Thanks. John opened for Pink Floyd in 1973. A guy walks out, sits down, and announces, "I'm the warm up band." We started booing. Then he starts playing through Floyd's surround sound in an open air stadium. When he's through we were shouting for more. This guy single-handedly blew a few thousand impatient minds, and I've never forgotten that night. By the way Pink Floyd was touring Dark Side of the Moon, they were young and powerful, one of the best concerts I've ever heard.

Played this at my father's funeral. A sunny day in April. The sun shining through the stain glass windows onto his coffin. Stillness. Only four of us there. Incredibly sad. But incredibly beautiful.

All time favourite song. Makes me feel strong when I'm weak and weak when I'm strong. So sad he's gone but he'll never be forgotten. Thank you Mr Martyn for being there.

The songs of John Martyn can draw tears from the eyes of a lion

nose broken waiting at a bus stop in Edinburgh going to a party. trying to get on the fuckin bus got to the party face like a balloon went to lie down in one of the bedrooms and this started .a bottle god knows what later cant forget this this track

This reminds me of the plastic coffee lid that has been trampled on hundreds of times at the entrance of the subway station. Sad, lonesome -- yet so resilient.

I never understood the beauty of this song until it came on shuffle when I was having a bad trip. The anxiety and fear melted away almost instantly

Simply one of the greatest artists to ever exist. Nothing more needs to be said about this man.

I was at this very gig, and many others by the incredible, insanely talented JM! This song carried me safely through so many dark bedsit days in my youth. I'm 64 now and still give thanks for having none this remarkable man and his music. Probably the best song ever crafted by anyone. Not a day goes by that I don't miss ya, John.

finding peace in sadness, comfort in yearning. thats the impression i get, anyway

I wish that all people in the world will discover this video in here, before it's too late.

When I listen to Small Hours, I see it not as a song. It's more like a feeling or an absolutely mesmerizing moment in time. Whatever it is that John puts into it, it is just beyond this world. Absolutely beautiful.

Holy fuck this was ahead of its time..

i was lucky enough as a kid to meet john a few times. my mum and dad were super fans and would travel the county to see every date on the tour. this is the song that moved me as a kid and still moves me now

What a perfect title for this music. Its that moment late at night when its only yourself with sublime thoughts in a moment that you wish you could live in forever.

I was 20 yrs of age out of mind and this came along I’m 63 now and it still has the same effect God bless you Mr Martyn 💙💚🙏

One man,an acoustic guitar and an echoplex.

In response to the 'what pedals question' Brian, on this track, it's basically an echoplex tape echo (he used two on live gigs) and volume pedal, but during this period, he was also a user of a Big Muff distortion, Maestro Boomerang (wah) pedal, Mutron Envelope follower (autowah) and MXR Phase 90. I first heard him around this period and what he could do with just an acoustic guitar and this set up was amazing..thank god for youtube so that I can hear it again

Get goose bumps whenever I hear this. The man was a genius, a troubled genius, but one none the less. This along with Solid Air will last the test of time. So will all his music to be honest

music before its time. technical masterpiece

I once got bold and played guitar at a New Year's party in Tempe, Arizona, during a holiday break in 1975. My friend Jerry's girlfriend said that I reminded her of John Martyn, whom she recently seen in San Diego, opening for SPIRIT. What an honor to be associated with the name. Years later when John Martyn came to Scottsdale, Arizona, I saw that no advance radio ads were being heard on the likely radio station, (KZON). So, I provided the KZON DJ, Mary McCann with my favorite John Martyn CDs and songs. She fashioned some nice spots and I paid for the number of plays before those concert dates at the ROCKING HORSE. Kee Kee Ebson (Buddy's daughter) was the opening act for JM. JM coming into town didn't know that due to the radio play that he would have hoards. JM being impatient called an audible and decided for open up for her, instead. JM played his set first and just as the late ticket holders arrived early for the John Martyn set, John was finishing. He tooks his finale, but it wasn't enough for the late comers. After management of the Rocking Horse came back from vacation and found out about all of the demand for JM, he scheduled another show and they gave me VIP treatment with a big table near the stage, and all of my friends and JM-fellow fans shared a delight. - John Martyn RIP

This song is so powerful to me when I haven't listened to it for a while it moves me so much that it makes me 😭 what an over looked talent miss you big john R.I.P.

The dislikes are from people that live in a closet full of pop music. And never come out. Open your ears, open your soul, open your hearts. Bob Marley loved John, as did Big Youth and many people like John Lyndon. So, he crossed many rivers, and built many kingdoms, that people from every music culture, lived in.

Saw him at Salford College in 75 , with Danny Thompson, John Stephens and Paul Kossoff on lead , what a night and they drank a crate of Guinness then started tapping up the audience for drinks ,amazing music,finished up with some really hard blues numbers !!! Love you John and Paul ......♥☮️☯️

Saw John at Guildford uni in the 70’s just sublime

The distortion and effects on that are amazing for 1978.

This is a song that just makes me want to stick a set Of headphones on and block out the world, live in my own zone surrounded by the music.. Jesus, as well known as John was he deserves a tonne more recognition that he gets, especially in the modern day, people I was talking to today asked me who the best guitar player of all time was, all others involved in the conversation said Slash/Van Halen/Jimmy Page/Jimi Hendrix, and I thought, if I say John Martyn I know they'll be clueless... It saddens me deeply the way the worlds taste in music has grown apart from the likes of John, because his music stands the test of time and the legacy of it -whether some like it or not- lives on through the likes of Ben Howard, a fellow Island Record Label musician. In all, John was a poor soul, but even when life knocked him down he continued to appease his fans with flawless music, and for that I am forever grateful. May you never be forgotten big man, sleep tight.

Just got into his music recently… what an extraordinary musician..speaking as a guitar player…the guy has tape on his guitar to keep his pickup in place!! The music he makes is absolutely incredible!

this song is so insanely good. so ahead of its time too

Just too beautiful- the emotions are there for all to hear and feel- RIP John - they did not hear your magic my brother😢😢😢🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

Wonderful piece of music. John Martyn at his best. Missed but not forgotten

I saw him at Leicester circa 1980, I think it was at the Polytechnic Students Union. I'd never heard of him before. I was totally astonished at the way in which he filled the entire auditorium with sound from just one guitar. I went out the next day and bought several LP's. An amazing composer.😊 I played some to my housemates and they just didn't get it. But they were studying economics 😂 I've been a fan ever since.

2024 fresh ears in wonder, Oh yeah.. timeless classic going on here

Beautiful

Masterpiece

He died today 2 years ago...Im feeling a John Martyn night tonite...r.i.p. john..nothing like some late night john...

RIP John. You made a lot of people very happy with your music.

Thanks John, for everything x

The essence of that time.

With sad heart I have to report that John passed away this morning 29 Jan 2009 aged 60. RIP John

One of his more memorized and spellbound performances..

When i first heard this, it blew me away! My son, Billy was in the Womb and i used to play it to him, through the headphones, placing them onto his mothers stomach. He used to kick alot, but when i let him listen to this, he stopped. 💜💜💜💜💜 He's 12 now and somehow still remembers!!! 💜💜💜💜💜💜

so ahead of his time

At least 30 years in advance!!...wow!!...

1978 first seen him........mesmeric.......seen me through many a hard day and many a loving night. Won't be another like him. Uniquely obscene and uniquely exquisite.

I knew him, I worshipped his sometimes erratic behaviour, saw his good side, and saw his frailties. But one thing is 100% evident in what he gave you, pure from the heart music and a talent that sadly never got the appreciation it deserved. RIP Mr Iain David McGeachy. If you did end up at the pearly gates, the big man will be blowing dust of the harp and asking if ye ken this yin...

My favourite All time John Martyn song and there are so many

Its called an echoplex ,an analogue echo unit works on a tape loop. the combination of beautiful chords and timing blows me away. The man, awesome.x

It penetrates the soul, what a feeling

This song breaks my heart with its beauty. Written by John for his love with his wife, that he lost. It sums up everything about longing, love and life. What a genius xxx

I saw him on this tour. My first term at uni, fell in love that night, even got the bugger's autograph after the gig. Best part of ten years later, this particular album became an integral part of courting the mother of my children. That and seeing him and Danny Thompson at Croperdy. Good times

Goosebumps every time

Extraordinary. Genius.

A wonderful piece of music written by a wonderful musician. One man, one guitar, for one world. Brilliant.

Timeless brilliance. Beautiful. Miss him.

John we love you angel your music 🎶 touches our heart and soul❤❤❤❤

How lovely a sound is that, and the best sentiment ever. I spent many great hours with friends, crashed on bean bags with a spliff listening to John on the stereo. Rest well big man. :o)

You know when you stumble across one of the GREATS, fall in love with his songs and become completely rapt in his music.. then find out they're dead? Yeah ...

A brilliant musician, songwriter and performer. He's missed, but he gave us the wonderful gift of his music to enjoy.

Saw him in Amsterdam at Paradiso as a young 18 year old Kiwi on his OE. Blew me away!

Genius at work

Why am I only now finding this incredible music?!? I swear, most people that were around then seem to not want to share their generations music

I would echo a lot of what other folks below have said, some of the comments are years old so I hope the folks in question are still enjoying the astounding beauty of John's music

Beautiful song great musician ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

That guitar intro is my favorite all times !

One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever created,this is John in his prime,sink back,close your eyes and drift away. :)

I remember being at this gig (and yes we really dress like that). Returned again to listen here after hearing Justin Vernon's work (through this portal) If John's spirit moves you, wiki Justin and find the searches that will lead you home.

I still listen to this all the time. Reminds me of long summer evenings on Bredon Hill, smoking weed and just getting lost in this beautiful thing. Fantastic.

always find myself coming back to this..

with this song i had a Satori. i was just crying and loving all my self which was the universe as well. it was a very strong felling of love.

Saw John twice once in Leeds once in Norwich some people are just soul when they perform.

Never heard of him and band…I like this sound ☺️

Absolutely awesome musician He was Grace and danger combined He wore his heart on his sleeve Thanks John God Bless

Superb! ...

This guy saw me through my teens and my early twenties and grounded me when the world felt troubled. I'll miss him terribly RIP John thank you for your fantastic sense of humour and your wonderful sensitivity.

Oh aye! The boy always caught the moment, now eternity is catching its share

Still listening to this genius of a guy....2021....❤❤❤

the vocals at 3:00 are the best thing i have ever heard

If there is a heaven- this guy will be playing there- hope I end up there too.....RIP John!

Our band was a support act in Salisbury UK in early 70s,loved the guy,pissed outa his head with his guitar and WEM COPYCAT machine.He was 2 months younger than me,sad to see he died.Way ahead of his time,and lived his music:>)

Lucky enough to see him live twice …so humbled and blessed

Wow... so glad to have discovered this... beautiful...

You can never get sick of John Martyn, absolute hero. Just beautiful....

Unknowingly, I just had two different versions of this song playing at the same time in different windows of my computer. That was a weird and wonderful experience.

No wonder he got a deal with Island. My only surprise is that Chris Blackwell did not sell him as the new Bob Marley. I jest, but really, he was in his way, true to himself and his roots. Doing that thing that only he can do. Genius. Arsehole maybe, I never got to meet him to find out. His music speaks for itself now.

When you just take into account that he created such music back in the '70 ... That is mind blowing! Thank you Ben Howard for this album recommendation :))

One of my all time favourite singers. Love this man 😭❤️

would've loved to be at that gig.....amazing!

Oh the memory of this song......bring back my youth in that small country house

i was gutted when he died, crying a lot, someone told me that he's in a better place now . but theres no better place than earth and there s no better place than earth with john martyn on it xx

You beautiful crazy genius. How I miss you & your wonderful music, that shaped many of my early years 11 years gone RIP

I love him so much. Untouchable, especially with this where he loses it halfway through. That's the beauty of live performance.

holy crap, i just discovered john martyn about 20 minutes ago. this is so far ahead of its time its ridiculous... why have i not heard more of him?

Gonna get on up and fly away Go on after another way and a new day has dawned Gonna carry on Keep on loving while your love is strong Keep on loving till your love is gone away Well you're very very lovely, gonna take you home Say you'll be my ruin but I just don't care because I love you so I just love you so Keep on loving till your love is gone Keep on loving while your love is strong

Incredibly beautiful...but sad.

Makes me yearn for a time I sat with my brother and listened to every note - over and over again . Miss them both so much❤️❤️❤️❤️

Saw him playing this with my mate,Skeller at Durham Uni in '78 or 79- amazing stuff, been hooked ever since. God bless yer John!

The first thing i ever heard from this man in my small hours in 1981 --i was awoken to a king --this is a true artist -- all these years later he still moves my soul -- God what a wonder - what a well of beauty ...

First I've heard of John Martyn. He's got a lot of dedicated fans, but I've never heard his work till now. Nice!

Best video on youtube. 2:45 am & can't sleep... This is my go-to every time.