Ivor Cutler was a highly eccentric poet, singer, songwriter and storyteller. He appealed to successive generations with his offbeat sense of humour and wonder at the world. In more than four decades of performing he attracted a band of admirers and followers that included, amongst others, the philosopher Bertrand Russell, Beatles John and Paul and the late, great John Peel. He retired from the stage at the ripe old age of 82 and following a brief period of Alzheimer's and ill-health, he died on 3 March 2006, aged 83. RIP.