TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

First date in -

Warwick Arts Centre Friday 29th January 2016 @ 8pm (so close to 11pm finish) £21

How nice to be able to look forward to Winter on a day like this ;D

Southport date of 30th January 2016 is in the Atkinson Theatre brochure, but not on sale on the site yet.

Dates now up on FC website, start planning folks.

For the first time since we started going in 1990 it seems they are missing out the Chesterfield venue.

Very bad news for me!

Wonder why??

Bugger, so they are.  That's a pain :-(

The numbers have been going down at that venue over the last few years...  

Need to look at dates and travel.. Don't want to miss.

Nettlebed already booking 2016 Spring Tour...16 May since you ask!!!!

Yaay! A Cardiff date -31st January.

Just booked my usual front row seats at The Atkinson, Southport for 30th January.

Thanks Peter - great timing - We've booked the seats next to you again - setting off for Cropredy tomorrow (8th).

Enjoy Cropredy Tony - I wish I was going. I love Emmylou Harris.

Mmmmmmmm, where's the Burnley date gone????? Unless my eyes are deceiving me.....

Philip

20 May - Bilston Robin2

22 October - Netherlands, De Boerderij, Zoetermeer

Josh and I will be in row D.  8) 8)

Just booked online for Union Chapel. Wouldn't mind but Music Glue charge £5 on top of the ticket price for an e-ticket that you print yourself!! Its my ink and paper I'm using!!!

That is just taking the piss...   go elsewhere!

Still waiting for them to print the tickets for the Electric Palace in Bridport. I have been trying to buy some since September!

Just booked for The Stables, Milton Keynes     ;D double  ;D ;D as love Roger Davies

Finally managed to buy my tickets to the gig at the Electric Palace in Bridport. Ticket numbers 7 and 8! Wonderful venue within staggering distance of home roll on February¡!!!

Birmingham Town Hall are having a SAle! 25% off (£6) a ticket for Fairport (so £18 currently) until Saturday January 2 at 10am.

Don't be fooled though - the deduction isn't made from full price until you check out - so go right through & check the price before submitting card details. It gets discounted at that last step.

Am I understanding this post correctly- the tickets are £24?
 25% off, making it £18 a ticket??
If so, that's a bit pricey isn't it?
 :o

Pretty standard this time....well, in excess of £20 is...so maybe a quid or so over general pricing

Last time I saw them, admittedly it was a few years ago, the tickets were £12.

Blimey, that was a few years ago then!

About 8yrs ago I think.
It seems so expensive to me as most of the music I see live nowadays, tickets are usually between £8 and £15 max.  

Over £60 to see King Crimson: last time I saw them it was free.  ;D

Has anybody heard why Burnley Mechanics has vanished from the schedules after so many (very busy) years??

Philip

They said somewhere (website or newsletter) that some regulars were being given a rest in favour of some new venues. Reading between the lines, I would hazard a guess that those venues have put up their hire prices, and may reappear in the acoustic tour where they're not taking full crew on the road.

Is that anywhere near Stow on the Wold?

Did buy tickets for the Fairport concert on February 20 which is part of a Celtic festival.

H U R R A H

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I haven't yet got my ticket for Tewkesbury, and I don't know why.  I can't put my finger on a reason... perhaps I need a year off from the Wintour, having not missed one for years?  ???

It's a slippery slope.  I did that in about 2005.  I've not been back...

same old same old, ive not seen them acoustic or wintour for a few years as well, while they were always enjoyable  it was hardly rivetting. My views on the current state of the band are well known.

Checking at the weekend, oddly, only seats left are actually towards the front/in the front row.

I am still undecided. I went last year and they were terrific but that was my first Wintour for about four years.

Part of what made it work last year was the new material that gave the show a freshness and forced the band to raise their game, irrespective of whether any of that material ultimately has legs.

This is one of those fallow years though. No new record. No really special occasions so the show will likely be one we have seen before (as will their Cropredy set) so it doesn't excite me.

If there are still tickets available on the night (there weren't last year) I may pop along.

I went for the first time in ages last year, and really loved it, but that was because they were playing at High Wycombe, and I could just stay late after work.  Nearest concert this time is Farnham.  May just leave it and go to the Acoustic tour at Nettlebed in May.

Al - nail, head, hit! Though seeing Chris' note that there's only a few seats left, I may well show my face!

Roses website shows all seats sold. Spring tour for me, then.

Grrrr. BBC have decided that Liverpool should play West Ham in the cup at 17.30 on Saturday 30th Jan. Guess who's got tickets for Fairport in Southport that night at 19.30!

I'd suggest leaving Anfield before the end of the match... but you'd get caught up in the rush of tourists leaving for the Cavern!

Helicopter from Stanley Park to Woodvale, taxi to Lord St, sorted!  ;)

Surely there's a pub in Southport that'll have it on live? Or are you saying you have a ticket for the game?

I don't actually have a ticket yet, but my son and I were intending to go, and will need the credits for any future FA Cup ties (Ever the optimist!). My son will still go - I'll probably buy a ticket for one of his friends to use, thus preserving my credits.

Just one seat (H22) left at Tewkesbury... I've just bagged H7!

(I reckon I'll need cheering up after the League Cup semi-final tomorrow).  ;)

Anyone else from TAW going on Thursday?

The Scarisbrick across the road will definitely have the game on and it's a 2 minute walk from the gig. I could well be in there for the 2nd half.

Tiddle break here at Tewkesbury, lads on good form, couple of lesser known songs from the repertoire plus a fair smattering from Myths and Heroes. New CDs from Chris and Ric's trio at the merch table.

And another couple of surprises in the second half... More later, when I'm at the laptop. Don't worry, I'll use the spoiler buttons...

Looking forward to Southport tomorrow night. Bought 2 tickets for Liverpool's game and my youngest son and a friend are going, to keep the credits up for a possible 2nd Wembley visit later in the year. (Sorry to rub it in Paul!). Eldest son back from University to see FC. Front row centre at the Atkinson is nice and close to the action.

I was in row H last night at Tewkesbury - just about eye level with the band. Sound (courtesy of Mr John Gale) was pretty good - a couple of slightly "muddy" moments, and a faulty cable on Simon's rig caused some piercing feedback for half a song.  The chaps in good health (has Simon shed a few pounds?) and spirits and seemingly enjoying being back what they do best.  The usual inter-song banter, some obviously pre-arranged, but certainly some "unscripted"! And of course, Simon did manage to forget the words at one point - fortunately, the song's author was on stage to prompt him!

No calegramme/progendar this year (boo!), but a most entertaining programme, in which we are all invited to vote for 20 songs/tunes recorded by Fairport to be included in the setlist for next year's Wintour. Matty & MOTL are a given, so no need to include them. Iguess this will appear on the FC website at some stage.

OK - here's what they played last night (apologies if I've got some items in the wrong order) as far as I can remember:

Thanks, Paul. Nice to see the second song in set two back again.  :)

What a great set and some definite surprises! Love the opener too

Not sure if I can get to the tour this year...  Hope so nearer the end.

How nice to know that ....  (Where's the spoiler button please?)  is at last included, haven't heard that for donkey's!

Sounds good to me - we're off to see them in Queens Hall in edinburgh next weekend - looking forward to it already

I've bought tickets for the Spring Tour, but seeing the setlist I now wish there was a closer one on the Wintour.  As long as they play some of the more unusual ones in May...

So Roger Davies (the support) doesn't join them for MoTL and won't be at Cropredy? This is a departure from past practice. Usually the reward for touring unpaid with Fairport is exposure at Cropredy and CD sales there as well as on tour. Odd.

Perhaps being the opening night there was some sort of technical issue for not appearing on MOTL?

Maybe he didn't get the memo.

Jules

Maybe he had gone to catch the bus home?

Just enjoying a merchandising opportunity at Warwick arts centre, 1st half out of this world, didnt think I would enjoy Roger Davies but was more than pleasantly surprised, will look at getting his CD later, it's very busy right now. More later, were being called in for round 2.

Back from part the second, and what a great night it has been, some new numbers and good banter, and yes Roger did join in for MotL as well as a guest appearance from Anna Ryder, not putting up a setlist as I haven't got a clue about spoiler buttons etc, and I'm doing this on my phone, if you are going to a gig you will not be disappointed, if you haven't got tickets yet, what are you waiting for.... Happy days....ps muted talk from Peggy of a 2017 tour 'stateside' .

Much tighter set at Warwick Uni compared with last night at the Roses. Bit unsure about the set list to start with but it grows after a second listen and they really nailed it tonight.
To be completely pedantic they opened with East Neuk of Fife before playing into the first song on Paul's list.

Correct! But as that tune didn't get a separate credit on the album (well, not on the cd issue I have!), I just put the title as shown. Good to hear the set is bedding in, though!

Hi Paul,
Why can't I see your spoiler...?
It will be me doing/not doing something!

That may well be the case, Jack!

I know I probably shouldn't be on this site anymore....... but there is nothing on this set list that attracts me..

Who would we laugh at/along with, if you disappeared then Dave?
I agree with you incidentally.

Laugh at?😉😅
I meant go away as in, I'm not a dyed in the wool ,go to every tour ,fairporter.

Ah, that's all clear now!

He joined them tonight in Southport for MOTL (complete with lyrics for him on a prompt sheet on stage  :)) but agree about the missing Cropredy point, that seems strange. I said that to Josh at half time and his view was that they have had plenty of solo artists like him on at Cropredy before so maybe its something else? He is a Thursday afternoon act (after the one after fairport acoustic say?)  I feel.

That last sentence makes me happy at the prospect!

What I was trying to say Pete, is that I feel a bit hypocritical being on a Fairport site, when their later albums, tours and even, in the last few years, Cropredy performances have had little impact on me.

I thought so Dave, that's what I was agreeing with!   :)

my feelings exactly, and i concur with Dave about the last few Cropredy appearances unfortunately, but none of you will be surprised by that.

Jim, you feel I shouldn't be on here anymore and us, bred from the same sheep! >:( ;D

Surely loving 60s and 70s Fairport is good enough, no?

Jules

Me too Andy .
When John Watterson (Fake Thackary) did their support he was on at Edinburgh fringe Cropredy week.
He drove down to play on the Thurs, drove back ,to do a gig  in Edinburgh on the Fri eve and sat midday, then drove back to Cropredy , getting there in time to go on stage for MOTL (and wave in an Eurovision Song Contest manner with his son who also waved. Drink may have been taken)
So I always thought playing Cropredy was important for the support act.
John tells this far better than me on his blog on his website, including the incriminating video.

Thanks Jules. Nice thought but possibly not.

Why do you say that? I think there are probably more TAWers in that category than not.

No Dave i think voices of sanity like ours are needed more than ever as FC sink ever deeper into the morass that they have created over the past 30 years. They have settled for a style that suits some elderly gentlemen, not me though, i got fed up with the perfunctory performances and poor albums.

I think between 75-77 were the final years when I actually got excited/interested at the prospect of a new release.
It's all too safe and bland IMO.

Hang in there Dave, the next album might be an absolute peach, exceeding Liege and Lief in creativity and Full House for excitement! Actually I stopped buying Fairport albums after Nine as later albums left me underwhelmed. However I took a chance with  Myths and Heroes and I really enjoy this album, good songwriting, good musicianship. Not in the same league as the classics but enjoyable nevertheless and an interesting piece of work.

Really? Thanks never thought of it like that.

Just got back from the concert at St David's Hall, Cardiff. Thoroughly enjoyable evening with a wide variety of songs from the Fairport back catalogue. Roger Davies was OK and seemed like a nice chap, but not really my cup of tea.

Nice to see you there Mick. I thought they played well, but the audience was dire - lots of applause but no cheering. Despite FC liking the venue I don't think it suits them - they need somewhere a bit smaller. Valleys clubs are spot-on for them.

Maybe the audience reacted to what they saw and heard?

B rij/ Mick,
We have to accept that the members of Fairport and their audience are ageing.
Their concerts are becoming comfortable , armchair, 'enjoyable' evenings.
No risks, gentle and pleasant.
A very close friend , who died in 2014 , loved Steeleye. We took him to see Steeleye in Brum, Dec, 2012, I think .
He was so disappointed that they lacked, energy, drive etc and the audience were placid. I reported this on this site and got a reply which disagreed and said, 'we almost gave them a standing ovation'. Almost.
A Fairport audience is in a similar place.
I think Steeleye have tried to rekindle their folk rock roots, Wintersmith, etc.
There are bands out there bringing energy to performance, Blackbeards Tea Party, Trad Arrr, Demons, and I see lots of young folk players who bring energy to their audience. ( if Blackbeards are still bringing their level of energy to performance in 50 years time , I will be very surprised.)
Individually Fairports are a tremendous bunch of players, each one an outstanding musician and I sincerely mean that but they have been doing it for a bloody long time. I know the energy it takes me at the age of 64, to play the number of gigs I do. I take my hat off to Fairports for the energy level, commitment and tour programme they maintain. Remember they still travel like a young band, in a van.
So if they  and their audience, have  become a bit gentle, a bit safe, like bathing in warm milk rather than Red Bull, it is the way it is.
Long may their audience enjoy them. May I get one more Cropredy performance to have me down the front for the whole set.
They are a band who has meant a tremendous amount to me but if we have learnt nothing of our musical heroes in the last few weeks, many are ageing into the land of polite applause.

To be fair, it's a minibus, not a van. Sprawling out amongst the kit in the back of a transit whilst driving hundreds of miles, whilst enjoyable in our youth, is not a pursuit best followed beyond 30.

I've heard that they've even got a cassette player in the dashboard.  ;D

30 years, and indeed 30 mph in some of the vans I've been in!  ;)

I agree that FC shows these days tend to be "comfortable" - if I were 26 not 62, and seeing them for the first time, I think I'd still enjoy the show, but it would lack a "cutting edge", but that's what I was looking for at that age.  If I want "edge" these days in a live show, well, it'd be Laibach or the latest King Crimson incarnation or Stick Men.  If I want a perfectly enjoyable evening akin to watching a bunch of old friends doing what they do - well - then it's FC for me.

It was great to see Anna Ryder on stage with Fairport at Warwick Arts Centre on Friday for one number and MOTL. Brought back memories of seeing her as support on the 99 Wintour.

Strangely I 'd given up on the tours until we were invited along by friends last year. Enjoyed the show far more than I thought I would, and after years of buying the albums out of a sense of duty, there was actually one I quite enjoyed!!! Sad then that this year Burnley has gone and the other local shows are unavailable to us due to prior commitments.

Of course, the next time I go it may be the same old story, and the end of my FC gigging once again!!!!

Philip

Maybe the Fairport concerts are comfortable, pleasant etc but are they really that bad?

Last two times I saw them I really enjoyed myself.

Last time I saw Steeleye with the rather annoying Rock guitar and some songs from Wintersmith I was bored stiff, but, again, matter of taste.

That Gottle O' Geer was a corker though, wasn't it?   ::)

They weren't bad - far from it. Simon forgot his words once (I know some find this amusing, I don't particularly) but they played really well and the choice of songs was good. Lots from Myths and Heroes as expected but plenty from other eras. Too much mando from Mr Leslie for my liking, but he also played some acoustic and electric guitar, but strangely no violin  :-\

I feel more sorry for the band when the reaction is flat - a few cheers and whistles makes all the difference!  :o  
I wasn't expecting the band to leap around the stage like in "the old days" but I thought the audience could have been a bit more animated. Their loss!

Maybe they were saving their energy for Cropredy....  {:-)

I noticed that Chris didn't even have his violin on stage at Southport, which is a disappointment. I agree that the show isn't the most thrilling music around but, as a few people have said, there's nothing wrong with 'enjoyable' especially at their age! As for the audience, be careful what you wish for when it comes to cheers and whistles - the Southport show was marred by some over-enthusiastic drunken cheering not only between songs, but during them too. It's good to show your appreciation, but not to the detriment of the music and other peoples' enjoyment!

Exactly , I rest my case.

So a minibus isn't a van?

Never ever said they were bad. Completely the opposite.

My pet hate  >:( yes there was none of that thank goodness!

Not according to road fund taxation classes.

It's all about the number of seats, windows, and degree of comfort, innit?  I've gigged in both.  They are not the same.

Jules

Still playing the smaller venues, Jules?  ;D

"Tonight, for one night only, in my neighbours Smart car..."  ;)

If only.  I've done one gig in the past two years, and that was a set of cover songs.   :(

Jules

Blimey Chasps, it was a throw away word. They call it a van.
We have a camper van. It has a bed in it. It has seats in it. We call it a van!
Actually we call her Shirley and she will be available for tourist groups during Cropredy , at the usual times. The usual facilities will be available for those people who availed themselves of the tour last year.
She's having her leisure battery charged tomorrow!
If you type leisure my spell checker turns it in to lead urge. Just thought I'd share.

Calm thyself, Hendo.  Personally I thought Andy's retort was very witty.

Jules

My spell check changed Simone De Beauvoir into Simone De Beaver the other day, which made me laugh for a ridiculously long time!

I'd be thrilled if Fairport Convention returned to the USA.  I saw the three-piece (Ric, Chris, and Simon) incarnation in 2006 & 2007 at an Ohio venue that no longer exists (The Winchester) but haven't had the pleasure of witnessing the Pegg/Conway rhythm section firsthand since 2002 in California.  

Gentlemen of FC: if you can work Cleveland OH into a future tour, I'll attend the gig(s) and round up many music-loving friends to join me as I can.  Such a concert would be for me one of the highlights of 2017 or whenever.  

Ah ,Simone De Beaver!!
'The Postman Only Comes Twice.' Sheena must never know I was in that film!

In the words of Fox Mulder, I want to believe.

Across this thread only about 7'or 8'comments about the gigs. Does this signify something?

Yes.

I think it says more about the TAW demographic than it does about the band. My social media are regularly updated with 'sold out' notices from Fairport Towers, so I would guess that they're doing something right?

No!!

We went to Stoke on Wednesday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very poor turnout as the locals only like northern soul or heavy metal. The band seemed to know a lot of the audience and so did we , and the gig was surprisingly intimate again for a three quarters empty large hall. Well done to the band for the effort they put in, an excellent show and setlist laced with a lot of good humour (especially the platypus joke!!).
For the first time for ages we will be taking in a second date, probably Shrewsbury as there is a good gap between.
Recommended. ;D

Yes....but Bellowhead and Show of Hands both sold out Victoria Hall last yr and they don't do a lot of metal or northern soul! ;D

It's not a cheap tour either, tickets comparable to Bellowhead and more than SoH, which must have some impact on sales, plus its a "between albums" one as well.

Well, I have to say that I thought that the Edinburgh show was terrific.  The Queen's Hall gig had an excellent turnout and I'm sure that there will have been few, if any, disappointed attendees.
All the boys were in great form, both personally and musically and the set list was a treat. Great night.

As you may know I would have gone in the opposite direction for one of those and the other clashed with Danny and the Champs.

Believe me Stoke attendances are generally poor . I saw one band at Cropredy on the Saturday and then in Stoke on the Monday when we were the only ones there.

I noticed Chrs Leslie, on f/book , said they had a long drive in the van today.  ;D

You're like a dog with a bone Dave!!  ;D

 ;D

Jules

Yes Dave. You win.

Hear hear - Fairport were on vintage form on Saturday in Edinburgh.  The set was a great mix of the old & the new & the playing throughout was excellent.

As Jack also said there was an excellent turnout - probably the biggest audience at the Queen's Hall for a few visits - &, judging by the audience reaction a splendid time was had by all.

Sorry Chaps, just messing.
Bit immobile at pres and stuck in house last few days. Boredom setting in!!!!!!!

A great concert at Eden Court in Inverness last night. One of the best sets I've seen and enjoyed every minute. A good mix of old and new, great to hear Lord Marlborough again after a long absence. Took a first-timer along with me and wondered how he would react, he enjoyed it, said it exceeded his expectations. First time I have seen Roger Davies, opened it nicely, good voice and playing but thought his songs could have been stronger. Huddersfield Town was the pick for me.

Now you tell us!  ::)

Why're you immobile presently old chap?

Hip replacement not behaving.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery then Dave.  :)

The Inverness gig was wonderful and I haven't come down yet! Would love to see them again, but too far away, I fear! Surely they must be up for Best Live Act again?

Just back from my 8th (i think) consecutive year at Farnham. In the last 3 years it's been my only show , i used to always do 3 or 4. It was a good show that included a funny Steeleye Span spoof but i think in future i'll wait until they come to Sutton.Unless they let me pick the setlist !

As Jack also said there was an excellent turnout - probably the biggest audience at the Queen's Hall for a few visits - &, judging by the audience reaction a splendid time was had by all.
[/quote]

Peggy reckoned that the increased footfall was down to their appearance at Celtic Connections a year ago.
But, for whatever the reason, it was nice to see upstairs at the Queen's Hall open ended up again for a Fairport gig. Last time there was cabaret tables.

And, for what it's worth, I thought that the set list was brilliant!

Loved the gig last week at the Stables, Milton Keynes. Great set list, ****jokes, onstage banter and after gig chat. It was so great to hear Lalla Rukh again.

I was reduced to my usual post-good-gig incoherence and ear-to-ear grin. Result.

Fairport played here in Rotterdam last night as part of a festival which gave them just 1 hour and 15 minutes but they were very good, I have absolutely no complains.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear Ye mariners and Lord Marlborough.

They will return to the Netherlands in October and I was planning to go until I spoke with someone who knows the venue, he told me it was standing room only, no seats and that it can get packed there. Now looking around at the audience I saw that 95 % were people in their sixties, some even walking with a stick to support them. I wonder how many of them will like to stand there for maybe two hours, well, not me, much too tiring.

Really? What venue is that in Oct? As Roots aan de Zaan we had to pass, fully booked already in that period. It would be odd - over here anyway - to put this in a standing only venue, with all due respect knowing the amount of grey hairs in our audience when they played Zaandam.

Worthing for me tonight

Oh, was it tonight? Good job I didn't attempt it. Was working in Shropshire today and, courtesy of the usual chaos on Southern Rail, did not get home until 9pm. Hope it was agood show and well attended.

Back from Worthing - a great night overall.

Roger Davies and his songs were pleasant enough, but he bore an alarming resemblance to Stephen Merchant.

As for Fairport - they were excellent, even the songs from Myths & Heroes sounded good tonight ; maybe the guys have settled into playing them or they've grown on me ? In particular "The Man In The Water" is due for a reassessment.

Other highlights included "Lord Marlborough", "Lalla Rookh", "Ye Mariners All", "Hawkwood's Army", "My Love Is In America", and the between-song chat suggested they were on fine form. On this showing, would like to see them again this year ; have realised how much I've missed a dose of live Fairport !

Great gig at The Electric Palace in Bridport last night.Despite the problems they had with power with Roger Davies being plundged into darkness half way into his set and the lads losing their instruments and mikes and having to stop in the middle of man in the water.

What? They lost their instruments during the song?  ;D

New venue at the Camp and Furnace in Liverpool last night, very different to any other I've seen Fairport in.  Long hofbrauhaus style tables,  really good.  Cold though.  Second time on the Winter Tour for me, thought the chaps and set list were excellent.  Really like Roger Davies too....

From the Fairport Twitter account:

oh dear....

yes, curfew at 10.30 means a 7.30 start needed - the support may be short of audience.

The chaps were on fine form last night at the Opera House in York.

The venue was over 100 years old, our first visit there, lots of stairs and not much room in the bars as the main bar was still closed due to the winter flooding which caused a lot of damage to this lovely building.

Maybe it was the huge hike in prices, (booking fee and transaction fees added onto the normal priced tickets), that left the theatre apparently half empty (by my calculation). Such a shame.

Roger Davies was well supported by his friends and family in the audience, and came across very well.

The normal post gig signing and meet n greet apparently 'wasn't allowed' here...  Another pity.

I went away with a double ear worm last night...  Lallah Rookh and Crudités...  😂😃

A great gig, thanks chaps.

Salford Lowry on Sunday was a great gig in a fantastic venue (Quays Theatre).
It was a pleasure to hear Roger Davies in the flesh after following his career in the Huddersfield Examiner for a few years now.'James Dean' was a good transition number with the Fairports.

Main set was very similar to the 'Spoiler' many pages ago.6 or 7 from 'Myths and Heroes' show what a good album this is.

Row N in the stalls, fantastic view.Great sound from John Gale too.

Just had an email from Music Glue - doors at Union Chapel now 6.45. Presumably to give us time to get in before 7.30 kick off. After all we're none of getting any younger.

Thanks for that. See you there....!  ;)

Sorry to quote myself...  ::) I did look for you Tim but didn't see you there!

The chaps were fab last night at Union Chapel. Enjoyed the set list very much and I am still in awe at these amazing musicians and the sound they make. It was all very relaxed and full of banter. Just recovering today from sitting on those pews....(forgot my cushion!!)  ::)

Just the one song from Chris's new album I wasn't sure about (something about Ikea and DIY...lol. )  ;D

Edmund played the trumpet for the finale....MOTL. Enjoyed Roger's set, good strong voice.
Met Martin Driver and Mr. Nicol in the pub beforehand......  :-X

Simon: What do you call the vegetables that you slice to dip in houmous?
Audience: Chips!

It could only be Birmingham Town Hall....

Great gig for last night of tour, very end-of-term feel and some really tight musicianship.
Sound from John Gale has been outstanding ever since the first night at Tewkesbury (which seems an age away).

Looking forward to May......

Saw the gig at the somewhat gorgeous Albany theatre in Coventry tonight. It was an acoustic gig without any drums.

Thoroughly enjoyable. First time I've seen them for, ahem, almost a decade. I even enjoyed Hiring Fair, especially Ric's Soft Machine-esque bit at the end.

Great venue - bit of a gem, really - but barely half full. I haven't seen any promotion locally.

Not sure if this is correct place but can't find a "Spring Tour" thread!

Does anyone know anything about The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne Minster as a venue?  Is anyone going on Tuesday?

Just in from the Tardis-like Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne - the chaps were on fine form. Set pretty similar to the Winter Tour, and the between song banter hilarious. Overall an excellent gig, here's a grainy photo from the back of the stalls.

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Was Swarb acknowledged?

Acknowledged, saluted, and applauded, certainly, but with a minimum of fuss. No set changes (that I noticed) or special stories, etc.

Back also - wish we could have met up, Dan, I was at the back of the stalls also!

Was Crazy Man Michael in the original set?
Simon gave Ric a nod before it started and I wondered if it was added or whether maybe Simon couldn't do the lead to it.
Either way it was very poignant- I find it a haunting song anyway!

On a different note, a brilliant gig with great humour and I thought "John Condon" was amazing - it sounded very Irish - more so than on the CD.

It was in the set at Liverpool on 11th May.

Crazy Man Michael is such a staple of their repertoire, I think they would have played it anyway - it just has slightly more poignant overtones right now...

Did you get their take on Gaudete / Crudite? That was superbly done, I thought

Oh yes, and it was even funnier hearing it again  ;D

CMM has been in the set list throughout.....it follows straight on from the previous tune(Festival Bell?)  and is not introduced. Simon, rather than Gerry, counts Ric in ..."one, two, tickety boo", then joins him on guitar.

The Gaudete skit was introduced during the Wintour, it was certainly present at Brum Town Hall.

This'll probably upset a few, but doesn't that make you cringe? IMO.

Confuses me more than makes me cringe: that count in covers 4 beats, but the song is in 3/4!

I like the count-in.  Doesn't make me cringe at all.  It's sweetly playful.

Jules

I knew you'd disagree Jules.  ::)

Haha!  ;D

Crikey, if that makes you cringe you can't have heard any of Ric' s intro's recently..... ;D

Apart from Cropredy two years ago, I haven't seen them in concert for probably 6 or 7 years.
I always found Ric's attempts at pushing the merchandise quite endearing I must admit.

Depends how he does it of course. It would work if it were "one ([crotchet] rest, rest), two (rest, rest), tickety-boo (rest, rest)".

I think it was when I realised that Fairport had turned into a cross between The News Huddlines and The Seekers that I started to throw in the towel.  It's like the Radio 2 of our youth with knobs on.  Just hideous.   :'(

Harsh, but I take your point.

Jules

That's letting them off rather lightly, IMHO.

Wouldn't that make them the News Seekers?

 ;D

Our heroes at The Brook in Southampton. No real surprises, no crudites, just a high quality well-played set, consistent with the three times I've seen them this year...

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Chris, growing a beard.....

Time for Ric's beard to reappear? (see back of Rise Up lp)

Was the crowd as thin as it looks?  :-\

They didn't open the upstairs section of the venue, so appeal must've been selective.  
Mind you, it's the second time they've played Southampton this year, a bit unusual to play the same town twice in the same year, probably slotted this gig in as an extra on the way back from playing the Isle Of Wight on Saturday night. I went last night 'cos I couldn't get to the earlier gig.