TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Hi Iain,

We all know that you were with Fairport for a brief but exciting time, and you then went on to use several band members in other projects, then returning to sing with the band at Cropredy but I wonder the extent to which membership of Fairport was a double edged sword - in the Uk at least. I mean you had a bigger hit record than Fairport ever had yet many still think of you as the guy who used to be in Fairport - and therefore probably a folkie - yet the Fairport fanbase seems to have been a supportive one to you during your solo career.

So, do you feel that the stint with Fairport was of creative and commercial benefit to you over the years, or more of a millstone around your neck? Obviously this is not a comment about the band per se rather people's reactions.

DW

A millstone!!!!
Where would I be now without Fairport! Signwriting, in some Lincolnshire backwater! Selling shoes in the west end!
Listen...most people never even get the opportunity like mmine, never mind to have a life in music. Of those who do get a foot in the door...what..15-20% last longer than 5 years.
I owe my career to Fairport!! I know it..they know it.
Without those people and their vision, I can't say I wouldn't have had the springboard they afforded me, but chances are, it would have been a far, far tougher road.
Millstone!! How about gemstone?

Well if you're happy, we're all happy!

(Couldn't see the "millstone" thing meself.)

Thanks Iain,

As to the millstone thing what I was getting at is one hears of many artists who feel pigeonholed by their involvement with a particular band / genre and then when they try to move on find their early career can be a problem. I am glad that is not the case with Iain and Fairport.

We all have the power and the right, to shake it off and go our own sweet way David