Well-known Newcastle busker John (Johnny) Pittman has passed away.
The inner city identity was known for his instrument playing, most commonly along Darby Street.
Mr Pittman was also an artist, who had his work displayed through Hamilton’s Community Art Space.
A friend of Johnny’s, Chris Jazrat spoke to NBN News.
“It is devastating to hear that John Pittman has passed away. He was a happy soul with a heart of treasures and he will be deeply missed. We both had music as a big part of our lives. Being a muso myself I loved his attitude and caring spirt,” said Mr Jazrat.
His funeral will be held next Monday at Beresfield.
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Bob you clearly have no understanding of this man and only saw him from a pedestrian level. you are the most disrespectful person. Next bin night, put yourself in it.
Care to enlighten us, then? An article from a few years ago says he lived in a flat in Bar Beach? For someone who (I assume) busked for his living, that sure is a pricey area to live in.
Oh no, now who will ask me for money and/or cigarettes?
Wow Bob, you are obviously looking foward to kicking back and reading all the bites you’ll get with that comment. Maybe you have a little to much time on your hands and it is actually you who is the burden on society.
RIP John Pittman, may your tambourine bless the ears of those in heaven.
The flat in cooks hill was a DOH flat and john had mental health issues but always had a smile for everyone. I know of alot of people who were helped out by john when they were homeless and hungry so judge not unless you knew him personally!
He did live in bar beach in the housing commission flat, I assume that’s why he busked, yes he asked people for money, yes he could be annoying but he’s dead now and he’s had more social media coverage than any of us will get when we die. Some people liked him some hated him, he asked for money, wouldn’t have declared his earning, just sound like our last mayor Jeff McCloy or any politician!
Clearly Bob you never took the time to stop and say g’day to him. I walked past him for years and he always said hi to me, and Johnny never asked me for money once I told him I had my own family to look after. Also I never heard him say a harsh word to or of anyone. Not that I really knew him other then to say g’day nice day Johnny and I’d always get a reply. P.S. Will admit though, he was the worst busker I have ever heard. I for one will know your not there anymore. He may or may not have been a burden on the taxpayer that I didn’t take the time to find out.
R.I.P. Johnny.
John had a unit through the department of housing. John was a good man with a big heart. Nativity of our minds often inhibits our ability to see the colour that people like John bring to our world. I knew John for many years and every nemory of him brings a smile to my face. RIP John you will be missed from our cityscape.
Ahh Johnny was alright, harmless enough……he used to catch my 201 bus many times and I’d take him home…he was a spritely old bloke when alighting from my bus, he used to run across the road like a flash with his bowed legs …I always called him Willie Nelson due to his hippy style beard which was often rainbow coloured and was rarely without his battered old guitar which used to look more rugged than he did lol
He was just one of Newcastle’s memoriable characters.
Sorry to hear of his death…he is at peace now…RIP Willie (John)
Bob, that is so disrespectful. he was a lovely man who would always put a smile on peoples faces. he may if been annoying to you but no need to say that.. I’m guessing you haven’t lived on a centre link payment or had any mental issues in your PERFECT life.. I knew John very well and if you were in his shoes and seen what’s he’s seen then mayb you could understand hy he did what he did. rip John and fly high with the angels xx
Tell us when the funeral is i will be there i loved this guy helped him heaps of times and loved his bongos i will attend his funeral as well
That’s what I remember of him too. One day an older lady heard him ask me for money/smokes and she said, ‘he’s got more money than you and I put together!’
To say this man was a burden is disrespectful, I was on the street as a kid and this man that you say is such a “burden” in fact had a heart, something you don’t have bob… people are put in circumstance in their lives that should never be judged, and most importantly there will never be a time when everyone is living a good life, it’s just reality. But one thing there will always be is people like yourself who are the first to criticise others even when they are at their lowest and worst of all when they have passed, I’m sure your not perfect because none of us are and never will be. Shame on you mate.
I am absolutely horrified and disgusted by Bob’s comment. Nobody should be disrespected in such a manner, NOBODY!!
I never met John Pittman, I still think he deserves to be respected as a person.
RIP John Pittman, there are still plenty of good people looking out for you!
VALE JOHN PITTMAN. A likeable,affable gentleman, never a cross word for anyone. Sad to read such vile comment, particularly upon his passing. SHAME ON YOU.
There are many ‘bludgers’ frequenting our streets, John was NOT …. Always polite and eager to chat, I’m sure many local residents will agree.
There, but for the grace of God, Bob Bendis….
A colourful local identity, gone too soon.
Try Beaumont Street, there are many ‘rral bludgers’ there. This man entertained for small change….
I wouldn’t mind a wager on his funeral being attended by many more than Bob can expect to send him off, #bobblackheart
Saw this guy almost 30 years ago when I was stuck at this Christian camp. There was a drum kit there and he had a broken arm in a sling at the time. He jumped on the drum kit for about 15 minutes and he was unbelievable. He really could play. Always made me wonder years later when i saw him tapping his tambourine what he may have been capable of.
RIP mate
Vale John Pittman
I stopped and spoke to him in 2000 and discovered an intelligent gentle creative bohemian . We talked about epic poetry, of which he would quote long passages, philosphy and politics.
Somtimes years would separate our conversations but he always remembered me.
I like that his instruments were somtimes decrepit, he was more of a performance artist anyway.
I went to one of his exhibitions at Gibson Street gallery, which was spontaneously catered for by another late eccentric Tony. It was a freeform celebration of John’s quirky artistic prescence.
I will miss him
I shall quote the recently passed Johnny Pittman’ Bring down story nothing but a bring down story!’ That’s just for you Bob! and anybody else that may have the same twisted outlook.
John busked, so what? He lived in DOH, who care? You sad souls that pass judgement make me sick! Did you know the man at all? NO! here’s just a glimpse on what you missed!
Was he intelligent and wise? Yes! Was he caring? Very much so! Would he have done anything for a friend? Absolutely! He was extremely passionate about music and art.
Its a shame some individuals would never know these qualities with the labels that the had pinned on john like bludger, oh that homeless man or dreg of society.
John was a human being with a kind heart! most of all he brought joy to a lot of people!
#restinpeacejohnnyboy! #buskingwithangels
How dare someone say negative things!! Makes me sick to my stomach. Jonny was a lovely man and brought joy to everyone he spoke to and anyone that thinks diffrent didnt know him at all or their judgemental people. He was a very troubled man but was always so joyful!! he was an insperation to many. He had plenty of negativity in his life but ignored it all and focused on the posative!! I was blessed to know him. Rest in peace jonny xxxx
For people’s records, whilst a late entry; Bob Bendis manages the Star Hotel in Newcastle. Just in case any wanted to pass show their regards; unless he saw the light and did indeed put himself out with last bin night.