All of us at Spiral Earth were very sad to hear of the sudden and unexpected departure of Paul Sartin, the multi-instrumentalist who was so much a major part of Bellowhead, Faustus and Belshazzar’s Feast. His family posted a statement (Thursday) announcing his death, “It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our beloved Paul, who left us unexpectedly yesterday morning. 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.”

Bellowhead were likewise upset, their Twitter post read, “The whole band are totally devastated to have to let you all know about the passing of our beloved Paul Sartin.  We were so privileged to share a stage with this masterful musician and good, good friend. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to his mother and the boys he was so proud of.”  The group are touring nationwide in November.

Paul Sartin was a great musician and personality, an artist with a wide ranging musical background in folk, church, choral, classical, comedy and as a producer of touring productions, notably the reworked Transports 2017 and 2018  epic as well as over seeing community projects such as Andover Museum Loft Singers. He was a music publications editor and regular contributor to BBC radio. One fellow writer offered this comment, ” you never knew what you were going to get with Paul, except excellence.”

Spiral Earth offers condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. No doubt Paul Sartin will be missed, but he will be remembered. He was the sort of man you don’t meet every day.