News / ‘Ultimate musical ambassador’ dies suddenly
SHETLAND lost one of its most treasured and dedicated musical ambassadors when Davie Henderson died suddenly on Sunday morning.
The 63-year-old’s name has been synonymous with the Shetland Folk Festival for many years. He had been an integral part of its committee since the early 1990s and was latterly responsible for booking many of the acts to play the world-renowned event.
The news prompted an avalanche of tributes on social media sites including many from musicians inside and outside of Shetland – testament to the number of lives he touched with his infectious personality and renowned sense of humour.
Music promoter Davie Gardner often travelled with Henderson throughout the UK, North America and Scandinavia – resulting in the pair being affectionately dubbed ‘the two Davies’ – led the tributes.
“Everyone here is shocked, numb and canna believe it or take it in,” he said. “Thoughts are with his family at this desperately sad time. Lots of things will never be quite the same again.”
Gardner and Henderson had been due to make their annual trip south to the Celtic Connections festival later this month.
Organisers of the yearly Glasgow festival described Henderson as “a great friend to many on the folk scene including our team”, adding his presence would be sorely missed during the 2014 events.
Members of Session A9, the folk music collective whose number include Davie’s elder son Kevin, described him as a “wonderful spirit”, adding: “He was a faithful and generous soul and we could all do with someone like him in our lives.”
Isles four piece Vair said there was “a good chance” the band wouldn’t be playing together if Henderson hadn’t given them their first break – something “many bands and artists across the world could say”.
“It’s safe to say he was Shetland’s ultimate musical ambassador, which is quite an achievement considering he didn’t play or sing,” a post on the band’s Facebook page stated.
“What he lacked in musical ability… he made up for with a strong set of principles combined with a zest for life and mischievous sense of fun. A man who knew how to get things done and have a bloody good time while doing it.”
Shetland Arts director Gwilym Gibbons described Henderson as a “true leader and rock of the Shetland music scene, highly respected both locally and internationally”.
“He voluntarily dedicated so much of his life, talents and support to Shetland and Shetland musicians,” Gibbons said. “He will be a great miss.”
Gardner said that watching Henderson in action at music industry events, conventions and festivals he saw an “unfailing champion not only of the Shetland Folk Festival… but Shetland itself”.
“Although Davie wasn’t a musician himself, he probably did as much and more for Shetland and its music than anyone else I know.”
He described the folk festival committee as Henderson’s “second family”. Though in time he is sure the festival will continue to go from strength to strength, building on the foundations laid by Henderson, “his passing will inevitably leave a very big hole in the organisation, and he’ll be a hard act to follow in so many other ways too”.
Gardner said: “Davie called a spade a spade, but most folk genuinely appreciated him all the more for that. His legendary rants could perhaps be pointed and direct, even vitriolic, but were nevertheless heartfelt and always well informed too.
“But, most importantly, he never held a grudge! Davie lived life to the full, and trailing in his wake when he did was a real experience and pleasure in itself.”
Police were called to an Unst address on Sunday, and later confirmed that the deceased was Henderson.
Officers said there “do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident” and a report will go to the procurator fiscal.
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