“This song was written by my beloved friend Jonny Walker, whose death in 2018 cracked me open and let in the light.”
Jon Gomm, the UK based acoustic guitar virtuoso, has released the new video for ‘Song For A Rainy Day’, a tribute to his friend Jonny Walker. The track is featured on Jon’s latest album ‘The Faintest Idea’ which was released in 2020 on Kscope.
Jon states:
“A human whirlwind, Jonny Walker seemed to live two days for every one of mine. Performing, activism, and endlessly helping others. He was loved as a street performer for his emotional openness and honesty, which was entirely genuine.
You could be feeling down and he'd just knock the wind out of you with a smile that beamed love and optimism. He was the most frustrating but rewarding guitar pupil I ever had: Trying to teach him was always like trying to hit a moving target, but what he did with that knowledge was take to the streets and create special moments in people's lives.
His last 18 months were the most painful and scary I have seen anyone endure, and the strength and kindness Jonny showed throughout were an inspiration to me, but in the end it was too much for him, and he took his own life. I desperately miss the support we gave to each other.
I love you mate. I got the last line from this song tattooed on my left forearm. I wish I could show you.”
Fans can also win a private concert with Jon by recording their own audio or video of them singing or playing along to ‘Song For A Rainy’. Full details on how to enter are available here.
Jon also recently pledged his support to a small charity called The Swan Song Project, and agreed to become their 1st ambassador. The Swan Song Project helps people who are facing the end of their life to write and record an original song. The charity started in 2017 working with people in hospices across Leeds and Bradford. It has since made its service available virtually, enabling people all across the country to access their support to leave a unique legacy in song.
For more information about The Swan Song Project please visit www.swansongproject.co.uk.
‘The Faintest Idea’ is out now on CD, double LP, digital and as a stunning limited edition deluxe 3 disc hardback book edition which will feature – CD1 - The Faintest Idea album, CD 2 - The Naked Artist Mix – a stripped back version of the album; a DVD containing 6 exclusive performances filmed in a medieval church, guitar technique presentations, a 35 minute Jon Gomm interview, song description videos and The Faintest Idea in high resolution stereo audio. The beautiful book features Lee Zimmerman illustrations, song descriptions, hand written lyrics and full track tablature for the song “Check You’re Still Breathing”. Jon’s reaction to the deluxe edition can be see in this latest unboxing video here.
“Perhaps the best percussive guitar album we’ve ever heard." - Total Guitar
“I love your work and style so much. You are very special” – Jon Anderson (Yes)
“Wonderful playing and singing” - David Crosby (Crosby, Stills and Nash)
“Hands down the most amazing guitarist I have ever seen!” - Tommy Lee (Motley Crue)
"Jon you are a genius man, I LOVE your music and playing!" - Steve Lukather (Toto)
"There are very few musicians on the planet who can actually strike me speechless with the beauty and skill of their playing. Jon Gomm is one of those musicians." - Randy Blythe, Lamb Of God
For upcoming live dates visit: https://jongomm.com/shows