Concert in honour of a city folk legend
SPECIAL SHOW IN SUMMER WILL PAY TRIBUTE TO MUSICIAN FROM LONGSIGHT
A SUMMER concert is to be staged in memory of local folk legend, Pete Farrow.
The singer-songwriter, whose career-spanning album ‘Who Says There’s No Beach In Stockport’ was released in 2000, was well known throughout the region.
His mates included Salford poet John CooperClarke, who helped Pete run The Black Lion folk club in the city at the Chapel Street pub.
Pete came to prominence in the 1970s and appeared at the Deeply Vale Festival, set on the moors above Rochdale, which ran from 197679 and included sets by The Fall, Steve Hillage, Mick Hucknall’s Frantic Elevators and Durutti Column.
That festival attracted hippies in caravans from all over the country and up to 20,000 people.
Pete died on New Year’s Eve after many years of ill health, aged 72.
He was known nationally for his great range of styles and musicianship, highlighted on his Acoustic Medicine album.
He played 18 instruments through folk, jazz, blues, rock, country and Irish music.
The 23-track ‘Who Says There’s No Beach In Stockport,’ was part produced by legendary Martin Hannett, a leading light of the 1970s and 80s Manchester sound, who worked with Joy Division.
He went on to play many radio and TV shows and live performances, including stints as a busker.
Born in Longsight, Pete lived in a tiny 16th century cottage in Offerton, Stockport, packed with memorabilia and instruments.
Music mogul Chris Hewitt helped steer Pete’s sometimes complicated career and is organising the concert.
Chris was one of the originators and owner of Northwich-based Oz It Records and released Deeply Vale related CDs and DVDs.
He said: “Many of Pete’s fellow musicians will be gathering along with family and friends to celebrate his life. Pete was a larger-than-life character whose humour, good nature and music will live on.”
Details of the show, which will be held on June 14, will be confirmed closer to the
Pete was a larger-thanlife character whose good nature and music will live on
Chris Hewitt
date. Pete was highly regarded by fellow musicians. Testimonials on the sleeve notes of his 2000 album included: “Every track is a delight”, the opinion of broadcaster and artist, Mike Harding. Among his admirers at The Black Lion were TV presenters Anna Ford and Anthony Wilson.