Lindisfarne - Winter Song (Live 1984)

[steviecuz]

many thanks!

[steviecuz]

what fret is the capo on? its not what ultimate guitar says it is.....please help?

[wateroftyne]

@steviecuz It's the 7th. Happy new year!

[buggerlugsify]

The greatest song ever written. RIP Alan

[wessers83]

Absolutely wonderful.

[rossco239]

hi amazing i love lindisfarne and have made an attempt of winter song and would love it if any one would take a look and see if i have done it justice youtube.com/watch?v=IzBW9DQjg8­Y

[madbob5a]

A great mucisian and singer, I seen the1m at the city hall in the late 80s , There was no need for seats, cause no body was sitting, every one was on their feet clapping and really enjoying themselves. Brilliant!

[dave2806]

sad song and one of there best .

[EggOnAStilt]

First time I've seen this video of Alan singing one of his best. He's missed.

[milesaxy]

Lindisfarne a legend band, does anyone remember seeing them on the Redcar Jazz Club those were the days. I once met Alan Hull one afternoon he was in the broken doll a pub in Newcastle he was a really nice fella. I still play their music all the time. Good job meomories last forever In witer ............

[billybadbrakes]

makes me want to cry ...sublime!

[atomic6120]

one of my favorite all time songs. thanks for posting. Love from the States....

[steviecuz]

I reckon this is one of the best solo performances ever........macca at the royal variety show sining yesterday somewhere behind if any one agrees....?

[cruithneuladh]

One of the best songwriters we've ever had, sadly taken from us much too soon.

Thankfully I got to see him once, live on a solo outing, absolute magic!

RIP in Geordie heaven Alan, you are sorely missed.

[Cannychanta]

two things one of you can help me with:

1. the chords for this song

2. As a teenager I sang a song at Ryton rugby club with a band called The Callies who introduced a new song they had just written called Fog on the Tyne. When did they become Lindisfarne and who were the members of The Callies?

[wateroftyne]

@Cannychanta Hello! The chords are.. complex. The Callies didn't become Lindisfarne, and didn't write Fog on the Tyne. However, one of the members, Billy Mitchell, grew up and became the frontman of LF-offshoot Jack the Lad, and then the final line-up of Lindisfarne.

[BassoonMeister]

Billy Mitchell was indeed a member of The Callies (Ray Tweedie and Will Browell being the other two members).

'Mitch' didn't join Lindisfarne until after Alan Hull died (1995)- though the other members of Lindisfarne knew him before they knew Alan Hull.

Ray Jackson, Ray Laidlaw, Simon Cowe and Rod Clements were known as the band 'Brethren' before the met Alan Hull (who all later made Lindisfarne".

For chords, go to Lindisfarne's website and to 'website archives'. Then, "lyrics and chords".

[shnen2]

@Cannychanta wwwazchordscom/l/lindisfarne-5­300/wintersong-146923.html

[dougbox1]

@Cannychanta  go to e/chords they will give you a version

put the capo on a fret to suit your own key --it sounds better if your not straining your voice

[dougbox1]

@Cannychanta go to e/chords they will give you a version

put the capo on a fret to suit your own key --it sounds better if your not straining your voice try the buskers @ the Rising Sun it's run by Hoppa --sundays

[mensamoo]

was probably at this gig. NCH was the perfect, and only stage for this band. great memories

[antscroff]

Timeless classic performed beautifully. Proud to have been at many of their Newcastle Christmas concerts. The atmosphere there was pure magic. RIP Alan.

[azapro911]

I love how they play this live - it's WAY better than the album version. Fabulous.

[irvybear]

59,000 views, not many considering 45,000 are mine! An absolutely beautiful song.

[KeinKari]

I hope to hear of the Court in the Act, it is the best Lindisfarne song.

[gtr1359]

Magic. 

[realgungho]

Such a great song.

[mpharris88]

Thanks, wateroftyne.

I saw the guys in 86 in Birmingham Odeon.

Love Alan Hull to this day. Sad that Jacka doesn't perform any more - too busy painting buses.

[dougbox1]

@mpharris88 hes back on the road

[mpharris88]

@dougbox1 - just tried to buy a ticket for The Acoustic Gathering at Banbury on 30 September and the gig has been withdrawn due to lack of interest. Tragic.

[spannaspanton]

I saw them several times between 1978 and 1984 in their Christmas gigs at Newcastle City Hall. Brilliant band and this has to be one of my favourite Alan Hull songs.

[dogstaraycliffe]

Christmas Eve 1980 was my first ever proper gig Lindisfarne at Newcastle City Hall and it still remains one of the best gigs I've been to............ 

[SuperKimA1]

Amazing song!!! Gives me goose bumps everytime! RIP Alan, unbelievably talented man x

[rokerroar]

Carlsberg don't do the most under-rated songwriters....but if they did....

Alan Hull, RIP Mate.

[Durnickbooks]

Nobody can sing this as he does - seen this live several times, am now 50 and feel his loss more than ever..................

[Prokifiev]

Thanks for posting this, I was at the gig. The Lindisfarne Christmas Shows at Newcastle City Hall were legendary.

[MarkRoberts63]

@Prokifiev Never saw them with Alan Hull, only with Billy Mitchell- even though they were excellent I still feel I missed out. And I lived in Gateshead for 4 years

[davetowers1]

Who's have guessed he would be dead 11 years on :-( This man was a song writing legend and in my opinion very underrated, even though Lindisfarne are fairly well known. However when I mention the band, virtually no-one outside the North East has heard of them. Their loss, I've seen them many times & they've always been fantastic, particularly on Lady Eleanor, this & We can swing together. Brilliant Alan RIP mate, not forgotten.

[Lecky54]

simply class full stop !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ODonnell94]

two fantastic albums, totally brilliant. How many bands can produce such timeless classics?

[sicklysausageroll]

any geordies in w.a. wanna di cover versions of lindisfarne

[daughterofbodom666]

I love this song sooooooo much!

It makes me wierdly happy even though the lyrics are kinda sad.

[sicklysausageroll]

am kanna learn winter song ti keep the geoedie lads alive in australia a still call newcastle yame

[sicklysausageroll]

am sitting here watching allan hull deeing winter song it still grab me shit like its aboot time sumbody done atribute ti lindisfarne in astralia

[306bad]

Lyndisfarne popularity will live the band wrote music for people particulary Alan Hull who was their great force. I always put , winter song on my face book at christmas, I try to tell people it is not a christmas song , its Alan Hull condeming Chritmas if it is with out compation, went to Beemish this year .

I remembered from a visit in about 1958 when I stayed in Biker as a small child , went to the park and went on the transporter bridge in Middleborough too, farntastic

[ayeoverkill]

Saw them years and years ago at Ayr Pavilion but this song was just superb, just listen to the lyrics, Alan Hull is a genius.

[TheRugby7]

i saw this tour at leicester de montford hall. this brings back memories of my student days, thankyou

[ironfootstudio]

Awesome song brilliantly performed.

[tomerdanielle]

I haven't heard this song for years. What a classic - brings back memories of the 70's

[kevw73]

a geordie hero

[keithdontgo]

This video demonstrates what a legend Alan Hull was. I saw Lindisfarne loads of times and Alan Hull as a solo performer on quite a few occasions. The last time was in Hastings a year or so before he died. Due to a problem with publicising the gig there were only a handful of people there but he played for two hours like it was to a hall full of thousands. I just can't understand why he never got the acclaim of such a brilliant singer songwriter he deserved.

[duncan31358]

Alan Hull was a genius,i recommend you all listen to his solo album Pipedream!

[abre01]

yes, pipedream is great!!!

[amarone1956]

Thanks, I will.

[ledzeplad]

what did alan hull do in the band and how did he leave us?

[toneebee]

he was a big part of the heart of the band, he wrote the songs , he died before his time..legend

[paucannell]

Beautiful song. "Busted just for talking, and defending the wrong sorts"; 2000 years on has anything really changed?

[gizakiss]

got busted just for talkin and" befriending" the wrong sort. still beautiful though. peace

[billybadbrakes]

simply beautiful! ..look out for your fellow men, brother!

[BlackCatChebs77]

A great posting. The most heartfelt of words from a great songwriter. So much better than the usual crappy xmas songs that mean nowt really. Not sure that I agree that it's about grief tho' - don't get that. I take it as a reminder to all to think of others, especially at xmas & when the winter comes howling in. You'll certainly know about that if you've met the wind off the north sea in winter.

[jordie2901]

lindisfarne are the kinda band that make you proud to be from the northeast i regret never having the chance of seeing them play live.... (winter song)

CRACKING TRACK may there music live on for ever.

[BlackCatChebs77]

I agree jordie. RIP Alan Hull - a seriously under appreciated musician!

[jordie2901]

cheers blackcatchebs77........... to be honest it was after reading the words you yourself wrote that made me want to say a little something about lindisfarne.... and as for the wind off the north sea i felt it first hand as a fisherman sailing out of seaham harbour.. many years ago. man it was cold...lol

[BlackCatChebs77]

Know just what you mean - can remeber sailing out of S/land harbour with me granda on a little boat many a time - or finshing off roker pier for hours in the winter. That was always the best time tho with the lashing waves & no feeling in your hands. LoL. Every xmas I try to get ppl to listen to this song & everone who hears it loves it... never hear it on the radio tho eh? Always bloody Roy Wood, Slade or Do They Know it's Bloody (Hot in Africa) Xmas?Aaagghh...

[jordie2901]

lol i here where your coming from mate i live in norfolk now and i'm a dj i have played this song quite a few times over the years at xmas parties and it always goes down well not quite the same as on the radio but at least it's keeping alan's music alive...

[306bad]

well there are people who would argue alan hull is not under appreciated. he was a brilliant musician and there are some who like you and me wish his talent was more appreciated.

My favourite alan hull record came out as a Christmas tune last year but it was never a christmas song, it was more about inequity in this country and Hippocracey in the USA.

Alan Hull was not Bob Dylan, he was Alan Hull, Winter Song is an amazing piece of work .

[AMackem]

Cheers WoT - class post marra. I have great memories of Lindisfarne's Christmas concerts, as well as that NE wind howling in from the sea at all time of the year ...:-)

RIP Alan Hull ... gone but not forgotten.

[davetowers1]

This was a seriously talented band. I saw them a few times, the last in the early/mid 80's at Loughborough University. They were brilliant live & Alan Hull's musical legacy - RIP man, a truly great songwriter, musician, vocalist & performer. The world's a poorer place without this band.

[starstruckone]

great song and emotion, merry christmas to you all, thanks for posting

[mjisthebest4ever]

this song is so meaningful i luv dese ppl dey rok WOOOOH GO LINDISFARNE TYNE SIDE 4EVER !!!!

[leaningoak]

mailbox ... you've completely (and I bet deliberately) missed the point of the song to rationalize your god-bothering ego. This song is about PEOPLE with nothing but grief in their lives. The reference to JC is a slight at smug christians who preach humility and gorge themselves at Chritmastime with n'er a nod to the very thing that JC (whether real or mythical) deemed most important (love they neighbour).

[mailbox827]

OOPS, forgot Youtube would reverse the order. The first part starts WTF???????????????

[mailbox827]

During the following year I found out bits here and there until I decided that not only did Jesus come to this Earth and live and die in poverty, but also that it was for ME, so that I could have a relationship with God. I accepted His offer and became a Christian the following May. That was 30 years ago and I am still a Christian. Cheers Alan, I don't know if you have any idea what you started, but I'm glad you had the balls to write something this deep and honest

[mailbox827]

But I had discovered that I had emotions. But even that didn't explain everthing. I had something else, something deeper, that made me react that way. I had a SOUL. And there was something there that made me feel, and don't ask me how I knew, but I KNEW that those words were TRUTH.

[mailbox827]

WTF?????????????????????????..­...............

I lay in bed, scarcely able to believe what was going on. It was almost like discovering you had a third arm or something...........

There I was, eighteen years old, hard as any one my age.

And Alan Hull's Winter Song had reduced me to tears. WHATTT?

"Do you spare one thought for Jesus, who had nothing but His thoughts...." You can't get away from that, can you? And up to that point, I only knew or cared about what I could see, hear, feel around me.

[ClennonMorue]

Simply amazing. Unforgettable song...

[jland6777]

do you spare one thought for jesus who had nothing but his thought. we'll see where they end up.

[sidcooksfriend]

I have so many happy many memories of Lindisfarne, God bless you Alan.Thanks for the beautiful songs.

[sexykay3]

love this song its so full of meaning! performed brilliantly too. 5* from me!

[SteffanLlwyd]

I was shocked to learn that he died aged 50... 'Fog on the Tyne' is still fresh sounding album, though 'Nicely Out of Tune' is great too. Distinctive among folk sounds... takes me back to under age drinking in the Back Bar of the Angel in Aberystwyth, where Lindisfarne's 'Lady Elanor' and the Stones' 'Brown Sugar' were juke favourites. Aaah...the smell of pachouli oil, Afghan coats and dope, once savoured, never forgotten!

[beansandcornbread]

I had never heard this song until Def Leppard covered it. What a great song. So heartfelt.

[Gishty]

one of the best songs of all time !

[Pipedream9]

My favourite song of all time.

and elvis costello's apparently.

[mcgrate]

Anyone know what fret the capo is on and what key is Alan playing the song in?

[wateroftyne]

Hello!

The capo is on the 7th fret, and the song is in E.

[jland6777]

e is great. no, i thank you

[twitter54]

Go to Lindisfarne website for all song details.

[chestertouristcom]

excellent

[quackchung]

What can I say that hasn't been said already. I saw these in Liverpool, and it was a master class in unadulterated natural talent, in every aspect of the show.

I've also seen them after Alan's departure, and still it's a good night out. I like the fact that they'll have a pint with you later.

[aero123456]

this is pure music

[boobcube]

Good luck hunting down that "Squire" lp. I've been trying for what seems like eons. Especially difficult here in the states.

[WestbouneDave]

My very first album was Nicely Out Of Tune. Alan was truly one of the great modern poets, and very underrated as such. I just wish I'd been able to go along to the City Hall to see them - hindsight, eh?

[trustterry11]

alan hull what a poet-what an arrangement does anyone have the squire album?

[TheTrueRasulo]

Cos the guy, and his family, and his kids deserve it, for what he has left us...

[Gangly1]

My apologies True. There was no disrespect intended. However, I have to defend myself in response to the "who do you think can sing, I dread to think".

This beautiful song has many a meaning and one ,in particular, for me.

[gizakiss]

Alan at his briiiant best!. have been listening to this song for 30 yrs, n still it sends a shiver down my back. powerful words.

[TheTrueRasulo]

I met Alan many times, in fact he owes me a pint of Guinness, and 3 Park Drive Plain to this day....

shivers ? yes, he was a lyric master, and matched it with his musical talent...

And yes , as has been said before - R.I.P Alan ..

and for his memory, keep the comments respectful please ?

[cliffypp]

Can play this on a ukulele believe it or not.... still sounds beautiful! Fantastic song by a fantastic man!!!!!!!!

[migyag]

I am learning ukulele. what are the chords or where can I find them? Wish I could write a song like this but I know I am crap. beautiful beautiful beautiful song!

[spacematlock]

this time aweek ago i hadn't heard this song,now i'm totally besotted love it love it!

[mickles1981]

lyrics are so potent now than when released. Love this eternal ballad

[brack1936]

I play it differently to this and, I think, better. Basically I do it like my dad does. He is from Newcastle. I play it regularly in pubs, at jam nights etc.

[maujon]

You can see why Elvis Costello rated this so highly

[richardd2063]

f*@!in unsurpassed still, does anyone know what tuning he uses etc. Cheers for the posting

richard

[gibsonj200]

its standard tuning, but i think its capo'd on the 7th.

[richardd2063]

Excellent, thanks for that, can you play it?

[gibsonj200]

no worries, i can play it something like not brilliant though.

[richardd2063]

Just bought the songbook for `nicely..` and looking forward to getting stuck in, wish to god i`d seen them live myself, cant imagine the buzz though seeing Bert Jansch last year in a room of only 50 people was also humbling. Long life to you all.

richard

[weareofftosee]

saw them in airdrie 5 years ago, humbling

[DChord568]

I'm guessing most posting here are Brits, but I want you all to know that Lindisfarne did reach some of us here in the States. I love their first two albums, and saw them live opening for The Kinks. I've put "Winter Song" on countless Christmas music comps I've made. It always moves me.

[karicketts]

wow! That's just fantastic. It took me straight  back there in Newcastle City Hall early 70's when I was a student. Thanks for the posting. I agree , Alan Hull was a bringer of joy.

[outsidevenus]

Thats actually!!!... pretty gay... was told that this was the best song of all time... naa

Defiantly don't think so some how

[Pipedream9]

well you obviously have NO CLUE WHATSOEVER about music and songwriting.

i'd like to see you write something like this.

[outsidevenus]

i have bum bandit haha

[TheTrueRasulo]

....

[crosby777]

He says "wish" you fool

[cliffypp]

Beautiful, amazing, touching, meaningful, thank you so much Alan

[ACU5TIC]

fantastic,how many groups give you guitar tabs and

lyrics to all their songs,free?

[ytstew]

Classic stuff from Alan

[Gangly1]

Absolutely priceless!!

Thank you so much for posting this.

Alan Hull could never sing...but who cares. I certainly don't!! Magical.

[scottandrewbrass]

Alan Hull couldn't sing? Are you mental or just plain deaf?

[Gangly1]

Come on Scott...be honest with yourself!!..I absolutely love this guys songwriting (and singing actually). But by no stretch of the imagination could you regard him as a good singer!! He is flat by a good half tone in places...but hey it works for me. That is one of the attractions...he still sounds good flat!

I Once Met A Country Gentleman's Wife who could sing, but that is another story altogether!!!

In mutual admiration for Mr Hull,

Paul

[helenelisechat]

You must be absolutely tone deaf!!!! His voice is pure joy & raw emotion. Listening to Hull's 'Pipedream' has a visceral effect unmatched by any other album. Who, pray, do you think CAN sing? I dread to think.

[Gangly1]

His voice is, indeed, pure joy & raw emotion. I never indicated otherwise; it's just out of pitch on more than the odd occasion.

Wasn't an album/song called Nicely Out Of Tune?

The pinnacle of self-deprecation I would say.

Your logic deserts you.

[jimmynmu]

lindisfarne for president

[geordiebillbob]

Yup. Good ole Hullie. Great he lives on via this stuff!

[balladeer57]

nice one

[rokerroar]

Alan Hul was the most underated song writer EVER.

RIP Alan. You are the North East's John Lennon, but to me you were better.

[carasmusic]

Had a nostalgic evening going through all your Alan Hull and Lindisfarne videos. They are still magic in the air! Thank you for posting them!

[acousticj]

Greatest song ever.

God bless Alan Hull. Always missed.

[acousticj]

This is THE best video on YT

[snackleforkofemir]

Thanks so much for posting this.

All these years and still the hair on the back of the neck goes up!

Too wonderful for words!!

[royser1]

i saw alan in a small town in Nireland many years ago. He was on his own with a guitar and a piano. I bet he couldnt believe in Coleraine, a small outpost of the UK, THAT SO MANY OF US KNEW ALL THE WORDS TO HIS pIPEDRAM SONGS. tHE sQUIRE WAS JUST OUT AND WE ALL KNEW THE WORDS TO THOSE SONGS AS WELL. What a wonderful songwriter and he gave us all a night to remember. That was nearly 20 years ago

[snackleforkofemir]

This is just fantastic.

Thanks for posting it!

[jonnylag]

This song says more to me about humanity than the bible ever did.Alan Hull-absolute genius.

Rest In Peace-I'll raise a pint of broon to ya canny lad.

[timbaille]

why does a sad song always make me smile - Alan Hull you live on and may the gods bless all who appreciate and the rest of the band too

xx

[twnewcastle]

i heard some time ago that the lyrics for this song were being used as part of the course work for the gcse english exam...dont know if anyone can confirm

[solent64]

Great to see this stuff again.

[dleekman]

who wants pipe dreams?

[helenelisechat]

Thanks soooo much for this. The goosebumps will last for ages! Wish someone would put some 'Pipedream' tracks on. Alan was a genius.

[Yorgo]

Great boost for 2007 The best band ever from the North East

[Yorgo]

Great to hear and see this band they are a miss,Alan Hull the greatest songwriter in the north east what a miss

[LhodaKblerz]

Every year at about this time "winters' shadowy fingers" send in the shivers and I always have to dig out the record....then I pull the bedclothes higher and the wife wonders what I'm up to. She's German.

[wilhelmig]

Many thanks, giver. This band grabbed me by the balls amongst a star studded day back in '71 at The Oval.

Miss all of them, but Alan was, and is, a kind of god.

G

[jeffnvon]

Still the best

[ILPRIMONATO]

Thanks so much for putting this on YouTube