Rare Nick Drake tapes pulled from auction

Six previously unheard recordings by late British singer/songwriter Nick Drake have been pulled from auction following an ownership dispute. Drake’s pal and fellow folk star Beverley Martyn, the widow of singer John Martyn, planned to place the 1968 tape featuring versions of Fruit Tree and Cello Song under the hammer at London auction house Ted Owen and Company on Thursday (31Jul14), but the sale was postponed after lawyers for the tragic star’s estate raised concerns about her ownership rights.
Martyn claims the recordings, which were expected to fetch at least $425,000 (£250,000), came into her possession legitimately and she is adamant she is the rightful owner of the tape.
She says, “I looked after them for 38 years, treasured them. I know the person who made the tape and they are happy for me to have it. The Drake family even offered to buy it off me eight years ago for £2,000 ($3,400).”
Drake was just 26 when he committed suicide in 1974.