When Shane had to leave for health reasons and the incredibly stupid decision to let Bob Haworth leave the act after 20 years, you are left with one guy plunking banjo who has -- granted -- been around for a long time, but to call this touring group out there now KT -- c'mon now! I am grateful for one thing -- the 20 years of Bob Haworth playing with KT. I might not have come to know this great musician had it not been for seeing him at concerts in the 80s and 90s. Here's a musician who truly listens to his heart and tries to help others -- not someone out there playing high school gyms sucking the last dime out of a fading business trademark. I remember seeing that huge smile the first time I saw him on stage. Shane seemed bored, Grove seemed to resent having to plunk Tom Dooley for the ten thousandth time and there was Bob -- driving the act, pushing the tempo, creating the harmony and lighting a fire under the audience. The highlight for me was several years ago, when he brought out the musical saw. Shortly after 9/11, playing America the Beautiful -- there was not a dry eye in the house. It was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced in live concert. Bob's Christmas concert December 2005 - reuniting him with The Brothers Four and his banjo routine with Mark Pearson - another classic live moment that -- thankfully -- has been immortalized on video at this site. Just incredible. This and other appearances by Bob are raising money for good causes -- something I don't see other acts even considering. I'm a huge fan because Bob Haworth represents to me what the author of this article talked about -- folk music as a moving and purposeful influence. Bob continues to exemplify everything that is right and good about a musician. He entertains, he puts a smile on your face, he awes you with his incredible musical talents, he moves you to tears by picking up a saw handed down to him by his grandfather, he pushes you to think about helping others and he even takes the huge risk of being politically incorrect as he spotlights the problems of illegal immigration. I feel blessed to know this man and to have his music in my car and my home. Folk on Bob -- folk on!!! Link: Bob's Videos
I know from a business standpoint this touring band can legally get away using the trademark, but you won't find me buying a ticket. Call 'em what they are - a fine tribute band with good musical skills -- but the emotional soul of the band left the day Bob Haworth left.
Responses