Seth dedicates new folk album to Tristan

Folk star Seth Lakeman has dedicated his new album to Plymouth journalist Tristan Nichols who tragically died last month.

Seth, left, and Tristan, right, had been friends since childhood and the musician, who grew up on Dartmoor, was devastated by the death of the 40year-old former defence reporter for WMN’s sister paper, The Herald.

In a poignant tribute, Seth said he was dedicating the album and its title track to Tristan, who died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Saltash. Just four months before his death, Tristan had his first child, daughter Mia Luna, with wife Jacky.

Seth said: “Tristan and I lived together for four years and went on countless holidays.

“What has happened is so difficult to comprehend, with no accident or illness – life will never be the same again.

“The song ‘Well Worn path’ really reminds me of Tristan – it has a sonic, spiritual sound. It’s emotive and ties up everything on the album.” Tributes to Tristan poured in from friends and colleagues all over the world.

Tristan, who worked at The Herald for 14 years in two spells, died suddenly at his home in Saltash on October 12.

He is survived by his wife Jacky and his baby daughter Mia Luna, born in June 2018.

The former defence reporter at The Herald was well respected and hugely popular. Since breaking the tragic news of his death the city’s website, Plymouth Live, The Herald and the WMN have been swamped with messages of condolence.

Tributes have arrived from former co-workers in the USA, Australia, and Hong Kong, and from across the UK including London and Bristol.

Matt Fleming, former Herald journalist now working in Hong Kong, wrote: “I can’t believe it. I have been in shock. Absolutely tragic. Such an awesome dude.”

John Casey, who was Tristan’s news editor early in his career, said: “Could not believe it when heard. Still can’t really. So desperately sad.”