Dave Swarbrick, 1941-2016

We record with regret the death of David 'Dave' /'Swarb' Swarbrick, who through his comprehensive mastery of the fiddle was more influential than any other individual in bringing the instrument into the folk movement in Britain. Among many other things, he is also notable for having had two obituaries printed in the Daily Telegraph, seventeen years apart. The later of these, very full, can be seen here.

Though the photo heading the obituary might suggest a bluegrass connection, Dave Swarbrick was not (as far as the BIB is aware) involved with the British bluegrass scene; Roger Churchyard (d. Feb. 2015) was perhaps the outstanding bluegrass fiddler in Britain in the 1960s.