I always said it was Nick Reynolds and Bob Haworth who were the "driving" force of KT - giving the act the on stage energy that washed over those of us in the audience who appreciated the music, loved the skills of John Stewart and George Grove and appreciated the historic significance of Bob Shane.
But it was that third position - stage right - that in my view always ignited the electricity of this act.
I'll never forget the night I saw Bob Haworth for the first time after Nick had left the road. I was skeptical that anyone could replace Nick, but I was instantly captivated by that huge smile and the same enthusiasm that always captivated me about Nick. Bob should be enormously proud that he stepped in when needed to keep that third spot intact, not only musically but with that intangible emotional component that Nick embodied.
Nick's passing is indeed a sad event as we have lost one of our musical heroes. At the same time, the wonderful memories I have are magnified tonight as I remember the sometimes politically incorrect but side splitting funny stuff Nick did on stage. How many of us will forever remember the line "no more drinks for the dwarf" from the College Concert CD? And my all time favorite KT song, the one I taught my granddaughter when she was 3 years old - MTA - was first a Nick Reynolds song, then Bob's.
I'm sad to hear about Nick passing but the wonderful memories washing over me tonight remind me we are all so much richer for this man's contributions to the music that shaped our lives.
It gives me another opportunity to say, while he is still with us, thank you Bob Haworth for all you have added to the musical transcripts of our lives. God bless you for all you have done for us.
Godspeed Nick Reynolds.