R.I.P. Andy M. Stewart

[Steve L]

The news is trickling through the interwebs that the wonderful singer/songwriter/tenor banjo player from Silly Wizard has left us. He was in terrible declining health from what I understand, but what music he left us. So sad when these important influences take their leave. That intro to Queen of Argyll was one of a number of things that made me want to play Irish and Scottish music and mando family instruments.

[mrmando]

Terrible sad news, although I know he'd been in declining health for some time. One of my absolute favorite vocalists in any style of music. Sometimes I'll go on an iTunes-aided Silly Wizard kick and listen to their entire catalog because it's all so amazing.

[Bertram Henze]

Their music carried me a long way when I needed it. I hope his philosophy is still working out for him.

[roysboy]

This video song is my introduction to Andy Stewart and its wonderful . Thanks for posting . R.i.p. indeed Andy .

[CelticDude]

Most of my favorite vocalists are female. Andy Stewart was the exception. His was a an amazing voice. And the songs he penned! I've always figured that a songwriter has to be a poet as much as a musician, and Andy clearly was.

I was lucky enough to meet him a few times in the late 80's, mostly because I was dating a rather extroverted woman who had no problem breaking down the backstage door to meet the artists. He was gracious and friendly to us, and invited us to the next night's show for free if we brought people. We did, and had another wonderful night.

I only heard recently about his health, and that he was incapacitated and not able to sing or write any more. RIP, Andy.

[Mike Anderson]

This is very sad news. I used to sing "Dublin Lady" and "If I Was a Blackbird" with my old band, and have most of his Silly Wizard and solo work. His "Humours of Whiskey" never fails to make me smile and sing along. RIP Andy...

[s1m0n]

I've always been partial to his recording of Take her in your Arms with Manus Lunny.

[DougC]

Many memories from the man and his band. Andy played tenor banjo, whistle and sang one of my favorites here. BTW the video is a whole hour of Silly Wizard.

[Nick Gellie]

The 'Queen of Argyle' is my favourite. Sad news indeed!

[Russ Donahue]

Many memories from the man and his band. Andy played tenor banjo, whistle and sang one of my favorites here. BTW the video is a whole hour of Silly Wizard.

Great video!

[zoukboy]

Obituary in yesterday's The Scotsman:

http://www.scotsman.com/news/obituar...iter-1-3989156

[BlueMt.]

Andy had the perfect voice for the music. May he find rest in The Land O' The Leal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuacU7TWmmY

[Richard Singleton]

Very sad to see this news today. Just watched the Center Stage concert, brought back so many great memories of seeing them all live in various venues, and my late wife and I were fortunate to see Andy and Manus many times at Towne Crier Cafe.