Mick Gander, who has died aged 62 after a brief illness, was a remarkable character who worked in several guises in the UK's world and folk music scenes. With his long silver hair and big beard, Mick looked like an old biker, and as soon as you spoke to him, you knew you were in the company of a warm, gentle and wise man.
He was born and grew up in and around Hayes, west London. He was good at sports at school and stayed on to do A levels, then studied at the London School of Economics. He spent 1969 in the US, hitchhiking around and doing odd jobs. While there he attended the Woodstock festival ? Mick had been a music fan since his childhood and his passion for adventurous, earthy music remained constant.
He had broad musical tastes. Back in London, he attended punk gigs at the 100 Club and jazz nights at the 606 Club. He continued to travel widely, and his passion for African music took him across the continent. In one incident, he arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, and enquired about where he might find live music. A taxi driver took him to the house of Thomas Mapfumo, then Zimbabwe's most celebrated singer. A surprised Mapfumo not only welcomed Mick but took him along to the wedding at which he was singing that night.
Mick worked in London as a picture manager at a Soho publishing company for many years. It was a job he enjoyed as he could put to use his knowledge of photography and art, as well as current affairs. He began running the door at the Half Moon pub in Putney at the end of the 1970s, remaining there until the mid-90s. He always claimed it was one of the best venues for seeing live bands. Staying true to his west London roots, Mick settled in Fulham.
Mick began selling world-music CDs at festivals, concerts and events, his large tray displaying a great wealth of material. I first met him in Clapham at the Bread and Roses pub when it hosted a regular Sunday afternoon African music session. For many years he managed the CD tent at the Womad festival. He also worked at Fairport Convention's Cropredy festival, looking after the backstage area, where his gruff yet friendly manner was valued by the organisers and musicians.
Mick's warm, intelligent nature and loud laugh made him great company. He is survived by his partner, Anne-Lise, and a son, Karsten.
emma watson janet jackson willie nelson rihanna willow smith
No comments:
Post a Comment