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The Kirsty MacColl web site
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These messages were left on the freeworld site in the week after Kirsty's death
We'd also like to express our profound sadness at the
untimely passing of Kirsty MacColl, one of our very favorite artists ever,
and a damned fine lady to boot. For those who aren't familiar with her work,
Kirsty was perhaps the most underrated pop singer of the last ten years, as
well as a songwriter of uncommon warmth, wit and wisdom. Go find yourself
copies of her ridiculously brilliant Kite or the heartwrenching Titanic Days.
You'll thank us. On Christmas Day, we'll be playing "Fairytale of New
York" and hoisting a few in her memory . . .
Jason Cohen and Michael Krugman, Rolling Stone
I only found out yesterday and i feel so gutted my mum
thought my dad had told me and my dad thought my mum had told me i cant believe
it such a waste!!! I feel sorry 4 all her family!!! My friend was very good
friends of Kirsty i actually think they are cousins and a friend of the family
i feel for you!!!!
Naomi
my heart goes out to Jamie and Louis. i never had the
pleasure of meeting Kirsty, but she made me very happy listening to her records
(particularly Kite and Tropical Brainstorm). it's a sad loss for the world
for her to die so young. I would just like to say to kirstys
family, i am very truly sorry to hear of her death. I always admired her so
much, she was a truly talented singer/songwriter and a proper musician, unlike
so many others today, and also such a lovley kind warm person.
i was 13 when i heard theres a guy, and i loved that song!! fairytale of new
york is one of my all time faves, a brillant song. she will be sadly missed
by all her fans. I'm so very sorry for your sad loss.
anne xxxx
I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news. I was in
the same class at school with Kirsty and I have followed her career through
the years even after I moved to Toronto Canada. My thoughts and best wishes
are with her family, She will be missed by all. sincerely
Peter McDevitt, Pickering, Ont. Canada
I send my deepest condolences to the Family of Kirsty
MacColl. I have been a fan of hers for many years here in the United
States and was very saddened upon hearing the news. She will be missed.
Sincerely,
James Galvin, Staten Island NY
Just thought we'd drop a note to say how sad and shocked
we are that Kirsty was killed. She was such a great talent and will be missed
sorely. Our hearts are with her two boys and family. We were lucky enough
to see her sing with the Pogues in 1991 and she was brilliant. Christmas will
never be the same again especially when we hear 'Fairytale of New York'. The
world was a brighter place because of Kirsty. Thanks girl.
Love
Margo Mc Laughlin & Conal Carr, Feona
Thank you for the music. Kirsty RIP
Nick Barber
I just wanted to send my sincere condolences to Kirsty's
family and friends. I am sure everyone will agree that Kirsty's
music brought many, many people much happiness and enjoyment throughout the
years. We are going to miss you Kirsty. God bless.
Gavin Cheshire, UK
I couldn't believe what I was hearing as news broke of the tragic
loss. One thing everyone can be sure of is that Kirsty will never be
forgotten, her musical legacy will live forever.
Mark Greenhalgh, England
Would I have survived the mid-nineties without "Titanic
Days"? Probably, but I'm glad I never had to find out, and I'm sorry
I never got the chance to let her know. If I am this shaken by our loss, I
can only imagine how her family and those who knew her personally must be
feeling. I hope that the day soon comes when we can get past the pain and
celebrate her life and her work. Kirsty touched the lives of more people than
she ever knew, and I hope that's of some comfort to those who loved her. I
don't know if there's anything I can do from here in Los Angeles to help folks
get through this - but if there is, please let me know.
all the best,
Rose in L.A.
I just want to sent my regards to all of Kirsty's many
fans and family. I was so stunned to hear of her death I couldn't stop crying.
She will be sorely missed by me. I keep listening to "AutumnGirlSoup"
when I go to sleep at night and my all time favorite of hers was "My
Affair. At least we know she is in a better place, and she was living a life
of happiness in a new country and you could just HEAR it in "Tropical
Brainstorm". I am happy her two sons are safe. I will never forget seeing
her live at a little club in Solana Beach called "The Belly Up"-
this was December 1993. I stood about four feet from her. She spoke to so
many women about issues that were important and I always sang along to her
in my car. She will be so so missed. I am still in shock. Thank you
Colleen MacTavish, San Diego, CA
Compelled to write..can't shake the sadness....sincere
condolences to Kirsty's family. I am a fan through my love of 'Tropical Brainstorm',
having read other messages I am comforted that I have the rest of Kirsty's
music to discover and cherish.
Sally, Lancashire, England
Ms MacColl's songs evoke fond memories, it is such a tragedy
that everyone has lost such a talented woman but mostly my thoughts are with
her family and friends because what is sad to me must be devastating for them.
My condolences.
Chris Baddon
just a note of respect and smiles. My only 'live'
memory was of Kirsty, was when she supported Morrissey at Ally Pally.
Shane McGowan stumbled on to sing 'Fairytale' with her and she literally held
him up and sang his parts!. Great voice, overwhelming cheek,'great
bust' and a great LONDON BIRD. Love
Mark, Kay and Thomas (4 mths) Eltham SE9
Totally shocked and saddened by the news of Kristy's death.
My all time favourite female singer / songwriter. I will miss her music greatly.
First became aware of Kristy when she appeared on the French &
Saunders shows. I have fond memories of her performing "15 minutes"
to perfection, while F&S clowned around in the background. Immediately
bought "Kite", a brilliant album. Her voice was so smooth and
listen. The world has lost a fantastic talented musician.
Respect and deepest sympathy to all her family and friends.
Steven Smith
I was very sad to hear about Kirsty's death this week.
I have been a fan for many years. Best wishes for love and strength goes to
her family and friends.
Scott T., Ohio, USA
I saw Kirsty at Warwick just two months ago and gave her
flowers. Chatted for ages afterwards.
I have listened to her music every day of my life for the last ten years.
My heart is broken in seventeen places.
Chris.x.
Soho Square was the soundtrack for me at a very important time in my life as was They Don't Know a decade or so earlier; not to mention a myriad of other gems at a myriad of other times. Kirsty, I thank you for the light you've brought to my life and will always treasure the memory of your sweetness when we chatted after one of your concerts in San Francisco. The shock of this tragedy wrenches my soul. My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.
As for us, the fans around the world whom you've touched
with your music, I'd like to think that I speak for all when I say, as long
as I can put Titanic Days in my CD player or the 12-inch Guilty Mix of Innocence
on my turntable, you are alive and well and still bringing us the joy of your
music and the expression of your insight. In advance I'd like to thank you
for the days, Kirsty.
Love, Michael Teger San Francisco, CA, USA
I first discovered Kirsty through a US radio program called "Rock Over London." The year was 1985, I think, and "A New England" was the song. Later, when I heard Billy Bragg's version, I thought he'd done a remake of Kirsty's song (!). :) I have been a Kirsty fan since, although that song was the only one I had for years. In 1995, I found "Galore" and also got to hear a couple songs from "Titanic Days" on the radio station I worked for, "Can't Stop Killing You" and "Angel." I didn't think hearing Kirsty on the radio in the States was at all unusual at the time; now I realize what a rare privilege that was.
In 1997-8, I think, I accidentally discovered "Titanic Days" and "Electric Landlady" at a local used CD shop. I admit, I came close to selling them sometimes myself; I really wanted to take all my Kirsty CDs, make my own personal "Best Of" and sell them back. I never did, thank God, and I still have them.
In 2000, I discovered the Kirsty websites, the Kirsty e-mail list (many thanks to Ross), the Electric Rentbook (many thanks to Graham) and a *gasp* new album! "Tropical Brainstorm" is everything I could have wanted from The Divine Miss M and more. And I also discovered the compilation "What Do Pretty Girls Do?" and bought "Kite". All in all, it's been a Kirsty-ful year.
The news of her passing is tragic and saddens me beyond compare. In the past couple days, I have been thinking that "Tropical Brainstorm" is the fabulous end to a career. "Tropical Brainstorm" somehow seems to be a culmination of her life's work. It embodies her wit, her style, her flair, her love of Latin music. It's fun, it's intelligent, and it illustrates what a wonderful, mature woman she became. "Tropical Brainstorm" is a fantastic testament to the Kirsty MacColl we all have come to know and love. Imagine if "Titanic Days" was her final artistic effort -- imagine how the world would remember her then, and consider instead how the world will remember her now.
Kirsty, you were a rare and precious gem. Many mourn your life ended too soon. Your passing brings to mind WH Auden, your own words, a bit out of context but they struck me this morning as I listened to "He's on the Beach":
I'm not sure where (s)he is, but (s)he's out of reach/
And she says it's brilliant there
There's something in the air
And sunshine everywhere...
Melissa Barsic
"..and she says its brilliant there" I hope
so...
A great songwriter & much much better live than she ever thought she was..
sadly missed.
Mark Bryan xx
Last night, I dreamed I was working in a chip shop. Elvis
walked in and swore he was Kirsty MacColl! I was glad that he'd gotten a proper
role model at last. The world was back in balance for a beautiful few minutes.
Kirsty, I know we have to laugh and raise a glass in your memory, but the
tears keep spoiling my pint. This is all so HARD without you! Be free and
limitless.
David, Little Rock
I am terribly saddened by Kirsty's death. I don't own
any of her records but her voice was fantastic and she will be sadly missed.
This is a huge tragedy.
Jason Scott, West Sussex
I can't be as elequent as some of the entries but sent
with as much love.From the hackney empire,countless benefit nights & dancing
with my 2 year old daughter to kirsty at this years fleadh,so many memories,truly
a one off,never forgotten. with love at this sad time.
chris.
I was so sad to hear the news. I love her music and think
she was one of the cleverest and funniest songwriters ever. It's hard to describe,
but I always felt 'at home' when I put on her records and I will really miss
her. I can't begin to think what it must be like for her family and those
who knew her personally - my deepest sympathy and best wishes to all of you.
Sarah Mitchard
I'd like to express my condolences to Kirsty's family.
Her voice was an inspiration to me, her words spoke to me on a personal level.
She did indeed have the voice of an angel. My most heartfelt
thoughts and love to her family, her fans loved her as well.
Amy Belingrath
I want to add my thoughts to the many already here. I
first heard Kirsty on the Tracey Ullman album "You broke my heart in
17 places" which I bought with my 11th birthday money in 1982. The title
track was my favourite and I still sing it today every time I get my guitar
out with friends. I remember admiring the line "There's no point in us
making any more dates, why don't you play football with some of your mates"
as the first example of wit in my experience of pop songs! Her songs have
played such a part in my life and I will really miss her. My thoughts go to
her family and friends. All the best, Kirsty,
Andy Moffat.
I had the very great priviledge of seeing Kirsty at all
three of her London Concerts this year (every occasion a great one and yes
I sang every line) and everyone who I recommended 'Tropical Brainstorm' to
agrees that it is a truly great album. A friend called me on Tuesday to tell
me the sad news and I now realise what it means when someone you never met
but for whom you have great admiration is no longer around. By a strange twist
of fate a couple of friends of mine (who came to the Shepherds Bush gig) actually
got engaged underwater in Cozomel in September. I just wanted to say thanks
for the memories, happy times and a wonderful legacy of truly wonderful music.
David Whale
We had some friend around for dinner last night and inevitably
Galore went on. We danced and sang and celebrated Kirtsy's unique talent.
So many only remember her for "Fairytale" but there was much more
to her than that. She rejected the ego busting industry and made her own way
- a star to those who understood her talent and the way that she chose to
use it. She was the same age as me so I grew along with her music. And now
she's gone. I hope that her boys learn in time that she was not only a devoted
and loving mother - but also that she gave endless pleasure to many many people
through her quirky, funny, reflective and unusual musical gift. I'll miss
you Kirsty. Many have said sleep well. I think that you're jamming with St
Peter right now! With love and thanks for all the happiness that you have
and will continue to bring into my life
Mandy xxx
As the creator of Kirsty's "Voice of an Angel"
website, I feel a tremendous loss. Her enthusiasm for music turned fun-challenged
listeners into uninhibited dancing participants. Kirsty re-glorified "tropical
island" -- detailed simplicity, take only what you need. There will never
be another Kirsty.
Glenn, Florida
I was so sad to hear about Kirsty's death on Tuesday.
I love her music, and know it will still have something to say for years to
come. My thoughts are with her family at the moment - I think they must be
listening to the words of "Days".
Paula Hill
I remember "There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop
Swears He's Elvis": a great song, and one I still sing in the car. Kirsty's
enormous talent was always under-rated by the public, but many of her fellow
artists recognised it: "Ask" by the Smiths, "Nature Boy"
by Talking Heads, "Don't Want to be Part of Your World" by David
Byrne would all be lesser recordings without her sweet hypnotic voice. My
favourite track has to be "Don't Come The Cowboy With Me, Sonny Jim!"
She is a terrible loss to all of us, and the world has seemed a little darker
over the past few days. My thoughts are particularly with her family.
Chris Owens.
All taken from us this year and all will remain in our
hearts forever. Maybe Kirsty and Ian can do that duet I always dreamed of
now. Nothing I can say can make it any easier for her family but the love
everyone had for Kirsty will ease the pain in time. Just want to stay lost
in your eyes
Pete
Hearing the news was a huge shock. Reading the messages
over the days shows how global Kirsty's appeal was and the emotional impact
she had. I want to pay tribute to my darling Alan who runs this website and
who has been struggling with his personal loss of a hero and friend while
also feeling obliged to family, friends and fans to get updated news and messages
out there for everyone.
Love Chrissie
i meant to write this as soon as i found out that kirsty
had died
it seemed crass and irrelevant at the time
as time has gone on i feel it might help just to say to someone else, who
appreciated kirsty's talent, that i am so saddened by this accident
i miss the idea that kirsty is not on the planet
somehow she made it seem a little brighter
my heart goes out to her boys, family and friends
in the words of her own song, nao esperando, 'she's not waiting anymore'
and she's not
'the dream has flown away'
thank you for the website
i hope that it continues to flourish, especially since we have lost our kirsty
my heartfelt sympathy to all those feeling the loss
love and best wishes
jen spears
Have spent the last couple of days doing very little work and lots of meandering through your excellent web site instead. Firstly, I'd like to pass on my commiserations to the family. Kirsty MacColl will always be right up there in any list of my favourite acts and is certainly my number one female performer. It's not going to be such a good christmas. If only someone could have given her that one wish she never would have been swimming with that god-awful 'nuclear fish'. Managed to make a fine fool of myself at the office christmas dinner. Don't think people will forget the site of their over-weight rugby playing IT staff with black armband and red wig gettign all 'tired and emotional' while trying to join in a run-through of Fairytale of New York for some time.
One other thing. Your gig guide is missing the one time
I had the pleasure of seeing Kirsty. It was on the 1995 'Galore' tour. Monday
May 22 at Portsmouth Pyramids Centre (I can confirm that date coz I still
have the ticket hiding in the middle of the 'Galore' sleeve). Can't remember
the full set list but do recall there was an encore during which a guitar
string snapped and so we were given the treat of Kirsty's solo version of
'Lydia' ("Oh Lydia, oh Lydia That Encyclopedia. Oh Lydia the Tattoed
Lady"). A great night out.
Cheers, Rich May
I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news. My thoughts
are with her children and family and may she be long remembered as one of
the greatest singers of our time. With deepest sympathy
Lisa Deegan
We will remember her every year when we here her singing
the best ever christmas song.
a tragic loss.
Lisa Ashby
To all Kirsty's family and friends, my thoughts are always
with you. With deepest sympathy,
Jess Cully
Along with many others, I wanted to publicly express my
condolences to Kirsty MacColl's family for their sudden and tragic loss.
Her wonderful music is a legacy that will live on and hopefully, in time,
that will be a consolation. Sincerely,
Deb Ontario, Canada
A person who I never met but who I knew through all those
incredible songs. I am so saddened by Kirsty's passing away. My heart
goes out to the boys and all the family and close friends, to who it
is a tragic loss.
Stuart, Prague
I only just heard. Have I been living on another planet
for the last few days or are things like this not reported in Toronto. I can't
believe she's gone. I loved the voice, the lyrics, the honesty. Yes Kirsty
there are a lot of truly bad songs out there but you kept true to your roots
and wrote music that spoke to our hearts. You may not have been fashionable
but I loved the style. Thank you for the days. Kind of says it all doesn't
it?
Christine (ex-pat Scot living in Toronto, Canada)
I am just so so incredibly sad that Kirsty has died.......
I still find it unbelievable. I have always been a big fan of her music and
over the last few months have been playing "Tropical Brainstorm"over
and over and just keep marvelling at her musical talent, her wit and amazing
flair for writing lyrics. Her music has always been special to me - She captured
my attention way back and has never lost it. I guess the great thing is that
we still have the music - But nothing will ever make up for this tragic loss.
I wish I could be more eloquent.......But I guess I just want to say THANK
YOU KIRSTY for all that you've left behind.....Music that will bring joy for
many years to come.
Howard Brenner
Gutted..... Just gutted! Sympathy to all who knew and
loved her.
Stuart Rattray
I am absolutely floored and saddened by this news, and
perplexed by the lack of media coverage. I only found out just now completely
by accident whilst surfing the net. The irony of the timing of this tragedy
(given the song most people stateside know her for) escapes my capacity for
words. I can't imagine how horrible this has been for her poor children. It's
awful. I dearly hope that people will endeavor to remember her and her work.
D. Marlow, USA
i first kirsty in a texas nightclub in 1991. the dj was
playing a great remix of "walking down madison." since then, i've
followed her work, right up to the most recent single. one song in particular
helped me through a very painful time in my life"don't go home"
from the Titanic Days LP. it's such a sweet, dreamy, melancholy song. i guess
that album had an overall sadness to it. i got the feeling that Kirsty was
doing much better recently(personally and professionally), and it's that much
more unfortunate that she passed away so violently. i felt like the breath
had been knocked out of me when i read the news. i trust she's in a better
place now, and i wish her family strength and peace of heart as they suffer
their loss.
andy
A wonderful voice. A sad loss. R.I.P
Pauline Montieth
I was shocked and devastated by the tragic loss of Kirsty.
A beautiful woman and genuinely great singer/songwriter. Her lasting
effect on the music world is shown in all these messages of appreciation from
every part of the world. Rest in heaven with the angels Kirsty.
Wayne, Tasmania Australia
I was very saddened to hear of Kirsty's death. What
saddened me most was the fact that her unique talent was not fully appreciated
by the industry she worked in, or the media in general. Throughout her career,
she never once followed what happened to be the 'in-thing' but followed her
own path. She was never a pop star, but an artist of integrity who happened
to have a few songs enter th charts. There was no other female artist like
her, yet even the tragic news of her death was reported in the press almost
in passing. I think she deserved a lot more, considering the great talent
she was. My heart goes out to her children and also to Steve and the rest
of her family. I know what is like to lose a parent at a young age and it
is the worse thing that you will ever have to deal with. My message to them
is to be strong and be proud of your mum, she was an artist of the highest
calibre.
Dave Morgan
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