As founder of Folk in the Barn (in 2003),  the following words explain how Joe played a huge part in my life and the lives of the musicians I brought to Canterbury over many years. 

For some of us the recent (11th February 2023)  Fairport show at the Gulbenkian was even more special and poignant than usual.

The band and some of those in attendance had lost a very good friend earlier that week, and Simon Nicol dedicated Meet on the Ledge to him, Joe Passey.

Joe ran Wincheap Guesthouse.  I can’t remember when I first knocked on his door, with a wadge of flyers.  I was doing the rounds, asking local businesses to put out flyers to let their customers know about the music. It must have been 15 years ago at least. It helped that when I did, he revealed he was a huge Fairport fan, and had been to every single Cropredy since the start. We quickly became friends and Joe offered to not only put flyers out but also offered accommodation to visiting musicians, and in return he could have tickets for any of my gigs he wanted to come to, and he came to many, often staying to help put chairs away and tidy up.

Joe quickly became part of the Folk in the Barn team.  His was one of the few voices who first suggested I book Fairport Convention. I’d thought them way above my level, but with support, I gave it a shot, and the rest as they say…..  Not only did Joe accommodate the musicians, he would often put on a fantastic after-show spread, and many a happy time was spent relaxing after an amazing concert back at Joes. 

Joe loved to host his heroes, not just Fairport, but Maart (Allcock), and The Aggies, and the Lakemans, and Mike McGoldrick & co.  He really loved those times, we all did.  In return for his generosity, Fairport would give him backstage passes to Cropredy, so he could see and meet many more of his musical heroes, who became friends too.

Joe loved Fairport, and for some reason my early experiences hadn’t led me to feel the same way.  I didn’t dislike them, just didn’t love them. He obviously decided that I was just completely wrong (I was) and that with time I’d ‘get it’.  I remember him inviting me along to see them at the Theatre Royal in Margate (The Babbacombe Lee Tour), I didn’t mind it, but no goose-bumps!  Even after booking them myself, I confess I didn’t feel like he did.  And then, maybe the second time they came to Folk in the Barn,  I sat in the front row, and took it in properly and wham, it hit me. Wow, that sound they make together, those amazing songs and tunes, their skill, their humour, they are so special. When I told him, he just gave me a look and said ‘you took your time’.  I guess he always knew it was inevitable.  I hold him responsible for a huge amount!  (For those that don't know, I am now very happily married to Simon Nicol)

Joe worked very hard at the guesthouse, often on his own, so when he eventually retired and sold up, having re-met an old girlfriend Jan, just a few short years ago, then marrying Jan last year and settling in their new home in Lincoln, despite missing him terribly we were all so happy for him, for them both.  Except that the cancer he and everyone believed he could beat, decided it wasn’t to be a happy ending.  At Cropredy last August he and Jan had just been told there was nothing more that could be done.  It was the news none of us wanted to hear.  The Fairport chaps invited him and Jan on stage for Meet on the Ledge and I knew what extremes of emotion that held for him.  Me too, I stood next to them both. We all hoped the docs were wrong and he’d be back there this year.

We will all be thinking of him on the Saturday night in the Cropredy fields next August.  A place that so many love and are remembered.  Thank you Joe, for so much, rest in peace.  You were one of life's really good guys. 

Debs Nicol (Earl) - Folk in the Barn