Last up-date May 2008
June 2008
Kate's tribute to Mary Hopkin Kate Corrigan, the former Ermington schoolgirl, is performing a tribute to 60s singer Mary Hopkin at the Troubadour, London, on Thursday 18 September The mezzo soprano is a former member of the Madrigirls who performed at many festivals in the UK and internationally. She has since gone solo and is performing her tribute to one of Britain's most appealing and reclusive artists of the early 1960's. The tribute to Mary is a celebration of the career of this young Welsh folk singer. Twiggy, the 1960s fashion icon, having seen her performance on Opportunity Knocks recommended her to Paul McCartney and Mary became one of the first artists to record on the Beatle's Apple label. Mary went on to represent Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest and has worked with the likes of McCartney, Donovan, Bob Johnson and Pete Knight of Steeleye Span, and Vangelis. With Kate Corrigan, audiences can expect a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with the rich vocal talents of one of the UK's rapidly emerging artists. The Troubadour is the last 50s coffee house in Earls Court. The venue has a proud history as a low temperature centre of courtesy, peace and artistic energy. Tickets for the show, which starts at 8pm and ends at 10pm, are priced at just £10 and are available from www.wegottickets.co.uk. For more information about Kate, visit www.kate-corrigan.com.May 2008
News from Mary Hopkin Music Official Mary Hopkin Music Website
Good Morning Mary fans! Thank you for all your kind birthday wishes for Mary. I'm reliably informed that she spent it with a cup of tea in the garden. Sorry there's no birthday release this year, and yes, you're all incredibly patient! But Mary has been working hard and there are some treats in the pipeline. If they don't appear by autumn I will lock her in Space Studios until it's done. So lots of love to you all around the world, and we will let you know when there's news to report! Remember all is available from www.maryhopkin.com, and we're now taking credit cards at the studio so when the banking monkeys have sorted out the technicalities we'll be changing from PayPal to credit cards on the site. All the best Mary's monkey at MHMApril 4th 2007
MHM launches the New Official Mary Hopkin Music Website
Welcome to Mary Hopkin's Official Website. This site is run by Mary Hopkin Music, which was set up to release Mary's own music on her own terms. Mary's wish to remain out of the public eye is well documented, but that doesn't mean her music should be hiddenAnd "just for us" on Mary's birthday the 3rd may WE get a present, 3 new songs ...
'Valentine', a new release from the archives which includes three of Mary's own songs. Released on 3rd May and available from this site.March 28th 2007
I have been waiting for this for a long time... Got both shows on audio tape, but only a bad version of 1 on video, now at last we get to see Mary on the Tom Jones shows... Mysapce have a great page set up in anticipation of the release below is a snippet from Tom Jones dot com (amazon have a good deal and you can pre-order)Great News!! Finally!!
For years fans have been hankering for a release of Tom's original TV show, This Is Tom Jones. As many of you know, this great show was filmed in both Los Angeles and London from 1969-1971 and was considered the pinnacle of the variety show genre. It's with great pleasure we can announce the release of the first of a series of DVDs, exclusively from Time Life, that contain the great design, sets, music and performances from Tom and his many guests on This Is Tom Jones.
The first set of 3 discs, subtitled 'Rock 'N Roll Legends', features Tom singing some of his biggest hits, along with classic performances by The Who, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, The Moody Blues and many more. In addition, you'll get over an hour of extras, including a fresh new interview with Tom as he spins some stories about his experiences on the show.
These shows are full of great music and tv moments. You'll see the fabulous style of the times in its original form, and witness music, dance and production numbers that were the cutting edge of the era. The film is of very high viewing quality — its a real time-capsule of the range of entertainment at the time. At last — Tom in all his glory, fantastic guests — what enormous fun to watch!
Time Life will launch the DVDs by direct-response TV in the US on May 21, and the 3-DVD set will be out at retail on June 5th. Watch this space for more info soon!February 2007
A new release this week of the film Kidnapped on DVD has some nice little extras for us Mary Hopkin fans. The first is in the original film trailor. There are various clips put together and the normal voice overs. There is the loving kiss between hero and heroine and Mary starts to sing 'For All My Days' suddenly her name and song title is emblazzened across the screen in gold writing.The second gem is in the end credits. Mary sings the whole song. Instead of the normal fade out, her voice can be heard in un-interrupted strength. The picture turns to a black screen and the song continues to the end with new finger picking on the guitar to the final strum. This has never been heard on the original album or the CD release from a few years back.
The film itself is in wide screen and is a crisp image with deep colours. For the Michael Caine fans, there are three extra interviews from various Russel Harty shows. There is also a short featurette from 1971 but the focus is mainly on the young actor as a fresh new hero to the screens. It is out on the NETWORK label number 7952588 and can be found in most stores or can be ordered on www.networkdvd.co.uk
December 30th 2006
Thanks to my good friend John Nowell for this news item...
Did you know that in the USA there is a musical that is going down a storm that has a Mary Hopkin song in it?!!! It has "Those were the day's" being sung for 4 mins and 50 secs!!!!!!!
Now compare it to the other tracks on the album it is a fair whack of time!
The musical is called 'Shout The Mod Muscial'
It opened in New York July 2006 and has just started a tour of the states.
The soundtrack came out over here November 6th and you can hear a sample on the HMV website.It first started out in 2001 in New York as a review, then came to London for another review where it had dialogue added to it.
This year Philip George and David Lowenstein re vamped it. The plot is very much a 'Mama Mia' experience where songs tell the story for 90 mins.
It tells the story of five young women as they come of age during the liberating days of the 1960's that made London, England swing.
All of the hits are from the UK pop charts of the time and are mostly from the female pop stars, Mary Hopkin, Lulu, Dusty Springfield, Petula etc.
NOW THE BEST BIT there is a website for this show.
After the very eyecatching musical intro;
Click on the timeline and go to 1968. There is a picture of Jane Fonda. Click on it and it peels away like a magazine ... keep clicking and Mary will appear!!!!
Then click on multimeadia, first click on videos. then click 'Shout Promo' you will see the cast perform a few bars of "those were the days".
December 8th 2006
A VERY MARY CHRISTMASA new Mary Hopkin song is now available go here to download and at only 89 uk pence it's an absolute bargain ... it will take a few minutes to register with the site but then its an easy process to download the song after that ... And a lovely song it is...
November 27th 2006
Great news Mary has recorded a Christmas song, which will be available via download, (date and location to be announced) ...To keep up to date with all the news please visit her official myspace page http://www.myspace.com/maryhopkinmusic
Show your thanks by messaging her there, or leave a comment in the blog sectionLet us all give a big thank you to Mary by downloading it and who knows what more will come our way, don't forget to tell all our friends and spread the Christmas message ...
While we are on the subject of myspace, a few friends have emailed to say they are a "little confused to say the least" with the whole myspace thing...
Its wonderful, great fun and its worth registering, you do not have to put a picture on there, and you do not have to use your own name, you can register and put as little or as much information as you like, give it a try, there are also some really lovely pages with free music to listen to as well ... here is a little info to follow
Start here http://www.myspace.com/ then scroll to the bottom there are 4 blue boxes with writing ....
The blue box on the left says Get started on my space click there ....
The next page gives you a tour or you can just sign up straight away once you have an account its easy, you do not have to put your own pictures on there, you can leave it blank use a cartoon, anything ....Once your there you can either put in the URLs for individuals pages if you know them or you can just click on group topics and search for like minded people its great fun,.
I have lots of Music friends and poodle/dog friends it really is great fun and so much music to listen to, its wonderful ....
Mary's myspace url is http://www.myspace.com/maryhopkinmusic
Mine is http://www.myspace.com/temmaharbour
So if anyone is having problems, please email me and I will see if I can help...
October 9th 2006
A friend of the site Pétur Þorleifsson has pointed out to me that the 50 cents song "when it rains it pours" uses the melody to the opening verse of "Those were the day's" ... It's there and it actually sounds quite nice, that is until he starts talking...shame!October 1st 2006
Please lets all visit the various sites that now feature the CD Live at the Royal Festival hall ... we need to leave feedback and reviewsHere are some URL's
Mary's official myspace websiteBBC "festival Hall ,,,," review
October 1 2006
Another CD featuring Mary is to be released ...
Some sites say October 9th others say November, one of the bonus tracks features the previously unreleased "wedding of ... " which has mary on it as well...
Sparks 'Indescreet'1. Hospitality On Parade
2. Happy Hunting Ground
3. Without Using Hands
4. Get In The Swing
5. Under The Table With Her
6. How Are You Getting Home
7. Pineapple
8. Tits
9. It Ain't 1918
10. The Lady Is Lingering
11. In The Future
12. Looks Looks Looks
13. Miss The Start, Miss The End
14. Profile - Bonus Track
15. The Wedding Of Jacqueline Kennedy to Russell Mael - Bonus Track
16. Looks Looks Looks - Live At Fairfield Halls 09/11/75 - Bonus TrackJuly 2006 problems with www.maryhopkin.net its been off line for a few days sorry technical problems,
July 18th 2006
Keep a watch on ebay, there will be a few more items on there for aucion. it should be starting this Friday, good luck to all and happy bidding.I have been banned from participating! my husband has "put his foot down with a firm hand" and insisted that ebay is out of bounds... (spoil sport) he has no sense of humour whatsoever ...
June 3rd 2006
I recently got hold of the Cerrone dvd of the 1988 Paris concert of the Collector ... ( I had been searching for the video for years with no luck.)You do not get to see Mary's face, because of a mask but it doesn't really matter as the concert is so atmospheric.
Her voice sounds wonderful, the setting is open air at the Trocadero (spelling?) and you can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance, she looks amazing in a French period red dress, wonderful...
here is the link if your interested ...Go to the online shop then under best-sellers number 1 is the Cerrone Culture - 2 DVD PAL Format - Sound 5.1 Surround
June 3 2006
My ebay victory item arrived today and its even more beautiful than I remembered I will take some more pictures and put them on the site soon. Thanks for all the emails I received congratulating me on winning it, (and I do not feel guilty at all .... LOL)For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, where have you been for the last fortnight!!!!
May 29th 2006
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOO
I got 1... I am so pleased, it was exactly the one I wanted, and I count my self very fortunate that I have a very understandable husband who says he will only sulk for a short period of time and promises to sign the cheque once his hands stop shaking, (it could have been a lot worse I wanted them all really !!! )May 19th 2006
A wonderful EBAY auction is under way ..A beautiful collection of clothes belonging to Mary ... They are exquisite and must be seen to be believed, I have seen her wearing some of them and the chance of possibly owning one would be fantastic ... So for some of us who do not normally use auction sites, now is the time to try it out, it's simple to register and use and imagine what you could win !!!!!!!!Good Luck to us all in the bidding ... And remember a wonderul charity will benefit ...
March 27 2006
My! we are being spoilt ... More Mary in the newspapers, this time front page of the Western Mail here in Wales (one of our biggest newspapers), a really lovely photograph of her at home in Pontardawe ...Mar 26 2006
Local Church has a place in Marys' heart....Chris Beckett, Wales on Sunday
The reclusive singer attended a spring fair in Pontardawe to raise funds for a non-profit charitable trust who are hoping to buy Llangiwg Church for community use.
The Grade Two-listed building is being sold by the Church in Wales and holds a special place in Mary's heart, as she spent a lot of time there as a young girl.
The bric-a-brac sale was held in the "School Rooms" in Pontardawe where Mary used to attend the local youth dances as a child
March 21st 2006
Singer backs ancient church fund ...
Singer Mary Hopkin is backing efforts to secure the future of a sixth century church site in the Swansea Valley.The sixties star will be at the first fund-raising event organised by people working to restore Llangiwg Church
Carol Hopkin said her sister would be travelling from Cardiff to attend Saturday's fundraising fair.
Campaigners are holding their first fundraising event, a spring fair, at the School Room in Pontardawe from 1000GMT on Saturday.
It will be officially opened by former Wales and British Lions rugby scrum-half Robert Jones.
"She (Mary) is coming along to support us," added Ms Hopkin.
March 14th 2006
Watching a trailer on BBC for a programme about Harold Wilson to be shown this week, didnt catch the channel, time or day!! (not much good am I!!!) I could hear 'those were the day's' being played in the background, checked listings and found this ... Might be the one, I am not sure.
The Plot Against Harold Wilson BBC2 Thu 16 Mar, 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm 90mins
(It was... they played the song quite a few times during the programme, and used it at the end over the credits...)February 17th 2006
Lots of articles in many newspapers and on the net, not just here in Wales but throughout the UK it's wonderful to see them covering Mary and not just Miss Parton, here are some links ... Independent, Daily Express, Virgin Net, Western Mail, Scotsman,
Utvlive. BBCI would suggest trying to get some back copies, the Daily Express came out on the 16th the rest on the 17th the independent did a fairly accurate account of her life and career they also mentioned the new CD "Live at The Festival Hall" and had a great colour picture of her not a recent one, But I had not seen it before, taken I think from a TV programme... What I liked was the last paragraph where the journalist summed up what we all think ...
"Fans will hope the fresh taste of success with the rhinestone queen will spur her on to return to the recording studio in her own right - and prove that the glory days of Mary Hopkin haven't ended after all".
We live in hope!!!!
February 16th 2006
Jamie Dunbar for a news report on radio wales, will be talking about Mary this evening sorry for the short notice, I only just found out about it myself ...
UPDATE ... do not worry you did'nt miss a thing, someone spoke?? ( he knew absolutely nothing about her ) ... the news item was concerning the vocal contribution she made to the Dolly Parton CD ... And whoever the so called 'fan' was he failed to even mention the wonderful new CD "Live at the Festival Hall"ALSO ... there may may an article in the Independent on Friday 17th ??
January 13th 2006
Hi, A very Happy New Year to all my good friends out there...
I am so sorry if I have not answered your emails recently, the main reason is my wonderful Mum reached the grand age of 80 this week,,, And we, her family are busy arranging a surprise party for her this Saturday so I have been rather busy...I do have a backlog of emails, and I promise to reply ASAP...
Bye from
PatDec 29 2005 Gareth Morgan, Western Mail writes ...
S4C this evening is showing a documentary on John Lennon, it features Mary's sister CaroleThis Lennon profile is largely seen through Welsh eyes; an appropriate viewpoint as the singer-songwriter had Welsh roots on his father's side, both in North Wales in the Old Colwyn area, and in South Wales in Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan.
A WELSH friend of John Lennon tells a TV documentary tonight of her horror at seeing his killer outside the singer's apartment on the day of his murder in ManhattanCarol Hopkin, sister of pop singer Mary Hopkin, said darkness descended on Manhattan as the obsessive man carrying the Beatles album under one arm turned murderer
She used to babysit for Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia, in London during the 1960s.
The sisters also knew the Beatles through musical work and both sang backing vocals on the hit Hey Jude.
Ms Hopkin, from Pontardawe, later moved to work at the British Consulate in New York, the city where Lennon was living at the time of his death on December 8, 1980.
Ms Hopkin said, "I was living on Fifth Avenue; John and Yoko's place was just across Central Park from our place.
"On December 8, a friend of mine had organised a birthday party and we were walking across to the West Side, when I saw a young man with a Beatles album under his arm."
She did not realise it then, but the man was Mark Chapman, who had recently asked Lennon for an autograph. A few hours later he would shoot the superstar four times in the back, mortally wounding him.
Ms Hopkin said she realised that something terrible had happened when she saw the same man's face on a TV screen after lunch that day.
"He had shot John Lennon and the singer was dead. After that moment, somehow darkness seemed to descend over Manhattan. He had been such a presence; a man with a quiet and yet powerful voice at the same time."
The full story is told in a 50-minute S4C documentary which is set to show how Lennon's musical and political legacy lives on in Wales, and throughout the world.
Filmed by Swansea Valley-based Acme production company, it includes archive footage from various stages of Lennon's career.
It focuses on Welsh musicians and fans in Wales, Liverpool and New York. It also features unique written answers from his widow Yoko Ono to a number of specific questions about Lennon's life.
17th December 2005
A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone...
And I am sure I speak for us all when I say thanks to Mary and Jessie for allowing us to hear "Live At The Royal Festival Hall" and we hope that 2006 will bring more new music ...8th December 2005
YET another so called autographed LP on ebay, with the same message, "with love to all my friends mary" I really have my doubts about all these .... (why as well. are they always private auctions ... Mmmmm)There is an excellent site, it has been on the net for some years. which has an original POSTCARD, sent out for promotional purposes in 1969 to radio stations etc to promote the lp Postcard... (there are some out there which were not signed by Mary but this one is genuine) ... go here to view it http://beataro1.hp.infoseek.co.jp/mhmenu2e.html
The message on there is "My first lp. With love to all my friends in Germany. Love Mary"
Make up your own minds, someone recently said to me "Caveat Emptor" which means let the buyer beware ... So lets take care out there folks, its a jungle......27th September
"Live At The Royal Festival Hall 1972" CD AVAILABLE NOW!!! CLICK HERE TO ORDER VIA MARY HOPKIN MUSIC Online26th September 2005
Very exciting news ...
A Long Awaited Release ...
Mary Hopkin "Live at the Royal Festival Hall 1972"
The CD will be available via MARY HOPKIN MUSIC online, I will posting how to obtain the CD ASAP...
I am sure you all join with me in thanking Mary for making this recording available, and we all hope this is the first of many more CD's to come...ALL FRIENDS OF THIS SITE < PLEASE UPDATE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESSES ON MY MAILING LIST>>> THANKS
July 29th 2005
Well thanks again to friends keeping me updated on the Dolly Parton CD .... MARY herself will be singing on this CD watch this space....July 18th 2005
Well that didnt take long, 'friends' have helped out already with this information from a Dolly website....As of mid-July 2005, Dolly is continuing to record tracks for the project but is expected to wrap up production within the next few weeks.
The title track is an old Russian folk tune to which composer Gene Raskin added English lyrics in 1962. Originally popularized in American by the folk group The Limeliters, the song became an international hit when a version was recorded by Mary Hopkin in 1968, produced by Paul McCartney. Dolly first sang her own version (with a line changed to say: “The times are always good, right here at Dollywood”) with members of the Moscow Circus at the 20th season opening of her theme park in April 2005.
July 18th 2005
Thanks to a friend of the website Patrick Nuyens for this bit of information, Dolly Parton has a new CD coming out later in the year, called "Those were the days" now we are not sure if its Mary's version or another song with the same name... But as soon as I find out I will post it here... below is a little write up I found ...
Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) and famed record producer David Foster are the most recently announced guests for Dolly's upcoming Those Were The Days album as reported by the New York Post's Liz Smith. Stevens and Foster join previously-announced guests Keith Urban, Sarah McLachlan, Joe Nichols, Sean Lennon, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, and Tommy James. Those Were The Days is set for an October release.July 7th 2005
Lots of signed LP's appearing on ebay again!! Mmmm
There are some that appear most odd, if you are in doubt I would be pleased to offer my opinion, as I have said in the past I cannot be 100% sure but I could advise...July 4th 2005
Go to this page for a giggle!!!! Click on clip 4
http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/blackpool/musical_clips_episode5.shtmlJuly 4th 2005
Lovely article on Ralph McTell's website about the recording of his album "Not Till Tomorrow" which featured Mary. Click here http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/feat_not.phpJuly 1st 2005
'Kidnapped' is being shown on Channel 4 Monday July 4th at 1.40pm tape recorders at the ready and fingers crossed that the station announcers do not talk all over the credits !!!!!June 18th 2005
Really exciting find on the 'net' BUT as usual I was too late and someone got it before me... I saw this '16mm film' advertised for sale
MARY HOPKIN-IN THE LAND OF FILM. Rare BBC TV show with singer Mary Hopkin singing famous film songs. Excellent half hour black & white print at only £49.99.
I very rarely do this, but, if the person who bought the film happens to read this I would so dearly love to see it ... ...
Now I wonder where the other 5 are!!!!!!May 10th 2005
Thanks to a friend of our site called 'Hiram' emailing from Hong Kong it appears the 3 cd's mentioned below are not bootlegs, and are listed on the Japanese Toshiba emi site go here http://search-asp.fresheye.com/?ord=s&id=10052&kw=mary+hopkinApril 29th 2005
The 3 paper sleeve Japanese OBI's and box appear to be bootlegs ... checked with Apple and Capitol records. Quite a few are appearing on ebay as well... some with some without the display box...April 21 2005
Spirit on CD is raising its head again on eBay !!!! You know my opinion on this one... Buyer Beware!!!April 19th 2005
Go to this website
http://www.redtrumpet.com/
Type in Mary's name and you will see that the CD's 'Days', 'ES/OS' and 'Postcard' are to be re-issued on April 27th ,,,
Below a snippet from the site...
(Please note I have never bought from them ...)
Highly limited CD from Japan, remastered and housed in a mini-LP style sleeve of the sophomore album, originally issued in 1971, for the Welsh folk-rock singer best-known for her 1968 smash 'Those Were The Days'
BOOTLEG ...March 26th 2005
Where's Jack.....
BBC2 Fri 1 Apr, 11:35 pm - 1:30 am 115mins
Tommy Steele stars as the legendary highwayman Jack Sheppard, whose exploits included a daring escape from Newgate prison. [1969]
As we all know Mary does the lovely theme song from this film...
It will be great to get a better video copy (my old one is worn out!!)
I just hope the BBC play out the credits and not cut it short or do voice overs...fingers crossed!
Feb 6th 2005
BBC1 are repeating Billy Connolly's World tour of.... on Sunday evenings.
I am not sure what date the Wales program is on so keep a look out,,,Feb 1st 2005
Fancy trying a music survey, you'll need about 10 to 15 minutes, well I did anyway... some good questions (get to mention Mary if you want to) ... go here http://www.playwithmymusic.comJanuary 31st 2005
Mary won of course!! well done all for voting...
here are the results...
1.Mary Hopkin "Those Were The Days" 95 VOTES
2. Tom Jones "The Green Green Grass of Home" 55 Votes
3. Pete Ham (writer) "Without You" 13 Votes
4. Manic Street Preachers "Faster" 11 Votes
5. Gorki's Zygotic Mynci "Poodle Rockin' " 3 Votes
6. Steve Balsamo "Sugar For the Soul" 2 VotesJanuary 24th 2005
Mary made into the top 6 come on and vote.....click hereJanuary 9th 2005
Visit this page and vote for our Mary!!!!
Welsh Music PollSeptember 3rd 2004
On this day, September 6, 1968, Welsh balladeer Mary Hopkin warbled her way into the UK charts with the wistful Those Were The Days, on the Beatles' Apple record label. It went to No1. MegaStar's music critic was first to hear its timeless strains...
Nice article click hereJuly 27th 2004
I have obtained a new audio tape from 1968, it is I believe the first official appearance by Mary not counting "Opportunity Knocks" It is Paul McCartney on the David Frost show, but he is actually interviewed by a British Comedian Frankie Howerd, Paul talks about Apple and then introduces mary as their first signing she sings "house of the rising sun" an absolutely Beautiful version, the tape is as clear as a bell!!!
The information below is taken from Mark Lewishon's book on the Beatles
The show was taped Sunday 16th June 68. Made in England but for an exclusively American broadcast. David Frost was the presenter. Frankie Howerd was a guest but he seems to have taken over this bit of the show.
Perhaps the video is out there somewhere!! The fact that the show is American increases it's chances of survival a lot. Also the clarity of the clip is very clear which is a good sign. You never know it might exist on tape somewhere! Also Lewishon's book mentions she does two songs!
July 20th 2004
Seller has slighly altered his description, and slighly lowered the starting price on the LP (below)... but !!!July 19th 2004
Observation on Ebay (again) Here is the description from the seller printed in white as taken from the ebay page
Extremely rare and highly-prized by collectors of Mary Hopkin and Celtic folk, "CROESO CAMBRIAN - DYFFRYN LLIW EISTEDDFOD" is a record packed with the most moving FOLK tracks sung in the lyrical Welsh language with extreme beauty. THIS RECORDING WAS MADE AT THE 1967 EISTEDDFOD IN WALES WHERE A YOUNG MARY HOPKIN PERFORMED "TRO, TRO, TRO".
Another participant that year was Max Boyce, then a folk singer, he performed "O Na Le". The Eisteddfod is an annual event in Wales during which poets, singers, musicians, actors and writers showcase their talents. To my knowledge, Mary has only appeared at the 1967 event. This record was pressed in extremely small numbers and poorly distributed. It is now incredibly hard to track down and has become an essential item in any Mary Hopkin enthusiasts collection.I must emphasise I have not heard it, the song "tro tro tro" may be an unheard live version I dont know, I have repeatedly emailed the seller about this as it is the 3rd LP he has sold on ebay in the past year or so, at very high prices with exactly the same description, but he does not reply to my query... so I am unable to confirm if this is a live recording of Mary Hopkin or not ...
BUT.... after checking the details ... I can confirm that the Year he claims this song was recorded which is '1967' the National Eisteddfod that year was held in Bala. Not as he says in Dyffryn LLiw...
The Dyffryn Lliw Eisteddfod was held at Gowerton in 1980.From all the research I have been able to do I can say that She did not sing at a National Eisteddfod as a child/teenager, the song "Tro Tro Tro" was recorded in a studio in 1968 ... I would dearly love to be able to confirm if this is a live recording but I cannot.
The advertised price of £75.00 for a song that can be bought on a CD for a few pounds seems rather over priced..
"Buyer Beware"July 15th 2004
Well maybe not a new Mary Hopkin CD, but I have just discovered a singer called Danya Kurtz...she has just released a new CD called 'Beautiful Yesterday' she covers some lovely songs on there, one of note being "Those Were The Days" I have heard some of the CD and I like it!!
Try this Music Review: http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=3399011June 12th 2004
Sad news. Gene Raskin has died aged 94... article taken from http://www.newsday.com
NEW YORK (AP) _ Eugene Raskin, a musician and songwriter who turned a Russian folk melody into the 1968 hit song "Those Were the Days," has died. He was 94.
Raskin died on Monday at his home in Manhattan, his son, Michael, told The New York Times.Paul McCartney heard Raskin and his wife, Francesca, perform the song together at a London club in 1964. Welsh singer Mary Hopkin then recorded it on the Beatles' record label, Apple Records, in 1968
Hopkin's version of the song hit No. 1 on the British charts and No. 2 on the American charts.
Raskin, whose interests ranged from music and playwriting to architectural scholarship, was an adjunct professor at Columbia from 1936 to 1976 He was the author of the books "Architecturally Speaking," "Sequel to Cities" and "Architecture and People."
January 22nd 2004
Thanks to my good friend Tina, another little gem has turned up... NO not a new recording but interesting none the less... I have mentioned before the un-released tracks that were done during various SPARKS sessions, e.g "Quote Un-Quote" ... well yet another has appeared,
The track is called "The Wedding Of Jacqueline Kennedy To Russell Mael"
it seems to be available on various bootlegs. It was recorded during the "indiscreet" sessions 1975 and was the b side of the USA release of "looks looks looks" US single (Island IS043) 1975 ... In the UK "Looks" had "pineapple" as its b side... She doesnt actually sing on it would you believe!!! She talks, there is a phone call at the start and she says " Mr Jones is un-available at the moment however if you wish to leave a message you may do so after the tone" !!!! A lovely little addition to anyones collection!!!January 2nd 2004
Happy New Year to all....
Just a little reminder to all my readers!!!!!
if your ever unsure about anything for sale on auction sites or anywhere else for that matter... Please do drop me an email, As I have said before I am NOT an expert!!, but I hate it when people get misled and asked to pay ridiculous amounts of money for something which is either easily available elswhere or illegal!!!! Now for example a video tape has gone up for sale on ebay today it is a tape of a Welsh documentary series which started last night on BBC2 Wales and featured a 10 second B&W clip of Mary singing TWTD, (which incidently I have in full) if you check back on my news items I posted a link to a site for the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/walesonair/database/hopkin.shtml#content
You can see the same even longer clip for nothing.....
Here I go back on my soapbox, sorry but It really makes me angry!!!!!
Bye for now
PatDecember 20th 2003
A Very Merry Christmas to all my friends ...
I apologise for not being so "on the ball" this year with 'Mary' related matters, answering your emails, keeping the website up-to-date etc, Its not been a good year for me health wise and I hope 2004 will be a 'better' year,
So I wish you all well, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous new year.... Take Care,
Love PatDecember 12th 2003
A great video clip has been put on the BBC website. It is taken from the documentary about Mary done by Vincent Kane which was first broadcast 16/04/1998, click on this link to view it, http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/walesonair/database/hopkin.shtml#content
remember you will need real player .....Nov 28th 2003
'Earth Song Ocean Song' and 'Postcard' are to be made available again!!! I have found info on this site www.eil.co.uk The release date has been amended to January (typical)FORTHCOMING UK RELEASE
MARY HOPKIN Postcard (2003 issue UK 18-track CD album featuring the singles 'Those Were The Days' & 'Goodbye' and was produced by Paul McCartney) ** released 01 December 2003 **
Usually despatched in 48-72 hours from release dateEarth Song Ocean Song - UK - CD
FORTHCOMING UK RELEASE
MARY HOPKIN Earth Song Ocean Song (2003 issue 10-track CD album produced by Tony Visconti) ** released 01 December 2003 **
Usually despatched in 48-72 hours from release dateSept 11 2003
Hi, sorry if I have not been answering emails recently, but we have had, YET AGAIN, more computer problems.... but I am pleased to say we are now the proud owners of a brand new DELL desktop computer, hopefully this will be more reliable, but just like a car I have resigned myself to the possibility I am just a bad driver of computers... So yet again if you are reading this could you drop me an email just so as I can be sure my address book is up-to-date thanks. Hopefully now I can start updating the site again...WATCH this space!!!!July 20th 2003
A new CD has been released, unfortunately does not include Mary, but any Beatle fan should be interested... called, 'Lost Songs of Lennon and McCartney' "from a window" go to this page for a great write up about it.. http://www.gallerysix.com/from_a_window.phpJune 16th 2003
Anyone been watching the bidding for the GOODBYE acetate on ebay... It eventually went for £650.00, yes thats right pounds not dollars..... and it didnt even have alternate lyrics on it... NOW I have an APPLE acetate of Knock Knock whos there, if anyone wants to pay 650 pounds its theirs...June 1st 2003
Very sad news that Mickie Most has died... He was Marys record producer in the early 70's....May 17th 2003
This is not so much news as a thought!!!, has anyone else noticed how many CD's of 'SPIRIT' have gone up for auction on ebay recently!!
maybe its my suspicious mind at work, but I know for a fact that not too many copies of this superb recording were sold ... You can make up your own minds, but I think this is rather strange ....April 5th 2003
I recently saw Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig in concert a truly excellent performance, if you ever get the chance to see them play in your area then I can recommend a great evenings entertainment...
Cathryn told me she is in the process of recording a new song she has written called "Rumours of Rain", she sang it that evening and it's lovely..The good news is (if they manage to pin her down that is) they hope to get Mary to sing on it..... they already have an amazing line up of artistes to sing on it, (incidentally its been recorded I think at a studio in Milton Keynes), here are some of them, Benny Gallagher, Derek Brimstone, Jacquie Mcshee, Martin Carthy, Ric Kemp, Harvey Andrews, and none other than Ralph Mctell, that's all I can remember at the moment there were loads more, I will let you know more as soon as I find out.,April 5th 2003
A new Mary Hopkin Website has been set up, to visit go here "SHE FELL IN LOVE WITH A SWAN " a really lovely site, and well worth the visit, don't forget to sign her guestbook,March 19th 2003
Quick email, I am having Cable Modem problems and waiting for the engineers to fix it, so if I have not replied to any one's emails please excuse me, and I will as soon as possible... Also someone telephoned to say that their emails to me were being returned as "Un-deliverable" I am again sorry, please re-send if this has happened ... speak to you soon,
Thanks, PatMarch 14th 2003
BLUE ANGEL out now, place your order via WITCHWOOD RECORDS, and dont forget to tell them where you heard about it from...March 7th 2003
Well I managed to do it yet again, I have had to format my computer, lost lots of new email addresses, so please, please could anyone reading this send me a quick email so I can update my address book, thank you so much
PatMarch 1st 2003
Thanks to Carl Van Breukelen who runs a"Sparks" website we seem to have come across another rarity, more information on my trivia page under "Still To Find" also while doing my 'homework' on the sparks demo's I remembered another song which should have been on my backing vocals page, which is another SPARKS song so yet another for you to add to the collection, this is still available in most shops..January 30th 2003
Update to my news on Jan 25th re autograph on ebay, I have found this site from Japan which has an original Mary Autograph, now this is how it should look! go here http://beataro1.hp.infoseek.co.jp/mhlpe.html
January 29th 2003
BLUE ANGEL Cousins & WilloughbyThe project to re-issue "The Bridge" as "Blue Angel" has been revived - release
date expected to be March/April 2003. totally remixed with new tracks and
contributions from Dave Lambert, Rod Coombes, Mary Hopkin and Cathryn
Craig. Price expected to be £13.99.
The main attraction is, at last, a band version of Cousins' epic "Blue
Angel". In addition there is a new version of "Lay Down" guest-starring
Mary Hopkin, a band version of "There Will Come The Day" with both Mary AND
Cathryn Craig, as well as Chas Cronk, Terry Cassidy and Hud on backing
vocals, a duo version of "Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss" with Dave on piano,
Brian on guitar and a remixed version of "The King" with Maddy Prior
More news when it becomes availableJanuary 25th 2003
I have just noticed an item on EBAY # 936307834 that some poor soul has spent a fortune on $127.00 to be precise, it was advertised as an autographed promo card. Well it definitely is not Mary's signature, these postcards were sent out to all sorts of media, radio stations, TV, newspapers etc. to advertise her LP "Postcard" they were signed by anyone and anybody in the press office at the time...
If anyone ever wants to check the authenticity of an autograph before they buy, I would be glad to help, I cant gaurantee to be 100% correct, but I could try and hopefully save you a lot of money...December 29th 2002
We have a cable station here called CHALLENGE tonight they showed "OPPPORTUNITY KNOCKS The FINAL SHOW" from 78 and at last we now have the whole of Mary singing TWTD, we have had numerous clips of her in the past from this show, but now we have the whole clip...wonderful.December 27th 2002
WARNING!!
If anyone is offered "In The Land Of...." for sale on CD, please contact me first, I think everyone who is a regular visitor to the MHFS site knows my feelings about BOOTLEGGING, and making a profit from it. So I shall say no more, by the way a Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Healthy New Year to all.November 24th 2002
I can now confirm that the ROBIN WILLIAMS CD LIVE 2002 is the CD that features Mary's vocal, the track is called "The Grim Rapper" it is available on various music sites, eg. CDNOW, sorry its taken so long to verify, and apologies to all for my delay in replying recently to emails, this has been due to various problems !....November 22 2002
Thanks to a friend, I have had the chance to listen to the demo/bootleg of "Truck on Tyke" by Marc Bolan and I can confirm it is Mary Hopkin on backing vocals so yet another one has surfaced.....November 5th 2002
Peter Asher has been in the studios here in Wales with Mary recording "Those Were The Days" (as I mentioned below) it seems to be for a new CD he is doing with actor Robin Williams...more news when I find out.October 31st 2002
Go to the FORUM page, via the main menu and see a great offer from a 'friend' for an OASIS album ....October 19th 2002
Mary Hopkin re-records "Those Were The Days"
Mary has re-recorded the vocals to her hit Those Were The Days at a Welsh recording studio in Penarth called Strongbox Studios, this is for use in a remix. The track will combine the chorus of the song with a spoken word piece by American actor Robin Williams.
This is all the info I have at the moment as soon as I learn more I will let you all know
September 25th 2002
At last Billy Connolly's BBC TV Show which featured Mary singing 2 beautiful songs is now available on VHS AND DVD go here for info connolly vhs/dvdSeptember 15th 2002
A rare item has come up for sale on EBAY its "THE BRIDGE" which features absolutely wonderful vocals from Mary here are the item details
COUSINS & WILLOUGHBY "TheBridge" CD STRAWBS OOP Item # 906709838 September 2nd 2002
If you have £20.000 - £30.000 to spare you could pick up a lovely little item at CHRISTIE's Auction, the lyrics to "Goodbye" in Paul McCartneys own hand, note the last line ... click hereAugust 26th 2002
Sorry I was late posting the news about Mary on UK TV this afternoon, got a bit of flack from some friends as I didnt give enough notice apologies but I didnt spot it was on until late. Very Sorry I hope I am forgiven.....
I have an addition to the site, its a "FORUM" page, I have had requests from various people to add pages on the site for trading and general discussions, I tried this before on the old site some years ago and it did'nt really catch on, but I will give it another go. To reach it go to the main menu page and scroll down...August 25th 2002
Mary will be on the Morecambe and Wise show, Monday 26th August BBC1 at 4pm. She sings Jefferson, wonderful clip Mary at her best...
July 31 2002
Thanks to an email I have recieved we have another track to look out for, go to my trivia page for details....
June 9th 2002
Stefan Granados, the author of "Those Were The Days" a book about the "The Beatles Apple Organisation" ( which bye the way I have almost finished reading and can honestly recommend as a great read ) has advised me that the book can now also be obtained via AmazonJune 6th 2002
Thanks to my mate Tina anyone who has not heard "No More War" can now go to this link and hear it.... http://www.rising-planet.org/realmedia/June 6th 2002
New book about APPLE click hereMay 24th 2002
A few weeks ago thanks to a friend, I was informed of the existence of a new MARY HOPKIN recording dating from 1988 ... go here for more information .... >
"THE COLLECTOR"May 19th 2002
Lots of beautiful pictures of Mary went for sale on ebay recently sadly lots of friends lost out in the bidding never mind....It has made me realise that I must start work on my site again and put my photo collection back up for viewing. So go to gallery from the menu and follow the link to Black and White pictures...More to follow...May 11th 2002
I have recieved my copy of the SUNDANCE CD and its FAB! ...You will love it, Mary sounds great, the sleeve notes have some lovely pictures of Mary...ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!!!May 4th 2002
I had a letter printed in the Swansea Evening Post this week ...read below
PERFORMING LIFE IS NOT OVER
09:30 - 03 May 2002An item was read to me from the Post (April 13), via a friend, concerning Mary Hopkin - it stated that she was no longer singing or performing.
I feel I must point out what Mary has done recently.
She has toured with Irish folk band The Chieftains, has done a concert in Scotland alongside Jim Diamond and Benny Gallagher (of Gallagher and Lyle) and has contributed vocals on a CD for Welsh band The Crocketts.
She also had a part, albeit small, in Sara Sugarman's wonderful film Very Annie Mary.
Furthermore, she has been contributing songs on the BBC1 television show Billy Connolly's World Tour of England, Ireland and Wales.
I hope this puts the record straight.
Pat RichmondApril 30th 2002
I have recieved lots of email about The song "Bugeilio Gwenith Gwyn" which Mary sang on the Billy Connolly programme recently, I emailed the BBC asking if a CD of all the music which was featured on the series could be released, and they are passing my comments onto the programme makers..
So just a suggestion why dont we all email and who knows what might happen...heres the URL
http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/contact/com_email.shtml
The programme title is
'Billy Connolly's World Tour of England, Ireland and Wales'
April 26th 2002
I have become the proud owner of maryhopkin.net I would have much prefered to have maryhopkin.com but unfortunately someone has been squatting on that for about 4 years or more with no intention of using it only to profit from its sale...shame!April 22nd 2002
Mary sang two songs on the "Billy Connolly" show tonight, "Bugeilio R Gwenith Gwyn" and Ralph Mctells "England" where she re-placed the word England for Cymru and a lovely version it was too.April 19th 2002
Billy Connolly BBC1 Monday the 22 April is in Cardiff, this is the one Mary is on...so videos at the ready!! Also Very Annie Mary is now available to watch on pay-to-view cable channels...Also for anyone wanting to buy the DVD, the number is VCD0128April 14th 2002
Correction to my previous news of March 14th, it is only Benny Gallagher and not Gallagher and Lyle that are touring with 10cc, the concerts were incorrectly billed, I am so sorry, but I am still going!!!! Benny was great in the Largs concerts...April 12th 2002
Very Annie Mary the long wait is finally over, release date for DVD/Video is 29th April and for anyone lucky enough to have cable or Sky TV its on the Pay To View Movie Channels next week...April 1st 2002
Angel Air have the order form available for the SUNDANCE cd, go here to place your order for some really wonderful Mary Hopkin vocals !!!March 20th
ANGEL AIR have set release date as May 13th for the Sundance CD click here for more details SUNDANCEMarch 14th 2002
"Gallagher and Lyle" are touring the UK as support to "10cc" I for one will be going as surprise, surprise they will playing Cardiff!!!March 13th
It appears that our Mary will be featured on BBC1 in the "Billy Connolly around England, Wales and Ireland" show, I am not sure what date it will be shown though sorry! here is a clip from the BBC website....BIG YIN GOES FOLK 13/03/02
Just in case you've missed it so far, Billy Connolly's new TV series, Billy Connolly's World Tour of England, Ireland and Wales, kicked off its first two weeks with The Big Yin in fine form on a mini-tour of Ireland. The commissioned music for the series is performed by Billy with Ralph McTell, Chris Parkinson (House Band) and Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention), plus a host of musicians relevant to the country being filmed. Hence Cara Dillon performed songs in the Ireland sections, Mary Hopkin will sing on the Welsh programmes and Ralph McTell will do the honours for England.March 13th
Mailing list should now be operating again, but because of all the problems BRAVENET have had, anyone who joined will have another email request asking them to join again!!! sorry about this out of my control....March 9th 2002
The new Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby CD "I WILL" has been released, Its wonderful and here is where you can get hold of a copy, www.brianwilloughby.comMarch 1st 2002
This looks like the SUNDANCE tracks we have been waiting for So it looks like the emails we all sent paid off... Read below...ANGEL AIR NEWS----------------MARCH 2002
in the coming months there are exciting releases from Verden Allen
(Mott the Hoople), Mike Hurst and Mary Hopkin and Maggie Bell.
MAY 2002
SUNDANCE "Sundance" (SJPCD113)
features MARY HOPKIN and MIKE HURSTWEBSITE http://www.angelair.co.uk/ EMAIL mailto:sales@angelair.co.uk
February 25th 2002
I have today decided to start a new mailing list as it seems the YAHOO maryhopkinmaryhopkin list has gone for good, the link can be found on the the MENU PAGE, there is not often that much news but who knows!!!January 24th 2002
Thanks to a new 'friend' contacting me via the website I now have an audio tape of a TV show I have been after for more than 30 years, its a show called "Its Lulu" where Mary sings a duet with Lulu of "Snowbird" she then sings "Let my name be sorrow" and a beautiful song "Prelude" which previously I had only heard her sing in concert, its very good quality as well.January 20th 2002
BBC website has some small clips of Mary Talking about TWTD and a short clip of he song go hereJanuary 11th 2002
"Someone to watch over me" from Postcard was played tonight on the UK show "Eastenders" not just as background music either, it was great to hear it!!December 5th 2001
I expect you are all wondering why the maryhopkinmaryhopkin Yahoo list has disappeared, well so is David Bruce who put a lot of hard work into setting it up, he has emailed the wonderfully efficient chap's at YAHOO who have not yet bothered to answer him, so when he finds out what's wrong I will of course let you all know, but without the list this will be a little difficult!!!!!!!November 30th 2001
George Harrison has died after losing his battle against cancer. His family issued a statement saying: "He left this world as he lived in it, conscious of God, fearless of death, and at peace, surrounded by family and friends.
Mary made this statement to the BBC
Mary Hopkin, who recorded with the Beatles' Apple label and until recently lived near Harrison in Henley-on-Thames, described the death as a "great loss". "It was not a surprise but was nevertheless tragic news."October 29th 2001
Maybe its not an Official Mary Hopkin release, but its better than nothing!! Mike Hurst (of Sundance and Springfields fame) has a new CD out and fantasticaly has included 3 Bonus Sundance tracks NEVER GOING BACK/SILVER THREADS AND SO SAD...for more info and please tell them where you heard it from go to http://www.angelair.force9.co.uk/sjpcd098pr.htmSeptember 14th 2001
Another crazy price for an ebay item has been paid. This time $125.00 for a bootleg of "Can I believe" which was one of the 6 songs for Europe sung on the Cliff Richard show in 1970 to choose the winning song to represent Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest, (which as we all know was Knock, Knock who's there" if anyone wants to hear it I have a tape I can copy for you for nothing just let me know!July 22nd 2001
Recently I found out that Mary appeared on stage in Portsmouth with the 'Crocketts' when "Chicken vs Macho" was released I dont have too much info about this yet, I am sorry I was not able to inform anyone about this gig but I didnt know about it either, sigh!!
( I reported here on the news page that Mary appeared with Lindisfarne, this was not quite accurate sorry!)June 29th 2001
Well I gave it a go and I am afraid MSN was not up to it, very user UN-friendly. I think it would be best if all the members from my list transferred to the yahoo groups set up by David Bruce the link is on the menu page or click here now to subscribe. I again apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.June 25th 2001
Listbot my mailing list provider will soon be shutting down, they offered MSN Communities as a replacement or pay $149.00 a year, I chose MSN...Big mistake, but on the other hand I dont have $149.00 either. Its a very confusing list to join and time consuming, but hey its there its set up and ready so if you would like to join and be kept up to date with any information I might have click on the mailing list link on my menu page. David Bruce of the "Mary Hopkin Mary Hopkin" Website Fam has also set up a Yahoo mailing list so if you would prefer to join that you may already have had an email from him, if not go to his site where he may have posted some information. I will of course always put up MAJOR news items here on this site, you know the sort of thing a major tour, live satellite link up from the BBC to the rest of the World that sort of thing (Sigh) ...June 1 2001
Managed at last to get into Cardiff to see the Sara Sugarman film "Very Annie Mary", and it was well worth it. A wonderful film, extremely funny and sad, I really enjoyed it and 'our' Mary played a blinder, a small role maybe but in my opinion she had one of the funniest lines in the film, so if you want to see her on the 'big screen' go see "Very Annie Mary"May 2 2001
Mary sang "Temma Harbour" from January 1970 on BBC TV's TOTP2 show, it was a black and white film as at the time she was appearing in pantomime at The London Palladium and would not have been available to perform live. I emailed the BBC to discover how much film of Mary still remained from this 'Pop Programme' and apparently this is the only surviving footage..to say I am devastated would be an under statement...April 29th 2001
There will be a clip of Mary on BBC 2's TOTP2 on Wednesday 2nd May 2001 at 6.00pm.April 4th 2001
The long awaited film in which Mary has a small part is due for release in the UK in June here is the films own website, I have found some stills from the film on a web site the URL's are shown below.
The film is by a Welsh Film Maker Sara Sugarman, and is called "Very Annie Mary". Its original working title when I first heard about it was "Pavarotti In Dad's Room"...
It has some big 'stars' in it and from what I have heard and from the pictures looks good. As I say Mary's part is only small but hey! its the big screen!! what more could we want, I first heard about the film in 1999 and have been waiting for its release ever since, it WON the Sundance awards in the USA last year so it must be good!!!!! I mean the Americans have such good taste when it comes to anything Welsh ....;-) The only other time I can remember seeing Mary on the Big Screen was in the early 70's....I sat all the way through "Kidnapped" about 20 times just to see her name and hear her voice at the end of the Movie, every one else would be collecting their coats and leaving and I would be "Shushing" them and asking them to move so I wouldnt miss seeing her name, so just think about it, I actually get to see her this time...... the URL's are below...
http://www.cinema.com/search/quick_response.phtml
This url takes you to the first screen from here you can read about the movie or go to the picture gallery....
http://www.cinema.com/gallery/item.phtml?ID=5562&page=1
This URL has the first picture of Mary...
http://www.cinema.com/gallery/item.phtml?ID=5562&page=2
this one has the other picture of Mary,TO VIEW A TRAILER OF THIS FILM GO TO
www.veryanniemary.co.uk
On the left side of the screen click on "coming soon"March 30th 2001
Thanks to our friend Eddie Millhollon ofr this information
I recently purchased 3 dvds that contain video of Mary Hopkin. I thought
this might be of interest to your fans.
The following are in PAL format and are available from www.amazon.co.uk:
DVD Title:Sensational Sounds Of The 70s - Vol. 1
Contains:International by Mary Hopkin
Comments: Video quality is fair to good. Audio is the same as the album track.
DVD Title: Sensational Sounds Of The 70s - Vol. 2
Contains: There's Got to be More by Mary Hopkin
Comments: Video quality is poor to fair. Audio is the same as the album track.
The following is in NTSC format and is available from www.amazon.com:
DVD Title: Music Scene - The Best of 1969-70 (1969)
Contains: In My Life by Mary Hopkin
Comments: Video quality is excellent. Audio is mono, but not available
anywhere else (that I know of).
March 20th 2001
Hello, I am glad to be back....There was a big problem, as much my fault as anyone elses and I lost the old "Friendly Society Site"...Lots of lessons learned on my part. The one important thing I did learn is that I have made some wonderful friends from all around the world, I recieved so many emails wishing me well and urging me to re-do the site that I was truly overwhelmed...Everyone has helped in putting it back together again, so it truly is now 'OUR' site and not just mine...There are too many people to thank here on this page ( I only have 20mb of space after all) but they know who they are, I really do have to single out one person though and that is Alan Binks, (our coordinator ;-) he really was invaluable and his encouragement was fantastic...Thanks Alan
I was going to completely change the site, but the general opinion from all is I should keep it as it was so the changes are few, I will be re-doing most of the pictures as they they were scanned years ago and were all very large so they will be appearing very soon.Thanks again to you all..
Pat
October 10th 2000
New bootleg EP discovered, see trivia page for more details
September 12th 2000
Just found this on the net while surfing, if you have £7,000 to spare a real gem to have in the collection, text printed below..B03901 Paul McCartney. A letter in Paul McCartney’s hand addressed from 7, Cavendish Avenue and mailed to Robert Stigwood. The content relates to a song discovered by Paul McCartney, which he is proposing that Mary Hopkin records. The letter consists of 13 lines in black pen. Signed ‘yours casually Paul (McCartney etc)’. Measures 20cm x 25.5cm. Accompanying the letter are the typewritten lyrics to the song ‘Prince Of Avignon’ which have been annotated by Paul McCartney in black ball-point pen. (The song was eventually released in France by Mary Hopkin). Measures19.5cm x 28cm £7,000.00
August 31st 2000
New tape discovered from 1974, with previously unheard songs, see video and audio page for more details.
August 2000
Ebay auction, Mary Hopkin Apple Acetate, "For All" (For all My Days") goes for a ridiculous $1,527.00... To see the details go to
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=399622781July 3rd 2000
Thank You Message from Mary added to site.June 15th
Change to the way our friends in the USA will receive their video copies in the future. Our friend Frank Tokarchik has foolishly, sorry I mean kindly offered to do all the taping for me...Not only this 'folks' but because he is so ingenious you will now be able to get your tapes straight to NTSC instead of having the PAL format that I can only send you....I think he deserves a big thank you, so to those who are still waiting or have not yet requested, please send your blank tapes to Frank who will copy for you, another bonus of course will be cheaper postage all round !!!Contact him via his new up and coming website on
http://members.tripod.com/fetsr/frank/Thanks a 'Million' Frank
______________
June 7th news from the "Crocketts" Camp
must be…gotta be… must be… gotta be…
ON SOMETHING
‘’On Something’ is surely a future hit single’
Ashley Bird - KerrangRelease Date: 3rd July 2000
Format: CD Single
Catalogue No: CD1 BDG5013203 / CD2 BDG5013208The Crocketts release their romper stomper of a single ‘ON SOMETHING’ on 3rd July. Released through Blue Dog/V2 Records. Screaming guitars, thumping bass line, corking lyrics – energy on tap. Warning: May well make you want to jump off your wardrobe and land pogo-ing on your bed. The Crocketts accept no liability for injuries incurred.
Backed up with two of the finest b sides you’re likely to purchase for your pounds in an aeon. ‘Host’ with the legendary Mary Hopkin on backing vocals and ‘Opposite Ends’ - a gorgeous demo tempter which is likely to make itself very well known in the coming months.
CD2 arrives with their recent Lamacq session tracks – including their mighty classic of a tour cover - ‘Time of My Life’. Rock and indeed Roll.
Tracklisting:
1. On Something
2. Host (featuring Mary Hopkin)
3. Opposite Ends_________________________________________________________
April 2000
The long awaited TV documentary on "Our Mary" is to be screened on S4C, May 1st at 8.15pm....March 2000
Rumour has it that Mary may be appearing at the Pontardawe Folk Festival this August, I have as yet been unable to confirm this, but check back soon for more details.______________________
Some recording news at last!!
March 2000
Mary has recorded a duet with a Welsh Band called "The Crocketts", the Cd is called "The Great Brain Robbery" on V2 Records go to their site for further information______________________
Feb 2000
A new TV Documentary is to be made, the Producer "Eurof Williams" would like all Mary Hopkin Fans to contact him, he has left a message on our MHFS Message Board, please email him with your responses...Eurof's emaill address has changed to contact please go to EUROF_______________________________
