic.

1975-11-22 UK, Sheffield, University.

1975-11-26 UK, Leeds, University.

1975-11-27 Scotland, Dundee, University. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie.

1975-11-28 Scotland, Stirling, University. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie.

1975-11-29 Scotland, Glasgow, Strathclyde University. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie.

1975-11-30 UK, Newcastle, City Hall. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie. Also on the bill Pete Scott. John apologised for Danny Thompson not being present.

John did seventy-five gigs in the course of 1975 and needed a long sabbatical afterwards.

1976

1976-05-01 Scotland, Glasgow, Queen Margaret Student Union (Glasgow University). 20:00 hours, with Danny Thompson, supported by Hedgehog Pie. Tickets 85p... "It was the night of the Scottish Cup Final and Rangers had beaten Hearts 3-1. During the gig, John Martyn, who was accompanied by Danny Thompson, mentioned something about Celtic and the whole place erupted into something akin to Wild West brawl. I can't remember if order was restored or the gig continued, but years later, and just by chance I mentioned this incident to a guy whilst talking about music in general and John Martyn in particular. It so happened this guy was Mick Doonan who had played in Hedgehog Pie at that time. He remembered the night well and said when it all kicked off, John Martyn actually jumped down off the stage into the midst of the brawl and chinned a couple of students!" (Simon Godley).

1976-07-03 UK, Newcastle, City Hall.

1976-07-04 UK, London, Regent's Park, Open Air Theatre; Sundays in the Park show. Sunday 20:00 hrs, tickets £ 1.00, £ 1.75 and £ 2.00. Solo concert for capacity crowd (reviewed NME 10 Jul). Headlines the gig, Hedgehog Pie in support. Show was recorded for subsequent transmission on Capital Radio, 15 October 1976.

1976-07-06 UK, Newcastle, City Hall. Supporting act Hedgehog Pie. Also on the bill Pete Scott. John apologised for Danny Thompson not being present. "He rocked on his seat to the echo bits - brilliant" (Neil Thompson).

1976-07-13 UK, Ilford (London), Tiffany's.

1976-07-25 UK, Charnock Richard (Chorley), Park Hall. Sunday night, closing act of three day July Wakes Festival, with Danny Thompson. Line-up for the day was DJ Jerry Floyd, San Tracy & guests, Plexus, Pete Farrow, New Celeste, Dransfield, Bob Pegg, Pete Atkin, Bert Jansch, Richard Digance, The Chieftains, Hedgehog Pie and John at 22:00 hrs (compered by Tony Capstick).

"Best performance of festival" (Clare Broderick). Other acts included Martin Simpson, Five Hand Reel, Magna Carta, Alan Stivell and Kate & Anna McGarrigle.

1976-09-12 Scotland, Edinburgh, Playhouse Theatre. 7:30 pm, tickets £ 2.00. John was one of the acts during the Festival Of Popular Music and shared the bill with Bert Jansch and Davy Johnstone. The festival lasted from August 20 through September 17. Other artists were for instance Queen (2 nights), Soft Machine, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Billy Connolly.

October

1976-10-29 UK, Nottingham, Victoria Leisure Centre (solo). Liquorice magazine benefit, recorded from soundboard onto cassette by David Belbin. Released as Live In Nottingham 76. "An Evening Of Solid Air | John Martyn • Kevin Coyne | Bridget St. John • Brindaband | at Victoria Leisure Centre | Gedling Street • Nottingham | on Friday • October 29th • 1976 • 6-12 p.m. | £1.25 (Advance)   £1.50 (Door) | "Liquorice Benefit".

"The audience was very lively by the time he came on and the repeated calls for May You Never get a little irritating. To my knowledge, it was the first time he played an electric guitar on stage (he did a stunning improvisation in the sound check) and the song about Paul Kossof, Dead On Arrival was debuted here, as was the classic One For The Road in a far superior version to its official release 28 years later." (Anonymous).

The name Brindaband was used for the first time that concert. The performing order was inverse to the ticket: so Bridget was second on the bill, followed by Kevin Coyne and John Martyn.

Fall

1976-10-00 France, Paris La Villette, La Grande Halle. Fête Rouge (Fête de l'Humanité). John opened quite successfully for this all-night festival.

1976-00-00 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion (solo, One World tour). "His joint never seemed to go out!" (Jim McAllister)

December

1976-12-05 UK, Sheffield, Highcliffe Hotel. (Sunday). "It was in a small room above the pub where he had played at folk clubs there in the past. Brilliant, intimate solo gig." (Chris Taylor).

1976-12-25_26 US, Boston, John opened in a small club for Mose Allison. "He was bigger, bearded but still bouncy." (Mark Cooper)

1977

So Far So Good TouR

February/ March: 14 dates in Britain and Ireland to promote the compilation album.

February

1977-02-04 UK, York, University of York (solo), supporting act Wiz Jones. "No smoking, no dancing." Friday night concert reviewed NME 26 Feb. "I went and remember he definitely played Dead On Arrival and One For the Road on his guitar strung with octave 12 string strings, as per Liquorice benefit." (Chris Taylor). Admission £ 1.10.

1977-02-05 UK, Sheffield, University. Saturday.

1977-02-06 UK, Belfast, Queen's University. Sunday.

1977-02-07 Ireland, Dublin, Liberty Hall. Monday.

1977-02-08 UK, Coleraine, New Ulster University. Tuesday.

1977-02-11 UK, Canterbury, Kent University. "Kent Ents '77 presents | John Martyn | + Guest support | at the Odeon, Friars, Canterbury | Friday February 11 at 8pm | Tickets £2.00 and £1.50 available by post from the Odeon, and by personal application."

1977-02-12 UK, Colchester, University of Essex, Lecture Theatre Building. (Saturday, solo plus support act). Advance tickets £ 1.20, doors open 8.30 pm.

1977-02-18 UK, Uxbridge, Middlesex (Western London), Brunel University, Kingdom Room (Friday, solo plus support act). Advance tickets £ 1.00, door £ 1.20. "Bar available to club members."

1977-02-19 UK, Nottingham, Nottingham University. 19:30 hrs, tickets £ 1.00. Saturday night gig recorded by John Moon for Radio Trent; excellent sounding master reel to reel tapes surviving amounting to 90 minutes. "N.U.S.U. | in co-operation with | the Kinsella Klan present | John Martyn | plus Support | Sat.19th.Feb.7.30 | Portland Building | Univ. Park | Bar Disco | TKTS. £1.00 | a NURKSOC production."

1977-02-20 UK, London, New Victoria Theatre (500 standing, broke the box office record). Possibly played Dead On Arrival, reviewed National Rockstar 26 February. This was a Sunday evening; tickets £ 1.00, £ 1.65, £ 2.00 and £ 2.25.

1977-02-21 UK, Coventry, Warwick University. Monday.

1977-02-22 UK, Leeds, Leeds University. Tuesday.

1977-02-25 UK, Liverpool, Eric's Club. Friday.

1977-02-26 UK, Manchester, University. Saturday.

March

1977-03-01 UK, Old Grey Whistle Test.

1977-03-25 Germany, Hamburg (probably), Musikhalle (supporting act for J.J. Cale).

April

1977-0x-xx London, Putney, Half Moon. Benefit for Hamish Imlach organised by John. After 03 April and before 30 July.

1977-06-03 Canada, Toronto, New Yorker Theatre. Supporting at Joe Hall; tickets $ 6.60. "One show only! First North American Tour in 4 years." Recorded in mono and broadcast on McMaster University radio (Hamilton) early 1978 but tapes have been erased. The poster says "One show only, Friday Midnite June 3/ First North-American Tour in 4 years" and mentions full name of supporting act: "Joe Hall & the Yodelling Himalyan Compact-Car".

1977-06-10 US, Roslyn (New York), My Father's Place. Support act for a post-Phil Collins Brand X. Bootlegged. "The evening began with John Martyn, who I had seen open for Yes in 1974. His set alternated between soft, acoustic songs and spacey, improvisational electric tunes, which created an unusual, but well received performance."

1977-06-11 US, New York, WBAI FM radio (15 minute solo set).

1977-06-17 US, New York, Kenny's Castaways (two solo sets, supporting act Bridget St. John, Dick Morrisey & Jim Mullen) (bootlegged).

1977-06-18 US, New York, Kenny's Castaways (two solo sets, supporting act Bridget St. John, Dick Morrisey & Jim Mullen)

1977-06-19 US, New York, Kenny's Castaways (two solo sets, supporting act Bridget St. John, Dick Morrisey & Jim Mullen; first set bootlegged).

July

1977-07-02 UK, Guildford, University of Surrey. "John played the Surrey Free Festival at the beginning of July 1977 (probably July 2nd) at the University of Surrey. He was top of the bill but because of overruns and a midnight curfew he only played for about 40 minutes. He played Small Hours in an extended form and his playing was stunning." (Stephen Gough).

1977-07-30 UK, Battersea, Town Hall: FMOB (Fond Memories of Battersea), benefit for Danny Thompson after heart attack. 18:00 hrs; admission £ 1. "Stan Tracey (piano) came on first. JM had forgotten his capo and made one out of a pencil and rubber bands. They kept breaking, and I gave him a couple (which presumably also broke). He played May You Never, Over The Hill, Bless The Weather, Solid Air, among others. John Stevens' Away played afterwards and JM jammed with them." (Richard Royston).

August

1977-08-00 New Zealand, Wellington, Wellington University. Shared bill with the 'legendary' Bert Jansch. "I saw him in August 1977 at Wellington University as part of a students arts festival tour he did with Bert Jansch. Bert was sick certainly under the weather, he had to leave the stage very early. So we were blessed with a solo performance from John who seemed keen to make up for the loss. I remember him on stage, a couple of hundred students, sitting around on the floor. Relaxed John bantering with us. Handling a guy with a guitar who thought he could just walk on stage and jam. Very diplomatically, even let him strum along on one song. It was a Sunday night as I remember it. In those days you could not buy alcohol on a Sunday. The joke about New Zealand being shut on a Sunday was not far wrong. John had a very big bottle of alcohol on stage with him. Bourbon as I recall. At one point he stopped and said he felt guilty that we were all 'dry'. "Leave me 3 or 4 inches in the bottle for back at the hotel" and he passed the bottle into the front row. In appreciation the audience ensured that John was supplied with some of NZ's finest herb. So the atmosphere was definitely mellow and John I guess relaxed but his guitar playing was on fire. He wove sound with that echoplex. I hadn't heard live sound like that before." (Raymond Jones)

I also found part of a review: "If the opening of the festival with Little Feat and J.J. Cale was inspired, then the closing with Martyn was brilliant. The festival was a monument to student organisation by the New Zealand Students Arts Council."

1977-08-14 Australia, Sydney, Town Hall. Sunday night. John shared the bill with Bert Jansch. That is to say, Bert Jansch was on first, and was the support act for John. They played together at the end of the show. "Their latest albums of both artists were for sale in the lobby. John's So Far So Good was autographed, Bert's A Rare Conundrum wasn't." (Tony Shanahan).

1977-08-15 Australia, Canberra, Canberra Theatre. Shared bill with Bert Jansch. "Two of Britain's most respected folk musicians, Bert Jansch and John Martyn, should give Canberra's folk music enthusiasts a concert to remember when they perform at the Canberra Theatre on Monday night." - Canberra Times. About 400 visitors. Reviewed by same paper.

1977-08-17 Australia, Melbourne, Dallas Brooks Hall. "Universal Attractions | presents | Britains Folk Rock Hero | John | Martyn | plus | The Legendary Bert Jansch | Wednesday, August 17 - 8.15 | Dallas Brooks Hall | Tickets now on sale $ 6.50 plus booking fee at | Celebrity Services, Myers, MSD. | Students and party concessions".

1977-08-22 Australia, Sydney, Town Hall. Monday night, shared bill with Bert Jansch. Two Sydney dates were announced in local newspaper.

September

1977-09-07 UK, London, Marquee Club (Wardour Street). Acoustic solo gig with echoplex. Reviewed in Melody Maker, 17 Sep. Magazine announcement: "John Martyn, currently touring Australia, returns to play two nights at London Marquee Club on September 7 and 8. Tickets are £ 1.25 (in advance) and £ 1.50 (on the doors)." Another advert says "Marquee Special | John Martyn | Plus Friends and Jerry Floyd." A third advert adds: "The first 50 people in each night will receive a free copy of John Martyn's limited edition 'Live At Leeds' album." John was signing copies of Live at Leeds afterwards.

"He introduced 'Black Man At Your Shoulder' as being from the next album." (Matt Dawson).

1977-09-08 UK, London, Marquee Club. Plus support and Ian Fleming. Solo gig on Thursday night, 7pm. "The usual joint was passed around!" (Jerry Page)." "John played for two nights and I think about twenty copies of Live At Leeds were given away to the first 20 people that came through the door. I went to the gig with one of John's cousins, a certain Marian from Orpington (Kent)." (Dennis Moore).

1977-10-15 London, Golders Green, Hippodrome: acoustic solo performance (Spencer the Rover, Outside In from BBC Live; also Dealer (Sight and Sound in Concert, BBC video).

1977-10-18 UK, Liverpool, Eric's (warming up for One world tour).

1977-10-19 UK, Liverpool, Eric's (warming up for One world tour).

November

1977-11-03 Scotland, Edinburgh, St Andrews University.

1977-11-04 Scotland, Edinburgh, Edinburgh University.

1977-11-05 Scotland, Glasgow, Glasgow University.

1977-11-06 UK, Hull, New Theatre.

1977-11-10 UK, Portsmouth, The Centre.

1977-11-11 UK, Brighton, Sussex University.

1977-11-12 UK, Bristol, University.

1977-11-13 UK, Plymouth, Fiesta.

1977-11-15 Ireland, Belfast, Queen's University.

1977-11-16 Ireland, Dublin, Stadium.

1977-11-18 UK, Guildford, University of Surrey. Joint bill with The Brains Trust.

1977-11-19 UK, Colchester, Essex University.

1977-11-21 UK, London, Rainbow Theatre (with Steve Winwood, probably also Gong rhythm section). Reviewed NME. "First time I saw him was at the Rainbow with Danny Thompson and Steve Winwood. Thompson did a solo spot and he called one number 'The loneliest monk in town' [Blue Monk, ed]. Martyn was in his chair and pedals phase. Security was pretty lax at the Rainbow that night and I have fond memories of one guy running at the stage, jumping up and handing JM a huge joint which he, of course toked on (queue comment: 'the colours, the colours!'), until the guy jumped back and took it off him. Don't know if that's any use, but it made me smile. The music was, of course, incredible." (Terry Crewes)

1977-11-23 UK, Reading, University.

1977-11-24 UK, Bristol, Colston Hall.

1977-11-25 UK, Manchester, Rafters.

1977-11-26 UK, Leeds, University.

1977-11-27 UK, Norwich, St Andrews Hall.

1977-11-28 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall. With Danny Thompson.

1977-11-29 UK, Lancaster, University.

1977-11-30 UK, Newcastle, Polytechnic. Supporting act Prelude.

1977-12-03 UK, unknown.

1978

1978-01-10 UK, London, Collegiate Theatre (Old Grey Whistle Test, BBC Video: Small Hours, Bless the Weather). Also May You Never and other songs broadcasted.

1978-03-13 UK, London, North London Polytechnic. Monday night. Special one-off concert in aid of Rock Against Racism. Show also featured Martin Carthy and Bob Davenport. Tickets £ 1.50 (advance). "It's Martyn's last London gig before he tours Europe and America."

1978-03-15 France, Paris, Bus Palladium (cancelled).

1978-03-17 Germany, Hamburg, Audimax, University (solo act broadcasted by Rockpalast).

Supporting act for Eric Clapton's Slowhand tour

stub

(second half, East Coast):

"John Martyn, obviously a very strange choice. He used to sit in the middle of the stage on a big pile of pillows, playing acoustic guitar and singing fairly unintelligible lyrics."

1978-03-19 US, Miami (Florida), Jai-Alai Frontun.

1978-03-20 US, Lakeland (Florida), Civic Centre Coliseum.

1978-03-21 US, Savannah (Georgia), Civic Centre.

1978-03-22 US, Macon (Georgia), Coliseum.

1978-03-24 US, Charlotte (North Carolina), Memorial Coliseum.

1978-03-25 US, Columbia (South Carolina), Carolina Coliseum.

1978-03-26 US, Huntsville (Alabama), Von Braun Civic Center. Sunday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets $ 6.50.

advert

1978-03-28 US, Detroit (Michigan), Cobo Arena. Tuesday night, 20:00 hrs. Tickets $ 9.00. Bootlegged: Big Muff, Outside In, Small Hours/ One World and Rather Be The Devil.

1978-03-29 US, Cleveland (Ohio), Convention Center.

1978-03-31 US, Baltimore (Maryland), Civic Center Arena.

April

1978-04-01 US, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Spectrum Arena.

1978-04-02 US, New York, Radio City Music Hall. Announced but unconfirmed.

1978-04-03 US, Uniondale (New York), Nassau Coliseum. "John had a metal folding chair, his 'acoustic' guitar was plugged into his full array of pedals; far from Donovan redux, he played loud and mean, finishing with a ferocious Rather Be The Devil, introduced as 'a song by Skip James, but he's dead now so I don't suppose you'd care'. He finished the song by rising from his chair and, clutching the strapless guitar in a twisted grip, doing a slow skank-walk back and forth across the middle of the stage as he squeezed out another volley of echoes. This was not unappreciated by the crowd." (John Walker).

1978-04-05 US, Springfield (Massachusetts), Civic Centre. Wednesday night, 7:30pm. "Robert Stigwood Organization & Jerry Weintraub present | Eric Clapton & his band."

1978-04-07 Canada, Montreal (Quebec), Forum. (uncertain).

poster

1978-04-09 Canada, Toronto (Ontario), Maple Leaf Gardens. "chum and chumfm present | Eric Clapton | and his Band | World Tour | 1978 | with special guest John Martyn | Sunday, April 9 8:00 p.m. | Maple Leaf Gardens." Tickets $ 7.50.

May

1978-05-00 US, unknown, club tour. The Sarasota Journal of 10 May states that John is "now touring the States on a club tour". No further details yet.

1978-05-18 Canada, Toronto, Horseshoe Tavern. The venue's main room could hold 500 people. John featured in the first month new management took over. Gary Topp and Gary Cormier had booked John one year earlier in The New Yorker Theatre, also Toronto.

1978-05-19 Canada, Toronto, Horseshoe Tavern. Their contract stopped December 1978 and they moved on to The Edge. Where John was booked April 1981...

June

1978-06-11 UK, London, Regent's Park, Open Theatre; solo performance. Sunday afternoon. "No seats left, but we sat on a bank outside, and could hear pretty well. Martin Carthy was on first. JM played new stuff, May You Never, Spencer The Rover, and One Day Without You. Then we left." (Richard Royston).

"Scotland were playing in the world cup in Argentina in 1978. John had an ear plug in his ear waiting for team news and updates on the match. It was probably a spoof as a lot of the matches were played at midnight due to the time change between London and Argentina but he led us to believe that he was listening to Scotland on the radio throughout the gig. It was a solo gig on the green grass stage which was like a Shakspearian set. A most vivid memory in my life was the wonderful sunshine and the energy of the afternoon in London so long ago." (Ciaran Daly). A bootleg of this show was released February 2012 but falsely dated 1976.

July: second Australian Tour

(ended around 1 August)

July

1978-07-10 Australia, Perth, Perth Concert Hall. Supporting act Margret Roadknight.

1978-07-12 Australia, Adelaide, Opera Theatre. Supporting act Margret Roadknight.

1978-07-13 Australia, Canberra, Canberra Theatre. Thursday night 20:15 hrs, admission $ 8.40. Supporting act Margret Roadknight. Venue about half full. "That night at the Canberra Theatre he continued to air his contempt for the Aussie's, with a diatribe between each song about how backward, racist and murderous all Australians were." Show reviewed als 'flat' by Canberra Times.

1978-07-15 Australia, Sydney, State Theatre (supporting act Margret Roadknight). Solo act broadcast by ABC radio.

1978-07-19 Australia, Melbourne (solo), Dallas Brooks Hall. Supporting act Margret Roadknight. Tickets $ 8.40. Advert: "Universal Attractions | presents | John Martyn | with special guest | Margret Roadknight | in concert | Wednesday July 15th 8.15 p.m. | Dallas Brooks Hall [...] Tickets $8.40 incl. | Discount for Students and Groups." The date in the advert is wrong, the 15th was a Saturday. So the ticket is right.

1978-07-20 Australia, La Trobe, Union Hall. "John Martyn | plus Margret Roadknight | Thursday 20th July 8.15pm | Students $ 3.50 - yellow ticket Non students $ 4.50 - blue ticket."

1978-07-25 Australia, Wollongong, University of Wollongong, Union Hall.

1978-07-00 End of month: Sydney, Kirk Gallery (recorded). Organized by makers of In search of Anna movie.

1978-10-00 UK, Colchester, Essex University. Phil Collins guested on drums. This was shortly before 22nd October.

"John came on and played for about 30 minutes solo and then the rest of the band came on. A huge cheer went up when Phil Collins was spotted as the drummer." (Pete Howe).

"I saw John at Essex University in the fall of 1978. He played solo acoustic in the Lecture Theatre Block there." (Mark Brierley).

1978-10-20 UK, Reading, University (Rock goes to college, BBC Video: Certain Surprise). John replaced The Stranglers who had walked off stage, swore at students, smashed equipment and sang 'obscene songs'.

1978-11-08 UK, Brighton, Sussex University (Mandalla Hall).

1978-11-09 UK, London, Old Theatre.

1978-11-10 UK, Bristol University, Students Union.

1978-11-12 UK, Southampton, Guildhall.

1978-11-16 UK, Plymouth, Polytechnic.

1978-11-17 UK, Uxbridge, Middlesex

1978-11-21 UK, Birmingham, Town Hall.

1978-11-22 UK, Lancaster, Lancaster University.

1978-11-23 UK, Newcastle University.

1978-11-24 UK, Sheffield University.

1978-11-29 UK, Keele (Staffordshire), University.

1978-11-30 Scotland, Glasgow, Pavilion.

1978-12-01 Scotland, Edinburgh, Odeon.

1978-12-02 Scotland, Aberdeen, Capitol.

1978-12-04 UK, Durham University.

1978-12-06 UK, Manchester University.

1978-12-07 UK, Huddersfield Polytechnic.

1978-12-11 UK, Liverpool, Mountford Hall (University). Monday night. Supporting act Steve Tilston. "John Martyn | plus Steve Tiltson [sic] | Mountford Hall Liverpool University | Doors open 8.00 pm." Tickets £ 1.50 (advance), £ 1.75 (door). "Late night reggae special with Tapper Zukie at Erics after John Martyn has finished!" 'He played standing up for the first time, we were shocked!!' (Stephen Walsh).

1979

1979-01-25 UK, Swansea, Brangwyn Hall. Solo. "It was an amazing show, it was Burns night and I swapped Elvis Costello tickets to get to this show." (Andy Richards).

1979-01-27 France, Paris, Théatre de l'Empire. Solo gig recorded on a Saturday in front of a live audience. Three tracks broadcast by Antenne 2 in 'Chorus' episode of Sunday 28 Jan.

April

1979-04-13 Netherlands, Rotterdam, Exit. (Solo gig, Friday).

1979-04-28 Denmark, Copenhagen, Montmartre. 21:00 hrs.

Small Italian solo tour, first in Country'n'Folk series presented by Dischi Ricordi

May

1979-05-13 Italy, Milano, Teatro Di Porta Romana. 21:00 hrs. There were two consecutive nights, both sold out. One show was apparently filmed by a local tv-station.

1979-05-14 Italy, Milano, Teatro Di Porta Romana. 21:00 hrs. Bootlegged, released as Live in Milan 1979. "La Dischi Ricordi S.p.A. presenta | Country'n'Folk | Un Concerto di Musica Vera | John Martyn In Concerto | 13-14 Maggio Ore 21 Ingresso L. 2.500 | Teatro di Porta Romana | TRM 2 Radio Regione Radio Hinterland."

1979-05-17 Italy, Torino, Teatro Alfieri. Thursday night, 21:15 hrs; admission L2.500. Supporting act Marcello Capra (bootlegged).

poster

1979-05-18 Italy, Bologna, Teatro Antoniano. Solo set, bootlegged with soundboard cassette. "He was in top form - as usual. One can also hear some stomach grumbling inbetween songs: that evening was very hot and maybe he needed something extra to drink..." (taper Nobody). This tape was dated 1977 but this probably was mistaken.

1979-05-00 Italy, Brescia, date and venue unknown.

1979-05-00 Italy, Gorizia, date and venue unknown. Part of the concert has been bootlegged, though.

1979-05-00 Italy, Roma. Gig cancelled in late stage because they could not find a suitable venue (Ciao 2001).

June

1979-06-21_25 UK, Glastonbury festival. "He drove across the field to the stage in his Volvo estate, with barrels of ale strapped to the roof, then he tapped off quite a few pints before playing." (Ian Wallis).

Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis considers this performance his personal all-time favourite Glasto act: "He was so good, it brought tears to my eyes."

Text from an advert from the period: "GLASTONBURY FAYRE | Steve Hillage. Sky. Tim Blake. Barry Ford Band. | John Cooper Clarke. Leyton Buzzards. The Good Missionaries. | X-Dreamysts. Sex Beatles. Nik Turner's Sphinx. | Carol Grimes. Matumbi. John Martyn. U.K. Subs. | Clayson and the Argonauts. The Pop Group. The Only Ones. | Raja Ram. Patrick Fitzgerald. Etc. Etc.

Theatre, dance & mime from: Footsbarn. Abracadabra. Continuum.

Incubus. Cunning Stunts. Many Ways Of Moving. Matchbox Purveyors. | Natural Theatre Company. Beril & The Peril. Headless Wonder. | All Women Cabaret, and many more! Plus: Camping and van space. | Wholefoods. Welfare. Crafts. Clowns. Market. Yoga. Medical & legal services. | Giant childrens play area. Lecture area.

Thurs. June 21. Fri. June 22. Sat. June 23. | Worthy Farm, Pilton, Nr. Shepton Mallet, Somerset. | Tickets £5. From all Virgin shops or by post from Glastonbury Fayre, | 57 Elgin Cres. London W.11. Please enclose an S.A.E. | All profits to Unicef International Year of the Child."

1979-07-15 France, Irvillac (Bretagne), Festival Elixir. Solo show on Sunday; second day of first big festival in the country. Shared bill with Planxty, Richard and Linda Thompson, John Renbourn, Pan Ra, Machin, Gwendal, Aristide Padygros, New Celeste, Dan Ar Bras, Delahaye, Favennec and Strolock. "Le guitariste britannique John Martyn, une pop star alcoolique, prétentieuse et autoritaire," wrote Rock & Folk. "Memorable solo offering where he did plant the head of his guitar on the stage, dead drunk on his chair." (Jean-Luc Garnier)

1979-07-21 Ireland, Kilkenny, Rose Hill Hotel. Handwritten poster: "An evening with John Martyn | Rose Hill Hotel | Saturday 21st July." With Alan Thomson, keyboard and drum machine. As remembered by Bill Carroll, owner of Carroll's Bar, Thomastown.

August

1979-08-25 Northern Ireland, Portrush, Causeway Coast Music Festival. John headlined the Saturday night at this first and only annual three day festival. He was scheduled for 23:00 hours. Other names of interest were Boys of the Lough, De Dannan (Friday), Paul Brady (Saturday) and Christy Moore, The Strawbs and Loudon Wainwright III (Sunday).

1979-09-22 UK, London, Royal Festival Hall. Saturday night solo performance, supporting act Rico. Mainly old material, reviewed by Melody Maker one week later.

1979-10-23 UK, London, Roundhouse. Camden Jazz Festival; gig with John Stevens Dance Orchestra.

1979-10-24 UK, London, studio performance with John Stevens Dance Orchestra. Line-up: Elton Dean, Paul Rutherford, Trevor Watts, John Martyn, Pepi Lemer, Nick Stephens, Phil Collins.

1979-11-04 UK, Guildford, Surrey University.

1979-11-05 UK, Leicester, University [Percy Gee Building, the Student's Union]. "He didn't come on until 9.30 and started with a twenty minute instrumental. As he began his first proper song we had to leave to get the last train back to Nottingham - gutted!" (Karen Hudspith) "The Percy Gee building is situated on the campus of Leicester University which is next door to the De Montfort Hall but a completely separate venue." (Phil Holden).

1979-11-07 UK, Norwich, East Anglia University.

1979-11-09 UK, Newcastle, Polytechnic.

1979-11-10 UK, Nottingham, University

1979-11-11 UK, Northampton, Royal Theatre.

1979-11-13 UK, Plymouth, Polytechnic.

1979-11-14 UK, Warwick, Warwick University. Supporting act Dave Kelly.

1979-11-15 UK, Hanley, Victoria Hall.

1979-11-16 UK, Manchester, UMIST.

1979-11-17 UK, Sheffield, University.

1979-11-18 UK, Redcar (Teesside), Coatham Bowl.

1979-11-22 Scotland, Edinburgh, Odeon.

1979-11-23 Scotland, Aberdeen, University.

1979-11-24 Scotland, Glasgow, Strathclyde University.

1979-11-27 UK, London, Putney; Halfmoon Putney. Phil Collins on drums.

1979-11-30 UK, Uxbridge, Brunel University.

1979-12-03 UK, Brighton, Brighton Dome.

1979-12-06 France, Paris, Bataclan.

1979-12-08 Netherlands, Dordrecht, Kunstmin. Winterfolk festival; top bill with June Tabor. Saturday, 14:00-24:00 hrs. Other acts include Wolverlei, Dommelvolk, De Perelaar, Schnappsack, Gay & Terry Woods, James Ferguson, Dougie MacLean and Alan Roberts (broadcast).