Sad news today out of the music world:
Dave Swarbrick, a British folk rock singer best known for his work with the group Fairport Convention, died this week at the age of 75.
The cause of death has not yet been revealed, but Swarbrick struggled with health problems after being diagnosed with emphysema in the 1990s.
Known as “Swarb” to all those close to him, the violinist, singer and songwriter released numerous solo albums and collaborated with an array of other artists as well, notably guitarist Martin Carthy.
His passing was confirmed on the official Fairport Convention website, which said that Swarbrick “had been seriously ill for some time.”
The fiddler initially played with Fairport on the group’s third album, 1969’s “Unhalfbricking,” going on to becpme an official member with the same year’s Liege & Lief, believed by many to be the best folk-rolk album …. of all-time.
Swarbrick later took a lead role in guiding the band away from psychedelic-rock to a more pastoral vibe, co-writing manyy of the group’s best-loved songs, often with guitarist Richard Thompson.
Fairport officially disbanded in 1979.
However, Swarbrick regularly returned to the stage for tours or to play at the group’s annual reunion “convention” in Cropredy, Oxfordshire.
Blur guitarist Graham Coxon was one of a number of musicians to pay tribute to Swarbrick soon after news of his passing went viral.
Coxon shared early footage of the late star playing mandolin with Martin Carthy on Twitter, writing as a message:
“Very sad… Bye, Dave and thanks!”
We send condolences to his friends, family members and loved ones.
