The obituary notice of FRED WEDLOCK

Fred was a part of my youth. Even though I was born and brought up in Birmingham not his native west country,I saw Fred several times in folk clubs around the midlands. His humour was legendary and his musicianship underrated.

His song 'Talking Folk Club Blues' was for me a brilliant piece of writing. Have fun in Heaven Fred, you will be missed.

Fred performed for us at the Venture Theater Folk Club Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire and twice at the Scrag end Folk Club in Oakthorpe NW Leicestershire. He was a Supernova!!!!!!! I just wish the whole world could become familiar with his talent. He is now in the "Tower of Love" as Leonard Cohen described in a song about famous entertainers.

Fred was always only a smile away.
I am a lifelong (well over 30 years) fan, and still treasure his songs when I am feeling both up and down.
I learnt nearly all the songs off Frolicks and a couple from the Folker, performing some of them during my busking/folk- clubbing days. Many's the time I was joined in by the crowd, and they always seemed to be the noisy ones!
I only managed to catch Fred live twice, once in London (with Firey Chris Newman) and the other time at Bath University. What a hoot .... :)
My son managed to find the Folker on CD for a birthday present, which meant I could laugh without the scratches in the background from my ground-down vinyl album!

My condolenses go to his family and close friends.

Fred, my heart smiles and thanks you.
A fan forever...
Richard Triance

I remember Fred from many years ago (late 70's and early 80's) when I used to babysit for his guitarist and singer, Chris and Min Newman. Loved all of the band and was given a signed copy of his LP Oldest Swinger in Town which featured my friend Martin's car on the cover. They were a great band and full of fun and laughs. Remember them best at the old Stonehouse in Bristol which I understand is sadly not there anymore either. Fred was a fantastic entertainer and musician - Loved all his funny stories and am very sad to hear of his premature passing. Kind regards and sympathy to his family who must have lovely memories of the great man xx

It was my priviledge to see Fred perform and speak with him on many occasions when he came to London. The last time at Twickenham on the occasion of the Strawbs 40th anniversary last September, he was actually the first person I saw when I entered, though that time I did not hear him sing.

When Fred was in the same room as you, it was just not possible to be "down in the dumps", you forgot all your problems and had a great time. Fred just made happy.

Fred, we will miss you, I'm certain you have the angels laughing now..

I was at bath university in the 1970's and i never knew a bad Fred Wedlock concert. 'Breathalysed' - just one of the many he made us laugh with. You made a lot of us very happy, Fred, rest in peace.

Back in the late 60's I was a pupil at The Castle School, Thornbury when we were introduced to our new Geography teacher. In walked this guy with a bright kipper tie, guitar in hand. He said my name is Mr Wedlock. Every Thursday we could not wait to get to Georgraphy. Did we learn about glaciers and meanders? No but we learnt some brilliant folk music. Teachers like this no longer exist but he certainly made a lasting impression on us kids.

In the 1970s Fred used to come and do a turn at our freshers' ceilidhs at Bath University. He always went down very well. Everyone sat and listened to his songs, which were perfectly chosen or written, to appeal to students. He sang about Bristol Buses and pubs that didn't sell real ale, and some "adapted folk songs" which appealed to a larger audience than just us folkies. Rest in peace Fred. You were a great entertainer and a lovely person.