TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

 ???After a few years I'll be back to see Fairport, and it will be Oxford on February 4th. Unfortunately I can not book a B&B in advance, because you need a credit card to do it. Does anybody know somebody who runs a B&B in Oxford, so that I don't have to be afraid arriving in Oxford next tuesday and not find an accomodation ???
By the way my homepage www.foreveryoung-germany.de is not dead, just sleeping at the moment. I changed the provider and haven't found the time to work with the new software. But as with seeing Fairport live: I'll be back one day !

2 more sleeps to Tewkesbury!  :)

Not quite as catchy as Motorhead's No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith, but somehow strangely suitable for a Fairport live album title.

 :)

I guess it's a bit late to start playing "guess the setlist", but... and in no particular order:

A song (cover?) with Edwina Hayes
Walk Awhile
The new CL song they played last year
At least one other CL song/tune from his new album
Matty
MOTL
WKWTTG
Danny Jack's Reward
Albert & Ted
Mercy Bay
Ace of Spades
Wild Cape Horn
Doctor of Physick
Sir Pat
Fotheringay
Cell Song (There's a tiny little window...)
The Hanging Song
Banks of Sweet Primroses
Rosie

How about a couple of Simon solo tracks? Over the Lancashire Hills and Rosemary's Sister? Merry Sherwood Rangers would be ace.

And I'd love to hear the chaps play the Albions' "Under the Rose".

I believe they're recording a new album in the spring, so I expect they'll be playing a fair few brand new numbers.

I have, rather foolishly, booked a holiday for the week they are playing in Worthing. Doh!  :-[

Well, a cracking show in Tewkesbury last night - I don't want to spoil the surprises (and there are a few!), so I'll simply say that it was great to see Martin Driver on the merch table, Chris's new album is lovely (as is his new jacket), and if the new songs debuted are anything to go by, the next FC album should be a corker.

Quip of the night: Peggy was listing the Cropredy line-up, and when he mentioned the Waterboys, Simon chimed in with "going for the local vote?"

(Tewkesbury currently surrounded by flooded fields).

And Ric came up with a  real groan of a joke.  I'm sure he'll use it again...  ;)

How about the 'spoiler' button?

Give me a reason for wanting to go.  Please  :)

How much did he cost?

Paul

 ;D

Saw them at Milton Keynes last night and the chaps are in fine form.
I totally agree with PaulT ..... and won't spoil any surprises :-X
Had a nice chat to all of them and seem in a very positive mood.
Enjoy if you are lucky enough to catch them in your neck of the woods.

Keith

You'll need more than a credit card to afford B&B in Oxford! ;D

A Great night in Canterbury. Those of you who are yet to see the boys on the tour, you're in for one hell of a surprise!

In case you're interested, the set-list from Tewkesbury......



Great night!

S&J

This has already been mentioned on Facebook. Any reports as to why?

Yep:

I was planning to go to Oxford tomorrow but, owing to a family bereavement (and a pranged car!) I seem to be spending more time on the M5 to/from Taunton.  I will try and get to another date instead.

Thanks for the spoiler explanations, both here and the really quite a lot in email etc.

Not sure why it's a secret, but there we are.

Dammit. I have real problems resisting spoilers. Must be the lure of forbidden fruit. I shall resist, I will not click...

Bet you do though...... ;)

Me neither, they've played gigs in the nude before surely?

 ;D I lol'ed very loud at that one. Well played.

So when did Shirley play in the nude, just out of interest ?

it was a couple of years back.............bet you clicked  :o

Thanks for your faith in me ladies. Now you've set me a challenge. Not clicked yet.

And do not, I repeat do not, click on "quote" ... not that I did of course.  ::)

Oh - and do not visit the gallery on the FC website.

I can't and don't resist - I always click on them! Glad I did in this thread - it's given me the impetus to sort out tickets for Cardiff  :)

For me, clicking on spoilers is like touching a fence with a sign that says 'Wet Paint'. I can't help it.  ;D

I dont understand why FC haven't made it public knowledge. It might even have got me to book for the lowry  were there any decent seats left.

Well they sort of have, without actually mentioning it...I mean there are plenty of pictures of the tour listed up on their website.

Why would it make you more likely to go and see them then, Jim?  (Let's see if we can have this conversation without using the spoiler button!).

Edwina Hayes has a blog about the tour - warning, here be spoilers.

http://edwinahayesblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/03/introduction/

Don't you mean Pontardawe, Brij?

They're in The Globe Shirl! Not a brilliant venue but only 15 miles away as opposed to 46 to Pontardawe. You have the superior venue tho! No doubt about that  :)

The Globe gig isn't part of the Wintour. It's the 'acoustic' version in the spring.  

As an aside, I've got a Pontardawe ticket going spare. My daughter, who normally comes with me, has now got another thing happening that weekend and my other pal who sometimes comes with me is in America. So, if anyone fancies a trip down to Pontardawe on Sunday 2nd March, there's a ticket going spare.

Bugger.. Set off for the Lincoln gig..  Driving conditions too nasty..

Now home with cheese, bikkies and red instead!

 :(  :(

What's the need for a spoiler button?   Gerry's crewcut really suits him..  :-X

Full story is all on the website now.

You're absolutely right Mick. I'll let you know re the ticket. I have visitors that weekend and I think they go home on the Monday in which case I can't go.

... and I'm out of the country in search of the Northern Lights!

That is my dream.. Hope you see them  :)

Aren't they a Renaissance tribute band?  ;)

Don't know if this is posted elsewhere as I haven't been around much lately.

Yesterday's Mail said that Matt Pegg is bassing for the Wintour as Peggy has damaged a tendon in his hand and is only on stage for vocals and jokes.

The article managed to spell all of their names correctly :o

Can't fault the article - someone at The Daily Fail's done some research and produced an accurate piece about FC :

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2553209/Fairport-Convention-bassist-Dave-Pegg-replaced-son-Wintour-injuring-thumb-washing-up.html

I can fault this article......

It happened unloading a dishwasher, not washing up.

He injured his hand on a glass, not a knife.

Apart from that, most of it's true.  ;D

"The original Mumfords" oh boy.

Exactly....  Oh dear! :o

Apologies...didn't see the misguided "Original Mumfords" photo caption...agreed, oh dear ! Still, the article could've been far worse...

Absolutely cringe-worthy....

I saw Daily Fail in the link, so refused to read any further. From your comments I assume they've got all the facts wrong and intimated FC were the original folk band?  Isn't this typical of that rag? Cobble together a couple of rumours, look up 'folk music' on Google, and put it out as a fact. Did they manage to drop into the article that the handsome Dave Cam lives nearby in ChipNort and that FC are his favourite band?   >:(

probably one or two things slightly wrong, but having read it, it seemed fairly ballanced and mostly accurate.  Did mention the mufords as being the reporters daughters favourite band, which as i understand is not yet a hanging offence.

personally if your going to comment on an artical its best to read it first.  please let me know when the morning star is commenting on something worht reading.

All I'm really cringing about is the Mumford's reference. Bit of a sore subject, as it's literally the only thing people here in America think of when I say I like folk-rock  ::)

I mentioned to Peggy that the Mail had referred to them as the Original Mumfords last night at New Brighton - he didn't seem too impressed!

I'd like to add to the comments on how good the current tour is. Really enjoyed it last night, and Matt Pegg is doing a great job. Looking forward to Southport in March.

So, we've established what your readings habits are haven't we? Two points, I don't read the Morning Star, and secondly as far as I'm concerened mate, liking  M&S is indeed an offence. You're going a bit too far suggesting hanging though aren't you?  By the way, sorry the sense of humour bypass operation failed for you.  ::)

Oh the irony!

The "humour bypass" obviously worked for you, as your response is devoid of humour in the extreme.

Time of the month?

Shall we. ummm, perhaps, return to the subject of the Winter Tour?

Before fisticuffs and footstampings start?:o

Delighted to.

Just got back from an excellent gig at Llandudno.  A bit disappointed that it was in one of the flat conference rooms rather than the main theatre but being in the 4th row we had a great view.
Matt did a sterling job in place of his dad who came on stage for a few songs.  Edwina joined the band for Who knows where the Time goes,  sang with SN.  It wasn't Sandy but never the less, it was excellent. She has a brilliant voice.  Really good value for money,  started 7.30 finished 10.45.  :)

It is my time actually - if it has anything to do with you. Loved your witty reply btw.

Can we please return to the thread subject?

(final request)

Its much easier to do that when downright offensive and unpleasant interjections are just deleted by a Moderator in the first place rather than allowed to remain there to fester for all time...

That was a fair point.

Deletion will occur of any post not on topic going forward. You have been warned.

Now post friendly, or not at all please.

A most enjoyable evening at The Lowry last night, with a good selection of songs from the chaps.  The new material they are showcasing sounded rather good, so that bodes well for the forthcoming CD, and Matt did a sterling job standing in for his dad.  I also thought Ric played an absolute blinder last night, I really don’t think I’ve seen him play better!

Edwina was great as the opener, and I think the scrum around the merch desk at the interval to buy her CD(s) showed this, plus she was great when she came on stage with Fairport for a couple of songs - I thought her voice blended nicely with both Chris & Simon.

Right, how long is it to Cropredy?   ;D

I must get new glasses - I read that as "scum" around the merch desk!!  ::)

I can't get to this tour :( but I'll see them in August   {:-)

Personally I thought Matt was amazing in Dirty Linen, but I couldn't help thinking there was just a bit of a spark missing - except when Peggy joined them for the odd harmony.  There seemed to be a noticeable difference when Pegg senior and junior were next to each other.    Anyway I really enjoyed it.  

We went with friends and Paul brought along his wife and daughter - the plan was to try them out with FC for Cropredy.  Unfortunately for 13 year old daughter the best bit was the interval when they stopped.  sigh.

I note Matt plays bass finger-style, whereas Peggy tends to use a pick (apart from when he's playing slap/pluck style eg Albert & Ted.  So there's not as much "attack" coming from the bass sound - and I get the feeling Matt uses less treble. But  he and Gerry certainly knit together well.

177 days and 9 mins...

Well, that was different - The Apex, Bury St Edmunds. I loved all the new songs as well as the old. Here are a few of my thoughts ...

Edwina made an excellent contribution to Who Knows and MOTL, as well as delivering a most enjoyable short set at the beginning.

Poor Ric was suffering from a cough and a cold and consequently was more subdued than normal.

Matt did a sterling job for his Dad, who joined the lads to sing on several numbers. Whenever Dave appeared, he brought merriment and laughter with him and the whole theatre seemed to come to life. It just shows what a vital part of the set-up he really is.

Great to hear Close To The Wind again and a lovely, warm introduction to set the scene that testified to Simon's fondness for this song.

Chris played his variety of instruments to his usual impeccable standard. It's easy to overlook his contribution sometimes because he seems to do everything with such ease. For instance, during Dirty Linen I noticed how fast his fingers were moving yet his facial expression was the epitome of calmness and serenity.

I was surprised to find myself with a clear view of Gerry this time and also quite amused to find that he talks to himself all the way through songs, vocalising every beat. He looked so happy and comfortable.

All in all, a very enjoyable evening. It helped us to make up our minds to go to Cropredy this year ... better get those tickets ordered!

Good to read all the positive reviews so far.  Looking forward to St. Albans tomorrow.

St Albans tonight almost a sell-out.  Yes, I thought there was a bit of joie de vivre lacking, but it was great to hear some new/er songs and rousing performances of Festival Bell and the Cell Song - and Matty Groves of course. And the camaraderie and mutual support they show never fades.
Edwina has a lovely voice and I swear she brought a tear to Simon's eye when she joined them to sing Who Knows Where The Time Goes - she certainly did to mine.
Young Pegg did them proud. And we got a treat - Maartin Allcock (who had been playing nearby the previous night) came on for MOTL.

Yes, Simon was definitely a bit emotional.  It took him a couple of minutes to recover at the back of the stage, but Ric did a good job of covering for him with his time machine gag

Another enjoyable evening. I am not sure whether it was me, the audience or Fairport but things seemed somewhat subdued. On the positive side I thought the sound was good, all too often in the past the Arena seemed to turn the volume up and hope for the best, on this occasion you could hear every word. I liked Edwina and thought her contribution to Who Knows helped make it the best post Sandy performance I can remember, I am not surprised Simon was affected.

Sorry if this is going to sound negative, but my thoughts on last night at St Albans are that way, I'm afraid. I thought that there was a definite lack of cohesion in the band, especially the almost invisibility of Ric - he hardly had any opportunity to talk during the evening. Definitely subdued.

Musical highlights were (for me) Dirty Linen (apparently added to the set-list after the subbing of Matt!), Cell Song, Close to the Wind, WKWTTG, Danny Jack, Festival Bell and the guest appearance of Maart, who added a lovely guitar solo (using SN's Strat) during MOTL.

I thought Edwina's contribution to the evening was good, I really liked SN's contribution on electric guitar to her final song (joined by the band).

I have to add that I'm not impressed by Chris's new songs (or the inclusion of Already There and Mercy Bay, neither of which have ever appealed).

Although Maart's contribution was brief, it did serve to remind how good the Maart years were (as I've said before on here).

Oh, the sound was very good, as it has been for the last several appearances at the Arena.

I was there last night in St Albans and enjoyed the gig.  I go nearly every year but have not bought a "record" since Five Seasons, so you can guess where I stand on the music style.  Last night proved what I always feel about Fairport, a fantastic folk rock band, but a fairly dull folk band.  It only takes the addition of a really good singer, like Edwinda on WKWTFG to, or Maarts 40 second solo on MOTL and you could see and feel the audiance getting instantly more excited, there was a round of applause after Maart's solo (mid song) which tells you everying about what is missing.  

Still, what do I know.  

I'm sort of with you on most of that, although, in truth, I've never really been very comfortable with any of the numerous female guest led WKWTTG's I've heard over the decades.  Strangely it's one 'Sandy song' I prefer Simon singing.  

Pity Maart had such a brief appearance.  I never fully appreciated what he gave to the band until he left.  

I can sympathise with that view as some of the singers I've heard join in with the band in past years haven't really got to grips with the song but I caught the band's Edinburgh concert last week & I have to say that Edwina Hayes really, really nailed it.  Her contributions with the band - on WKWTTG & on their joint number - Speed of the Sound of Loneliness - were real highlights of, what was, an enjoyable evening.  You came away wanting to hear more of her singing with the band.  In fact she sang RT's Waltzings For Dreamers as her penultimate song & how much better that would have been if the band broke with tradition & came on to join the support for her last two songs!

Would have liked to have heard WfD - she did Galway to Graceland at St Albans. I liked Speed of the Sound of Loneliness, and I reiterate that the guitar work by Simon on that song was super.

St Albans - Sunday - Wasnt too bothered about Edwina Hayes (whoever she is) BEFORE THE GIG, WOOOOW what a revelation, I had picked up a few clips off youtube, and can't say I was that taken, but obviously she has kept the best for the Wintour, I thought her Solo bits were excellent (both her writing and performance) and she seemed nicely at home on stage, her choice of backing band for her last couple of numbers did well to keep up the standard and off she toddled for a well earned tincture. After the boys had done a bit more work they invited said support to join them for a crack at a little know song by a former female of the band, one Sandy Denny, TIME TO STOP THIS SILLINESS, It was like Sandy was back in person. This was the most fantastic, emotional and may I say Perfect rendition of WKWTTG I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing, Not to say that previous versions havent been extremely good but this was something else, The boys, as has been mentioned, did seem a bit dis-jointed, I put that down to a long stretch of gigs and a long journey, it was by no means anything to be concerned about, Maybe it was me or where I was sitting on the shelf but I thought Gerry's drums were a bit out of balance (loud) with the rest of the band particularly his floor tom which seemed to BOING rather a lot. It was great to see Peggy and Martin's personalities cashing in on the Merch table where I picked up (and Paid for) Chris's new CD, WOW, go get it people, its out of this world. (Note to self - buy new  campervan and stop making excuses, like yes darling of course you can have a new kitchen.)

Weston Super Mare Playhouse- this Saturday. Due to family illness I have just had to ask the Playhouse to release my two front row stalls tickets for resale. I don't think they're showing on the website yet but if you want to buy them give the theatre a ring on 01934 645544 and I'm sure they'll be able to sort you out. It'll do me a favour too. Thanks.

A sold-out Connaught Theatre in Worthing last night. Highlights for me were the new material (looking forward to the new album), a pleasant rendition of WKWTTG featuring Edwina Hayes, Edwina's set itself, and one of the best renditions of Matty Groves I've seen in a while - Matt Pegg was on fire (basswise, not literally  :D ).

Oh, was it last night? I didn't book because I thought I was going to be away this week but with plans having changed I thought I might go along. Thought it was tonight though!  :-[

Oh well, if it was sold out I probably would not have got in anyway. That is three Wintours in a row I have missed. Any indication of when the new album is due out?

I think recording starts after the Wintour... hopefully Peggy's finger will be back to full use by then!

Al what about Tunbridge Wells tonight? Not that far and there are definitely tickets available.

We're off to Tunbridge Wells tonight, haven't been last couple of years so really looking forward to it.

Just checked the theatre's website and there are still over 100 tickets available

https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/3019/Book-Online/725

We'd better be in loud voice then! See you there.

Is the Assembly Hall much larger than all the other Wintour venues?  Most of the rest seem to be selling out.  Or are there fewer FC fans in Tunbridge? If so, I'd be disgusted.  ;)

It is a bit of a barn, but the people are friendly! - and we often get an assortment of Peggs...

Great evening, sound a little 'bright' for my ears, but stunning 'set'...   ;D

Very enjoyable evening at Tunbridge Wells last night.

Not everyone gets to see Fairport playing in a  World War 1 set  ;)

I have written down the set list, if you'd like to know it send me a PM and I'll get back to you later today.

We really enjoyed  the show at Farnham Maltings last night. Edwina's voice is really lovely to listen to and the chaps were on good form in spite of them all suffering with the cough/cold/man flu lurgy. It was great to see Martin and have a chat with him and some of the band.

Only 159 days to Cropredy!! ;D

5th year in a row for me at Farnham.My mate and i had the same seats as last year on the end of the second row. I've been a bit out of touch lately so was surprised to hear 4 new songs ! The young lady was terrific , i especially liked the John Prine (who i know hardly anything about) song.I knew that one though so i must have heard somebody else sing it.

Just the one show for me this time and i thoroughly enjoyed it.Did anyone else have trouble actually getting in to Farnham ? A not very helpful policeman tried  to send us miles out of our way due to one of the roads in being out of bounds due to an accident.

We had no problem getting through, we came from Fleet side of Farnham

Thanks.I'm not familiar with the area , i live in Sutton and my friend was driving.A policeman insisted we turn round and head back to the motorway.We left it 10 minutes and sneaked back following a car round some side streets till we got past the law.We just about made the start taking our seats as Peggy was talking.

Just playing the John Prine song on youtube  -  beatuiful.I think i'll have to investigate him further.Can anyone point me in the right direction please ?

From my youth I remember John Prine on a BBC In Concert program, sang a song that I think was called Sam Stone. Vietnam era,with the memorable line of "there's a hole in Daddy's arm where all the money goes." Incidently saw Wintour in Colchester. I echo most of the sentiments about Edwina Hayes. I wish that Simon had let her do all of the lead vocals on WKWTTG.

That's exactly what we thought !

Maybe Simon thought that would put too much pressure on her?

Just a point or two of information, Nanci Griffiths has covered "Speed of the sound of loneliness" and had it played widely over the last decade or more and the "there's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes" song is "Sam Stone".

Been playing it all day  , live version with his wife........................

I love John Prine and was fortunate enough to see him live some time in the mid 2000s. Which song did she play Billy?

As a starting point there is an excellent 2 disc anthology covering his career up about 1991 called Great Days but it can be quite hard to get hold of now. Otherwise his first, eponymous album contains several of his classics including the sublime Hello In There and Sam Stone.

My personal favourite is a later album called Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings which contains possibly his finest song, Lake Marie & the funny and sardonic He Forgot That It Was Sunday. A huge and overlooked talent but oft covered by others.

Thanks for that .It was  "Speed of the sound of loneliness" Although i'd definitely never heard it (until today) by Prine , i recognised it straight away.I think i might have heard it on one of those BBC music programmes on Fri and Sat nights .Did Emmylou Harris ever sing it ?

Not as far as I know.

NANCI GRIFFITHS!

Edwina has supported Nanci Griffith several times and Nanci has also covered one of Edwina's songs.

I particularly remember 'Sam Stone' as it was on an Atlantic sampler I bought years ago as it had an unreleased Led Zeppelin song on it and I thought then that it was a great song. I'd never really heard much else by John Prine.

New Age Of Atlantic......thanks for that...I knew I had that song somewhere....

Thanks Jim.I did see your earlier post ! I played the Nanci Griffiths version as well today and it's not the one i heard.

This is the best version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-z3OjTIVfU&feature=kp

 :)

Is it just me, or are we having a topic drift moment?  ::) I am seeing FC at Pontardawe this evening. Woo hoo!

If it's a topic drift concerning John Prine, I'm not going to tell anyone Shirl!!  ;)

It's not a topic shift to discuss a song that was played and it's origins. It would be like trying to discuss Fairport without mentioning Ralph McTell or Dylan covers. This is the richness of the discussion otherwise it is just they did a really good cover. This is the way people discover new artists and songs and may be the way 90% of my musical taste or lack of according to some has happened.

In passing I watched Tony Banks and Phil Collins mention Fairport Convention as inspiration for Genesis several times in an interview last night.

Neil

I had no idea that the song was written by John Prine. My mistake. Pardon me for breathing.  :P :(

Stonkingly good set by Edwina and Fairport tonight at Pontardawe Arts Centre. This, despite Simon's catarrh and his inability to sustain his voice through the evening, was one of the best gigs I have seen recently.

Of the new numbers, "Myths and Legends" (I think) is straight-out rock and all the better for that. Matt Pegg depped brilliantly for his Dad, whose voice was sorely missed when he wasn't on stage.

Great concert last night - nice to meet Andy, Wendy and Shirl (had to dash at the end, so didn't get to say cheerio).  The bloke sitting next to me must have been in a world of his own, as he said he wasn't impressed with Edwina Hayes and her voice 'wasn't that good' - still each to their own. Bought Chris' new solo album and one of Edwina's too. The new songs sound good, too. :)

That's very interesting. I shall hunt that out.

http://www.uncut.co.uk/genesis/genesiss-tony-banks-and-mike-rutherford-talk-to-uncut-feature

Thanks Neil! Now if they'd included Mr Hackett in the interview too.....

Great to meet you too, Mick.

Terrific gig at Pontardawe. Good to meet up with friends old and new. The chaps were in fine form. I was aware that Simon has been suffering a bit, health wise, but for me he sounded great! I suppose I was enjoying myself so much that I didn't notice any vocal weakness.  :D

Edwina Hayes has a delightful voice, it was a pleasure to listen to her set. Matt did a grand job, of course. I spoke to him afterwards. He said "you were the noisy one at the front, weren't you?" (guilty as charged  ::)) I explained that I cannot understand how it is that some audience members show no sign of engaging with the act, such as foot tapping, bobbing around in their seat, etc. I asked him why he looked so serious on stage. "I was concentrating!" came the reply. Fair enough!

Not sure about the new material yet. Probably need to listen to the songs a few more times.

Lovely to see Martin Driver on merchandising duty.  :D

All in all, a grand evening out.  8)

That it was.

Some pics from Sunday, taken with a point'n'click, surprisingly good in poor light, but not up to my usual standard.

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

I know you set high standards with your piccies Andy, but these look great to me.  :D Thanks for sharing!

More info on this in Edwina's blog.
http://edwinahayesblog.com/2014/02/03/introduction/
S.

Super photos Andy.

So Ric said not a word last night, nuffink. Has that happened before on this tour?

He said one little jokey bit at Pontardawe after WKWTTG. His mike was turned away the rest of the time (see pic above). He also left the stage whenever he wasn't playing. Several people remarked on this, but an explanation could well be that he has the bug that's afflicted the rest of the band recently.

according to blogs he's had a lousy cold/chest infection

I saw them a couple of weeks ago and Ric said he'd had a cold, but was no longer infectious... seems as though he is really still suffering...

His only talkie bit was before Danny Jack's Reward in Worthing last week...

Ditto Pontardawe. He was completely silent in the first half. I was getting worried! I think most of us are so used to him bouncing around like Zebedee, that it came as a bit of a shock. I hope the Chaps get over their assorted lurgies soon. Tour is almost at an end.  {:-)

Must be hell to have to be on show as they are when feeling dreadful... I'd just want to retreat to my bed...

The show must go on.. well done chaps!

Well said Jen.  ;D

Ta Shirl  :)

And, I suppose with Peggy doing the introductions etc that was one less thing he would be doing anyway.  But I did appreciate his time machine joke and the Jack Daniels reference ;D

Ric did a little bit at Farnham but to be honest they all seemed to be suffering.I was impressed at how they just kept going in spite of feeling ill.

Southport tonight - I'll report back on the state of health tomorrow.

I hope they've been for a stroll along the promenade (or even had a ride on the (very) narrow gauge train) - fresh sea air, that should help!

Union Chapel for me this Saturday.  ;D

It looks like Southport's sea air did the trick - everyone seemed healthy last night and they put on a great show. Having seen a show at the start of the tour (New Brighton) then last night, I was amazed at how much more relaxed the whole affair was. Not the New Brighton was in any way poor - it certainly wasn't, but I thought last night's show was so good. They are really running into form.

See you there  :)

Hang on, isn't it Sunday ???

Yes!!  ;D But I am having a concert weekend, Oysterband Saturday, Fairport on Sunday, just got them muddled! Thanks Colin, its my age... ;) :o ::)

And we'll just be queuing very early!

I did wonder about the Oysterband but couldn't fit it all in. Hope it's good.

I thought the UNion Chapel was on the 9th? That's SUNDAY.....

It's ok Chris, I'm just off my medication that's all....!  ;) - see my error above or below, depending on how one views TAW.  8) Wherever I am going or whenever, I'll be there!

I'll be there, too.

That was a couple of years ago with Kieran Goss wasn't it?

Union Chapel had a good atmosphere last night to end the tour. Good to hear some new songs aired, loved Chris in the red jacket.  ;) One tends to forget how effortlessly he changes instrument and makes each one sound so good.

As others have said,Edwina has a lovely voice, enjoyed her set and her input with WKWTTG.

The rapport between the band seemed a bit 'tired' at times, Ric didn't utter a word or pranced around until almost the end when he did tell one of his 'corny' jokes. Peggy livened it up with his non musical 'antics.' Martin Driver was still selling the goods.

Just a thought, no mischief intended, Simon announced that Peggy's incident with a dishwasher was close to the wire but they had back up with his son......Matt Pegg, excellent replacement for Peggy, so who could stand in for the others if need be, or eventually when the Fairport flag gets past on?  ;)

Hmm, not sure Matt would be interested full-time?....

well, maybe not Chris, I meant it as a sort of 'wish list' if one couldn't have the real thing for any reason... ;)

It is a question that has been asked before and an idea that the band are in favour of but, given the recent history of the Albion Band, I wonder how realistic it actually is. I suspect that most of Fairport's audience would not be accepting of a band that did not at least have Simon or Peggy in and a "new generation" band would have to bring in a new generation of fans to sustain it, which is what the Albions were unable to achieve. The new generation of folk/rock fans have their own bands. They don't need a recycled old one.

I think there's more to it than original personnel alone...I reckon a band with Ric and Chris in it at least (nearly 45 years service between 'em, isn't it?) would appeal to the fans of the current band, who let's face it, musically have virtually nothing in common with the pre-80's band.

My review here http://darrensmusicblog.wordpress.com/2014/03/10/fairport-convention-at-union-chapel-9314/

I think it's tendons in Peggy's hand that are the problem rather than "a finger", leaving him frantically exercising his fingers morning and night in order to get ready to tour in May.

Personally, I still think Myths and Heroes is outstanding, or at least has that opportunity, provided it arrives on the next album with its rock roots undiluted.

Thanks Andy - will correct

True. The 'Festival Bell' CD did sound a bit thin compared with when it was played live.