TRIBUTES TO DAVID COUSINS
Dick Greener
A word before we start. Looking through the literally thousands of comments about David’s death, it’s humbling just to see how much he `affected the lives of many thousands of people. I’ve known his music for over 50 years, worked alongside him for over 25 years, and counted him as one of my closest friends. Such an inspiring man, not alwa\ys easy but never dull, his passing leaves a huge hole in my life that is impossible to fill.
But the outpouring of sadness online and in e-mails has reminded me that we are not alone – so many people have joined the Strawbs Facebook group or contacted me in order to leave a message of condolence or submit a personal tribute. Thank you, I know that he would have been overwhelmed by your kindness and love.
It would be impossible to include all the kind messages you have sent, but on these tribute pages I’ll set out a selection of them – please don’t feel offended if yours is not included; it has not been ignored, but there just isn’t enough time in the days to compile them all!
Thank you again – it’s been both a pleasure and a sadness to share your thoughts.
Rick Wakeman
I first met Dave in 1969 when I was booked as a session piano player to join the Strawbs on the recording of their Dragonfly Record through Tony Visconti. We all got on tremendously and I loved working with Dave and Tony and figuring out how to work in the best way possible to some of their weird and wonderful guitar tunings! Dave asked me to join them on some BBC Folk on Friday sessions which were great fun and shortly after, in April 1970, Dave asked me to join and the line-up changed soon after with Richard Hudson and John Ford joining, making Strawbs one of the founder members of "electric Folk" or "Folk Rock". Dave was determined to take the music to a new level and his songwriting and lyrics were just a joy to work with. Dave also introduced a Danelectro Sitar Guitar and used it to create the riff for the re-recording of the track Where Is This Dream Of Your Youth, which first appeared on their first album entitled "Strawbs".
Dave had a wonderful gift of writing great melodic melodies which fitted his lyrics perfectly and were a joy to play on. I can remember listening to A Glimpse of Heaven for the first time on acoustic guitar as we sat in his cottage in Devon and he related how he had written the song on the cliffs at Sidmouth. It is such a beautiful song and in the 1970s I often drove to Sidmouth and sat on the cliffs with my Walkman listening to the track with a broad smile enveloping my face.
After I left the Strawbs, Dave and I stayed in touch and we shared many musicians including Chas Cronk (bass) and Tony Fernandez (drums) and of course two of my sons, Oliver and Adam, who both had spells with the Strawbs. I last saw Dave in Folkstone when he came along to the Yuletide show and I believe his last ever performance on stage was when he joined me at Trading Boundaries earlier that year and we did A Glimpse of Heaven together, totally unrehearsed I hasten to add, but it was a very moving and poignant moment for me and I'm pleased that it was recorded and filmed and here for all to listen to and reflect on a man who had a very great influence on my life. Dave now truly has a real "Glimpse of Heaven".
Brian Willoughby
When you've know someone for 60 years, warts-and-all, you can definitely call him or her, a "friend". Such was the relationship between Dave Cousins and myself. The 1960s and The White Bear Folk Club in Hounslow are, indeed, a lifetime away!..
After Dave and Ralph McTell played guitar on Mary Hopkin's "Earth Song, Ocean Song" album, in 1971, Mary needed a guitarist to play those parts, 'live' and Dave very kindly, put me forward for the position.
The rest is mainly geography, with a lot of beer under the many bridges Dave and I crossed as a duo and then, after I spent 25 years with Strawbs.
He and I had our "ups & downs" periods, but I am satisfied that our friendship lasted, borne out by the fact that he welcomed me back to the fold, for his final performances. I remain proud to have worked with and learnt from a special talent and I shall miss even the "downs", but mostly remember the "ups"!
R.I.P. my friend, Dave Cousins.
John Ford
That night in 1970 when I strolled into the White Bear in Hounslow, hoping to to secure a bass playing job with Strawbs, little did I know it would form a relationship that would last on and off for a lifetime. As Blue Weaver remarked, once a Strawb, always a Strawb. I had my ups and downs with Dave over the years, but I was honoured when he asked me to cover his guitar parts for the Cropredy tour. Ever the trooper, Dave pulled out all the stops vocally on every show. I think we can all agree that the backbone of this whole Strawbs family, throughout all the different lineups, comes down to Dave’s music and lyrics. Having a two day layover before flying back home, Dave graciously drove me around sightseeing, visiting Folkstone and the White Cliffs of Dover. I’m glad we had that time together.
Ray Coles
I fell in love with David's music many years before I met him. The old adage about never meeting your heroes was firmly in the front of my mind that day in July 2004 when Strawbs played the Strand Theater for the first time. One of the first things David said to me was to be sure to keep the bar open after the show, because, he said, they would not leave until everyone had a chance to say hello, take a picture or get an album signed.
Our friendship grew over the years. I was thrilled that the Strand became Strawbs new base of operations in the states!. Even more so, when Glenn Harrison and I became part of the Strawbs family, assisting with US merchandise sales, booking several of their US tours and even signing on as roadies for several music cruises. The highlight was when he asked us to help produce Strawbs 50th Anniversary weekend at the Strand. It was probably the musical highlight of my life.
Even though we have not been able to physically get together since 2018, we kept in touch via email and Zoom meeting. Despite his illness, he never looked back. He was always looking forward to the next project. He was writing and recording right up until the end.
I'm honored that he included me in his life and career. I will miss the talks we had about life's ups and downs, our regrets and plans for the future.
It would be impossible for me to select a single lyric that expresses my appreciation for his friendship, the joy his music has brought into my life and the memories that will last me till the end of my days.
Thank you my friend. Rest well.
Neil MacPherson
Last night, at 2155, as the sun went down, I poured a drink, sat down, toasted Dave, and listened to "Hanging In The Gallery" and "Forever" ( strings version)!! HITG has never been amongst my Strawbs favourites, but I always reckoned it was one of the lyrics most personal to Dave and the words had been popping up in my mind all day.
Forever is just the most beautiful hugely under-rated ( even by Dave?) Strawbs song. It's not musically complex but, in my view, it's outstanding, moving, emotional and unmatched by other love songs. Sadly, i dont think I ever saw it performed live in my 100 or so Strawbs concerts. So it seemed appropriate last night, although I could have chosen any 1 of 100 or so songs.
When I was in my mid teens I wrote to Dave at his Northleigh, Devon home and to my surprise, he replied with a lovely hand written letter. I still have it somewhere. Later, Dave invited me to have drinks with the band at Strathclyde University in 77/78 and I'd known him since then. Later, there were a few memorable evenings in The Royal Oak in Sidbury, Devon when Dave moved there.
In the late 90s, I was living in London and drove Dave and Brian Willoughby back from Leicester to London..and enjoyed a great chat for 2 hours plus ..ranged everywhere from Strawbs to Leonard Cohen and his one pair of trousers story. I remember a chat of how Leonard achieved the guitar effects on "Avalanche", which was on my cd player. Dave once told me i was an "annoying bugger who remembered more about the Strawbs than I do"!!
In more recent years (not that recent as i think about it) I managed, whilst at the BBC, to trace an old Radio 2 Controller, whom a dying friend of Dave's (in Deal) had wanted to reconnect with before dying. We made it happen despite Data Protection Regulations.
I'm 67 now and I first saw Strawbs live at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow in 1973, just before my 15th birthday . This was after accidentally coming across the band when I went to see Emerson Lake and Palmer's film "Pictures at an Exhibition"...and "Grave New World" was a supporting film. From that day on, their music meant more to me than any other. It still does, even if I have periods where I rest it for a while . It's always there...a lyric will pop up out of nowhere...and I have many favourites..i was pleased to see Les Cotton refer to "Deadly Nightshade" earlier today, as it's an unappreciated beauty!! At the moment, my most regularly played song is "Promised Land" and when I meet my pals for a regular drink, I always play it through headphones on the bus. Fantastic...I'm really taken with the mad frantic piano solo.
I suspect I'm going to have a period of listening to my entire 100% Strawbs collection ( I'm not sure I've ever listened to "A Taste..." the whole way through but I will now.... I'll also order the Blu Ray player to play the as yet unseen, though it's here, "Magic of the Moon"...and I will re read "Exorcising Ghosts").
Thanks Dave ( and all band members past and present) for the poetic and musical education and entertainment over 50 plus years.
Steve Purkis
Feeling sad looking at my painting today of Dave in his pomp - a still frame from the ‘BBC in concert’ associated with the more recent Deadlines release - thought I’d share it again on here - last time I was so pleased when Dave wrote back and said it had made his Xmas! RIP Dave thanks for giving me so much pleasure with your music and lyrics
Nicci van As
So sad to hear of Dave Cousins' passing today. His wonderful music brought me so much joy through the years, since I discovered Strawbs while in high school. I was so very privileged to have seen him in action on 25 September 2022 at The Daisy Jones, when he visited South Africa, something I will never forget. I took this photo of him during that concert.
Myron Hrynkow
In 1974 I was looking through LPs in the second hand section of a record shop in the middle of Nottingham. Picking out Grave New World, the art work stood out as remarkable, particularly the central fold out section. I then pulled out the sleeve booklet and read the words to the songs. They were ethereal, honest and lyrical and caught my attention and imagination. On the strength of that, I bought the LP and on listening was completely hooked on Strawbs music for the rest of my days. Grave New World and Hero and Heroin were the peak of achievement with many other albums having many notable and memorable tracks.
It was in the 1990s that I met Dave at a performance in Kirkby Steven. We met briefly several times after other performances until the band stopped performing in the North of England.
Life experience informs you that there are no heroes, only people with all their weaknesses and failings.
I never saw Dave as a hero of the music world but rather saw him as an honest lyricist and musician who honed his art to create his own specialised personal style of musical expression and feelings. He created something very special and unique in the world of music. Quite refreshingly different to today's hedonistic, over produced pop music.
He was always surrounded by talented musicians which in themselves was a demonstration of his musical value.
Thank you Dave for your special inspired musical and lyrical talents that have created such unique musical communication. Few people have achieved such remarkable, creative, honest musical output. I hope that your music will live on for others to discover.
A sad loss to the world of musical art. A talented writer and performer.
The old grey man with his heavy load must find his way alone.
May you find the way!
Steve Bullman
Four years ago, I was converting all my Strawbs & DC CDs to computer files. During that, I got an overview of the whole of the DC canon. It struck me that he was not only very good at reflective/sad topics, but wrote more than others of bidding farewell, or things irretrievably lost. One of the strong positives for going to computer is the ability to work up what used to be “theme cassettes” via playlists. So, I made a Farewell Songs playlist, sometimes with multiple versions that had a different feel:
We'll Meet Again Sometime (3 versions)
Beat the Retreat (2 versions)
I'll Carry on Beside You
The Journey's End
Thank You
Will You Go
It's Good to See the Sun
So Close and Yet So Far Away
Goodbye (Is Not an Easy Word to Say)
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
I hadn’t expected it to have such relevance this soon.
Over 40 years, I’ve seen DC with the Strawbs 34 times, plus twice as a duo with Brian Willoughby. Combined with almost 70 CDs, he’s played quite a part of my musical upbringing. For me, Art Excavates the Soul, like an archaeologist excavates artefacts, gradually revealing the shape and substance of what had been hidden. Via his art, DC had a good trowel and a great technique.
In the current situation, Beat the Retreat’s final verse gets me :
The last post is sounding
Now it's time to be gone
There's no further reason
For singing this song
The battle is over
I accept the defeat
Now you know how I feel when
I beat the retreat
Michael Coleman
Dave's music has been part of me for most of my life from when I was 15 years old and it feels like losing a friend. I will continue to enjoy his musical legacy and cherish the countless times I saw him live with Strawbs and solo.
Lindsay Sorrell
Wow, even though Dave Cousins was 85 and in poor health it was a breathtaking shock to find out he had passed away. He has been there as a big part of my life (as a completely obsessed Strawbs fan) right from my first pre-teen hearing of From the Witchwood. I was hooked there and then. Without Dave Cousins there would have been no Strawbs, and I thank him for the countless unforgettable times I was able to see Strawbs from the early 1970s onwards. I thank him also for being the reason I've met so many wonderful Strawbs fans, many of whom I now consider great friends, particularly after having spent years thinking Strawbs' fans were rarer than hens' teeth.
Without doubt, Dave Cousins was a truly inspirational songwriter and performer, and his passionate delivery of songs, which had the ability to evoke every kind of emotion, was always a joy to behold. Strawbs' gigs were my 'happy place' and I am eternally grateful to have such a wealth of priceless memories from those times. Hopefully the vast collection of music created by Dave Cousins, and the highly-talented array of musicians he surrounded himself with as Strawbs, will live on and be cherished by generations to come.
Joannie Eggert
Lindsay, I have been struggling to put my feelings into words, but you have just said it all so well. Although you and I are separated by an ocean, your story is so familiar. (In my case, the introduction was "Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios', and, of course, geographic proximity gave you more opportunities to enjoy live performances).
In addition to an impressive body of work in music and words, the many connections between people that Dave was the catalyst for are also, in my opinion, a big part of the gifts he brought to this world. Whether consciously or not, he had an uncanny knack for finding (or attracting) the best of people, from the talented musicians that surrounded him to the eclectic mix of passionate fans from around the globe, many who eventually found each other and became a family of (often the most unlikely) of friends .
Although we all knew of the inevitability of his passing, it is very hard to fully grasp the idea that such a big presence in my life is now residing only in memory. But..." What is remembered, lives."
David Wright
My wife and I, before we met, independently saw Strawbs at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh in 1972. We met in 1976 and quickly established that we both had a profound love of Dave’s music. The final time we saw Dave was when the band played the Hero and Heroine album live at Green’s in Kinross in 2014. After the gig we spent a couple of hours in the Band’s company in the bar. Dave was in great form and told many stories of the bands exploits over the years. What a fine gentleman he was. Talented, interesting and caring. Dave , your music helped my wife and I to form a bond that has lasted nearly 50 years. We are both devastated you have passed but we will be eternally grateful to you and will always treasure those two hours we spent in your company.
Craig Larson
We're heartbroken & will miss him dearly. He was always gracious taking time to have a chat with us to every show we attended & we're deeply grateful. Possibly it was our wine connection that had something to do with it ...
Terry Lowrie
I had the privilege of seeing you and the Strawbs in 1970 for the first time at Guildford Civic Hall in. I have been a huge fan of Strawbs and yourself for many years and vividly remember [Dave and Rick's] brilliant double act in 2009 at the 40th anniversary show. Dave always had time for a chat and the outpouring of grief from his many fans is overwhelming. RIP to a true legend who has reached his journey's end X
Andre Lambert
What an immeasurable loss for English Folk Rock and Progressive Rock! Such a wonderful songwriter, a true wordsmith of Dylan’s and Joni Mitchell’s caliber. I had the chance to see him live in the Acoustic Strawbs format, with Lambert and Cronk, about 15 years ago; it was a dream come true. ‘Wish I could’ve shared a pint with this Giant amongst Giants. Rest in peace, Mr. Cousins, thanks for the music.
Ric Sánchez
Ever since I bought the vinyl of Hero and Heroine ,The Strawbs, Dave Cousins have particularly been with me all my life. I have all his albums. From first to last. Also the ones he did solo or with Wakeman or Willoughby for example. Never got to see it live. They've been my main and longest-lasting musical reference. I have to thank Dave Cousins for his company, which thanks to his legacy, will be eternal to me. RIP
Amanda Baughn
In Loving Memory of Dave Cousins - I first met Dave in December 2003 when my Dad took me to see the Acoustic Strawbs with Dave Lambert and Brian Willoughby. I was amazed by Dave’s unique voice, the music and the lyrics. All of his songs are poems, a sentiment which Strawbs keyboardist, John Hawken, had noted on more than one occasion.
In the years since, with the guidance of Dick Greener, I was introduced to many wonderful new friends who had one thing in common- they loved Strawbs and they LOVED Dave Cousins. The best part was each and every one of them felt like an extended family. This music attracted THE BEST kinds of people. I am not alone in saying I was perpetually in awe of the songs and the man who created them. His hands would fly through the air, face scrunched and distorted, he made you FEEL.
When not on stage, Dave would often alternate between a real sweetheart and a prickly persona, but it never bothered me. He was an artist
and I respected him and his moods. I cherished the memories that few people get to have with their musical idols. I will forever miss the hugs and kisses, the warm greetings after a year apart, his sense of humor, his storytelling and the music. Despite any flaws people might want to discuss, we are all human, imperfect in nature, and anyone who is a fan of Strawbs owes a debt to him.
Yes, we will always have the music, but my friend Dorie echoed my thankfulness for the community he created.
“We have a tribe…because of him, in spite of him, and after he’s gone.”
Thank you, Dave, for everything.
David Schlichter
I think what attracted me most to Dave’s music was the absolute humanity of it. From my first hearing of it I knew this was real, straight from the heart and soul, that Dave was real. He wrote and sang of his experiences and his emotions, his visions of the world around him. He told stories of what he was seeing and what was happening. Glorious tales and agonizing, searing comment. Emotional outpourings and glad celebrations. It harks back to an age when music had meaning, and was not just for sales and clicks and celebrity.
He will be missed but his music will continue. Good journey you had, David Cousins.
David Dapkewicz
Was truly saddened to hear about Dave's passing. I have wonderful memories of seeing the band staring in high school and continuing through the acoustic and electric regroupings. He was a genuinely awesome and gifted talent whose work remains timeless.
Chris Abram
This was the news I’d been dreading. I knew Dave wasn’t in the best of health but all of me hoped it was just only going to be a matter of time before he got back on his feet.
My love of Dave & The Strawbs goes back 50 years. I was at college and a friend invited me back to his house to listen to some music on the state-of-the-art quadrophonic system he’d got for his 17th birthday. My musical journey was only just beginning, so most of the records he played were completely new to me. Two in particular made lasting impressions: the first was Dark Side Of The Moon. Hearing this for the first time through four surrounding speakers was unbelievable. The other, though, has gone on to be my favourite album of all time and that, of course, was Hero & Heroine. From the opening chords it captivated me and the lyrics just seem to reach into the soul of my 17-year-old self.
From then on, I became a lifelong fan and explored the band’s entire catalogue. Dave’s writing was, quite simply, right up there with the very best: poetic, imaginative, colourful and occasionally cryptic. When I think of some of the works of genius he has created it’s a crying shame his body of work in not better known.
I’ve seen the band many times and met Dave on several occasions. He was always warm, humble and accommodating and now I regret even more not being able to make it to their final performance at Cropredy.
A light in the world has gone out, but Dave’s legacy will live on forever.
Please pass my heartfelt condolences to Dave’s family and I hope they will take comfort from the enormous pleasure his music has given to thousands of fans around the world.
Paul Robinson
Dave was my boss as Programme Controller of Radio Tees 257, where I was a presenter. I love this pic of Dave and Roy Wood plus a young me, circa 1981. Thank you Dave, you were more than I deserved...thank you for the breaks and encouragement..you taught me do much. Hope the music is good up there.
Dennis Lazor
One of the most-gifted songwriters with a body of work anyone would envy. I was able to spend some limited time with him before and after shows and found him to be a gentle soul. Thanks Dave for all the music, the memories, the life lessons conveyed through your music. And now, for giving name to a favorite moment in my day, vino collapso. Goodbye is not an easy word to say.
Al Mercuro
Peace be with him
Bless the free man
Bless the slave
Bless the hero in his grave
Bless the soldier
Bless the saint
Bless all those whose hearts grow faint.
Eamonn Harvey
My tears just keep rolling down! A man I was honoured to have as a friend.Think of all those conversations pre and post Strawbs and Acoustics gigs.He was a 'grumpy old man' sometimes but his kindness and humility shone through.From the first moment I heard tracks from 'Grave New World' on the Whistle Test-he has been a comforting presence through the good and bad.I loved him dearly and will treasure the personal letters he wrote me giving his blessing to record some of his songs.A poet and great musician.Such a sad loss!
‘Summerland Songs at the Journeys End’
My journey with you started by happy coincidence
Catching Richard Williams on ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’
‘A Folk Rock Classic’ he exclaimed
And what followed simply took my breath away
From those opening Hammond chords of ‘Benedictus’
To shivering down my spine power of ‘New World’
The door was opened and there was no turning back
I worked my way backwards through the albums
Each one a landmark in my memory
All I need to say, because if I listed what these meant to me, we would be here all day!
Your songs became my talisman-a guide through my love of nature, poetry and righteous
anger
Today a ‘settlement is due’
To celebrate the awesome talent that is you!
So many memories come ‘ringing down my years’
Of all those gigs I’ve been to see
And the special moments between you and me.
Remember that time in Coventry when we berated the artistic director of the Belgrade
Theatre for putting on wall to wall Alan Aykbourne? It was a long time ago but you were
involved with local radio and you and Brian put on a great show-some new songs and a few
beers, our conversation stayed with me for many years.
Approach the ‘pre-gig’ Cousins at your peril
He can sometimes be a curmudgeonly old devil!
After a show, you always know,
He’ll greet you with a twinkle in his eye-so don’t be shy. He really is a lovely guy.
The day a personal letter arrived from Robin Cottage in deepest Devon
I was in some kind of seventh heaven
Your blessing to record a song of yours
Did I do it justice? Yes of course! With such a brilliant song!
What could possibly go wrong
I kicked myself for being the ‘designated driver’
At an end of tour show in Suffolk not that long ago
In the pub after there was such a buzz
The Strawbs were celebrating and I heard you shout ‘Eamonn dear boy!’
How I wish I could have stayed!
Shortly after, on my wedding day, ‘If’ was played while we cut the cake
Just a small example of the way you’ve touched lives
So now you’ve reached a journey’s end
I thank you, my dear friend
The hilarious anecdotes and the ‘traffic signals’ on stage may be gone
But your music will live on and on
That’s ‘the magic of it all’
Thank you David
Neil Lamb
what a sad , sad day indeed. I only just picked up on this devastating news today on a MSN news bulletin at 6pm Monday. I must have had some sort of weird/strange premonition beforehand as I was walking back from Lichfield town centre to my home and decided to listen to 'Grave New World' - which I had not listened to in some time. I selected instinctively at first 'The Journey's End' and then 'Is it Today Lord' - songs I have always had in consideration for my funeral. Spooky, but then a lifetime devoted to his music and the Strawbs must have made a connection spiritually.
I am pretty lost for words really. I am not sure if I believe in the concepts of having 'Heroes' in your lifetime - but if I were to have one it would overwhelmingly be our Dave.
I always remember vividly the very moment when I heard 'Benedictus' come on the radio played by Noel Edmunds on radio Luxembourg - it was a musical and lyrical awakening for me ( especially as my sister bombarded me with her 'Bay City Rollers' songs ! ). I went out immediately on the Saturday to the local market and spent all my money on my first ever album 'Grave New World' . I never looked back - here was a songwriter who seemed to reach into my soul like no-one had done before or since. I got married to the joyous strains of 'The Winter Long' and my coffin will enter the flames to one of his songs - but there is quite a choice there to decide upon.
I am convinced much of his material will stand the long test of time and he won't be forgotten. He long since earned the right to 'leave his pack at the side of the road' and to choose where to sleep. There is no 'Death after Life' if people continue to play your music into the far future.
As you are our contact , and know his family well , I would be grateful if you could pass on my sincerest condolencies to his wife and family - a truly great man has been lost finally to us.
Jean Wiggins
Tragic he will be sorely missed. Hope he realises how his music touched so many hearts and will always stay with us. Rest easy and go meet up with Tony for a drink or two and a few tunes.
Paul Kevin Wiffen
I just heard that Dave had left us and posted my own tribute to him on my page.:
This one really hurts. In my early teens I was a huge fan of The Strawbs in both their Rick Wakeman and Blue Weaver phases (our first ever gig featured a Strawbs song with Blue’s piano solo ably performed by Kevin Mannion) and at Keble College, Oxford our folkrock band One for the Wall’s late manager/roadie John Shaw took me to see them play at both Hammersmith Odeon and Nottingham (with Andy Richards on keys).
But in 1993, I was working with Blue on a library album and it turned out that The Strawbs were missing a lead guitarist for a folk festival they were headlining in Walton-On-The-Naze four days later. He organised an audition over the phone with Dave and we had a micro-rehearsal the next day. Four days later we performed an acoustic set in the afternoon and a rock set in the evening, of which I have pics thanks to Burkhard Bürgerhoff who came with me.
He then flew them to Frankfurt to help launch the C-Lab Falcon’s CD burning capabilities again with me on lead guitar.
More recently Blue got me tickets for The Strawbs final concert with Dave at Cropredy two years ago after which his vulnerable condition meant he had to retire from performing live). I’ve shared a few messages with Dave over the last couple of years, encouraged by the fact he was still writing.
My thoughts are with all the others who Dave’s talent, unique voice and savagely satirical lyrics touched, especially all those in the Strawbs Facebook Group.
RIP Dave, poet, visionary, social commentator and melodic genius, thanks for letting me share a little in your earthly journey! Hope you’re sharing songs with John Shaw wherever you’ve ended up!
Bill Martin
My favorite writer, and Strawbs is my favorite band of all time. I was honored to work with Dave on the Strawbs " Preserves Uncanned" release many years ago, with it's U.S. release under Dirty Linen magazine. I remember in 1989 after being at Fairport"s Cropredy festival and taking the train down to Tony Hooper's place in Basingstoke and him and Dave giving me the master tapes to bring back to the states and go in to the studio to put them all together for release. I thank you Dave and band, God Bless you !
Terry Tannenbaum
Thank you for the music, the melodies and the poetry. Your masterpiece Hero & Heroine will be hanging in the gallery of greatness for generations to come as well as other unforgettable albums you gave us.
Laura Wiggers
Such sad news. I'm glad it was peaceful. It is hard to accept that he’s gone. But as you noted we have so much he has left all of us and as I grieve, I will listen to songs, look at pictures and think of my fellow Strawbs friends/fans. We all had so many great times.
Ken Levine
I was preparing for this terrible loss. Condolences to his family friends and fans. His legacy will endure. The wanderer has arrived at journeys end
Doug Desmarais
Hearing this sad news, my eyes well up with tears
And every word you ever sang
Comes ringing down the years …
Dave’s music has been a great source of comfort on my journey. I mourn his passing.
Brett Wing
That now leaves a huge hole in our cultural landscape with the loss of a master lyricist. Fond memories of many concerts. My condolences to nearest and dearest.
Dale Eriksen
Upon first hearing Antique Suite, I knew I had found the music for my life, 54 years, 62 concerts later I still feel that way Thank you Dave.
Mario Sacco
As a little boy, Dave Cousins has been one of the reasons i loved music so much, especially His music. A terrific Singer/Songwriter. Such a huge loss. RIP Dave
Frank Cornelissen
Its for me as a Strawbs fan, terrible news. So talented a singer and songwriter. Also great guitar player. So sad. David RIP.. I will always be listening your beautiful songs. Condolences to familyand friends.
Simon Butt
Great songster..always a good entertainer ..Met him many times . My mate and i had great conversations with Dave..The last time we spoke and saw Dave was Beckenham church a bout 2019. Rest in Peace Dave.Thank you for such great music.
Nick Cinque
OMG, I can't believe it. More than sad, spoke with him many times, I feel like i lost a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Simon Van Grudgings
RIP Dave and thanks for all the musical memories and for the chats we had before and after shows. Your music has been part of my life for the last 53 years having discovered the band in the sixth form at school and it will continue to be so. You really were a great one. Thoughts are with your family and friends and of course all Strawbs fans around the world at this extremely sad time.
Nick Juno
Feeling a quiet sort of gratitude today for David Cousins—his songs, his voice, his stories. His music with the Strawbs has brought me inspiration, perspective, and no small amount of late-night enjoyment over the years. Wishing him peace, and raising a glass as the sun goes down. Thank you, David.
Stefan Barboza
Today I feel the same way as when we lost Dan Fogelberg & Jesse Winchester. Great songwriters. I love the music of Strawbs. So close and Yet so Far Away & You and I are just a couple of my favorite songs. David, you will surely be missed by your family, friends and Me. God Bless You and REST IN PEACE.
Kevin West
Dave through the Strawbs was the cornerstone to my musical upbringing from the early 70's. So sad to hear of his passing. Thank you for the music. RIP.
Mark Lang
Sitting in the sun with headphones and my iPod on shuffle,22,000 songs,and just as I saw this news “I’m Going Home” started playing.Strange coincidence.Well, peaceful travels to the Witchwood for one of the great song writers. Strawbs all afternoon now. Very sad news.
Dorie Jennings
Deep is the grave, may you rest in peace…
We’ll carry on without you
Mark Kadzielawa
David was such a renaissance man with a very sensitive musical abilities. A true artist in every sense. Had a pleasure meeting him and interviewing him on a number of occasions. Always such a class act. RIP David Cousins.
Matthew Ash
I feel privileged to have seen Strawbs on many occasions, the first of them in the acoustic format at Leicester Cathedral, where Dave Cousins introduced ‘The Hangman and the Papist’ by questioning whether it was suitable for the venue. His introductions to ‘Autumn’ were unforgettable, and whether in the trio or with the full electric band, his performances were truly electrifying. One of the truly great songwriters. Now playing Witchwood in his memory. RIP DC.
Don Neblock
David Cousins and Strawbs have been a foundation for all the music my family and bands have listened to and played over the decades. One of the great honors one of our bands had was to open for Acoustic Strawbs in 2009 and having met him. This giant in music will be missed. So sorry for this loss.
Paul Smith
Absolutely lost for words, RIP my dear friend, a legend
Brian Cairney
I will be listening and enjoying his music for years to come. RIP Dave David Cousins
Sean Jones
Farewell David, Neighbour, Friend and Mentor, Fair Winds and Calm Seas, Sadly missed.
