TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Up at the website now...

http://www.fairportconvention.com/gigs.php

[Has the Lowry moved?   ;) ]

25/01/2012     Tewkesbury     The Roses Theatre     01684 295074
26/01/2012     Salisbury      The City Hall      01722 434434
27/01/2012     Basingstoke      The Anvil      01256 844244
28/01/2012     Leamington Spa      Royal Spa Centre      01926 334418
29/01/2012     Exeter      The Corn Exchange      01392 665866
31/01/2012     Yeovil      The Octagon     01935 422884
01/02/2012     Truro     Hall For Cornwall      01872 262466
02/02/2012     Croydon      The Fairfield Hall      0208 688 9291  
03/02/2012     Lincoln      The Drill Hall     01522 873894
04/02/2012     Manchester      The Lowry     0870 787 5780
07/02/2012     Southend      The Palace      01702 351135
08/02/2012     High Wycombe      The Sawn      01494 514444
09/02/2012     Bury St. Edmunds      Apex Theatre      01284 758000
10/02/2012     Tunbridge Wells      Assembly Rooms      01892 530613
11/02/2012     Margate      Theatre Royal      08451 301786
14/02/2012     St. Albans      The Arena      01727 844488
16/02/2012     Weston-Super-Mare      Playhouse      01934 645544
17/02/2012     Farnham      The Maltings      01252 745444
18/02/2012     Milton Keynes      The Stables      01908 280800
21/02/2012     Shrewsbury      Theatre Severn      01743 281281
22/02/2012     Burnley      The Mechanics      01282 664400
23/02/2012     Crosby      Civic Centre      0151 928 1919
24/02/2012     Chesterfield      Winding Wheel      01246 345334
25/02/2012     Leeds      City Varieties      0113 243 0808
26/02/2012     Gateshead     The Stage (Hall 2)     0191 443 4661
28/02/2012     Edinburgh      The Queens Hall      0131 668 2019
01/03/2012     Kendal      Brewery Arts Centre      01539 725 133
03/03/2012     Chichester     The Venue      01243 784 437
04/03/2012     Cromer      The Pavilion      01263 512 495
08/03/2012     Pontardawe     The Arts Centre      01792 863 722
09/03/2012     Birmingham      The Town Hall     0121 780 3333
10/03/2012     London     The Union Chapel      0207 226 1686

I thought all of this info was included in the Cropredy programme?

Don't think so, but the 0870 no. can also be 0843 208 6000 or  0161 876 2000

www.saynoto0870.com!


Which, of course, not everyone has, Shirl.

Well said.  But it now appears to be in Manchester.  Could have sworn it was in Salford.  I blame the BBC.   ;D

Okay, bright eyes.  :P

they must be on at the hotel instead of the theatre!!!

the hotel's in salford as well innit?

technically yes but they give their address as Manchester
you can't expect all those footballers to stay in Salford!!

Support act: http://www.kierangoss.com/

Well, he's got a lovely voice.... :)

High Wycombe for me (brain permitting).

Would try for Edinburgh too if I can fit an Editorial Board meeting around work (one of my Editors is based in Edinburgh and is a FC fan) or a holiday.  Again, this is brain permitting.

Lincoln and Chesterfield for me.

Milton Keynes for us, possibly Margate, Tunbridge Wells and St Albans as well

 :o  You're insatiable Dan!!

Indeed. Something I developed this year when I couldn't just hear them do Babbacombe Lee the once!

How many times did you see them on the last tour then?

7th February and up the road too...so my little birdie was right!  ;)

Twice, Margate and then MK

Chichester and possibly Lincoln for me  :D

deffo twice ( or 3.... hmmm maybe 4) ;)

Dee.P

I was hoping for a date at the New Marlowe in Canterbury! Never mind maybe the next year.

Probably Union Chapel for us. Thirty minutes from home on the High-speed train and it takes you the right side of London. Last train back well after midnight so time for a beverage after :D Just a stagger up the hill from the station after.

Also looking into the possibility of Tunbridge Well, Croydon, Milton Keynes and Margate. Not all of them, depends on shifts!

Good ol' Brum again.Although this time if Chris L is using the same setlist all through the tour, I won't be able to nab it 'cos Union Chapel is the last date on this tour.

Union Chapel as usual for us a leisurely 10 minutes or so by train & tube. Interested that the tour is ending there rather than Brum. Wonder if we will be in for any special guests/events?

blummin' London always gets the special appearences mumble moan winge mutter mutter ......... :P

I was really hoping for the New Marlowe as well, found Margate just that bit too far.  Considering Union Chapel.

Do I detect more unwarranted grumbling from the provinces?  ;D It's not all streets paved with gold down here you know, for a few years we didn't even get a visit and had to head out to Snorbans. Mind you I suppose that odd events like the bash at the Barbican two years ago are some sort of compensation.

Well you know...David Gilmour announces he will appear at ONE of Roger Waters' Wall shows - London O2,
no surprise....Bernie Marsden from the classic Whitesnake line up appears with his old boss at one show ...Hammersmith.....
I went down for the Mott shows though, and although the streets ain't paved with gold,I did find a fiver on Camden High Street. ;D

I think I got my quotes all wrong above ???

Hopefully you get the gist  ???

No gig in Huddersfield next year, so I guess it's the Lowry for us.  The only problem is it's the day after a Big Country gig, so Fairport will need to turn those amps up to 11.  ;)

From Facebook: 2 gigs added to the Wintour folks. The Beck, Hayes 19/2 & the Wyvern, Swindon 2/3. Details on the website

Well I could do the leisurely 20 minute journey on the Overground to Union Chapel again. But no - I'm treking up to Manchester to go with my brother who has spent the last year or two buying up Fairport CDs following my recommendation. So it only seems right to go with him....  

They are coming back to the wonderfully refurbished City Varieties in Leeds, after it's 2 year closure.
And it won't be just after Big Country, either.

 ;)

Posted on Twitter & Facebook -

The Arts Center, Colchester added to 2012 Wintour on the 6 March - 01206 500 900.

2 gigs added to the Wintour folks. The Beck, Hayes 19/2 & the Wyvern, Swindon 2/3.

Oxford Playhouse added to Wintour 2012!! First gig of the tour too - 21st January. Box Office - 01865 305 305

Nothing showing on the Union Chapel website... ???

Kieran Goss confirmed as support...

http://www.fairportconvention.com/general_news.php#news1

i don't know the guy, I'm afraid...he wasn't once in Bros, was he?   ;)

Northern Irish singer-songwriter....

Dorking on 5th March too ... but ... oh dear, tickets are getting expensive ...

And a very good one, too. Saw him live earlier this year, mostly solo but with Mrs Goss providing superb harmony on a few numbers -  :) great performer who can really connect with the audience. His songs have been covered by many artists including  Mary Black - check out her superb rendition of "Just Around The Corner,"

Tickets on sale for Leeds City Varieties.

And, yes, I thought the tickets were expensive, too.

Just the one gig on this tour, I think.

Thought I'd missed out on the best seats at the Lowry, but I've just managed to pick up the last two in the stalls!

I had visions of missing Fairport on the Wintour for the first time in many years, so I'm very happy at the moment.  ;D ;D ;D

Trying to book tix for one venue.. was on hold for 7 mins.. almost gave up, but at least the muzak was ok  :(

Phoned another venue..  'Hello, your call cannot be answered right now and you cannot leave a message'....  :o

We were offered 2 for the price of 1. ;D
Worked out £9.25 each. ;D

Just purchased my ticket for Brum.This year I have decided to forget about parking and go on the Metro instead,so I might actually catch all the support act for a change.

Basingstoke on 27th January for me  :)

Chichester on March 3rd for us.

I'm with him :D

In accordance with the tradition... Tewkesbury for me.

Signed up for Leamington Spa. So, a 170 mile round trip. I hope they are worth it.
I almost bought what might have been the last single stalls ticket for the far closer Lowry, but realised that I had something else on that day.
Sadly, I didn't feel inclined to take a day's leave to see them in Birmingham or Stafford. Even with Stafford's BOGOF offer.

Basingstoke for us too. See you there Dan :)

I'm stll thinking about this. I haven't missed a Wintour for more than 20 years but I can't get anyone else interested in going.

Tunbridge Wells on Feb. 10th
Margate on Feb, 11th
St. Albans on Feb. 14th
Milton Kenyes on Feb. 18th

Will hopefully see LOTS of you over my mini tour :)

I'm giving this tour a miss.

And for us - and bringing 2 newbies with us as well!

I'll be at Bury St Edmunds (wonderful venue) with Mum & Dad.

In the course of this evening I've arranged the booking of 8 tickets for Union Chapel and there are a few more ditherers - hoping to achieve a pew full!  :D

Wondering if we'll get anything special as we seem to be the last night of the tour - it will almost be spring by the time they get to us.

Pontardawe for me, but it is a long wait cos it is the last but two gig. Worth waiting for though.  :)

Crosby for us. Not too long now.

7th February, Palace Theatre, up the road! Not long to wait either!  ;D

Milton Keynes for us  ;D

Anyone else going to Lincoln or Chesterfield?

Hopefully, Tunbridge Wells for us.....accompanied by 2 Freshers with high expectations!  Will be very interesting to see what their verdict is....watch this space :)

I'll be there as well.  Pity they aren't doing Cardiff this year, but this will be the closest for me (40 odd miles away!) ;)

Hoping to get to Oxford tomorrow night as it's the local one. All depends on whether I feel up to it.  Dad won't let me book anything until the day itself.

Well, it's kick off time for the tour this evening! Have a good one, Chaps! {:-)

Suzanne, I hope you manage to get to the gig.  :D

That time already... blimey soon be Cropredy time!!  8) ;D

The parents and I (plus Ben & Barnaby) will be heading off to Oxford Playhouse within the next hour! ;D ;D ;D  I am very excited. :D

Have a good time all.

Night 1 done and very good it was too! I'll post a setlist as soon as I figure out the spoiler button. It was lovely to see TAW's birthday boy Tony. It was also a much-needed pick-me-up for me (even if I have to sleep for the next few days it will be worth it).

Kieran Goss was very good; he is entertaining, talented and amusing too. His choice of song to sing with Fairport was unexpected to say the least.

The fellas were on great form with a mix of old & new stuff including some of the reworkings. I have a few favourites. Chris was waving around his latest instrument too - there seems to be no end to his talents!

By the way the merchandise stall is only taking payment in cash or by cheque on this tour so do make sure you have money if you are planning any retail therapy. The only merchandise available is the programme/calendar and the 2 new CDs. I was surprised that there are no t-shirts; given that Ric was wearing a plain black t-shirt I assume that no Wintour clothing is available. I thought they'd have something to celebrate this year's significant anniversary but I was wrong. I would have thought that "Fairport at 45" merchandise would be popular.

Re. the clothing - maybe it's not arrived yet? I'd be disappointed if there aren't any t-shirts at all.

Suzanne is right - an all round fab night with a fine selection of songs. And a banjo.

Couldn't get any better :D

Was it a banjo or a banjolele as Chris played on the Aggies tour?

A wonderful night.  Best winter tour I have been to for some years.  The older material really well done (new CD is on at the moment and sounds as good as I had hoped). Haven't worked out how to use the spoiler button so all I will say is that it was so good to hear *********** and ******** *******, not forgetting *******.  Kieran Goss new to me but really enjoyed his set and look forward to hearing far more of him.

We took several Fairport virgins and all became converts. All I can say is that if you have been in two minds about going, don't be.  

I shall be a t Cromer and am ridiculously looking forward to it

The setlist was as follows:

Thanks for the setlist Suzanne.. some great oldies there.. can't wait!!

Oh Yes to:

Brilliant evening at Oxford....the chaps took a few risks with new arrangements of some FC standards and they mostly paid off. The banjo really works... :D
Worth the price of admission for the closing song pre-interval and the second post interval song alone!!!

As others have said, merch is a bit limited, and seems unlikely to increase....but there are two great cd's and a calendar/programme to pick up.


Can't wait for the start of the Tour proper in Tewkesbury..it's traditional,after all!!

S&J

Looks like Chesterfield for us - hope the lads aren't too knackered by then!

See you there then H!

Nice set list.

Just booked up for Stafford, there may be a chance we won't see them this August.

I read that as "Suzanne" being in the setlist! Pity. ;)

Indeed. As someone mentioned elsewhere, I'd love to see a Simon/Chris duet on that.

See you there there.

Set list looks good.

Your round then  :P

Sounds Great :D  Am off to Exeter next Sunday - anyone else in the West Country there?  Will be taking a Fairport virgin  ??? (never even HEARD of them  :o ) - hopefully setlist sounds good for him too!

Would appreciate knowing if more merchandise does appear - I may need to stock up.  My partner (the Fairport virgin) and I are off sailing later this year and "Who Knows" when I'll be back!  {Really really good to see Sir Patrick Spens  :'( on setlist ;D }

HOWEVER, I will be playing, singing and swaying to Meet on the Ledge at 11.55 on Saturday of the second weekend in August wherever I am – Portugal; mid Atlantic; Brazil; wherever !!!!!  

Have fun everyone   :)

did you get the two for one offer addie?

No mate, I did look for info on it but couldn't see owt. Missed the bus on that one I think.

Have just looked at the setlist again in the context of the By Popular Request album and made the following, possibly surprising realisation.

How to reply while circumnavigating the spoiler aspect?
I didn't vote for any Chris era songs for the ...Request album because his tunes are a bit young for a rework.I was thinking along the lines of oldies that would suit the current line up, with a bit of rearrangement..I also didn't see the point of voting for songs that are already in the current repetoire,or every line up's, like Matty or ...Ledge.I was proved wrong in the case of Matty.
I certainly hope that the band don't take it as a vote of no confidence in Chris' compositional skills...he wrote some great stuff for the last album,and plenty more goodies besides - My Love Is In America being one that springs to mind.

Usually get to Tunbridge Wells to see FC but can't make that one this year so have booked tickets for the Theatre Royal, Margate.

Never been there before so really looking forward to it.

Really good gig at Tewkesbury last night; I was in row E, but from where I sat, I couldn't see any spare seats.

The chaps are all looking really well - maybe the new arrangements have indeed rejuvenated them (as per Gerry's sleeve notes on BPR)?  Whatever it is, it's certainly working!  ;D

And a big pat on the back to Kieran Goss - lovely voice, crisp & clear guitar playing, and an immediate rapport with the audience to get the evening going.

No problem. ;D Do you use the front bar or an alehouse nearby?

Any T-Shirts available yet?

From Peggy's notes in the programme:

"We have had to cut down on the merchandise stall this year due to economics, so only have our two new releases and this tour prog/calendar for sale".

That's a shame...

Never been there mate, My good beer guide app should point me in the right direction  ;)

A few doors away from the Gatehouse is the Rose and Crown.  It used to be a dive but has recently had a re-ferb and is now (I am told) a good old fashioned pub.  Head out of  the doors and turn left  towards the Market Square.  

If you don't like the R & C keep going to the square and keep going left around the Shire Hall.  Tucked behind Bates Gunshop is Joxter Bradys.  

Both pubs are less than three mins from the Gatehouse and both have real ale.

Maria-of-Stafford

There were a couple in Row B until after the interval.....we arrived at the same time as Sir Patrick (traffic...Evesham..don't ask.. :( ) and found some seats at the back; it was actually a quite pleasant change of view for us.

Set list as at Oxford, no surprise there!  Continue to be really impressed not only with the new arrangements, but also what the Chaps (as per Gerry's sleeve notes) have left well alone.

Re Chris' songs (see above in this thread), although there are only two authored by him, he certainly puts his mark on the interpretation of a traditional waterside song from North Oxfordshire...absolutely beautiful last night.

Onward to Leamington on Saturday......

S&J

Ok, so this calls for an entrapreneur to set about making t.shirts that in a few years will be worth a fortune on ebay as there won't be any official ones  ;D Now, if only I had a business head and brain. This calls for Dragon's Den and co..."I'm definitely in..."  ;)

Anvil, Basingstoke this evening- fabulous!
Lovely to see Dan O and Martin D there too :)

Lovely to see you too, Viv (and Martin, of course). It was an evening of many highs - Kieran Goss was very enjoyable, and FC were on superb form. So good that I'm seriously considering catching another date on this tour if I possibly can...

It a bit worrying for cropredy if htey not taking credit cards and not selling merchandise  :-\

it will be a sparse Fairport tent

 :'( :'(

I can't imagine they wouldn't take  credit cards at Cropredy. Surely it would be daft to expect people to camp for a weekend with vast amounts of cash on them? All our cash goes on 6x and curries!

Maybe see you at Chichester then?

Who is doing the sound this year??

John Gale : close-knit Fairport family member as producer of their current recordings

Thanks.

Too tired to drive to Leamington Spa. Anybody want to risk using my e-ticket? email me your email address.

Is it only me that feels increasingly weary about the way venues treat ticket buyers? Almost as if we're an inconvenience in the process, liable to give the ticket to a friend at the last minute, or change our plans because of some unforeseen circumstance - how dare you!
I love the Union Hall in Islington, but I resent having to have a temporary tattoo in case I want to nip out at any stage for a fag or a pint across the road. And boy do I resent having to pay a £2.30 service charge on a £23 ticket when I've bought the damn thing online with no human input at their end whatsoever.
Don't get me wrong... hearing Chris Leslie sing the Cell Song live is worth a kidney, let alone £25.30 all told, but please (venue, not the band) don't treat me like something you've scraped off your shoe.

Another brilliant evening at the Spa Centre in Leamington last night, with the chaps in fine form

Couple of minor glitches, with Peggy losing a pickup connection on his mandolin and Gerry playing the wrong intro to the last tune before the break to much hilarity both on and off stage.

A week into the tour and the set seems to have settled down nicely and the chaps certainly seem happy with life.....

S&J

A strange ending at Croydon last night.Was there an encore ? I left after about half the crowd had gone , was hoping to get a couple of items signed but no band members appeared in the foyer - unless they went  back on stage.

Most theatres use a rather large abacus to mark up their fizzy excuses for alcohol too. Its no wonder folk feel the need to nip outside.

Just home from the gig in Lincoln...  wow it was brilliant...

Superb songs, superb banter, superb everything tonight!!

So glad to be going again too later in the month..

If you haven't got tix yet, please make sure you get them.. they really are on form  :) ::)

Seconded - superb indeed!  

Hope we can get to the Lowry for the gig tonight, the snow has been falling since about 1:00pm.

Having been to Burnley or Huddersfield over the years it would be ironic if the weather stops us from nipping round the M60 to Salford!!!

Good to see you both there Dave!

Well we managed to make it through the blizzard to get to the Lowry last night, and we're really happy we made the effort. Fairport are on top form, and the selection of songs included many of my personal favourites. Won't put any spoilers in, but if you haven't got a ticket for an upcoming show, and there are still some available, I'd recommend getting hold of one!

Also, really enjoyed Keiran Goss - Such a nice chap!

Palace Theatre, Southend-on-Sea...just on my way  ;D Looking forward to it.

....and to quote myself.....

Risked life and limb to drive, park, walk on frozen icy roads and pavements but it was worth it. They were fantastic, enjoyed it very much, bought the album and got it signed after the show.

I have a new word now, its called 'AlzSimon's' hehe....Simon had brain-freeze due to the bad weather conditions and plus a freezing cold old theatre!! He just could not get further than the first line on Ralph's 'Red & Gold'

 First attempt: "By Cropredy in Oxfordshire the Cherwell takes its course and the......"

2nd: "By Cropredy the Cherwell...." Urr something about willows......Simon: "Trouble is the last verse and the first are almost identical!!" hehe....

Erm..."Help me out someone..." (Well I was singing away willing him to remember!")

Peggy: "Well I can't help cos I'm only a bass player..."  ;D

BUT once all the grey matter had reshuffled Simon sang it so beautifully and perfect right to the end.

Aaaah.... at Chris singing' Cell Song', 'Rosie' and 'Hexamshire Lass', fantastic! Loved the banjo playing too on Matty.

Leon had cooked them a fantastic back stage veggie meal and his delightful daughter danced so beautifully on stage to open up the show when they all went a bit 'Motown'  ;)

Enjoy the rest of the tour, it was a lovely evening.

Heads still spinning from negotiating the High Wycombe traffic system(!!) on the way  a chilly Swan Theatre last night.

Venue not packed, but a pretty good and enthusiastic turnout for a freezing midweek.

Chaps seemed fairly relaxed and the new/old material is well bedded in by this stage of the tour......Farewell, Farewell and Fotheringay, two songs which might not have worked with this lineup are absolutely brilliant. We even got a banjo/IKEA Matty to close.

Band now off to Bury St Eds, birthplace of the Magna Carta, Greene King Ales.....and Martin Driver.

S&J

Sounds like a great tour so far.  Still ages to go until I get to see them at Pontardawe. :-\

Just enjoyed a nice meal in the Tunbridge Wells Travelodge and will be off to the theatre to see the lads in an hours time. Looking forward to it :)

I know how you feel Mick, *sigh*.  In the meantime, why not come along to Pontardawe on the 22nd of this month - just twelve days away - to see Pentangle, wonderfully supported by David Hughes of this parish? Go on, you know you want to.  ::)

One word: Brilliant!

Absolutely! Been saving the 45 cd until I'd been, but it's going to get a fair bashing now. A classic!

Good plan - but they're on in Cardiff that week as well (8 miles away, as opposed to Pontardawe, which is 40 odd miles away) so I may go to see them there.

Fair enough! I didn't notice that you live in the Barry area.  :-[ :)

Going to Margate tonight.  Anyone else going or have been and know the best place to park?  Thanks in advance.

Well found you could park for free in the road running alongside the theatre!

A very enjoyable evening was had by all.

Dumb question, but: is it a strict 7.30 kick-off? My ticket for Union Chapel says 7.00, but I guess that's just doors open?
And if anyone is going to this venue for the first time, be warned that I got there early to see Ian Anderson but still had to walk back to Highbury Corner and down the New North Road to find the back of the queue.
I actually got there early to have a few scoops, but saw the queue and went thirsty.

I think that is that time the doors open - and yes it is worth getting there a bit ahead of time if you want a pew in the block in front of the stage/pulpit.

Brilliant evening in Margate! Horribly cold but the boys warmed it up with some top playing. The vocal harmonies were top draw and I was pleased they kept some Festival Bell material in alongside the classics. Still love Danny Jack's Reward!  Hope Chris's fiddle is ok though. Saw it fall on the stage towards the end.  :-\

I was at Manchester last week and I agree that the mix of "greatest hits" from the new CD plus some well chosen material from Festival Bell worked really well together.

Was he still holding it when it hit the stage??   ::)

Door staff at the Union Chapel used to have the unenviable task of checking every e ticket manually against web ticket provider lists, which was as you can imagine both labourious and time consuming. However that is no longer the case as they recently invested in bar code readers which speeds things up substantially.
But if you want to claim premium seats you still need to arrive early and queue.

Excellent concert last night in St Albans, Kieran was was on form with the craic as well as the music, we thought a second career in stand-up might becon if the music thing didn't work out!

Fairport's set was a corker, especially the reworked old favourites. I hadn't told Bex the set list beforehand so it wouldn't spoil the surprise, as many of her absolute favourites were on the list - she was suitably impressed.

The sound was absolutely spot-on, all the instruments and vocals balanced in terms of relative volume, and each given plenty of space - kudos to John Gale for a superb job, well done.

Nice chats with all the guys after,too.

All-in-all a superb performance by everyone.

We bought both CDs, too.

DC

With that as a backbone, we're really looking forward to Cropredy this year!

Agreed. It was a great evening. I am pleased that they now have the sound at St Albans well sorted. I had never seen Keiran before but thoroughly enjoyed him.

We will be in Milton Keynes on Saturday - if I can come over to England. Frankfurt airport is on strike and hundreds of flights are cancelled today. They say they will be on strike tomorrow as well   :o
So fingers crossed ...  :-\

Really good evening in Weston Super Mare, my usual routine was in tatters though, no T-shirts! Peggy was there...."we've been hit by the economy" he said "We couldn't fit them in the van". I wandered aimlessly in the foyer for a while until composure was regained...
The one annoying thing about the set was the pre-recorded harmonies on Fotheringay. The accompanying story is great but I just was wishing they would have just, well, started the song. That would have been better.
All in all though, in fine form. Really enjoyed it despite going home without the usual goodies bag, I'd already bought the cds etc....

Great show at The Maltings tonight and a very appreciative audience , especially the  woman (in row 4)  sat behind us who laughed her head off at every utterence from the stage............................ ::)

Superb show at the Stables last night, despite the cold going round the band.

Simon did a gentler version of Hiring Fair -which to me is more 'in keeping' with the song - and, for the first time, I loved it as sung by them, having always preferred Ralph's version.

Too many highlights to mention but (I'm happy to be laughed at) during 'Farewell, Farewell' and MOTL, Big Dave seemed to be with me. Grinning as per usual.

Fantastic Diane.. on all counts (apart from the band's colds!)

I don't like the segue from support act into Fairport.I've been to two shows and will probably do two more. I don't mind listening to Kieran Goss's songs but can do without being forced to hear  the same stories every time.

I also wish Fairport  would drop one of Red and Gold/Hiring Fair.

I have succumbed and bought a ticket for Chichester based on all of these positive reviews!

Also at the Stables and couldn't agree more.

It was a close call as to who would survive longest, Matty Groves, Lady Darnell/Arnold or Simon Nicol. Fortunately, Simon made it for MOTL despite the heavy cold !

The standing ovation at the end from a really appreciative audience was well deserved.

S&J

(The "Deliverance" intro to Matty now passes from Chris to Peggy to Ric....great fun.)

Reasons to Leave........

Seriously though, although his songs are pleasant if not particularly memorable, his banter is well rehearsed and word perfect very time! We've been to a few gigs this tour, and judging by the reaction he gets, he can certainly work an audience.

Wonder how he'll get on at Cropredy.......

S&J

He'll HAVE to make some new jokes there! But I've a feeling he's been around long enough to pitch it just right.

Taking a break during their journey to Shrewsbury earlier in the week, the chaps called in to Woodside primary school Oswestry to entertain the pupils

http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2012/02/22/fairport-convention-drop-in-for-school-performance/

I wonder if getting a first name wrong twice in different ways in the same short article is a record, particularly when its only a 3 letter name in the first place?   :)

Looking forward to tomorrow night.

Shall have a look in the "Rose & Crown" first and if that's too crowded I'll try the Joxer Brady's. If anyone wishes to join us for a swift couple  ;D

Thanks for the recommendations Maria

My pleasure Addie

......and in Leeds, Maria? x

What a really great thing to have done... good for the Chaps  ;D 8)

Smashing gig tonight at Crosby Civic Hall - very long show too. didn't finish until 11 0'clock. Simon managed to forget the words to Matty Groves!

The chaps are in Edinburgh two days after I leave for Oxford. Bugger.

That's a delightful story about the Chaps visiting the primary school. Lucky kids!  {:-)

It's a cunnng ploy to try to reduce the average age of the audiences in 2012...  ;)

If just a few of the children are inspired to pick up an instrument & learn to play it - job done!  Good on yer, Chaps!

And big pats on the back for the teacher who set it up, of course.

Didn't he miss out a few verses? I think he may have skipped the bit about Matty and Lady Darnell being put to the sword, then resuming with 'A grave, a grave.....' thus condemning them to be buried alive.

Otherwise, they were on top form. Apart from the obvious classics from BPR, Mercy Bay was one track that stood out for me. It now seems to have a slightly looser feel than the CD version. Sound could have been a bit louder for me, although I was right at the back. Looked like a full house too.

We'll call in if we can get there early enough.

can't wait until tonight ;D Really looking forwards to seeing the chaps. With my two for the price of one tickets (thankyou gatehouse!)I've been able to bring along another couple of fairporters who otherwise wouldn't have been able to come so that's nice!

Best follow Mr. N Jack x  ;)

They don't need any encouragement Maria  ;)

It was Hiring Fair at Farnham.

Red and Gold at Southend!  ::)

Chris forgot to play the whistle in Crazy Man Michael at St Albans...

Thanks Maria, S and self made it to Whitelocks
Martin - true enough!!!!

The Sage beckons....

Kinross tonight - anyone else going?

A wonderful evening at the Sage in Gateshead last night. Mr Goss got the evening off to a great start with some nice songs, gentle guitar and a variety of very amusing craic. He’ll go down well in August.

After joining Kieran for his last song (if you don’t know what this is, I won’t spoil it but Simon said it was a first after 45 years!) the boys proceeded to give a masterful rendition of classics mixed with the best of Festival Bell. There was a genuine feel good vibe about the whole show and they really seemed to enjoy it as much as the audience who were lapping it up.

An interesting sidenote is that we were sitting about four seats from the lead singer of the Futureheads :o – a juxtaposition of musical styles if ever there was one. Or so I thought. He was actually one of the first on his feet to applaud at the end. Out of curiosity I checked out their website this morning and found out that they do an a cappella version of Beeswing on their new album! I guess good music is just good music at the end of the day.

Come to think of it , it was Red and Gold at Farnham ! I get them mixed up.   :-[

interview with the band and kids re the shropshire primary school visit on genevieve tudors folk programme on BBc radio shropshire. i was listening on the way home from work last night. Great to hear the kids responses. It should be on listen again if you want to catch it.

here is the link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7lt
 
Fairport @ 35 mins

A cracking performance at Chesterfield's Widing Wheel, not a packed house but a very receptive crowd.
I enjoyed the amble through the back catalogue with much of the set taken from the "Popular Request" CD.
The only one I would question was Farewell Farewell, they did a great job on it but Chris' Denny'esque falsetto didn't do it for me.
Cell Song was gorgeous as was Hiring Fair ........... and no memory loss to report throughout.
Keiran Goss was terrific, great voice and excellent guitar with loads of very cool and subtle Irish craich - loved his finale with the guys.
I took a few pictures but the lighting and very black background makes them rather dark. Actually we can blame Gerry for some of that as he insisted the overhead lighting was lowered. Rick passed the instruction to the engineers as Gerry was "frying", Simon corrected the statement to "grilling"

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Some more

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And ............

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And finally

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Nice to see your pix Pete.. you even got the back of my head in one!

Good to see you.. shame we didn't get chance for a chat.

Great gig  8) {:-)

I can only echo Pete's sentiments - the chaps were on fine form last night - Simon, Chris and Peggy were all in excellent voice.  Stand outs include a rollocking Jewel in the Crown and a superbly fast Hexhamshire Lass, and a seriously rocky Matty - the banjo really brings a much needed 'bite', and it's got a lot more oomph live than on By Popular Request.

Celtic Moon also went down very well with the audience, and I personally loved John Gaudie and Danny Jack's Reward - although Peggy seemed to be clock-watching by that point - possibly quite legitimately concerned about the approach of closing time!

Keiran Goss seemed like a nice enough fellow,. but I have to say his music didn't really do anything for me.

He seemed to do that on all the nights of the tour we saw them as well. Probably a visit to the bar in the interval meant that a trip to use the facilities was in desperate need.

By my reckoning both Peggy and Ric had already taken the opportunity to take comfort earlier on, although I forget during which song.

They've seemed to be having timing issues on this tour. Simon said that they usually start at 7:30, but at Bury the show started at 8pm, and a few days ago 9pm! I would've thought they'd check with promoters before turning up...

What time are Gigs tending to finish ..  :o I've got to do a double quick exit and dash for ferry from Chichester next Saturday  >:(... I don't want to leave before MOTL but............................... :'(

DaveP O0

ohhhh its THIS Saturday now :):D (tomorrow in fact )

Approx 3 hour show 7.30 start = 10.30 finish, etc. etc.

So it depends what time the Chichester show is scheduled to begin

It says 8pm on my ticket for Chichester.

It's not that the band don't know the start times Ollie, timings are decided & set by the agent & venue at the time of booking the tour. The issue is more likely, one night it's a 7.30 start, another 8.00 then maybe back to 7.30 the inconsistancy plays havoc with the old body clock when you get to certain age. The late show 9.00 was at Greens Hotel in Kinross, where the chaps only had to climb a flight of stairs to their beds.

It depends a lot on the venue location, but often it's very important for the audience to know when the show will finish.
Lately there have been several acts that I have wanted to see, but you know they are going to run late and there is a last train to catch.

This is especially true in London, where most of the audience will have traveled some distance. The main act coming on stage at 9:30 (maybe) is no use if the last train is 11:00 and a tube ride away. I suspect there are a lot of lost ticket sales there.

Ralph McTell knows how to do it. Pick a Sunday so that people can get there early. Two and a half hour set, with no intermission. Back out by 10pm. Audience relaxed and happy. They can have a drink before leaving and catch the train without worrying.

Spot on Yabb, your point is true even with the folk clubs here in the London area which in the main don't get underway until 8 & 8.30. By the time the obligatory support acts have had their moment in the spotlight, the acts you've bought your ticket to see, don't get on stage until 9 at the earliest.
With the headline act doing two one hour sets with a break for the "raffle" it quite often means 25% of the audience have to leave in order to catch the last train/bus home halfway through the second set. Makes one wonder what planet the organisers are on.

This was one of the good things about the recent Martin Simpson/Bright Pheobus evening at Kings Place. Started at 7.30 and we were home for Match of the Day after a brisk walk round to Kings Cross and a handy train home. We're lucky in that we have a choice of transport close to home, but I do sympathize if you have to get back to the outer suburbs or farther afield. Getting back across town from say the Half Moon can be a bit interesting with an eye on the last tube. There may be advantages sometimes to being in areas where the travelling is further but if you have a car it can be quicker.

In order to stay on topic  - I hope that next Saturday's visit to the Union Chapel runs to time and we don't lose anything by the wayside. Last year we lost WKWTTG, which was ironic if nothing else.

Martin - are you saying that everyone was in their Kinross kip at 12:05am?

Are you telling me that was not the case  :o

Indeed, I've wanted to go to many gigs recently in London, but couldn't because of trains. In fact, I was caught out after the Spiers & Boden 10th Anniversary gig in London - missed the last train to Cambridge; had to get the slow stopper to Bishop Stortford and Dad picked us up at about 1:20 from there. Not a mistake I'll be making again!

As far as the band are concerned, I really couldn't say. On the other hand, I ........

I hope we'll get the chance to chat in August.
The Winding Wheel gig looks like it might be the decider in my "Let's do Cropredy this year" campaign.

Looks like I am not going to make it tonight (see TDT). I was really looking forward to it too.  :(

Hope it is a great gig and the Sussex massive turn out in numbers.

See you there then Pete!!

Very good tonight. Keiren Goss was very good, although suffering from the cold. Some excellent numbers from the back catalogue.

Bill got a mention, for winning the CD, and having a birthday.

Paul

Chichester was brill. I like hte venue/location  (Middle of an industrial estate)

Kieran Goss was great

FP were on form mo major hiccups

Alwasy good to meet new people Funny how you have something in common .

Had to miss last 3 snongs ...good job I know thme

well dome and thanks chaps

Yes, odd place, but it worked well. They had Langham's ales in bottles which was a bonus.

Paul

I agree about odd. It's not very often we get to walk to a Fairport gig - last one was Cardiff 2007 when our daughter was a student. Must admit we joked about a Fairport rave as we took a short cut through the Topps Tiles car par and headed towards what was essentially a warehouse. Surprisingly, The Venue worked well. In contrast to some theatres, there was very much a sense that audience and band were connected even if the acoustics were not perfect.

I particularly enjoyed this revisiting of the back catalogue. It was heartwarming to hear so many old favourites reworked to suit current strengths and to keep the music fresh. Hiring Fair was just gorgeous and I agree with a previous poster about it being a gentler version. I find it amusing that FC's protest song includes the line "To see both sides of a quarrel ... " and probably the reason why I can identify with it more than most protest songs.

The chaps seemed quite tired when they took to the stage (it's been a long tour) and bending down to change plugs and pick up dropped items seemed to require more effort than usual. Nevertheless, they pressed on and in doing so found their groove and actually seemed to have more energy by the end than at the start.

We enjoyed it a lot and looking forward to Colchester on Tuesday.

Katy's Mum

Really enjoyed last night in Chichester, and it made my day to get a mention from the stage.
Agree the venue was a bit strange, it really is an old warehouse. Also, the chairs were some of the most uncomfortable I've ever known, but it was still a great night. Loved Kieran Goss too.

I have just realised that as a result of Saturday's disruption to my plans, this will be the first Wintour that I have missed for 23 years as I can't get to any of the remaining gigs.  :(

Only 3 more days till I finally get to see them at Pontardawe... hope it's still as good as everyone's been saying ;D

Wendy and I will almost certainly not be there as it's Dan's birthday and he wants us to take him out for a meal.  :(

I had to leave Dorking Halls  early last night in order to get the last train home. If only the show started a bit earlier , Kieran Goss didn't talk so much and the interval wasn't so long.................................

A mention for Sunday's gig in the middle of the North Sea. Battled our way through horizontal 20 mph wind and rain to the end of Cromer Pier...goodness knows how John and the crew managed to trolley all the kit back and forth in a howling gale (no pun intended). Best non FC moment was the theatre manager explaining to a chilly punter that there was no air conditioning to turn down - the breeze was from gaps in the structure. Certainly set the atmosphere for Mercy Bay.

Once again, Fairport came up trumps. Set list slightly adjusted to those we've seen previously on this tour, and none the worse for it. Particular highligts were Fotheringay, a superb Hiring Fair and some great audience singing in MOTL.

Brilliant concert and altogether a great experience.....we'll remember the white horses on the puddles for a long time.. ;)

S&J

An absolutely fantastic gig at Colchester last night! As much as I am enjoying listening to the new CD, nothing beats hearing those songs live.  Of course, the excellent acoustics in this deconsecrated church helped, as did John Gale on sound, but FC played a blinder, it has to be said. Mercy Bay was particularly powerful, as was Fotheringay. Even though the chaps must be exhausted by now, they were upbeat and focussed, seemingly energised by the appreciative responses of the audience.  My only disappointment was that there were no programmes left. I have every one going back to 1976 but not this one. Ebay may be my friend – let’s hope so.

Just tweeted by Fairport Union Chapel date to be filmed by BBC

It was indeed a fine gig in lovely surroundings.

Unfortunately the evening was depressingly marred by a member of Colchester Town Council road management team who in an act of complete madness and savagery felt it his duty to put parking tickets on the tour vehicles at around 9pm. Bearing in mind the arts centre is located in a cul de sac and the only building in the cul de sac is the arts centre, I'm at a loss to understand how anyone could suggest the vehicles might cause an obstruction. A simple resolution surely would be for the council to provide the arts centre with parking permits to accommodate visiting companies.

I would urge the good folk of Colchester to contact the Evening Gazette http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/contactus/ and/or their town councillor http://www.colchester.gov.uk/contact to highlight the problem. The sad truth is if nothing is done to resolve the issue, companies will choose not to return, which would be a tragedy for the town and supporters of music & the arts.
 

That makes choosing the correct evening wear even more important! Must remember to wash my hair as well.  ;D

I wonder when it will be on. It will compensate a little for missing the chaps last weekend.

Quote from Fairport's web site

'And good news! The last night of our current Winter Tour is being filmed by BBC Four television for transmission later this year. The gig is at the Union Chapel in London on Saturday 10 March and it starts at 7.30pm. We still have a few tickets left so if you fancy being on telly, book your seats now'

sounds like a 9pm friday night BBC4 job, good eh?

To add a bit to this:

"The BBC will record the entire 90-minute concert for transmission later this year together with an hour-long documentary about Fairport Convention and its musical legacy. The documentary is currently in production and celebrates Fairport's forty-fifth anniversary as a working band. Both programmes will be broadcast on BBC Four."

Hmmm... knowing the venue and the palaver involved in filming, I expect this will spoil or even ruin the viewing pleasure of the live audience. And it might compromise the sound as well, with all the extra cables and transmissions. Not good news.
Why not do a proper film of Cropredy and stay clear of an intimate venue such as the Chapel?

Great night at Pontardawe yesterday.  All were on top form, including Keiron Goss, who the crowd warmed to very quickly.

Chris Leslie's versatility never ceases to amaze me.  And top marks to Ric for the best 'bad' joke I've heard in ages (the one about Dave Pegg being arrested...) [;-)

So it's Union Chapel tomorrow kids. I'll be there with Lady YaBB  ;D

Apparently we're buying towel rails in John Lewis first. Then it's Selfridge's Salt Beef Bar. Then Union Chapel.

Brum Town Hall, lovely venue with superb acoustics and a really appreciative audience (home fixture for 2/5 of the band).

Even though the chaps understandably looked a bit tired after 38 gigs, it was still a brilliant evening. Hiring Fair just gets better and better, particularly when it's not in competition with Red & Gold, and tonight's Hexhamshire Lass was a real highlight. Fotheringay probably the outstanding song of the night, and the tour, for us.

Full audience participation in MOTL as well...we did a chorus on our own!!

Really sad that this was our last gig of this tour...hope all goes well at Union Chapel.

S&J

So will I, with Stu Nuthouse and his lovely friend. not sure we are buying towel rails though ::)

Lurking in London. Lovely.... ;D

I will be putting on the peaked cap and we shall be re-enacting Driving Miss Daisy though with a lot less nagging  ;D

Wanna bet? :D

Dear Ms Dyble

Please be advised that I can just as easily deliver you to Nambucca in the Holloway Rd as Union Chapel.

Somehow I don't think that Broken Nose & Tyrannosauraus Alan will be quite your cup of tea - but who knows ?

Your etc etc...

BROKEN NOSE, ANTI VIGILANTE, TYRANNOSAURUS ALAN @ Nambucca, Holloway Rd, 19.30
Broken Nose is a six piece skacore/reggae/punk band from Bridgend

eeek! :o

We'll be making the arduous journey from Muswell Hill borders. I had a new battery fitted in my WKWTTG watch this morning in a jewelers in Muswell Hill that possibly hasn't changed in 45 years!

We've had a run through of By Popular Request so we're word perfect.  ;)

Well that was fun! Not a lot to add to the comments made from other venues but the chaps seemed to be enjoying themselves as did the audience. The Union Chapel seemed full downstairs, not sure if there were many upstairs. From our position about 7 pews back the filming didn't get in the way and there were no retakes so whatever is broadcast will be warts and all. Forunately we had taken our own Rosie along with us so she got the song of the same name dedicated to her - thanks chaps!

We also liked Kieran Goss - pity his tour in the spring doesn't appear to be coming to London but we'll catch him again in North Oxfordshire.

I guess as this was the last night it is safe to put an unspoilered set list here.

I'll Be There (with Kieran Goss)
Sir Patrick Spens
Walkawhile
Farewell, Farewell
Albert & Ted
Cell Song
Genesis Hall
John Gaudie
-----------
Mercy Bay
Fotheringay
Celtic Moon
Rosie
Jewel In The Crown
I Wandered By A Brookside
Lass Of Hexhamshire
Girl From The Hiring Fair
Danny Jack's Reward
Matty Groves
-------------
Meet On The Ledge

 :)
 ^-^

No Crazy Man M?

Sadly not - unless I wasn't paying attention.  ;)

Not at Chichester or Colchester either  :(

Grand day out in that London.
Here are a couple of snaps:

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Tim.. you were just a few rows in front of us and saw the enthusiastic waving as Rosie was announced  ;D

As far as reaction to the cameras goes... despite all of the notices and announcement before the concert began, a couple immediately behind us got a 'bit unnecessary' at the cameraman in the aisle. To be fair to the cameraman, he was taking particular panning shots and, at no point, remained stationary in the aisle.

Anyway.. at the interval, Iconic Andy did come to speak to the couple at the interval so hopefully he was able to pour oil on the troubled waters.

Good to make a space at the bar for Colin and say a quick Hello.

I think she was quite pleased, if a bit pink! She was doing her bit to get the average age down, unfortunately "Rosemary's Sister" couldn't be there to help with that.

I saw you and also spotted Judy at the interval but was trying to get cups of hot tea & coffee back to our pew without spillage. Nice to meet Dr Clive as we were queuing.

What a Grand Day Out we had yesterday! Easy trip down to that London, and found a pleasant Brasserie on Upper Street for a pre-concert meal. Then a quick glass of red in the Hope & Anchor before joining the queue, pausing only to greet Tim as we passed by. Despite being quite some way back in the queue we ended up in the third pew (directly in front of Chris Leslie), so had a great view. Saw Martin Driver as we arrived, and Colin during the interval.

The concert was superb, the boys on great form again. I'd been a bit concerned beforehand as I'd heard that the acoustics in the UC are a bit difficult, but John Gale once again did a superb job, and this time we were able to tell him so personally. He siad it was nice to get some positive feedback because "generally you only hear from the people who want to complain"!. I'd noticed that I was only hearing the drums direct, not via the PA, and he confirmed that there is so much reverb in the room that he only had a little bit of kick-drum through the PA, and nothing else. Anyway, it worked.

Stand-outs for us were Hiring Fair, Rosie, Cell Song, Farewell, Farewell, Fotheringay.

DC

Yes there was a really huge difference in the sound quality at Union Chapel this year.
Last year awful, this year great.

Previously I thought you just had to put up with the acoustics, because it is a really atmospheric venue, but it's obviously been sorted.

Interested to hear about the drum sound - I thought it sounded very "real".

This is our view.


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Neither CMM nor Red & Gold from the original set list featured from (at least) Cromer onwards as the set was getting longer and longer..and the chaps were getting a bit worn out. 'Twas a very long tour.....but well worth it!

S&J

Debbie did ask whether Keiran Goss was Dave Pegg's Mini-Me ... and, from a distance, I could see what she meant  :D

For those who want visual proof here you are - a bit blurry though.



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Ha ha! That's really funny.  :D My visit to Pontardawe A.C. last Thursday was fab, and I was accompanied by my good mate Pat - a Fairport Virgin!. It was a grand evening and the Chaps did a fine job despite, surely, being pretty tired after the last six weeks of touring.

Keiran was very personable and told some great tales - not sure that his music is my kind of thing though. He is a very good musician but his material didn't really do it for me. :(

Some classic groan making jokes from Ric of course.  ::) Wonderful renditions of Mercy Bay, Cell Song and John Gaudie. Had a quick work with John Gale to congratulate him on his fine work on the latest album. "I know your Mum!" I said. He must have thought I was completely potty..... :P

Thank you Fairport! See you in August.  ;D

Hiring Fair at Birmingham ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik8GENIOmuk

Can't believe that although I bought a ticket for myself on my birthday,I actually forgot to go the Brum gig until it was too late.....hope I remember Cropredy is in August....must be getting old... :(