Vin Garbutt

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Vin Garbutt (born Vincent Paul Garbutt, 20 November 1947, in South Bank, Middlesbrough), though second generation Irish, is an English folk singer and songwriter. A signifant part of his repertoire consists of protest songs covering topics such as "the Troubles" in Northern Ireland (Troubles of Erin), unemployment, and abortion.

Politically Garbutt is unusual, in that he sings in favour of what are generally Left wing positions (support for Nicaragua against US imperialism for exampls). However, on the question of abortion, he expressed a loud opposition to it as "state murder", a position normally associated with conservatives. He is a Roman Catholic.

1 Biography
2 Awards
3 Discography
4 External link

[edit] Biography

He became interested in folk music at school, and regularly visited (and performed at) The Rifle Club in Middlesbrough. After leaving school, he began an apprenticeship at ICI Wilton Chemical plant. He became a professional musician at age 21. He spent a summer busking in Spain, followed by Gibraltar and Morocco, during which he discovered his talent for songwriting.

In 1972 he returned to England, and recorded his first album, Valley of Tees.

In January 2005 he was admitted to hospital, and his ill health lead to him having to cancel concerts. In February, he had a heart operation, and further surgery was required in March, due to a duodenal ulcer. On May 22, a benefit concert was held on his behalf in Adelaide, Australia, with artists including Eric Bogle, Colcannon, Margaret Monks and Jim Groat, and the South Australia Folk Centre venue was filled to capacity. Over the summer he performed in a small number of concerts and festivals, and in September he began a more complete concert schedule, although his repertoire was chosen carefully to retain his energy. As of October 2005, no further health problems have been reported.

[edit] Awards

In 2000, he was asked to present the "Best Folk Club" award, at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. In 2001 he won the "Best Live Act” award, and was also nominated for "Folk Singer of the Year" (with the award going to Norma Waterson).