Merry Hell – Over Hulton Folk Club.

“Bury me naked!” Virginia Kettle sometimes sings. Although not sung tonight Merry Hell exposed themselves (legally and compassionately) revealing memories of their musical journey and also revealing how their music and ethos reflects the spirit and community feelings; warmth friendship caring, honesty, hope for better times and tolerance except for those who want to divide and exploit.

ANTHEMS AND PROTESTS

The Lost Songs evening began with Blink from their debut album 15 years ago. A retrospective song but we were told of how a copy of their CD brushed off the floor led to future gigs when listened to by someone who had some influence in the folk scene.

Merry Hell are masters of the folk anthem and Go Down Fighting is an early example of this. Written after the Corbyn general election defeat, John used this song as cathartic recovery from the disappointment but its stands now as an encouragement to never give up hope.

Virginia’s song Crooked Man was a protest against “the criminals in pin stripe suits” whose greed at a time when the country was bailing out the Bank of Scotland and is an example of their insight into current affairs.

LOVE SONGS AND CLOSE HARMONY

Bob then joined in the proceeds with a love song which had a 60’s folk song feel. All The Bright Blossoms indeed live on as many of his songs have contributed over the years to Merry Hell’s success and progress. Then came his shanty like song, Sailor, written in collaboration with his much-loved seafaring father in law Bob ‘Buck’ Taylor to help him recover from being widowed.

The close harmonies between Andrew and Virginia came through strongly in Dress Of Emerald Green. Its English folk song style is full of raw emotion. It is a song which has been in and out of the set over the years but it also reveals how many of the songs sung tonight although from yesteryear would fit in seamlessly with their current music.

Andrew also recalls how when singing The Old Soldier, three ex- servicemen responded by thanking him for singing it had brought tears to the eyes of a tough young welder. The song serves as a plea to not let the horrors these men suffered happen again.

To end the first set John’s dynamic strumming drove the War Between Ourselves about overcoming the small battles of everyday life showing how Merry Hell are always at one with their followers. Indeed Virginia expressed clearly how their audiences and loyal fans are a huge part of the Merry Hell story.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

The opportunity to ask the band some questions revealed how Merry Hell could have been a medieval Merrie Hell or indeed Urban Fox. Initially concerned that Merry Hell may have had rather too much of an aggressive connotation it has been most appropriate they stuck with Merry Hell as many of their songs raise stern protests against injustice and inequality striking a chord for unity and tolerance and Dreaming of the Time expressed this.

It may have been hard to think of a favourite line which is indeed a highly searching question provoking lots of thought within the band bearing in mind the number of songs written over the last 15 years. ‘Night Before The Morning After’ is however a natty little line in itself and it’s singing reminded them of a special moment when folk legend Dave Swarbrick played Morning After with them.

An incident at the Costa Del Folk sessions when two vibrantly dressed octogenarians romantically danced inspired the writing of Handsome Sally. This ballad sung by John included my favourite line of the night “ kiss me shimmering.”

SAGE EFFECTS

Andrew was reminded of the powerful psychedelic effects of sage emanating from a floral display made by his daughter which he placed on his hat whilst singing This Time. This jolly song written by Bob led into another of his love songs Liberty, dedicated to his wife, herself a talented wordsmith, and included him playing some Dylanesque harmonica.

John then spoke of his political and spiritual awareness kindling the song Pendle Hill, paradoxically comparing the peace and tranquility of the Pendle landscape and the cruel treatment from a heartless teacher. Further reminding us of their ‘heart on your sleeve’ approach to their songwriting.

Virginia recalled how before she began her musical association with the Kettle brothers when searching for a place to record she was introduced to John. Then she led a song which has featured recently in Merry Hell concerts Rage like Thunder bringing the evening to an appropriate end. raucous appeals for more were satisfied when they abandoned microphones to sing an emotional When We Meet Again . A song written to look forward to the end of lockdown but also stands as joyful wish that MH will meet us all again in the future , hopefully for another, if not more, 15 years!!

So it’s appropriate we listen to Merry Hell singing with their many friends in a clip from the aforementioned lockdown.

BROTHERHOOD

Whilst the bond of brotherhood and marriage permeates everything they do they paid tribute to their splendid manager Damion Liptrot who has played a massive contribution to the success of the band. It would be remiss of me despite his modesty not to recognise the part he has played. It is hoped this superb collection of songs will be available in the future to share with all Merry Hell fans as it was too rich in quality to be just a one off event!

The full itinerary for 2026 Over Hulton Folk Club sessions promises some exciting new faces but a return in March from a familiar face AJ Clarke.

Merry Hell: Website

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