TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

When are the ticket details announced for next year  ???
And when do the line up rumours usually start

Well, you can start the rumours now if you so wish  ;D....

The office asked on Twitter whether they should do a pre-Xmas sale or wait until they confirm the line-up at the usual time after the Winter Tour....Feelings were a bit mixed, especially as most that wanted a pre-Xmas sale also suggested an early-bird discount....

Well I don't want to start any rumours but this is what I'd be very happy to see:

Fairport - Saturday night
Fairport - Friday night - performing Unhalfbricking in full
Richard Thompson
Slade
Crazy World of Arthur Brown
Albion Band (new vesion)
Thea Gilmore
Roger McGuinn

Haven't we done this in anither thread?

Yes and here it is: http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=38222.0

Alright Suzzy - we can cancel Arthur Brown as long as we get to keep Slade

Madness please!

Also Neil Young
James Taylor

Don't care who else  :)

We've already decided that we wont be able to go to Cropredy....

Oh well.....

Now dave .. we don't want sorta language :o

what if its a good un???  ::)

I don't want u to have to eat your words m8 :-X

DaveP [;-)

Can we have KATZENJAMMER, please  :-*

They are MEGA!

As you can see here: http://www.katzenjammer.no/

Given the amount that they've been talked about by Gareth on the Fairport facebook/twitter, I reckon its a dead cert that the guys will try and book them.

I quite like it if there's a well-known act on that I really don't want to see. It's just too exhausting if you have to watch everyone and there's no time to go back to the tent for a lie down.

i prefer to just sit there in the **** we**her and listen to whoever is on.   But thats just my thoughts.  Though if Sade is the Thursday headliner I would have to say "Oi Fairport Noooooo"  though Lorraine would overrule me ???

Sade? Or Slade? Did you misspell it just for the L of it, or do you think the soulful queen of smooch-rock would really be a possibility? I saw her (Sade) first time round in the 80s, and it was a really good gig.

lorraine is a big Sade fan, i would prefer Slade.  Similar but not the same ;D

Slade would be great for going crazy and feeling the noise. Sade would be great for going back to the tent for a little snooze.

In fact, I'd probably welcome the latter after seeing the former.

I'm not quite sure why people seem to be talking as though Slade are a possibility...they haven't existed as a band in two decades, have they?!

Slade II are a laugh (I've seen them and enjoyed them), but sans Noddy, if not Jim, it's really not Slade, is it?

Still, give me a Slade cover band over Sade any day of the week...

Last year I said Horslips, the year before Little Feat ...

This year I'd like to try for Waterboys or Saw Drs ...  ;)

Slade II reverted back to calling themselves Slade several years ago, David, and now simply tour under the Slade name.

It's Dave and Don with two other musicians.

They're (or their lawyers are!) obviously not totally comfortable with calling themselves 'Slade' as their website is all "copyright amazingslade2001-11"

I guess what i'm really saying is, to me, Slade is all about Noddy's voice.  Anyway, sorry...!

Noddy has a voice ???  Okay, coat on.

Waterboys please.

Preferably headlining Friday night.

And Zappa plays Zappa.

And no acts without drummers - unless perhaps with a cajon ..........................look, we've got to work
 !!

Digance with a drummer!

That's what I think, without Noddy it ay Slade. Whatever it says on the tin.  :)

What he said!

I have also heard people say without Sandy Denny it's not Fairport and they won't listen to anything after L&L. Such judgements may be true for some but it seems a bit harsh on the remaining musicians in a band who want to continue performing the songs to audiences who want to hear them.

sir nodster has/had arguably one of the very best if not the best voices in rock, ever.

I am probably judging him on the basis of my own pure hatred of *that Christmas song*  :P :-X Not his rendition of it. Just the song.

i don't mind the Christmas song so much i guess, but i prefer roy wood's...........this is a whole separate debate.........

The C******** word - already - aaaargh!!!

I was driven out of Starbucks yesterday - not by the coffee - but by the bloody C******** music - have to listen to that continually for the next 7 weeks. I did ask the staff to turn it off - bah humbug - they did say that they are ordered to play it - and that they were heartily sick of having to listen to 8 hours a day of it already.

Now where did I put my earplugs.................................

A large bacon sarnie and a C******** free coffee please.

Mind you, the folk-rock genre is just as guilty of churning out Christmas records as the glam-rock genre. I quite like them actually - but only once we actually get near Xmas.

I'm quite happy with Christmas music in shops, cos people get a chance to listen to Tull's Ring Out Solstice Bells  ;D

As for the Slade thing, i'd prefer to see a solo Noddy than Slade without him

This thread is getting me confused....with the mentions of Sade,the subconscious suggestion of latte from greglin's Starbucks post, I just read Collstoke's post as ' as for the Slarday thing' ....

Fantasising about Noddy singing with AC/DC. :)

Just had a quick look at the Katzenjammer site... not terribly impressed, I'm afraid. That said, they'd probably go down a storm on a sunny afternoon...

I'd still love to see a Breton presence next year; if Dan Ar Braz comes over to join in the 45th festivities, perhaps he could bring a few mates (Stivell, Tri Yann, Red Cardell, Bagad Kemper  :o )

Forgot about Alan Stivell.

Given that I bought my first Stivell album in 1972, a 40 year wait to see him is a good enough reason to have him on. Thursday night headliner sorted.

With drummer of course..................

You listening Peggy ??

Me too, but not sure he's ever sung live in the last two decades has he?

I've been saying they should play for years. Here's them playing live. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI8B41yRMb4&feature=related)

You're right, he hasn't. Slade's last tour with Noddy was in December '83 and apart from a one-off perfomance of a Chuck Berry song at a Slade fan club event that's been it for Noddy performing live. Noddy's motives for not performing/not doing a Slade reunion/turning up on dodgy quiz shows etc are constantly debated (amongst other pressing matters) on the Slade discussion forum at http://ccgi.crazeeworld.plus.com/phpbb1/index.php?sid=c2c71d61817a373697d00c9432051f5a

Say hello if any of you join - my user name is the same on that forum.

Please let's have the still bloody wonderful Joan Armatrading - so long overdue.

Agreed with PaulT for some Breton bands.  Tri Yann would be great.

And I'll add my annual wish for Al Stewart...

Excellent ;D
So far the lineup is:

Joan Armatrading
Katzenjammer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B44wjt_66k0&feature=related)
Flogging Molly
Richard Thompson

Just let's have warm and dry please...  8) {:-)

Get Jimmy, Richard, Simon and Ashley involved and he could do the whole of Love Chronicles. ;D

At least shes doing the Acoustic Festival.

I am still hoping for fringe Thursday. Ahab, Leatherat, Spank the monkey, Mary Jane Band etc  
It will be discussed at the AGM !

Hmm... probably my least favourite Al Stewart album, despite the backup

Cripes...Don't normally have a Cropredy wish list this side of Christmas...But it's a bit of fun, so here goes...One or more of these would be very nice.. :)

Richard Thompson.
Joan Armatrading.
Glenn Tilbrook (or maybe Squeeze? ;))
Steel Pulse.
Ray Davies.
Dave Davies.
Joe Jackson.
Dr Feelgood (Yes I know there are no original members, but still a rockin band for the Rhythm n Blues slot).
Nine Below Zero.
Wilko Johnson Band.
Tin Spirits (Fine new band with XTC's Dave Gregory on guitar).

We have had Robert a few times over the years, We've had a Bonham family member and last year Mr JPJ!

Come on Jimmy you don't want to let the side down!

I can dream! but unfortunately I fear that is all it will ever be!

Eluveitie would be wonderful, we have had most forms of folk at Cropredy but not metal.
We often have what could be classed as pop music, why not a bit of balance  ;)

We already KNOW Richard T is appearing, it's been announced way back.

It was mentioned that he would be appearing with Fairport, it is expected he will play but I don't think there has been an announcement to say it, or even whether it is with band or solo.

The biggest wish list item for me would be an Ian McNabb set with band, this way you get some Icicles songs and some solo work which is a much more balanced approach than an Icicle Works show, although if he could reform the original band and play that would be a sight to see but I'm not sure differences can be overcome.

Neil

Eep - forgot to book tickets at the Hawth - fingers crossed ..... back in a minute.

That's it, keep up the mentions for Steel Pulse.  O0  
Get 'em on.

Last month, Steel Pulse played Zac Brown's Southern Ground Music & Food Festival (http://www.southerngroundfestival.com/welcome.html) ... then went down a storm.

There you go then. Get 'em booked, friday or saturday afternoons maybe.  O0

Steve Earle
Outcast Band
All along the wall
Boo
Teenage Fanclub
Natalie Merchant
Wilco
Ian Hunter
Levon Helm
Band of Joy
Al Stewart
Conor

Too expensive I'm afraid....

At the risk of chucking a brick into a pond and watching the affect ... someone has just posted this on the Stackridge mailing list:

I know that several of you are regular attendees , so you may be interested
to know that Bellowhead announced on Wednesday at their gig in Leamington
that they have been booked for Cropredy.
Now all we need is Stackridge.......

I concur with the last sentiment.

they were on a year or 2 ago and really wern't that thrilling

You've just ruined my weekend. :'(

All we need now is for Show of Hands to announce their attendance I mean its not like they are anywhere else next year ::)

Ain't that the truth.

meet you in the Red Lion then Nick

Talking of the ripple effect (and opening a can of worms), any news about The Red Lion ? Have new management/owners been found yet ?

There also be copious amounts  of whiskey in our van ;D . Although the Red Lion may be further away and have something noisy to drown them out.

Bellowhead or Stackridge?

If the former I'm in the undecided camp, but have only seen them the once and wouldn't mind trying again at an indoors show.

If the latter then we will have to agree to disagree   :) I thought they were fab, and have seen them several times since in varying formations. I'd love to see them back again.

Sorry about that ;)

Maybe in a few years it will be Bellowhead's Cropredy Convention ?  :'(

Still, I wasn't best impressed with early bookings this year and then the organisers came up with some brilliant acts.

It'll take more than Horslips and Home Service to make up for Bellowbores though.

Here we go again with the Bellowhead bashing. I thought we'd put a stop to this.
Personally both B/H and Stackridge have provided some of my best memories of my 31 Cropredys, and I'd be happy to see either or both next year.

I agree Stackridge would be a beautiful addition to the line up. They last played in 2008 when the Levellers headlined on the Friday.

The current Stackridge is different again from the one that played back in 2008 with only 4 of the same members and down from an 8 to a 6 piece band, but they are still superb!

Fantastic news!

you've totally made mine! Couldn't be better news  :D

So soon after last time, can't be right surely!

Another vote for Stackridge here, saw em at Sonic rock earlier this year, pleasant afternoon music.

Very disappointed that Bellowhead are possibly coming back so soon, hopefully the rest of the line-up will compensate. And there is no reason why Leatherat cannot also be asked back to the scene of their triumph of last year.
The friday two years ago was fantastic, one of the best days entertainment I have ever had, despite Bellowhead not floating my boat at all. Little Feat were awesome, Dixie Bee Liners, some of Mabon, LJE, 3DM, it was a brilliant day so hopefully there will be something of that quality this time, and I can repair to the tent early sated with superb music.

Stackridge would do for me, maybe Sat afternoon or something like that, as Claw says, they were jolly good fun at Sonic, despite a pitifully small crowd at first (got a bit bigger as time went on).

Any news on Steel Pulse yet?  O0

Hmm Stackridge did not float my boat the year they were on, but then again we went back for an early night after a couple of Bellowhead songs, but i have to agree with the rest of your post :)

After their no-show at Skegness last year, I wouldn't bother seeing Stackridge if they were playing for free in my own back garden. I'd stay indoors with the doors and windows shut! ;D

Two words - Robin Trower. He's got the licks, he's got the pedigree, he's got the late Saturday slot profile.

And he was very good at Weyfest last year.  imho  ;D

IF it's true that Bellowhead are coming again so soon after the last time I for one will be over the moon, but next time I will watch them from a distance rather than squished against the barrier with JB's face right in front of me on the big screen yelling Little Sally Racket (probably the lowest point of any Bellowhead gig I've been to).
I'd love to see Leatherat, missed them before but like what I've heard online. If I have to go to the village to see them so be it - I've never done the "fringe" before. As long as they're not on the same time as BH ...

And I would STILL love to see Limehouse Lizzy at Cropredy.

I'll second that. (Except it was this year  :))

Paul

There's a Scottish singer-songwriter-guitarist named Andi Neate who deserves a larger audience.  She would be a perfect Cropredy act.  Google her name to find her official site and hear samples of her music.

As much as I love Bellowhead, I'm slightly underwhelmed at the possibility of them being asked back so soon. I enjoyed them last time, I enjoyed them at Shrewsbury, but the thing I love about Cropredy is that every year has such a different line-up, and the most defining thing for me usually is the headline acts, because every year they have someone on the stage that's different to anyone they've ever had there (Seasick Steve, Steve Winwood, 10cc, Jools Holland, to name but few), and to have Bellowhead back so shortly just doesn't seem right to me.

Having said that, I felt the same way a few years back when they put Seth Lakeman on only two years after his last visit, but I enjoyed him as much the second time round as I did the first. My views will probably change slightly when I see the rest of the line-up.  

What if it looks like this?

Spiers & Boden
Jon Boden & the Remnant Kings
Fay Hield and the Hurricane Party
er...

;D

Might just persuade me to go  :)

I'm feeling very positive about this.  Bellowhead were fantastic last time and I'm not really a fan..  dont go to see them at gigs..

A couple of months ago i got tickets to see joan Armatrading (supported by Chris Wood!!) in Dec 2012..  little thinking that i might get to see her before that...  having been ambivalent about cropredy for the last few years, the date is now very much in my diary..

Your point being.....   ::)   ;)

Seriously, it doesn't matter who gets booked - someone somewhere will have a moan and a whinge about it. Personally I'd be happy if I never saw Home Service again as IMHO they were dire, but that is IMHO. If FC wants to book them again go ahead guys - it will make lots of people happy and I can always do something else.

Please people, concentrate on the acts that you do like and stop knocking the ones you don't.

Still, as Oscar Wilde said - "There's only one thing worse that being talked about.... and that't not being talked about!"

Could be presumptious on my part, but has a band....any band, ever been confirmed (or been allowed to squeal the news about Cropredy) this early on? Not Bellowhead bashing mind you, just cant remember anyone saying it this early on....short of 4 months since Cropredy 2011 that they are confirmed for the following year.....just wondering.

RT may be a special case but he was confirmed before Crops 2011 for 2012.

Being on tour with Fairport's consigliere probably helps in terms of knowing your plans for next year. Anyone want to indulge a small wager on Ahab making the cut too?  ::)

Lol!

Yes, artists sometimes know a year in advance, but everthing will still be 'subject to contract' until much nearer the time.
There are degrees of being 'confirmed' and maybe announcing depends on how confident the artist feels.

I will therefore make no comment about Davids comment. ;D

My thoughts as well Shane. I have a few more but I'll keep them to myself for now.

I'm a fan, Bridget...I was only joking!

ive been dreading that

Still up for sale, last time I heard.

I've also heard the Brasenose is going the sane way after next year's Cropredy

No gibbering in the corner, there, then.

Is the Lion shut then, or still trading but up for sale?

Difficult business, the pub trade, these last few years. Shame we haven't had any supportive governments who have appreciated their importance (not a party political point, they have all been rubbish).

Trading - being put up after CRopredy 2012, I'm hearing

ah.....Understood, that makes sense. And yes Andy Richards confirmation hadnt escaped me, but as you said, thats a little different.

There is one key reason why Bellowhead have been booked for Cropredy 2012 and why they're allowed to talk about it on their current tour, and that is because they sell tickets.

This is not an opinion by the way, it is a fact, learned from many festivals over several years.

These are austere times, money is tight, but Bellowhead have just completed a sell-out tour, bigger than just about any other preceding folk act's efforts.

If I were putting on a festival this coming summer, I'd give my left leg to have Bellowhead on the line-up. They sell tickets, they put money in the coffers, they make a festival bankable. Simple as that.

Cheers

Nick

A good point well made (although slightly diminished by the fact they'll be at loads of other festivals too).

Can we expect Westlife and Iron Maiden too?

I love this forum - so many different opinions!
I don't care who's on. Me and my familt go for the craic, and I am gutted I can't get the time off in 2012- I will be dreopping andy and the girls off thursday morning then going back to work thursday night then back friday - I hope if I see any of you there you will share a drink and a hug with me and not be too pissed off that FC and Gareth et al didn't make it perfect for everybody.
We wouldn't miss it for the world and that's teenagers included. They want to beat up thew colleague that has booked *my* leave :P

Agree.. that's a good point by Nick

Given that there seems to be a proliferation of Bellowheadcases that will go and see their favourite combo repeatedly when they tour, I think that the point still holds true..

If you want a festival to survive at moment, possibly  ;)

Seriously, whatever your personal preference there has to be an element of them that 'put bums on seats' in festival line ups and never more so than in today's economic climate. Even the great Mt Eavis has had to acknowledge this. Otherwise you'll have no festival at all to complain about.

Absolutely agree - in t'same way that my festival going is regulated by ecomonic issues - ( the biggest one being that you lot are all on the wrong side of the Irish Sea ) - there has to be soome guarantee of maximum ticket sales , and if Cropredy needs a few "bankers" can live with that - the other comments posted on other threads about the problems experienced by the Cropredy pubs just emphasises that - all ecomonic enterprises need cash coming in these days.

And anyway, it's not about the music any more !!

It seems unlikely. Westlife are splitting up in Spring 2012 after their farewell live dates and Iron Maiden, although in the country, will just have finished their own headlining tour at The 02 the weekend before and it seems unlikely that they'd add another festival date so soon afterwards. Hope this helps.  

Firstly, I will take Greglin's comment as being a little tounge-in-cheek (as this is how I perceived it)  ;)

But taking on this point, often on these pages we see 'who cares who plays?' comments in relation to Cropredy - and I know that for many this is very true. But equally there will be those who will have to think long and hard about where (or if) they spend their festival pocket-money. Having someone, such as Bellowhead, on the lineup has clearly commercial benefits, as described earlier... and no argument.

The flip-side of the 'who cares?' coin is that this can make it very easy to have lineups that fail to excite because there is a strong reliance upon people gladly returning just for the craic. I am, from time to time, happy to see some of the old 'heroes' reliving their past glories but know that I would rather see emerging artists figuring prominently; that could give variety & energy to a lineup and probably be easier on the budget.

Of course there has to be 'big names' to draw the crowds and if that has to be Bellowhead it could be worse, I suppose  ;D

Having heard (& seen on thoutube) a couple of tracks from the new Corvus Corax CD (Sverker), & knowing that most of FC have played with CC on the Alan Simon projects, I'd love to see them at Cropredy next summer.  The new CD is more Celtic in flavour than previous albums, which might make them slightly more "acessible"...

And so , of course, was mine. ;D

But wouldnt you just love to see a Westlife audience confronted with, say, The Muffin Men. ;)

my thoughts almost exactly, and after the wonderful "bus song a day" i might even give them a full set to impress me, this time

Shame.

(About Iron Maiden obviously, I don't really give two hoots about Westlife.)

Paul

Any votes for Arcade Fire ?
My son got me into them a few years back. I love their music and apparently, they are really great at festivals

Well I wouldn't pay a red cent to see arcade fire when there are plenty of miles better indie bands around, however I have sEen westlife and I think they are a wonderful live band, given that they are MOR- I couldn't fault 'em and they'd be just as great as 10cc or similar (better actually).

So Andy Richards is confirmed then. Is that good news or not?  ::)

the decemberists would go down a treat and i'd love to see the mighty arcade fire

Announced by @faircropfest onTwitter:

As they announced/plugged last night in Oxford, the mighty @Bellowhead will be performing at next year's Cropredy Festival. Yeah!!

Good one Albie  ;D

I'd love to see the Decemberists there, and I think Arcade Fire might be better live than their music suggests (possibly like Bellowhead).

We need some rock tho, something to get people moving and lift the atmos a bit. Thin Lizzy (I know there's no Phil Lynott but you'd still get duelluing guitars  :D ) would be awesome, although a Pink Floyd tribute (and there are some excellent ones about) on Thursday day would be (for me) the perfect start to the festival. And let's get Leatherat back but on Friday afternoon.

Please no tribute acts! Every tribute acts means one less genuinely original act.

Hear hear!  If the bill calls for rock, or prog or whatever there are plenty of originals around who can do the business.

Unless I'm being dim, Iron Maiden played at the O2 the week before Cropredy this year?  I don't think they've announced any dates for next year.  Shame, I got all excited when I read this!

So maybe they're keeping the diary free for a date in a field in Oxfordshire?   ;D

Fish performing "Misplaced Childhood" please.

Except for the Dylan Project of course.  ;D   And The Hawklords. And Space Ritual. Not all at once of course.

There are a few old school rock acts still around though, as JeremyRS says, have gigged recently/are gigging such as UFO, Nazareth, Bad Co, Blackfoot, and all with arguably their most important peeps still with them. None of them are entrely intact of course.  No doubt there are many others who are not at the front of my brain at the moment.

What about the greatest of them all. Unta/Mott.

Truesay. I expect Bruce will fly them in.  :)

Nah. His airline's gone bust.

Has Upper Heyford still got a runway?

Did make the mistake of mooring by the sign that said there may be ocassional aircraft noise once. Do you really need to warm and F1-11 up that early in the morning?

Paul

I'd prefer an original artist any day but I'd rather have a good tribute than a poor original. In some cases anyway!

Unrelated, any chance of Yusuf Islam ?

hasn't he already played there recently?

Yes, but only a guest spot. He deserves (& we do!) a full set  {:-)

I'd love a full set by Yusuf.

Those five songs were possibly my favourite Cropredy moment ever. Non-Fairport and ex members ones excepted.

yusuf?
ok, but none of that allah bothering stuff please, hits, we want hits

<< Shudder >>

I thought the Yusuf set was as weak as a very weak thing (and one of the songs he played was one of the very worst things I've ever heard played live).

Yes - but not as recently as Bellowhead....

For the tribute to be good wouldnt they have to be like the poor original? ie Poor.

I'd much sooner have a poor original than a good tribute act.

All very well, but some people aren't with us any more so, for one, I'd welcome Think Floyd.

Why have a poor original ? indeed... why have a tribute act ?

Yes, yes... I know.. I go goosebumps listening to The Muffin Men..  ::)

I am now of the opinion that you need one or two **** bands to make the festival more enjoyable. ???

When I first started going to Cropredy (I had never up to that time seen anything quite as wonderful), I would plonk myself in my seat at Midday and, apart from trips for a drink or a wee or down to the front, not move until midnight. Now I tend to wander around a lot more although still try to take in MOST of the bands.  But someone that you know you dont want to see makes you a little more flexible. I still havent watched a single event at the fringe yet though. Perhaps next year will be a first. ;)

Whereas it was, in fact, sublime. The voice is still completely there, and he carried the field. More please, preferably with the core of Fairport (inc RT) backing.

But no tribute acts thank you (I mean tribute acts who pretend to be the original, rather than those like the Dylan Project who re-interpret the songs).

You should see the German Zappa tribute band Sheikyerbouti. They are MEGA!!!!
http://www.sheikyerbouti.de/

The Decemberists would be brilliant, but aren't they on some sort of hiatus at the moment?  What about Colin Meloy solo in the pre-Fairport slot, though?  He would be perfect for that, and (presumably) a lot cheaper.  Alternatively, could space be found for Black Prairie?

Other acts on my hopelessly optimistic Cropredy wishlist are:

Gillian Welch (also good for the pre-Fairport slot)
The Unusual Suspects (unlikely with Bellowhead already confirmed)
Frank Turner (now's the time, surely?)
Nerina Pallot (I love her voice, so what if it's pop music)
Dan Baird and Homemade Sin (for some of that good old rock and roll)
Zappa Plays Zappa (the only 'tribute' act worth considering)
Jim Jones Revue (ideal for shaking things up on the Saturday afternoon)
The Cat Empire (would be the best Thursday night headliners ever)

Oh, and I love Bellowhead but would prefer not to see them back so soon - a one year gap isn't long enough.  Having said that, an RT (band) - Bellowhead double header on Friday night is a mouthwatering prospect.

ZPZ wont be there,(i'd love it if they were) but failing to get them, the muffin men must be due another appearance

I thought the Muffin Men were great first time around, pretty average on the return visit.  It all depended on the standard of the guitarist for me.  The second one didn't cut the mustard (OK for a blues band, but not Zappa material.)

But yes, ZPZ is a pipedream really.  Saw them last night at Oxford - absolutely fantastic and the sections with FZ worked brilliantly.  As soon as he appeared on the screen, he was the most charismatic person on stage.  Despite being in 2D and dead.

I was overjoyed to see Yusuf at Cropredy and thought he was just wonderful. I'd love to see a full set including a goodly smattering of his hits.

 :D



As in... a beard transplant or you would like a full set like Yusuf's ?

Having seen the quite wonderful Richard Shindell supporting Show of Hands last night in Cardiff, I'd love to see him at Cropredy. Amongst other gems, he did a fantastic version of 'Reunion Hill', which, of course, he wrote.

I've caught 2 shows in the last few days and would love to see both at Cropredy

• ZPZ - can't really class them as a 'tribute' act, it's what it says on the tin
• Ocean Colour Scene - I say this every year but finally got to see them in Leamington on Monday. Confirmed; this is a LIVE band, no gimmicks, just 5 blokes with wood, wire, feeling and energy. If you're thinking there's no place at Cropredy for a band like this find the song 'She's Been Writing'

Others on the wishlist

The Civil Wars
Jim Moray
Demon Barbers
The Decemberists
The Low Anthem

This could be a good point to make a call for the Outcast Band.
They are playing the folk fest at Skeggy this weekend and well worth a look.

Waterboys
Runrig
Frank Turner
3 Bonzos and a piano
Curved Air

Seconded      .

Martin Barre playing Tull stuff  ;D

Martin Barre playing Fairport stuff. (with fairport)

Love the idea of Ocean Colour Scene doing Cropredy.  I think Simon Fowler has expressed an interest before.  Might be a bit of a Marmite act though.

I think I mention them most years, but I really think The Bees would be fabulous at Cropredy.  Great band, and, I think, with the right sound and vibe.  I'd like to see them anyway!

From the 'folk world', Jackie Oates might be great, though not 100% certain whether or not her sound would work on the big stage.  
I'm always available to play ;-)  and Galley Beggar would be top too.

Emily Barker & the Red Clay Halo
The Leisure Society

But there are few acts that I've seen at Cropredy that I haven't enjoyed to at least some extent.

Yes indeed, but only if he remembers how he used to play, instead of all those metal riffs that he so lazily chucks out when he plays with Tull over the last decade or two...

Great...thank goodness it's not just me who thinks that Martin Barre's harmonic squeals and whammy bar histrionics are inappropriate for the Jethro Tull sound ! Don't get me wrong, I'm very fond of that stuff in the hands of Vai, Satriani, Van Halen and similar guitar pyrotechnicians, but those techniques just don't sit right in the Tull mix...ironically, as I type this, Alice Cooper's show on Planet Rock is blasting out the original Stand Up version of Bouree...no stunt guitar in sight ! Anyway, back on topic...would still like to see MB and his band at Cropredy 2012...

Bouree - that reminds me that Dave Clempson did a tune entitled "Driving me Bachwards" with Bakerloo - I think based on the same JSB piece - which I couldn't name.

Under-rated guitarist (IMO) is Clem. I'd like to see him bluesin' away at Cropredy. (Or Jeff Beck, but he's probably too expensive).

Sorry to double-post, but it's just dawned on me that the title of the Bach piece is, er, probably Bourree (in D or ?). D'oh!

He played with Julian Dawson one year I think.

Plenty of loud, raucous, upbeat stuff is what we need I want. Gaslight Anthem, Flogging Molly, Jim Jones Review, SLF, Might Mighty Bosstones, Madness, that sort of thing. And of course Leatherat. And of course of course Steel Pulse.  O0  And not forgetting Steve Earle.

Mumford and Sons would be good  :)

 they are way too expensive for a band thats made one lp

For the first time in the last few years the line up is irrelevant.
For personal reasons, Sheena and  I and the new to us van and I think several people from the village of Glooston, will be there to remember the last 25 yrs and sing Meet on the Ledge for a friend.

(Mumfords wud b gud though!)
and as i said in another thread the last time we did this (!) I still want fringe thursday. Ahab, Leatherat,Spank the Monkey,Mary Jane Band and then a stonking headliner Waterboys/ Oysters/Peatbogs
and Aynsley Lister for the loud saturday afternoon spot. ! (oh and Lucy Ward cos even as a solo artist she would overcome the field.)

Nick, for over 15 yrs I was the same as you. Stayed on the field, watched all the bands, went down the front for most and if i didn't like them it became a 'shopping opprtunity!' on the field.
Having not been to the main field for the last 2 yrs the 'Fringe' has just been excellent but going to the field this yr i will probably miss all the fringe. Sheen can't get between the village and the field as quick as i can!!!!

Fairly convinced the 'new' Albion Band will be on . Cynic? Nepotism?

I hope so; I don't care what they're called, they're bloody good!

If we are doing nepotism, how about Teddy Thompson ?

You can't beat a bit of good honest nepotism ..

I agree with both Teddy and Albion Band and would add Kellie While in for good measure

Dave P ;D

Saw earlier in this thread a suggestion that Richard Shindell would be a good choice for Cropredy 2012.
This year when Simon Nicol mentioned that 'Reunion Hill' had been written by Richard it reminded me of just what a good songwriter and performer he is and I went back and listened to some stuff I had and subsequently added to my collection including his own version of 'Reunion Hill' which is excellent.
Never heard him live but think he would be a great choice

I like him, Mrs Stick doesn't.
That's because he reminded her of Michael Stipe. He does sound a bit like him live.

Quote from Fairport website today

'3 Day Festival tickets and 3 Day Camping stickers for go on sale at midnight tonight until midnight on 14 December!'

Doesn't appear to be any reference to prices yet

Yahoo!

No Doubt the tickets will go up in price again...

do you think?

The cost of most things have gone up, so the cost of the festival tickets will have to reflect this

Do you think they'll take a penny a week?  :-\

52p sounds a bit steep :)

Talking to Paul Sartin tonight and said as they were at Cropredy again he could join in the toast. After the look of horror on his face, he said thankfully they were somewhere else on the Saturday.

So I have to assume they are headlining Friday. I thought that would be RT's slot.

2012 Tix bought.

Must be RT with band then.

He won't follow anyone if he's playing solo.

excellent Andy. Look forward to seeing you & Wendy there  :D {:-)

I am surprised that Paul remembers anything about the toast. Possibly he remembers his family's subsequent reaction.

£100 per 3-day ticket...

eeeeek

We're gonna wait until March...

Someone refresh my memory of last year's ticket prices please.   :o

Before Jan 1st, £88.40.

Thanks Nick

Also note last year's pre-Xmas prices were also pre-VAT rise.

Completely understand Ollie.
I am just in the process of forming a band called Led Zeppelin. None of the original members and we will do no old Zeppelin stuff but mainly Balkan folk songs in Bulgarian.
 We do hope , however, that original fans of the band will stay loyal and come and see Led Zeppelin. ' No original members, no zeppelin songs' but Deborah Bonham will be making sandwiches in the background which for us, provides a real strong,organic link to the first Led Zeppelin.
 'I'm climbing a balalika to Hebden (bridge) will be our first single.' (in bulgarian) 'Das clumbing dar balalika ut Hedben Bridge.' Great balalika solo by our bassist, Jan Saul Smith.

I am also looking forward to reforming the Smiths, again no original members but presenting original material in the style of the Wurzels.

Too steep for us, I'm afraid...

It is a bit of a rise, but if you wanna go somewhere else the chances are that it will cost you more.
Its still a pain in the arse though

An occasional poster, I, just thought I'd add my 2p worth.

Having met Yusuf in a hotel lift in Berlin (don't ask), he was asked to play last year, but was already otherwise occupied - I wouldn't be surprised to see a repeat showing this year.

Our tickets are booked - it has become our sole family summer holiday for the last two years and, as such, represents excellent value for money!

For those mentioning Teddy Thompson, Kami Thompson has just brought out her first album, and rather splendid it is too. How about an entire friday of Thompson related kith and kin?

Oh, and I'm really looking forward to Bellowhead - I was intrigued by them last time, subsequently enjoyed their recorded oeuvre, was blown away by them at the Leadmill in Sheffield last year, couldn't even GET tickets for them this year and my daughter is the only other person I know who plays an oboe in a folk band.

Bring it on!

I agree with Barry.... likewise its been our summer sojourn ( what ever the weather)

Incidentally £100 is the same as the on the gate price last year

Will the early bird price (Post xmas) be the same or more??

But i believe its still a good bargain (I think we should be careful because the TAW toast could bump up the price Its what every body goes for ) ( isn't it??)

I do like to leave the booking of bands to Peggy (et al) Bring htem on Bellowhead, RT and family, Albion Band,Leatherat, Red Shoes, etc etc etc

Now look :o :o you are getting me excited   ;D :o

Dave P  [;-) {:-)

 

A bit harsh on the lad there Hendo.

Bottom line is The Albion Band plc belongs to Ashley Hutchings, it is up to him who is in the band as it is his band. The new line up doesn't involve him as a musician but as a musical director watching from the wings and guiding the younger musicians. If he wants to call it the Albion Band it is his perrogative, if you don't like it don't buy the album or go and see the band, that is your perrogative.

Would it have made any difference if Blair had played for 6 months in a previous Albion incarnation before forming the new version?

DW

It's a similar situation for Penguin Cafe Orchestra.

PCO were, to all intents and purposes, Simon Jeffes. He was the writer and the live line-up revolved around him. He died 14 years ago. On the 10th anniversary of his death those most closely involved in PCO got together for a set of memorial concerts. They invited Simon's son, Arthur, to join those shows. Arthur, who now owns the rights to the name, has subsequently gone on to tour his own version of "Penguin Cafe" with his own line-up. (Meanwhile the remaining members of the original PCO occasionally perform under names such as "The Anteaters"...) So, anyone going now to see Penguin Cafe knows that it is not the same thing as the Penguin Cafe Orchestra of old. It is an entity in its own right.

Similarly we know what the score is regarding The Albion Band. No-one here now has any expectations of it being 'Ashley plus friends', least of all someone as observant as Ollie. Ollie's comment stems from the fact that he likes what he has heard of the new Albion Band, simple as that.

Cheers

Nick

A lot of the controversy could have been deflected with the insertion of the word "New". It worked for the Seekers...

They nearly did it with The Yardbirds too!

Jules

Perhaps we should have had "New" Edward II as well.  Given that they played nothing the original line up played and contained no-one from it.  I recall Glen LaTouche telling a story about being at a gathering when someone came up to him and said "you know, I used to be in this band".  He didn't have a clue as to who the person was.

Mind you, I did feel very cheated when I turned up to see Fairport at Wimbledon to find no Swarb and someone called Ric Sanders playing fiddle.

Personally, I'm wth Ollie and David W on this one.

Sorry. Only messing. I want to see this new band, sounds interesting, i'm probably being very petty but i would just like them to have been called something else and earned their spurs rather than using nepotism. It's my northern roots showing, I have no time for nepotism.

They are still doing old Albion stuff; the new arrangement of Ragged Heroes on the EP almost tops the original for me. I'm sure during the 70s, the Albions were considered a fresh, new folk-rock band; that's exactly what the band is today.

The New Albion Band sounds incredibly cheap and tacky.

Some people have mentioned that people would turn up to a gig expecting to hear Ashley and co. I highly doubt the new line-up wouldn't be mentioned in the publicity; if you don't read that then it's your own bloody fault.

Apologies Ollie. I was only messing, didn't mean to offend.
Based on your comments i will see the band, Nuff said now. We'll agree to differ about ther name.

But at least it would be "honest".

You didn't offend at all! It just slightly narks me that people are being so cynical about a bloody good band, almost writing them off before they've heard them, just because of their name.

thats the band or their mentors fault, they could easily have found another name that would have conveyed their musical stance. it isnt really on while Ashley is still playing bass with an albion line up

how about Dunlops green flash gets or the country dance band the next generation

Surely the point is moot. The decision has been taken. The Albion Band is what they are and we all just have to get over it. Personally I think it is taking a bit of a liberty too and if they are good enough they should be able to stand on their own feet under a different moniker but that is not going to happen.

They will need to be conspicuously honest about who they are not to rub old fans the wrong way but the deal is done.

They should let Blair sing more though. And Katriona for that matter. I don't like the other bloke's voice!  :P

Being new to folk music, i've never heard of The Albion Band. I've just googled them (other search engines are available) and i'm quite excited by what i've seen and heard.

As for the name, in the 'History' section of Fairports site, Simon Nicol said...
"I'd like Fairport to become the first band to be like a male voice choir, carrying on through changes of personnel but retaining it's identity. After all, no-one bats an eyelid about a brass band playing on long after all the original members are gone. Why shouldn't there be a Fairport Convention in fifty or a hundred years?"

Looks like Fairport will have to be the second band to do it

Or even the third.  Dr Feelgood has no original members, but when I've seen them, they manage to not only play the expected material but also introduce new songs - all the while remaining true to the Feelgood tradition/sound/"vibe". IMO of course...

It is a debate that has been had elsewhere. I'm sure somebody can link to the thread but the perceived difference is that there is a continuum. Each line up of of Fairport for example has had a link to the previous line up via one or two members even if, at times, no original members were involved. In the case of the Albions it is a completely new band, none of whom have played in a previous incarnation, unsurprisingly as Christmas Band aside, the Albions haven't existed for a decade or so.

Indeed...And a great choice for Cropredy...The rhythm section and guitarist are the exact same line up to play alongside Lee Brilleaux in his final years.

Steve Walwyn, as well as being a fine guitarist with his own individual style, also manages to capture the spirit of the Wilko Johnson and Gypie Mayo era Feelgoods superbly... ;)

They were superb at Weyfest last year.  Only the second time i had seen them, the first being a Friday at Reading Rock in 74 or 75

Blimey, I didn't think anyone would beat my "spread", having seen them first in 1977, and then for a second time last year.  :o

Agree with the comments about them still being very good.

Not trading any more it seems - according to the folks at the brase the lion is being sold as ahouse

That is really sad. Many years tradition of a beer(s) on the gravestones and it is a pub we used out of festival times. It will also weaken the 'fringe'

Oh that is sad news  :'( :( :o

Just bought tickets for my whole family, so both boys (men), Pippa and her beau (their wedding is 4 weeks later) will be accompanying us for what will be a truly great Cropredy for the Leslie family.

Better bring some rosin then - for Pippa's beau.   :o

Apparently not, according to an article in the Oxford Mail

"And The Red Lion in Red Lion Street closed suddenly this month, although owner Enterprise Inns said it hopes to find a new tenant."

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/9402684.Village_post_office_is_under_threat/

I seriously hope The Red Lion finds a new tenant - a major part of my Cropredy Thursday ritual will never be the same !

Yes it's the continuum that's the key. I'm quite relaxed about musicians using a band name without any original members present as long as there is a continuum. Having said that, I do really like the sound of this (new) Albion Band, based on the people involved. Just disagreeing with a band's right to use a certain name should not be a reason not to see them. I think its perfectly fine for us all to moan about the mis-use of the name while still enjoying listening to them. That way we get the best of both worlds...

If The Red Lion goes then that will be a VERY BAD THING.
On the other hand we can't hold onto pubs in Eastbourne, and we're (supposedly) a major tourist spot, so what chance a small village?

If it weren't for the Festival, it would be a miracle if either pub remained open. We can only hope.

25 pubs close every week, apparently.

A lot of pubs in Swansea close for the winter - opening May to Sept only.

Just mucking about, this looks nice  ;)
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/14426317

Wish list for 2012
Paul Simon
Waterboys
Richard Thompson

anything else will do just fine

And us. We always wander down to the Lion after meeting fellow TAWs at the Cricket Club. It's the perfect start to the festival.
Oh well everything changes. At least the church will still be there....

Yes Nick. We were sorry to let it go. It had been a quite useful occassional w/end property but Sheena was never happy with the curtains.

Bet it was a bugger to keep clean too!

According to the Enterprise Inns website, it's up for lease at £32k a year. I've no idea how viable that makes it. Is one bumper weekend a year enough to make it pay?

http://www.enterpriseinns.com/Pages/Properties/PubSearch.aspx

The answer would appear to be 'No', otherwise someone would have snapped it up.

That's a high rent for a village pub!

Chatting on the Brasenose's doorstep on Sunday evening with an ex-landlord* and a couple of others, the general view was that Enterprise Inns (who own both pubs) are at the rapacious end of the beerage.

* He liked the village, so still lives in it, and enjoys drinking and relaxing in a place where he worked so hard.

Having managed an Enterprise Inns pub before I have no hesitation in stating that they are a bunch of ********s

Probably because of one weekends potential

We have our tickets, numbers 72 and 73, the lowest (and earliest) we've ever had 'em. For some obscure reason, this makes me happy.

OOoh mine came today must double check what numbers they are.

56 and 57 safely tucked away for the red coated man to drop down the chimney, must remember to put the fire out, that could be disastrous, Not bothered about Mr Claus, but the tickets.......

If its not already been spotted, Maart has Cropredy booked in for the Saturday (With Fairport). I Wonder how many more 'Old Boys' they can muster for this years landmark event.

Excellent news!!!  {:-) :D

Lets hope for a bit of electric guitar and not just keyboards.

Metal Matty and The wounded Whale please. ;D

Quote from Iain Matthews website

PLAINSONG FAREWELL TOUR

The band Plainsong, formed forty years ago, in 1972, by Iain and close friend Andy Roberts.
Last seen live six years ago and tired of answering the perennial question, ‘when will Plainsong tour again’,will make
their farewell European tour next Autumn.
Playing concerts between August and September 2012, in the UK, Holland, Germany, Italy, France, Denmark and Spain, the band will feature Iain, Andy, Julian Dawson and Mark Griffiths.
Promoting their new and final ‘live in the studio’ album, “Fat lady singing” released
by Blue Rose Records, Germany


August 2012 could be significant

Yes please , and MSC too

Have you heard MSC's 'Kind Of New' ? Mmmm...  :-X

Not so keen on the album but they are excellent live. Did a lot from Second Spring and Later That Same Year.
Second best act at Butlins for me.

Dennis Locorierre has Cropredy 2012 as a date on his website.

I enjoyed his last appearence. If I recall correctly it was a beautiful sunny afternoon and he woke everyone up and turned it into a singalong!

You do and he did. :)

Who is Dennis Locorierre?

Former lead singer of Dr Hook

Not the one with the eye patch though!

Yippee! His last appearance was before I started going to Croppers but I have seen him several times in the last few years, most recently on his Dr Hook Hits tour, and they all have been enjoyable experiences.

I wonder if he's going to be in the pre-Fairport slot?

He played in 2003 in the pre-FC slot on Saturday evening, he was ok, enjoyed him far more than I thought I would...

For that slot specifically, I think I'd prefer Dennis doing a few Dr Hook hits to either BDB or Martyn Joseph, neither of whom I really "got".

He's a proper time-served musician who I think will be very entertaining.

Now - any more rumours/confirmed?  {:-)

Oh God!

Oh no! Not Clapton as well?  :o

No please, not Rumours!!  Just what I don't want, a Fleetwood Mac (AOR period) tribute band - though I could see the attraction of those harmonies on a sunny afternoon.

Now - Peter Green, there's a thought. He could guest with Andy Roberts from Plainsong on the old Liverpool Scene number "I got those Fleetwood Mac, Chicken Shack, John Mayall can't fail blues".

In fact - let's have John Mayall.

When I've seen Rumours of FM they've always included a few tunes/songs from the Peter Green period too.

Have tickets to see them in St Albans next month.

DC

Had the pleasure of missing him in 2003, no doubt will do the same.

Ah, an opportunity to pop down the village then
I'm probably being a bit unfair. If he was an 'unknown' snigger,snogwriter we would probably want to listen. He fills a stage, is a v good quitarist and songwriter and can sell a song. I's just  'Sylvias Mother' has a lot to answer for! However , apparently , he hasn't been including it in recent set lists.
But then again if Leatherat were on at the Brase there would be no contest. I suspect he will be on solo immediately before Fairports so a clash is more than possible.

Good bunch of young folk award nominees. I presume winner will be appearing.

Had the pleasure of seeing Peter Green a couple of years ago. He is very fragile but his band look after him. He was playing to much smaller crowds an I'm not sure he could cope with Cropredy tbh, though I'd love to see him if he could.

He didn't write that. Authored by the late great Shel Silverstein I believe, the man responsible for the classic "I Got Stoned And I Missed It".

I didn't get to Croppers the year Dennis played,but he played at the Robin the day before.I took my mom as she's a Dr Hook fan,and I thought he was excellent.

Cheers Al, it's just one of those songs, up there with the Carpenters, Peters and Lee,The Birdie Song, Celine Dion, D.I.V.O.R.C.E etc that just has me running for the hills.

Hmmm, Sylvias Mother is one of my most loathed songs. Is it him singing? One of those songs, we all have some, that sets my teeth on edge.

If he does play, hopefully it will be in the pre FC graveyard slot.

When are Steel Pulse and Stiff Little Fingers being confirmed?  O0

One of the few appearances at Cropredy (or indeed anywhere else) where I have completely revised my opinion by the end of an artist's set.  I expected to loathe him, and he was truly fab.

That's interesting. Maybe I need to do some youtubing. I also expect I would loathe him, but I think that is mostly because of Sylvias Mother, so maybe I should investigate further (might need a few stiff drinks first though).

Haven't read previous posts - so if this is a wind up, I've been had......................................but................if SLF and Steel Pulse are playing I would walk across to be there - saw Steel Pulse back in '83 and they were awesome !

Denis Whasisname - and any band having owt to do with post Peter Green FM - leave me cold so several trips to the village then !

I too would *love* to see Steel Pulse play.  

Not a wind up, just wishful thinking. Am trying the power of positive thought and remote suggestion.

would it work for James Taylor & Peter Gabriel too? Pretty please!

PG is touring with an orchestra at the moment which would be inordinately expensive.

and inordinately disappointing...

I am working on the New Blood project with Peter Gabriel and can honestly say it's the best show I have been involved with in my career!

Nev.

some people are never satisfied ....  ::)

Mind you, he could be backed by the original Bay City Rollers and I'd still watch him goggle-eyed  :-X he can do very little wrong

I saw Peter Gabriel with the New Blood orchestra in London last year. It was amazing - but then I am, and always have been, a big fan.
He's finished touring for the moment and is soon to be working on new material

I thought he was great, too.

So much better than that band who are back after only a one year gap.

No thanks.

Yes, but then you were also a member of the Bay city Rollers Fan club, weren't you? Hmmmm.   Still I agree on the PG bit. Music god.

I once had a nice cup of Rosie Lee with Peter Gabriel.If you get the chance to do likewise,you really must.

That's one of the the best PG Tips I can give you.

 ::)  ::)

*groan*

More room for boats!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-16470432?

All those potential new customers could prove a life saver for the Red Lion

I wonder if any of the moorings will be available to casual boaters on the Festival weekend though, or will they all be permanent moorings?

Not even built yet....maybe something to ask next year?

I'll be keen to find out  ;D 8)

Y'all probably know this but Bellowhead mentioned at Oxford gig that they would see veryone at Cropredy...............

Which is a good thing. Oh yes, yes it is. What's all this shouting, we'll have no trouble here

Agreed!

Hello Dave.Are you local?

You're my wife now, Dave. ;D

From the Cropredy Marina website:


There will be no permanent residential moorings.

But from the same site:

Our focus is simply to provide quality moorings for privately-owned boats– there will be no hire boats or commercial timeshare boats.


See here:

http://www.cropredymarina.com/

That counts us out then  :(

Actually I read that as meaning there will be no hireboat fleets based at the marina. If they have spaces during Cropredy fest I can't see them turning away a ready source of extra cash. Would be like Cropredy Stores only serving locals!

All those are things to help them get planning permission. Just because they say no residential mooring, it doesn't mean there won't be people living on boats there. People certainly live on boats in our marina, which supposedly has no residential moorings.

Paul

I wonder if the next step will be for BW to close all the long term moorings at Cropredy ?

Cheers Nigel

It is BW's policy to get rid of linear long term moorings if they can. I can imagine that the moorers will be pursuaded to go in the marina.

Mind you, BW will cease to exist in a couple of months.

Paul

Oh the subject of BW, has anyone heard any news of the Canoe Club ?

They were collecting signatures for a petition in 2010 because BW wanted to turf them out of the premises with a view to selling the land. We meant to ask the CC people last year, but as usual they were too busy feeding the masses so we didn't bother them.

Oh dear. Potentially no Red Lion and no Canoe Club  :(

Any news on the artists yet? We know Bellowhead and Richard Thompson, but anyone know of any more?

Haven't we usually had a few announcements by now or am I just being impatient?  ::)

No Red Lion and Canoe Club, we'd starve ! We usually eat breakfast at one or the other, depending whether we are well enough for a pint with our meal or not.  ;D

I guess Digance might be on ?

The Canoe Club website reads optimistically (I think!)
http://www.banburycanoeclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=143

Am I being dense or is there no facility on the FC website to buy tickets?
When I click on buy tickets it tries to sell me albums ...

they ain't for sale yet m'duck

Just realised that  :-[
March 1st, isn't it?

Mind you, It could say that on the website, nice and clearly for idiots like me. Or maybe it does.  ::)

Thanks, Malcolm.

I'd been searching for Cropredy Canoe club on Google.

Dur..... :-[

Nothing particularly to get me along yet, but I'lll still be there - My first was 1992, so I reckon this is will be my 21st Cropredy.

Dennis Locorierre was great in 2003.  He wasn't actually on the Bill (but think he was in the Programme) but they shoehorned him in.  Lets put it this way - if he is confirmed, then already he isn't at the bottom of my "to see" list, but I would be dissapointed if he were forced to the top.

Malcolm wrote:

(Apologies about the quoting style, but I've got a green loading bar case, again)

Indeed, and lower down we have been thanked:
Thank you to all the Farporters who have supported us by buying breakfasts, quizzes, tee-shirts, bricks and cakes. Your help has been fundamental in securing the future of the club. We now have new landlords: Banbury Charities have bought the clubhouse from British Waterways. This means that, whilst we still have to raise the money to buy the place, we no longer have to work against a horrifically short deadline.

 - unless you got them for Christmas    ;D

According to the tour programme Joan Armatrading confirmed.

Chatted to Kieran Goss afterwards and he is playing the Thursday - assume Fairport will open and he will follow them as with Kat and Jamie last year

Hmm Joan Armatrading should be good!

Hurrah!! Joan Armatrading!!

I'm happy with that!

Now we appear to be talking about the actual line up again what about Big Country? I saw them on sky arts, filmed last year, and even though they have got the singer from the alarm they were great.
   They would be a wow if booked in the sort of slot the Blockheads got last year

Big Country were and are awsome i think they would go down a storm. Im still angling for Kula Shaker aswel...

A big "thanks but no thanks" for both from me.

Jules

Joan Armatrading !!!!   ;D

*does happy dance *  :D

vanessa
Jr. Member

 Online

Posts: 21


 
   
Re: 2012
« Reply #81 on: August 17, 2011, 10:56:59 AM »
How about Joan Armatrading? I have always loved her music but never seen her live until recently and she was amazing! She knew how to work an audience and is an excellent guitarist. Also connected to Fairport through Gerry Conway (he played on her albums). Currently Spencer Cozens (ex John Martyn and Pentangle ) is in her band and very good he is to! As an added bonus it is suprising how many of her songs most people know so it would be good for a sing-a-long arms waving in the air style. (if you are into that sort of thing-which I am!)
 :D ;D :D

Go Joanie!

Don't you love it when a plan comes together!

Plenty of us have heralded Joan over the years and the fc link can be seen in action here

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Fk_VNJ0co&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Dw

I'm not happy with that.  (for reasons I'm not allowed to express on here)  

Really pleased with Joan being confirmed. Haven't seen her for years and I think she'll be great.

ronnie

Never seen her before.. will be interesting and another 'gap' filled  :)

As song as she does the theme from "The Wild Geese" then I'll be happy  ;D

And which have nothing to do with Valerie Singleton? Presumably because she will feel quite comfortable in the company of Mr Digance?  ;D

Having said all that, her Greatest Hits album is still rather splendid. It won't be the first time I have had to overlook an artist's worldview and just focus on their music.

????

Jules

I've obviously missed something. What does that mean?

Ditto.

Jules

Double ditto  ???

Cheers Nigel

Joan leans in a very specific direction politically and has rubbed a few people the wrong way as a consequence. I suspect this is what Pete was alluding to.

I figured Pete leant the same way.  Politically that is!   ;)

Jules

You learn something new every day!

me too

Sorry, I'm confused.  ???

Are people saying that they are going to ignore 'her world-view' and focus on her music... because she is gay?

A). Isn't that what we should always do?
B). Is being gay really that unusual to force that comment?

Surely there must have been other gay musicians at Cropredy in the past?

No, I'm pretty sure that's got nothing to do with all of this.

Jules

Nothing to do with sexuality whatsoever (and is she, by the way?). I believe it is a political issue.

I googled 'Joan Armatrading politics' and I'm struggling to find anything controversial  ???

Me too! Hence my comment.

Same here.  She once worked with Gordon Brown in support of BAME (the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic coalition).  That's all I could find that was upfront or political.

Jules

Ok. I'll take a run at this. Everybody is talking around it because we get censured for talking politics around here so this post may very well disappear quickly. Joan Armatrading, I am given to understand has openly pledged her support to the Conservative party in the past and to Margaret Thatcher in particular.

That may not be what Pete meant but that is why I have a level of resistance towards her despite enjoying her music.

Not wishing to rock the boat here, but let me just say, that generally unless someone uses very overt political or religious reference to whichever side I am not aligned with, I am not opposed to listening. Ones beliefs are exactly that...ones beliefs. If the songs have nothing to do with those politics, then there is no barrier for me to listen. I'm not about to have an artist questionaire have to be filled out for every singer asking them...whats your stance on...., where do you fall on..... and so on. Now when its of a political stamp I don't suscribe to and its in every song, that is when that artist gets tuned out personally.

Quite. I'm rather more left leaning than most MPs in the current Parliament, but I get fed up of hearing Billy Bragg bang on at any opportunity.
I want to listen to music, not hear someones views on politics.
If I want preaching to, I'll go to a rally or to church.

I tend to agree, though there are exceptions. I find it very hard to listen to Bryan Ferry for example even though his politics do not enter his music. There is no consistent rhyme or reason to it.  :-[

Ah right. In that case, It won't be the first time I have had to overlook an artist's worldview and just focus on their music.   :)

I can't see Bryan Ferry playing Cropredy anytime soon.

Which is a shame, it would be a hoot seeing the whole field doing his 'constipated chicken boxing eggs' dance.  ;)

In any case...she has been off my radar for a long time...think I shall listen to the excellent Walk Under Ladders (on vinyl) later tonight. A nice choice  :)

It's great when Cropredy books someone from the past who we have neglected to listen to for a long time.

And brings new things to our ears.

Hey, I love joan Armatrading


You all know how I feel about maggie

Looking forward to seeing joan

She has?  She's obviously a witch then.  Burn her on stage at Croppers!   ;D

Seriously though, who would have thunk it?

Jules

I can wear my special Mrs Thatcher t-shirt on the day Joan plays.

I can't see you surviving long among all the liberal socialist folkies.....buy me a pint before they get you

I tried to post this once and it may have been removed.
I still listen to Wagner and John Martyn. I still read Philip Larkin. I used to read to my kids, Roald Dahl, J M Barrie, Lewis Carroll, ignoring all their personal predilictions.
Generally i will support the views of Billy Bragg, Steve Knightly and on occasion, Chumbawumba but there will be people who do not enjoy their performance.
So an artist may be a tory???? Surprisingly they won't be the first person on stage at Cropredy to have conservative leanings. I personally often have probs with some of Mr Digances views and lyrics.
Live and let live eh?

Enjoy her set and then 'burn the witch'! ;)

Incidentally, whilst googling (other search engines are available) to find Ms Armatradings political preferences, I was reassured to find, in the Telegraph no less, that she did not sleep with with Valerie Singleton.

They both wanted to, Val took her home and threw Joan onto the bed, which promptly collapsed. "Oh no", said Val, "I knew I shouldn't have made the bed out of old toilet rolls and sticky back plastic."
"Sod this" said Joanie "I am off home."
"No wait" said Val "don't go, I have another bed, look, here's one I made earlier."
But to no avail, Joan went off, only to bump into Bob Holness outside in the street, disconsolately carrying a saxophone. "The gits have sacked me" said Bob "they have another sax player lined up, oh well, the stupid record won't be a hit anyway I don't suppose."
"Hurry up and get me a taxi home" said Joan "I need a pee Bob."

The end.

John Martyn was a right winger?!?!   :o

Jules

Wasn't Mad Dog Days about 'Dear Mrs Thatcher?' Was that not an ironic dear? Well I never. (laid me head down ..etc)

Mad dog days was about Ronald Reagan. Or was that Glorious Fool?

I don't have a problem with any musician's politics if they keep it to themselves. I like Joan's music and that'll do for me on the day

ronnie

Glorious Fool was Ronnie  - Mad Dog Days was Maggie.John didn'tappear to be a fan of either...
I don't mind politics in lyrics - Zappa's Broadway The Hardway being a most entertaining example - whether I agree with the point of view or not, as long as the music is good.I can't see me not liking someones music because of any political beliefs they don't express in their music,and keep it to themselves.
I wouldn't not eat in a restaurant because the chef is a Tory or whatever.It's irrelevant.If the food is good,I'll eat it.

Oh, it's a special liberal socialst folkie t-shirt. Well,more swivel-eyed loony leftie, really.

then I will wear my Maggie y-fronts.Her face is on the backside (in all senses). Good music is always enjoyable whatever the politics-simplistic bigotry like Dígance (good musician that he is) will be offensive

Think this is straying into dangerous and rather unpleasant territory.. can we please stop now?  :-\

Indeed, Jude.  The point has been made.  Move along please.

Yep - John Martyn was never a right winger......


Full back maybe - or a very slow sweeper.


All speculation aside ref who will / won't be playing - once it's all announced, I always compile  a mental list of those I don't want to hear - but then go anyway, regardless of the line up and spend most of the day at the bar - using those sets I don't want to hear as toilet / meal / village breaks. I'm just getting older and mellower - very worrying....................

I like the fact that there are acts that I'm not bothered about seeing as it gives me chance to go to the village/fringe or maybe go for a wander along the canal, or one very wet year (yes, you know which one you are!) I just stayed in van listening to music, reading a book I'd been trying to start for ages and just generally looking at stuff through the window  ;D perfect chilling  8)

I don't think any line up could or even should please everyone, but I wish they'd get a move on and announce it! I love spending hours on YouTube checking out the acts I've not heard of  :)

 {:-)

Patience Brij  ;D Feb apparently but we know:-
Fairports, Bellowhead,Dennis Loccorie,Joan Armatrading,whoever wins young folk awards, Fairports winter support act and I'll put money on the Albion Band.
I still want a fringe Thursday, some of the fringe bands who have played the main stage, Spank the monkey, AHAB, Leatherat, Mary Jane Band etc


NB. I do know mary jane haven't played the main stage , I just think they should!

Richard Thompson in some guise also.

DW

Probably a hat

True. Forgot. Soz

Mention on another thread prompts me to ask if Judas Priest have been rumoured at all? Well, they fit many of the folk criteria - named after a Bob Dylan song, covered a Joan Baez number, from Birmingham, used to record in Chipping Norton, there's a ramp so they can get the Harley Davidson up on stage...

Can never understand that as most of them come from West Brom and Rob's from Walsall.

They embarked on a farewell tour last year,which I guess is now finished...the uk leg at least,unless they come back to this country for a big last hurrah.Bizzarely K.K Downing quit BEFORE it,big row about something or other,so no Priest anymore.Maybe The Rockin' Vicars or The Popes instead.

Not so..JP are still going.  The tour was their final world arena style tour (and very good they were too)...

Just cut out the middle men and get Bobby and Joan themselves.

*and then I sobered up*

I have an inkling Edward II will be at Cropps 2012. Can't say why, but I do.

Good call Andy. I would be v happy with that.

Oh I do beg your puddin' - Misinformed I was.I shall spread it no further.I'm not so cheesed off I missed the Wolvo date then.

Oh yes, PLEASE!!!!!!!!! {:-)

I don't have any inside info, just an inkling....

You can get ointment for that.

 ;D ;D ;D

Jules

Oh I do beg your puddin' - Misinformed I was.I shall spread it no further.I'm not so cheesed off I missed the Wolvo date then.
[/quote]

If you can unearth your ****dex in time, you can see Priest at the Hammy Odeon (sorry, Apollo) on 26 May, supported by Saxon, no less.
No KK, alas, but some young hotshot fretburner having the ride of his life.

That would be nice...those two bands were on the bill at the first gig I went to - the first Monsters Of Rock.Not a bad start for a fifteen year old newbie rocker.
I have only worn ****dex on one occassion...my girlfriend dared me to try hers on.I don't think I should tell you what she said when I did.  :-X

"I can see you're a man with balls!"?   ;D

Jules

Yep, she probably thought you were crazy...

"I can clearly see yer nuts".

Boom, and indeed, Boom.

I didn't get a chance on Wednesday to ask the chaps about any other possible bookings for Cropredy.

Very PLEASE!!!!!

What took you so long Polly  ;) ;D :-*

 ;)

Friday 10th August will be 45 years exactly from the recording of 'If I had a ribbon bow'
Surely this is an anniversary opportunity not to be missed!!!

Well spotted that man!

Fancy knowing that..... :o ;D

Just happened across this detail by chance
but really hoping to see you singing it at Cropredy
I remember hearing John Peel playing it on Top Gear one Sunday afternoon
have loved it ever since

There's a story of a girl, a story seldom told
What she wanted from this world was not of gems or gold
Her wishes were quite plain as you will see
For often she would simply make this plea

 :)

 ;D

" I want gibbons, lots of gibbons,
Scarlet gibbons for my hair "

And it will be, of course, the 1021st anniversary of the Battle of Maldon, which we lost. I expect David Hughes is working on a folk-rock opera version of the tale to rival that of the Excalibur experience even as we speak.  

I see Bestival have added this to their T&Cs, no doubt from bad experience in this area:

Bestival has also brought in stricter rules for those attending with teens. Ticket buyers are asked to note that adult tickets can only be used by persons age 18 or over. Teen tickets can only be purchased by persons over the age of 30. Purchasers of a child ticket or a teen ticket must be either the parent or legal guardian of the teen or child for whom the ticket is purchased. Child and teen ticket holders can only enter the festival with the person who purchased their ticket i.e. their parent or legal guardian.

Any Teen ticket holders attempting to enter the festival without this person will be denied entry to the festival. For safety reasons, any persons attempting to enter the festival with a Child Ticket holder that they are not the parent or legal guardian will be denied entry. Each adult attending can accompany up to a maximum of 2 Teen Ticket holders. Teen ticket holders must camp in the same location as their families and are not allowed in the arena field unaccompanied after 10pm. Teen ticket holders must be accompanied by their parent/guardian at all times after 10pm. Child ticket holders are not allowed in the arena or campsites unaccompanied at any time.

Good Luck to Bestival trying to police/steward that.

How many parents would have to be accompanying their teens to the toilet during the headline acts every night ?

I can see the merits of the campsite rule,but it means traipsing back for something for the oldies when younger, fitter legs could do it in half the time during the day.

The camping with a responsible adult, I agree with.

Bloody hell. I'm glad they didn't have rules like that when I was a teenager.

Maybe that's why they need them now!!  ;D

bit late though ....damage dun ;)

What damage??? I behaved pretty responsibly as a teen festival goer.

Does anyone know when artists for this year are going to be announced? Most other festivals already have done this. I would like to know as Its going to be toss up between Cropredy or Beautiful Days for me this year, I can't afford both.  

Tim, I believe general consensus is they start announcing throughout February. Unless they do something different, they generally are spaced out over time-its not one big announcement of the entire bill at once. As you can see earlier in this thread there are a couple of "confirmed but not confirmed officially" acts already, not to mention Richard.

Do they always announce the complete line up before the tickets go on sale in March ?

No.

And since I believe it has happened before, everything is subject to contract, and changes in lineup or running order may occur occasionaly. But should be enough of a taste to make ones mind up I should think.

I've already made my mind up - we enjoyed last year so much, we're definitely going this year.
I was just wondering when the full line up would be announced    :)

Mind made up, tickets bought!  :)

Both marinas have planning permission approved. There will be a shop in the big one, but nothing in the school lane one. There will be no residential boats or hire fleets.

Paul

Shop in the marina. That's the death knell for the Bridge Stores. >:(

I'm looking forward to Cropredy this year (though I am sort of hoping Bellowhead headline on Thursday in which case, not being a fan, I'll save myself some money and get a two day ticket). As yet I am not sure who I am going with or whether I will camp, campervan or hotel.

It is beginning to feel though like the end of an era. I am not so fond of the authentic festival experience (tents, mud, too much beer, not enough sleep) anymore and prefer smaller ones like Wickham and Big Session these days. With Swarb possibly retiring this year, the Red Lion closing and redevelopment along the canal, the Cropredy experience is beginning to significantly change. The loss of the Red Lion in particular will make a major difference to the feel of the place. For Fairport lovers I think this year's festival might be really special but it is possibly the final opportunity for the band to celebrate their past to this degree. For me as a fan and a Cropredy regular it feels like this may be the last time.

Then again of course, it may not.

That's why they wouldn't allow it in the smal one. The big one is quite a way from the village.

Still not sure the Wormleighton summit can cope with the extra boat movements.

Paul

Is The Red Lion gone for good then?  ???

The village website says "Currently Closed", I guess they may reopen for the most profitable week of the year.

I hope so-they currently get 100% of my annual beer spend (solely red wine for other 362 days)

It's been emptied so it can't just open for a week sadly  :-[  Will be strange with only the Brasenose - and it means lots of competition for bands wanting to play the fringe too.

I believe the post office in Cropredy has just closed as well? Can anyone confirm?

I didn't even know there was a post office in Cropredy! Where is that then?

Sadly I think that the closure of the Red Lion means that the fringe and village in general will suffer. People will be less inclined to explore the village with the pub gone. It will not be possible to squeeze all those extra people into the Brasenose and few are likely to want to carry their pint from there or the pavilion do drink it in the churchyard. It is a whole Cropredy tradition swept away. It makes me very sad and I suspect many people will just be tempted to stay in the arena instead.

The Post Office web site says the nearest Post Offices to the town are in Banbury.

just done some research and found it closed on 27th January. It was part of the perfect present shop Gub.

Seems odd . I would have thought that its proximity to the canal , its fame as a music pub and the historical influences would have made it a positive going concern and enterprise

A sign of the time .. housing developement rules!!

Shame...Do you think it will become a cottage, wonder how much?! Do think the problem is most pubs these days just have to be restaurants in order to survive?

[Photo over 400 days old. Removed by Admin.]

There are all sorts of reasons why pubs are closing across the country. Drinking laws, smoking bans, more and more diverse entertainment at home, cheap supermarket booze, high rents, low returns, unrealistic targets. No pub could survive on being guaranteed to be busy for one weekend. The Red Lion already did a good food trade before it closed. It was obviously not enough.

I'm afraid that running a pub nowadays is seen as a mugs game and if we are not careful we'll lose even more. Support your local before it's too late, I say.

I appreciate that this is slightly off topic but I was watching Time Team the other evening and the location was a village that had no pub and no shop. I couldn't help thinking to myself, what is the point of being there? Without a central point of focus at which the villagers can get together it is presumably a community of strangers or perhaps not a community at all in any real sense. It is just a dormitory. This seems to be happening to an increasing number of villages and Cropredy could easily become one of them.

Agree with Sandra and Al.  All very sad.   :(

Jules

That's Country Life.  ;)

Paul

We're going through our summer morris programme at the moment: - Plough? - new owner; Old House? - closed in the autumn; Red Lion? - gastro, landlord not keen... and yet they're busy building more houses in every available space, the doctor's surgery and primary school are overwhelmed.

I remember first having this conversation (or something similar) with someone back before the 1987 festival...

Just in (13:51) from @FairCropFest on Twitter:

We'll be announcing some Cropredy Friday night acts in about an hour or so. Are we sitting comfortably?

 :)

Fair point but everybody is 25 years older now and certain realities will have to be faced sooner or later.

Saw Doctors, RT and Joan Armatrading! Sounds good to me

I suspect a certain Jim Campbell to come by shortly with extreme pleasure at the return of the Sawdoctors to Cropredy!  ;D

Tarras, too.

Nice one

DOX rock crops again! and not before time, its the mosh pit for me, again, and i thought that was it after last year ;D

you lot know me far too well

I'm sure they've booked them specially for you Jimbo  :) ;)

I couldn't agree more!  :) :) :)

Weren't they headliners last time round though?

That is a great line up for Friday and with Joan Armatrading headlining that presumably means that Bellowhead are indeed playing on Thursday.

All coming along very nicely!!
We just need Edward II on Saturday afternoon and I shall be one extrememly happy bunny  :D

Horses for courses, not really my cup of tea this year. Pretty sure we'll be giving it a miss this time.

Pretty good friday so far, saw docs are awsome!! and been wanting to see joan for years

RT is always good value

just got to get the dosh together now

Looks pretty good. We'll just have to watch the Thursday night hangover. ;D

Same here Addie. We were planning on returning this year but this is not rocking my boat up to now and limited income means that we have to be choosy.  :(

RT is tempting but that is it up to now. We'll have to wait and see who else is announced.

The Post Office is looking for someone to take it on....and Hook Norton are looking for a very high rent for the Red Lion.

The Licencees of The Bell in Great Bourton are off back to South Africa after Cropredy too....I'm hearing there are others interested in that one...

Now that is one HELL of a Friday bill!! I'm happy


 ;D ;D ;D

Sounds like our old place, Great Rollright..

Sorry Jim - Sore Dockers don't make these Irish eyes smile - however will hold your space at t'bar while you're in mosh..........

Can't bear not to go at all this year, but nowt on Friday having me cheering yet

I'm happy with the Friday night line up but whereas I think recent Cropredys have been less about Fairport, this year's is all about Fairport and that will be enough to get me there.

Saw Doctors don't really do it for me, Joan Armatrading, I know Love and Affection and that's it, not really bothered.
I'm sure they'll still be plenty enough for me, and if we get the Full House line-up, that'll do.

Nothing revolutionary but Cropredy rarely is. We're going anyway this yr but that's a friday i'll more than happily listen to. Be interesting to see Joan headlining after RT and the Saw Dr's!
See you down the front Jim!

The last time the Saw Doctors were at Cropredy, they were great, but I seem to remember they did a set far to long to hold my attention.
Joan Armatrading is very impressive live.

Do you think she'll be able to hold such a large audience Colin. The last time I saw her was in a small club and it was excellent, but I've never felt her to be a big field performer, hence my reservations?

She's doing the Isle of Wight in June to get some practice :)

Does she have a backing band? I don't know much about her but like the odd songs which I have heard.

Never seen her Sandra, but a 2008 clip of her doing Drop The Pilot at Glastonbury on Youtube should answer that question  ;) At work so unable to post a link

Thanks. I'll find it.

Her website suggests that she has a band. She's also doing a fairly long tour in the autumn.

Well this year not being on in the headline slot i suppose we'll get a truncated, more best of, set than a normal Dox gig  
but it is going to be the first chance for most of you lot to see Rickie O'Neill the awesome 21 year old drummer who has just taken over the drum stool since the departure of the mighty Eimhin Craddock at Christmas.
   This news has prompted the baby brother to say he fancies coming to cropredy this year!

I'm looking forward to it again. I'm 40 in Sep so am going to celebrate a month early too. Can't think of a better place to do it, or a better bunch.

Joan has a wonderful backing band which includes Spencer Cozens & Gary Foote from Jacqui's Pentangle

Was trying to budget the finances too this year to maybe come for the Saturday but not rocking my boat either atm.

I didn't know that Jim. I last saw them in Fareham at Easter last year. So the line up has changed since then? Is Anthony Thistlethwaite (have I spelled that right?) still with them? I thought he was working with the Waterboys again.

Anto's still there playing Bass, sax, occasional guitar and just about anything required, Just a change of drummer

RT followed by Joan sounds great to me.
Two spellbinding performers.
I expect to be in a trance by the end of Friday night.

I'll be down the front for the SawDoctors too.  ;D (I'm sure my tinnitus started after a SD gig - mind you I WAS next to the speakers  :-[)

I don't really remember Joan Armatrading's spot at Cambs FF a few years ago  :-[

Horses for courses again  :o The SawDoctors could play on and on for me - but not for others.  :-\ So what?

It's just different opinions, equally valid..............it just feels unpleasant when you get ridiculed for liking/not liking something.

Will wait for some more of the line up to be announced, but am not grabbed so far. Will be seeing RT at Salop a couple of weeks later anyway.
Hopefully the remaining acts will excite me and persuade me to buy a ticket.

I'm off to research Saw Doctors (or Sore Dockers as Greglin wickedly calls them.)  ;D

Well I reckon I will give them a try.  :)  Wasn't expecting to see Petula Clark though.  :o












Mind you I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition either.  ::)

Salop? Please tell us more about that gig?

He's playing the Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Salop = Shrewsbury.  

It's with her band.

Spencer Cozens on keys....

From Facebook:

 :)

They're good, but I'm a teeny bit disappointed with this...was hoping against hope for either a) Steel Pulse or b) the return of the mighty Dreadzone in the 'reggae/dub' slot....  I suppose we still might get something on the Sat?  Fingers crossed.

Has anyone mentioned Plainsong.

Would really like to see Iain Matthews on stage with this fantastic band.....please :)

I think it'll be the current incarnation of Matthews' Southern Comfort.

Whatever, it'll be great to see Iain back on the stage.

No EII then ???

Agreed.

But I have to say that, other than Bellowhead, nobody has floated my boat yet  :(  and with the Red Lion potentially gone, the fringe looks a less than exciting prospect. The Brase really needs to sort its facilities out (2 ladies loos is not enough) .

Have you contacted the Brasenose to make your point? Don't know them, but I'm sure they'd welcome the feedback.

So, with Huw Williams and Maartin Allcock touring together, do you think there's any chance we might see them this year?

Sat, I reckon.

When I recently went to see Joan Armatrading I knew I would have an entertaining evening. My husband is a big fan but to be honest I was expecting a race through her 'greatest hits'. I could not have been more wrong! It was one of those evenings that totally changed my preconceptions. Awesome guitar playing. Tight backing band. New material running through the old. Excellent audience interaction. I think what I am trying to say is don't worry if (like me) you don't think it is your kind of thing. You will be surprised ;D and what better place for a revelation than Cropredy!

The reason I mentioned this Andy is that Plainsong are doing a farewell tour in August and September. The band will feature Iain, Andy Roberts, Julian Dawson and Mark Griffiths.

They are already confirmed for Shrewsbury Folk Festival......I'd love to see them at Cropredy too :D

Yes please :D

I think it'll be Plainsong personally. They've just announced farewell dates & this would be their swansong appearance

Now that would be good!

I will stop saying',we're going anyway' but  a covers band i have seen before. Yes they're more than competent but i was expecting some originality for the 45th.
There are v good 'original' reggae ska bands about. I give you Leicesters own Kingsize and El Pussycat Ska.

 However,really looking forward to Tarras. Love this band

Considered and done Andy!

I spoke to Iain last week and he will be at Cropredy, probably as a duo with Egbert Derix. They have a new album coming out soon on Verve and Iain is really excited about it.

There have been portaloos up by the stage, on the right as you look at it, for the last couple of years if that helps.  :)