This much I know: Ralph McTell, musician

Music kept me on the straight and narrow.I discovered music at 16. I was in danger of becoming a bit wayward had it not been for the stabilising discipline of the guitar.

I was dreadfully shy and my guitar was my shield. I’m 70 now and 50 years later I still get the same symptoms of near panic before I go on stage. My hands change temperature, my heart beat increases.

Once I’m out there, I know the first number will be too fast, but I also know things will slow down and I will play well. I don’t have to win audiences over. Most of them know the songs. It allows for nuance and intimacy.