A statement from the family of beloved folk musician, Paul Sartin, who passed away on the evening of September 14th.
The following is a statement from Angela, James, Will and Joe Sartin.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our beloved Paul, who left us unexpectedly yesterday evening. We know that he was someone who brought wonderful music into your lives, and that so many of you counted him as a close and dear friend. We have lost a son and a father, and while we ask now that we are allowed to mourn Paul in private, we understand that many of you will have lovely memories that you would like to share. We invite you to do this in the comments beneath this post so that we can read them when we feel ready.”
The post that they are referring to can be found on Facebook at this link, on Twitter at this link, and on Instagram at this link.
Cause of death
On September 18th, aware that rumours had begun to spread on the internet, the family released the following statement regarding the cause of Paul Sartin’s death:
“We know that many people are concerned about how Paul passed away, and that there has been a lot of speculation and rumour. Although we will not receive the results of the autopsy for a little while, we can confirm that he collapsed suddenly on the evening of September 14th, shortly before taking the stage at a concert in Oxford. He was with his dear friend and bandmate, Saul Rose.”
RIP PAUL
I never got the chance to say goodbye
May your music live on as I weep and cry
Such a talent taken from us far too soon
Miss your humour, song and pretty tune
To all your family and friends I send my best
Knowing of your presence I feel truly blessed
Rest in peace dear Paul you most lovely man
Godspeed from me who’s an admiring fan
I am so shocked. I loved his music so much and heard him play with Belshazzar’s Feast and various bands. I loved that he found and sang songs which were not well known and well as tunes which were. He had such a distinctive voice. May I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family through this page?
God bless you Paul. One of the nicest people we have ever met.
From Jeff, Penny and all in Bampton Morris, thanks for all the great times….we will miss you
I am very sorry for your loss. A most untimely passing of a beautiful man.
I am so sad to read this news. One of the loveliest people I knew in all my years at Christ Church and a fantastically talented musician. Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
I just chanced on this very sad news, and it’s so good to see your names here, Moira and Stephen.
Indeed a very lovely man, my distant memories of him are all very fine. My thoughts are with Karl and Benjy, my memories of their fondness for him are also very clear and pure.
I’m so sad to hear this shocking news. we hadn’t been in touch for many years but have fond memories of you from The Purcell School. sending love to your family.
just a joy to see him with his diverse performances so much talent and humour so absolutely sad tonight
We were so privileged to be at what was probably Paul’s last concert with Faustus on Sunday evening at Swanage Folk Festival. His musical mastery and his good humour both shone brightly and the set was an absolute joy. I bought a CD directly from Paul afterwards. So it was with such shock that I heard the sad news of his passing today, way too soon. What a dreadful loss to folk music, but so much more to you, his family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I met Paul during a summer 2022 project he worked as musical director and impresario in with Andover Trees United. I was inspired by his musicality and musical diversity and learning of his extensive musical accomplishments championed by Jon Wilks, I became a fan.
I am sad for family, friends and fans and sorry that Paul’s life has ended prematurely as I’d wanted to know more of him and wrote a song inspired by meeting and singing with him. I pray his family, friends and fans will be healed by the pride and colourful experiences with him and that his music and memory live forever and ever in folk music amen 🙏
A lovely, funny, amazingly talented and warm and joyful man.
I stood side stage and watched him many a time amazed at the breadth
of his talent and he was always a joy to work with.
What a loss to you his family and to all of us in the wider folk family.
My thoughts are with you all.
We have great memories of Paul whilst singing in his choir at Sidmouth over the years. Very sad, a lovely man.
Steve and Ruth
One of those comedic and genius musicians you just wish would live forever, and so much more to him. I will have enduring memories of his lovely Folk East 2022 interview with Louis de Bernieres, his enjoyment of the Young Uns’ ritual Folk East podcast humiliation involving a marrow-based morris dance, and his recent contributions on BBC radio talking about RVW in the most engaging way in his 150th anniversary. Terrible, terrible loss. I used to say hello as a festival steward.
Paul was a great friend of our son Jeremy at the Purcell School and Magdalen. They had some fun times then before going their separate ways Six years ago when we lost our Jeremy, Paul came to the funeral in Ripon Cathedral. It was so kind of him to take the trouble to come and we were overjoyed to see him again.
We are so sorry for your loss and understand the deep sorrow you must be feeling.One never recovers from such a loss but one has to remember the good times and hang on to those happy memories.
I just need to remember his excellent syncopated Bellowhead ‘hop’ playing whichever instrument (or a yellow handkerchief!) and it brings a smile. Thank you Paul rest in Folk and take care everyone. x
I am so sorry for your loss, and folk’s.
A brilliant musician, through Belshazzar’s, Faustus, Bellowhead, The Transports and many more he bought so much joy and inspiration to so many.
A warm, funny and great guy. Rest in peace Paul, thanks for everything.
Paul was a lovely gentle soul and an amazing musician.saw him at Costa Ibiza ,Beardy, and Lamplugh village hall and several times with Bellowhead You will be sorely missed by many RIP ,lovely Paul. Gentle man of Gentlemen x
Dear Angela,
I’m so dreadfully sorry to hear this. Sadly I hadn’t seen Paul for many years, but had followed his career and stayed in touch. We were very close at University as musicians and friends, and it was a pleasure to meet you on several occasions.
Paul was a unique person and musician, and touched so many lives. He was so full of energy, humour and creativity.
Love, Best Wishes and all Good Thoughts to you and all Paul’s family.
My condolences to Paul’s family at this very sad time. I will carry fond memories of Paul’s skilled performances and his sound leadership at Soundpost singing sessions.
My most heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family and all his other friends. He was a dear and much-loved friend for many years, and brought joy and love to us all. Paul will always live on in our memory of his joyous music, and his steadfast friendship.