TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Cropredy line-up looking good.  :)

Just about to post the same :)

All looking good to me.

Looking great - really happy

Very pleased with what has been confirmed so far.

So It’s anniversary time at Cropredy.2019 with the 40th anniversary of the festival and Martin Barre playing 50 years of Jethro Tull and Caravan in their 50th year! Line-up just announced and looks pretty good to me with Seth Lakeman, Waterboys, Richard Thompson, Martin Simpson, Daphne’s Flight, Wildwood Kin, Zal Cleminson and Will Pound all announced as well  ;D

Well this is all a bit odd. Where's the moaning.  [;-)

I think you’ve just started it  ;D

But where on the bill are they - love it so far but surely no headliners?

Would guess Waterboys for Friday headliner spot and Thursday headliner to be announced in the new year?

Nothing not to like their.

Very well balanced . Great to see RT ,Seth Lakeman, Waterboys again. Safe to say I will love them,always do.

Personally I am looking forward to Wildwood Kin (saw them on BBC Glastonbury coverage and was impressed). Last saw Caravan early in the 1970's. The Sin Dogs were excellent at the Brasenose last year,ZC has that star factor in bucket loads.

Looking like a great week because Green Diesel announced up at field 8 and the Brasenose excelling with Merry Hell , Krankshaft, Bar Steward Sons and Galley Beggar ,might be a year in which we have to try to be in two places at once.

Our tickets will be bought dead on the button coming up on screen.

This is looking good....so is the Brase so far....time to start scribbling down a list of acts and times and running frantically over the bridge and up the road and back for three days.

Best (and most Cropredy like) lineup for a very very long time.

Great looking line up. I'd go to that.

But I won't.

Well, yeah.  Me too, but if I was going I'd be excited  ;D

But David Cross and David Jackson are on at the Brase too....a bit of Crimson related stuff can't tempt you ?

Waterboys will headline one night and I’d be very happy with Seth being the other.  So much to look forward to already.

Can anyone share the Brase line up so far ? Delighted if Merry Hell are back there.

Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican
Krankschaft
Galley Beggar
David Cross and David Jackson
Merry Hell
Orphan Colours

So why not turn your excitement into reality?

On the Richard Thompson discussion list someone has posted that RT is doing a set with friends including DM, SN and DP. Question as to whether Christein will join them as she is there, seems highly likely. Could be a real deal clincher but Caravan is the other biggie for me.

Thanks Mike - it's looking fabulous

Just playing (loudly) Out of all this Blue in celebration.  

Christine joined RT at Towersey this year for a few songs - totally unrehearsed, apparently, though it didn't show - which was amazing.  Seeing him with the ex-Fairporters always excites me more than seeing him with his own band, tbh.

Wondering if Seth Lakeman and Wildwood Kin will be on the same day - they recorded an album together, so that would be another good hookup, if they were to join him for some of his set.

It's looking good to me so far.  Never heard any Caravan - any ideas on where to start?

If I could hear Caravan doing all of Nine Feet Underground  I'd go home a very happy camper. Yaayy. The rest is pretty good for a first call. Let's hope they don't drag it all out too long like they did last year..

Still hoping a certain Mr R Plant will headline Thursday but happy at today’s announcement  :)

In The Land of Grey & Pink is their classic

Well in my case, because initial excitement usually metastacizes into dread and anxiety in recent times so the qualifier is, I'd go to that if it was closer to home, with covered stages, fewer people, was less expensive and did not involve camping.

OK Al I can understand that but as a relatively reticent type 1 diabetic with a kidney transplant, only one eye (with 75% vision in that too), hypertension and living in north east Essex (so a good 2 1/2 hours drive away) and a dislike of camping, I still make the effort...actually I stay in a hotel near Daventry  ;D but can understand your reasons as I refuse to go to the BST concerts in Hyde Park despite but a great desire to see many of the artists but the hassle factor is too much...Cropredy is special though

Absolutely, by a mile. And I just Googled and it looks like it features heavily in their recent setlists

YEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!WATERBOYS!!!! THOMPSON!!!SETH LAKEMAN!!!
just need to get Loudon on for the Satuday afto slot

http://www.hellodesign.co.uk/clients/fairport/nov2018/fcc40.png

We can also surmise the main logo of the Cropredy 2019 t shirt!

Looks pretty damn good to me!

See you at the cricket club  :D

Looks good to me.

What does Zal Cleminson's band play? I would love to hear some classic SAHB.

Paul

I love it on here that people who are absolutely not attending put in a comment.....I do not think that the Waterboys will be the headliners on the Thursday night. There surely must be more to come?...

"There surely must be more to come?..."
Like mark Knopfler, and Fruupp reunited  ??

(Sorry, just dreaming...)

Totally agree...if you’re not coming then that must limit the validity of your comment? I now expect a torrent of abuse for that  :o and also think the Waterboys will not headline Thursday but could be pencilled in for Friday in the headliner spot occupied by the Levellers this year. But also desperately hope we don’t get the muted set that they dished up!

He did a couple of SAHB tracks at the Brase - no spoilers - but differently to the originals. His original intention was to do none of the old stuff, so that may change.

I happen to think my opinion (20 Cropredy appearances 1984-2010) is as valid as the next person's, Bernie.  As it would be if I hadn't been to a single one....

Bernie, as someone with 25 (!i think) Cropredies behind me , I am simply replying because you annoyed me. In the last 6 years I missed the last 2 years cos I was gigging at other fests. For a couple of those years I just did the fringe , including playing the fringe for 4 consecutive years.
I love RT , I have seen him a lot, but will see him this year at Folkeast.
Love the Waterboys but have seen them a lot, as recently as this year.
Always enjoy Seth but have seen him a lot.
For me it is always about unknown bands further down the list and the Brase is already looking strong.
People told me Zal was stunning at the Brase last year.
So I'll see if we get a gig, if not then I'll have a think but my 'right' to have an opinion can be argued about but I will have an opinion.
I think the small mindedness of some Cropredy goers,' you can't have an opinion unless you go' ,being a prime example , is what put me off, these days.
As my wife ( 20 Cropredies) said in 2013 , 'it's become like a primary teachers day out.' Harsh , but I know what she means. It's become a bit polite!
 Seried banks of chairs. Don't stand, don't dance, have your chair 8.3 centimetres from our chairs.....take your hankies for the Digance Morris , have bands you can sing along to.....Hold hands with your partner as you walk onto the field so you don't get lost , but don't get in front of headteacher, Mr Nicol and do your nice anorak up or you won't feel the benefit! Ok I exaggerate for  ,hopefully, humorous purposes....l
Bernie, I cannot express how much I loved Cropredy, how much it meant to me... My best male mate's ashes are on that field ( 20 Cropredies together), which I put there during MOTL in 2012... So I'll stop ranting but don't ever tell anyone they can't voice an opinion....
Incidentally Bernie, bung an avatar up, if you are going to have an opinion at least have the bottle to put your face to it. Love and cuddles..,Dave!
Sorry Colin.....'I'm better now!

Agreed, at what point are people "qualified" to have an opinion about Cropredy ? Having been to 1 festival ? After 5 ? Double figures ?

Says I with "only" 14 Cropredys behind me - had I been a) old enough and b) discovered FC and the festival earlier I'm sure I would have gone to a whole lot more !

Btw, back on thread : lineup looking not bad so far, but I'll make a decision whether to go based on the full bill.

Now now *slightly glares at vague people*
It's only been ONE day since the first bit of the lineup has been announced and already a bit of squabbling has broken out.

So let's have a cup of tea and and a biscuit and be nice

Exactly this, though for a different period, 1990-2012 and the fringe this year. And I still listen on the radio. Just because personal issues prevent attendance these days does not mean that the festival is not special to me or that I am not interested in its future. I would love to see this line up. I feel entitled to say so but it will not be possible for me.

The problem with opinions Chris, is when people express the opinion that other people shouldn't express an opinion. Anyway :



Also:
Folklaw
Benjamin Folke Thomas
Mr Tea and the Minions
Winter Wilson

2019 Line up so far (more to be announced in the new year!)


Thursday 8 August 2019

The Waterboys

Lil Jim

Fairport Acoustic

 

Friday 9 August 2019

Richard Thompson (plus Dave Mattacks, Simon Nicol and Dave Pegg)

Seth Lakeman

Caravan

Wildwood Kin

Will Pound & Eddy Jay

 

Saturday 10 August 2019

Fairport Convention & Friends

Martin Simpson

Martin Barre Band plays 50 yrs of Jethro Tull

Zal Cleminson’s /sin’dogs/

Daphne’s Flight

Tide Lines

Richard Digance

 

Compere for the weekend – Anthony John Clarke

So another 6 acts to be announced including the YFA winner who normally play at the Friday start. In recent years, the festival has consisted of 5 acts on Thursday (including Fairport Acoustic), 7 or 8 on Friday and 7 or 8 on Saturday including Fairport and RD.

Or her opinion 😊😊 you stirred up a hornet’s nest there Bernie !

I like reading the opinions of those who no longer go (or only occasionally go), it's interesting to know what has changed for them, so keep 'em coming.  :)

As for me, not enough to make me think I will definitely turn up, but a few good additions could persuade me. Love Seth, Martin and RT, but I've seen them all before several times, Jethro Tull doesn't float my boat, neither did SAHB. Caravan are OK possibly, Tide Lines could be interesting, ditto Daphnes Flight and the Zydeco chap.
Wildwood Kin are terrific, one of those groups I would love to see more often.

On the other hand, I don't think I have to work that weekend, so throw in some reggae and punk and I'll be there.  8)

Black Uhuru are touring again and on a punk-ish them, I think The Stranglers would go down well...sorry probably wrong thread for this comment  ???

Black Uhuru are great live (and recorded of course).  Sign 'em up.  8)

Maybe I'm not qualified to voice an opinion either as I would buy a ticket on Monday whoever was headlining Thursday. But this is getting close to my dream backbone to the festival, I just wish Ben F-T and MerryHell weren't going to make me move from my comfy chair...

Good grief. A very promising lineup and people are sniping at each other. No wonder nobody from Fairport actually reads TAW any more.

Feel free to give opinions and comment on others opinions, but questioning the right of others to comment will just get deleted.

I think coming on here is more like some friends having a chat about what they think, no matter whether they have been/ are going or whatever the circumstances.

Anyway, my view is that the line up looks great so far and seems to reflect the more folky side of things, as it used to.

(I have simplified this post,  as I realised by reading Colin’s post, after writing my post, that the subject was closed. Of course, I was only saying the above in a more long-winded way,anyhow...nothing controversial.)

I'll tell you what I think.

I think I'll go if I can.

There.  That's told you.

Jules

Well I hope you do..it would be good to see you in real life, I'll buy you a pint or three.

Apologising for my outburst chasps, Sorry Jude, I had just got in from playing a gig, was still a bit wired and Bernie annoyed me!
I want to be there this yr, I want to be at New Forest fest ,I want to be at FATE, I want to be at Folkeast. I want to be at Folk ina Field......we’ll see what life deals.
Big Crimbly kisses to everybody and I will go away again now. ;D

Black Uhuru doesn’t really exist anymore- only Duckie Simpson remains who
is a backing singer at best. I saw Michael Rose - best Black Uhuru singer and
Was in the classic line up with Puma Jones - recently playing ‘Uhuru songs -
Book him! Or Steel Pulse
On another note Monster Ceildh Band were brilliant at Green Man last year and would
go down a storm at Croppers or The Dhol Foundation - Johnny Kalsi’s (Afro Celts) other band
Even more energetic than the brilliant Afro Celts.

I'm raising a thumb to all of the above.

I've always liked you, Mike.

Jules

in my opinion that's probably the best line up for a while.

From what I have seen and heard online I predict Tide Lines will be the smash hit new comers to Cropredy

DW

Catching up on everything as only got back from GBFF at Skeggy today. I think it is a great line up so far, but for health reasons most likely will not be able to attend.

Looks like we’ll all have to wait until February for the full line-up according to the FC website  :-[

FGS get yerselves a room lads!!!

I don't know about a room, but there's always the possibility of the beginning of an intents relationship.
And it's way past time I actually meet up with you, so you may well get a glass of something too.

We'll be at the cricket club at the usual time (usual for us is about 12.30) :)  {:-)

Last year was similar and Brian Wilson wasn’t announced until mid-March. I think this year we have had more of the lineup listed than usual?

You are right. The first announcement last year consisted of6 acts but we’ve had double that this year. I reckon we can still look forward to another 6 or so acts to be revealed and I still expect a big (-ish?) name as a headliner. I reckon The Waterboys will headline Friday but we could still have a big name for Thursday maybe?

Superb line-up, well done Fairport.  Just have to hope for good weather!!

Will the day be warm and bright, or will it snow?
There are people waiting here who really want to know

......Caravan

https://youtu.be/_CqLRXZdnb4/




Edit: hopefully fixed link!

From The Waterboys website:
WATERBOYS FOR CROPREDY 2019

The Waterboys will return to Fairport Convention's Cropredy Festival, held annually in Cropredy, Oxfordshire, England, this coming August. The Waterboys last played Cropredy in 2014 and this year they will headline the first night, Thurs 8 August. Headliners on Friday and Saturday are Richard Thompson (Fri) and Fairport Convention (Sat).

Oh! thanks for this. Happy with line up so far but actually I’m a little disappointed that no new big names are likely to be added to the bill (hope I’m wrong)

You would want one more major headliner if there is any hope of not suffering a repeat of the poor sales of this year.
I’m sorry but as much as I like Richard Thompson and fairport,seeing basically the same people headline Friday and Saturday is no way to sell a festival.

RT has headlined recently and whilst I look forward to his set with the same musicians as Saturday I hope it is a prelude to a big headline act.

If this isn’t the case I can see there being plenty of space on the field and plenty of people attending to go to the brase rather than the festival itself

You would have hoped lessons would have been learned from whoever is/isn’t running things this year.

My thoughts entirely

Correct me if I'm wrong please, but when is the last time Richard actually headlined on any night? I don't think its all that recent unless I'm forgetting a year.  You can still have a top act not actually headline but still bring some buzz to the field at any time of the day. And that might be where you get a few more 'name' acts. I'd say its off to a really solid start with positive buzz and good ticket sales already (judging by the people lamenting Field 8 selling out).

"Correct me if I'm wrong please, but when is the last time Richard actually headlined on any night?"

2017

I wasn’t saying I was hoping for a big name headliner just that I was looking forward to a big name being announced. I still live in hope   ;D

Well, I'm hoping for a Big Name Act too.

It's a good line-up but it's not a great line-up IMHO. It needs an Alice, or Madness or similar

Nice as it is to have the field reasonably quiet all weekend (more space, less queues etc) it needs to be busy to make money and keep going.

There are gaps on all days so will wait with baited breath for the next announcement. I have plenty to keep me busy until then :)

I’m still waiting for Horslips to come out for an encore. If gets cold in the field this time of year !

Waterboys and Seth are good enough for me, I know it is sacrilegious but I’ve never really made it through an entire RT slot - usually end up at the bar or in the village , I’ll be surprised if he headlines. Delighted to get the chance to see Caravan.  Whilst a repeat of 2014 would live Steve Hackett to appear  before Waterboys

You took the words out of my mouth! I thought I was the only one not to get through an entire RT set at Cropredy. Also looking forward to seeing Caravan and what a good call for SH before the Waterboys  :)

I'd love to see Hackett after the Waterboys .

After or before...doesn’t matter to me. Let’s just hope our wishes are met eh?

I'm wishing too!

Yep, he headlined Friday night right after Petula Clark, a hard act to follow.  ;)

This is really in response to the posts in the last couple of pages.
I hope I am not revisiting a conversation that has been done to death but.....
The line up that has been announced so far can be seen as quite Fairport centric , eg , Fairports and RT headlining Fri and Sat and a ,folk rock (!) band headlining Thurs.
So we go back to a ‘feel’ of the 90’s early 2000’s.
I have always completely understood and accepted the need for a big Thursday night headliner in later years to make things financially viable. Personally I didn’t attend in the Alice and Australian Floyd years( I was at the fringe) cos I had no interest in Alice or a covers band.
My fear was that the fest would/ have to change in the future and it may still......
But this year we seem to have a fairly’traditional’ Cropredy lineup. Smaller acts down the bill to discover and of course the growing pull of the fringe. There is so much good music out there in folk clubs etc at the moment .
There are an awful lot of festivals out there now and the ones that seem to be thriving are the niche ones, Sheen and I have just booked for Folk in a Field.
So re Cropredy, perhaps the numbers may be down but it may regain it’s slightly alternative (niche) feel rather than offering a more mainstream headliner and trying to widen it’s appeal. I look forward to a strong Fairport set as RT usually means they raise their game.
I  don’t mean to stir or go over old ground just to put down thoughts that came in to my head on reading this thread.
A strong undercard would attract me........back in the day( from 93 onwards) we always booked for next years Cropredy without any regard to line up....then in the late 00’s line up seemed to be more important as , for us, the fest lost its more intimate feel. We are all different.
Strangely I have booked for Folk in A Field with no knowledge of line up but on the recommendation of friends.......

Sorry but didn't Petula Clark headline, I'm sure I remember Richard being on before her. Last time I can find RT actually headlining was 2007. Since then he has played the set before the headliner (usually on a Friday).

No Richard definitely headlined as I was feeling ill and had to leave halfway through and he was the last act of the day

Yes he was definitely last that year. We watched Pet then bought supper and walked back to the tent to eat and listen to RT from afar.

well there you go, I would have sworn it was the other way round. Mind you I have blanked Petula's set out of my mind as it was dreadful. (IMHO of course)  ;) :D

I think Petula was billed as 'headline' but actually played the slot before the last act which was Richard. So Petula headlined andthen Richard headlined afterwards  ;D

Pet did me a favour as Kim and I went for a romantic moonlit walk down the canal towpath, twas all rather wonderful, unlike her set

Thank you Jude. Everywhere I looked on tinterweb it had Petula down as headlining which was why I was sure she did  :o

Of course my incorrect memory will have had absolutely nothing to do with the ale I may have consumed that day. No, definitely not, no way  ;) ::)

I have a vivid memory of RT soliciting the crowd to join in, saying something to the effect:  "You sang 'Downtown' with Petula Clark, you damn well better sing along with me."

I felt ill watching Petula Clark, she was awful (in my ever so humble opinion!!)

Which was a shame because I was looking forward to RT (hoping for Galway to Graceland) but with Pet going first we went back to the van feeling disillusioned.

She wasn't that bad. She still has quite a stage presence and there was a lot of singing along. I wouldn't have made a special trip anywhere to see her, but she was OK. I've seen worse (at Cropredy!)

I thought so too. My illness was nothing to do with her - I was still recovering from a hypo attack which was “saved by doughnuts”  ;D

I think that switching RT for PC had to do with RT "going electric".
When first announced he was booked alone, so acoustic. An acoustic RT before PC with a full band is the logical order. So posters and publicity gave us that.
But comes the time RT gained a Band, the RTB of 1983 (and thereabouts). Maybe first for a few songs but in the end a pretty full set. Logic now dictated that this band could and should be the "headlining" act.

Everybody involved must have liked it (I certainly did!) so they booked RT alone again, now with the intention to make it an almost Full House from the start.
In doing so they led me to reconsidering my holiday plans and I'm planning to go to Cropredy once again.
This version of the Richard Thompson Band 1983 is unique, you wont see them anywhere else (although one can hope they do a rehearsal gig!)
In 2017 they surprised me with not only playing stuff from their heyday (say "Hand of Kindness" a.o.), but also more recent songs that didn't include Simon and the Daves when recorded.
It wasn't a surprise that it was splendid!

Can I add a suggestion for Sparks please?

Also, Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent - they tour together and have a great back catalogue of music to entertain us with!

Sparks - now that would be fun.

Jules

Great call - saw The Zombies at the now defunct Wickerman a few years back, and they were fab. Included a light bulb moment when Mr A told us not to sing along  'Hold your head up woooah'  but  'Hold your head up woman'.   Never knew.  Sparks would be so much fun.  

As we're dreaming, I think The Turtles with Flo & Eddie ( O0  :o ) would be perfect for Cropredy.

Probably too expensive with the whole band they tour with. On the other hand I seem to remember that they have separate bands for the west- as well as the east coast in the USA, so an all English band with lots of FC and associates would not be impossible......

Sparks - great idea
Rod and Colin - great idea
Flo and Eddie - bladdy marvelous idea

How's about Mark Knopler with John McCusker and Michael McGoldrick in the band?

Interesting...looked up a number of different lyric sites and some say”hold your head up, woman” and others say “hold your head up, oh”. Now have to listen to it myself (but I always thought it was wo-oh  ;D

I saw The Zombies a few years back and Rod made the same comment, that we should sing along properly, and not do it wrong as we have been for decades.  ::)

Zombies would be great, but can I cast a vote against Sparks, as if anyone takes any notice of owt that's said on here.

Zombies?  I'd get excited about the original band doing Odessey as happened a few years back, but the normal touring outfit left me pretty cold when I saw them.  Everyone I know raves about Sparks live, but I've never seen them myself.  First single I bought (No1SiH)!

That would be beyond amazing!

Ask Jeremy Corbyn which he sings.   ;D

Jules

That would be wonderful! I saw them twice in the last 13 months and both times they were incredibly good!

;D  ;D

I’ve always sung “woman”

Mark Knopfler would also be great. I’m sure they have the budget for a couple of big names.

That was a bit of a coffee snorter...I've got to change my t-shirt now.

*sings* Hold your head up, Mark Knopfler... No, I don’t think it really works, but a good suggestion nontheless.   ;D

LOL!!! Of course what I meant was "Hold your head up, Knopfler"? It scans ok....

*sings* Hold your head up, Mark Knopfler... No, I don’t think it really works, but a good suggestion nontheless.   ;D
[/quote]LOL!!! Of course what I meant was "Hold your head up, Knopfler"? It scans ok....

[/quote]

Arf!

In all seriousness, I think you’re allowed to sing anything as long as you remember to accompany it with a dramatic flourish on the air keyboard.

Wickham always manage to announce well before Cropredy, and its fair to say some of the acts travel the 50 miles or so up the A34 to Cropredy the following weekend. LEVEL 42 THE PROCLAIMERS GILBERT O’SULLIVAN JUDY COLLINS RALPH MCTELL LINDISFARNE. You have been warned.

I'd be happy with all of those to he honest

So who do you think is the most likely contender to play Cropredy this year? RT is always there but I’d be surprised if he did another solo slot in 2019. Gilbert would be good and I wouldn’t be surprised if Lindisfarne were added to the bill. Would really love to see Judy Collins.

No he's not.

Sorry fat fingers! I meant RM as in Ralph McTell. He’s always in attendance if not on stage

Not sure if this is the right page to post but....
I haven’t been to Cropredy last 2 years while there has been music on field 8.
I see that this year John Palmer and Wendy Ross are playing field 8 as a duo.
I first saw The John Palmer Acoustic Band at a festival in the Lakes 4 yrs ago. Wendy plays fiddle in the band. They genuinely blew me away.
I rate John as a top songwriter , have a listen to ‘ Another Friday night in a Northern Town.’His gigs are mainly oop north so I can only recommend you see him. Wendy is also a member of Magna Carta.

Here you go.....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9uW_Yw9dLB0

Ralph IS playing New Forest Festival early July, so he must have his singing chops on for the year.

I would love to see Russ Ballard return to Cropredy as a Fairport guest on the Saturday night after his turn with Trevor Horn in 2017 - the lads ripping into Since You've Been Gone would be brilliant.
DW

RT has been booked....playing with DP & SN.

And DM.  :)

Ace!

Jules

Would it be too much to hope for Christine Collister & John Kirkpatrick or Alan Dunn?  ::)

CC was excellent when she popped in on RTs set at Towersey last year.  John K or Alan Dunn would be the icing on the cake.

So got my tickets, got my signed Christmas card and know some of the acts but does anyone have any idea when we’ll be getting news of the full line-up? Don’t think I can stand 2 or 3 months of endless (and largely pointless) speculation like we went through last year  :-\

Whenever the tickets go back on sale, I think

OK so I’ll have to be patient until February then - patience not really being my thing aaaaaargh!  :o

17.00 on 4 February is the time and date for the full line up announcement for Cropredy this year  ;D

The tour programme seems to pre announce some of tomorrow's announcement.

Thursday     4 announced  (inc Fairport)
Friday          7
Saturday      7

So I reckon that only leaves one on each day ?
   

I reckon that’s right - same numbers as last year then. Still be interesting to see who the final 3 acts to be announced are don’t you think?  We could even get a surprise that no-one is expecting or maybe not ::)

That said only 15 have been announced on the website including Fairport so we could see another 5 acts announced rather than just 3

Full line up :  see the Fairport Festival   FAQ page

Thursday 8 August 2019
 
The Waterboys          
Gogol Bordello          
Tors                          
Lil Jim                        
Fairport Convention Acoustic
 
Friday 9 August 2019
Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls  
Richard Thompson (with Dave Mattacks, Simon Nicol & Dave Pegg)
Seth Lakeman            
Caravan                      
Wildwood Kin                      
Wilson & Wakeman  
Will Pound and Eddy Jay      
The 4 Of Us              
 
Saturday 10 August 2019
Fairport Convention and Friends
Martin Simpson                    
Martin Barre Band plays 50 Years of Jethro Tull    
Zal Cleminson’s /sin’dogs/    
Daphne’s Flight                    
Tide Lines                              
Richard Digance                    
 
 
Compere for the weekend – Anthony John Clarke

So another 5 acts added as predicted  :) Happy to see Wilson & Wakeman, Gogol Bordello and especially Frank Turner!

Is there no Radio 2 Folk Awards this year as the YFA winner is usually included as well ?

Frank Turner after RT and pals is certainly a better move than the last time, with Joan Armatrading almost clearing the field in minutes.

I predict that Gogol Bordello will conquer the field in moments.

Frank Turner is great - I would imagine he'd go down a storm although he is very sweary!

Please let this be right.  Absolutely love Frank Turner and Gogol Bordello

Who had Frank Turner in the “I suggested them three years ago!” sweepstake?   [;-)

Of course it is Damian Wilson and Adam Wakeman just in case anyone thought it was a different pairing  ;D

Where has this information come from? I can't see it anywhere, except in this thread.

Don't know Frank Turner's work at all which is why he seems an odd choice as a headliner for me- enlighten me please peeps, what should I listen to, why is he a headline act, will he get 20k people singing along?

DW

Me thinks someone has slipped up. No mention of who is on under FAQ as normal. Suspect been removed. Probably listed too soon before the 'official announcement'.

 Frank Turner.

Looks OK on youtube, but unless he has slipped through my radar as some folk supergroup with youngsters, I can't see how he is headlining either.

Frank is a busy boy in August as he is touring Europe then and is in Slovenia on 6 August, Hungary on the 7th and Germany on the 8th and now purported to be at Cropredy on the 9th and back to Italy on the 12th...phew!

He's certainly one of the ten best live acts I've seen, he's a brilliant performer, though plenty of F bombs will be dropped, and some might be offended.
Any of his CDs will do, but maybe Love Ire and Song is a good one to start with.
He's definitely a headline act for a festival of Croppers size and will sell tickets, including one to me assuming it is confirmed.

I doubt he will get 20k singing along, he isn't Brian Wilson or The Monkees, but you might be surprised at how many will be there who will know his songs. I predict he will drag the average age of the punters downwards a fair bit.

I hope you enjoy him.

I think he's been one of the giggingest acts around for a few years hasn't he? I know he can be a bit divisive, but surely no one would say he isn't a hard working blighter.  :)

Not particularly impressed but will go as usual.
Thursday looks like fringe day until The Waterboys , Friday OK from Caravan onwards , Not much to shout about on Saturday. I am already having panic attacks over Wilson and Wakeman after last time. Shrewsbury line up looks far stronger I'm afraid.

If this is correct (not doubting it for a minute) then they have gone back to a more folk focused line up than recent years. Perhaps finally realised that a limit of 20000 means no point in filling spaces with 80's acts, and just stick to quality, albeit not so well known (outside the folk world). Don't shoot me for the 80's comment, I just mean calling in guaranteed crowd pleasers isn't always the right way to go otherwise Cropredy will just end being another festival, and loosing its identity.

If they’ve got frank turner then they’ve pulled one out the hat
He’ll go down a storm and should put a few on the gate
Folky line up but good line up
Proper headline act

Now confirmed on the website!

Looks like he's headlining Folk by the Oak as well this summer and my reaction was also, who the heck is he?

It was true !!!!!!

Frank Turner sold out Wembley Arena, pretty sure he played at the Olympics opening ceremony.

They are an amazing live act., so much energy.

Tape Deck Heart is a pretty good place to start IMHO

Yes he did play the 2012 Olympics playing ‘I Stll Believe’ which is a brilliant track and hope he plays a full out blast version of it at Cropredy

I've bought a ticket on the strength of Frank, and also The Gogols. They would probably have been number one and number three on my Croppers wish list, so I'm happy, makes up for the rest of the patchy line-up.

I realise a few don't know who Frank Turner is, but I would think in the past few years he's comfortably outsold anyone else on the line-up as far as CDs are concerned, including the other two headliners, and played bigger venues, and more of them, in this country anyhow.
I think he's probably the biggest act (not in heritage terms but Right Here, Right Now) to have played Croppers since............, well, I don't know. Bit of a coup to get him, I think, and a big surprise to me, I didn't think it would happen.

I've had a crappy day and this has cheered me up.  8)

Happy with that lot... just as well, as I bought my ticket before the festive season!

I picked up a Gogol Bordello CD a while back in a charity shop, and immediately thought "I bet they're much better live…"

None of those new ones appeals much, but I'll be going anyway.  I'll give Frank Turner a go, but it may be an early night for me if he doesn't do it for me (and if he's as sweary as people say, he probably won't).

I'm whelmed

Excellent mix of acts as far as I'm concerned. [;-)

I remember Gogol Bordello being on stage with Madonna a few years ago, I think it was the same tour she played the guitar briefly. Obviously there musical standards must have raised over the years, I have a couple of albums but I can see the gypsy punk thing being a marmite moment for some.

There’s 7 acts I’m really looking forward to, another 4 that could be ok and I can live with the rest.

Frank Turner I know very little about other than he sells out large venues. He looks great on YouTube.

Gogol Bordello have been on my bouquet list for years, as have Caravan.

I think it’ll be at worst fine and at best flipping brilliant!!   :D

I’m with you Will. Best had already been announced (IMHO), however I have an open mind and give everyone a listen.
At least we know the line up earlier this year rather than left hanging.

Wooooo hooooooo!!! I’ve seen Frank Turner many, many times, ranging from small pubs to large arenas. He is brilliant. Insanely catchy songs, very anthemic. His quieter, more reflective songs are well worth a listen. For those who haven’t heard him, please take a punt on a record or two (or Spotify/ YouTube), and enjoy the show!

I can live with that  ;D

Frank Turner divided opinions when I saw him at Cambridge but I've never seen a younger audience for any act there.

My prediction is fpr a smaller but more engaged headline audience than normal.  And lots of 'disgusted of Tunbridge Wells' type missives.

Best gig Ive ever seen (better than Alice Cooper at Cropredy or the Rolling Stones in 1968) was Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls at the Eden Project with Seth Lakeman and earlier, Bellowhead as support Acts.

They are simply brilliant. Wow what a Cropredy Friday. Best ever ???

I would have bought a ticket on the strength of Frank Turner alone. Thank you guys for making my day.

Remember Trev you said that the Divine Comedy would be brilliant!  ;) ;D

No,I said I liked them. I do.

I never said they would be brilliant outdoor in a festival setting. I thought they might be but not without the strings and playing only their latest lp and not the hits.

I've seen Frank and the Souls outside at a festival, and they blew it away.Great songs well sung rarely fail.

Try the track photosynthesis and tell me what you think.

I know nothing of him other than he sold out the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena a few days ago (I wish I'd gone now) but I can't wait to see him. Punk-folk mixes two of my favourite genres so I can't wait. Now, if he could only sneak in a bit of prog and some ska....  ;D

I & I Talk To The Wind... Progreggae.

Frank Turner is awesome! His band are excellent and together they are a guaranteed high energy, high tempo finish to the day. For those not familiar try these five songs. I'll be astonished if you're not impressed.

Photosynthesis
I Still Believe
The Road
Be More Kind
If Ever I Stray

Interesting listening and watching some youtube stuff of Frank Turner, ranges from Billy Braggesque shouty folk punk through to banjo heavy Mumford style folk pop and on to jangly guitar jolly indie folk rock.

I am still surprised at him headlining but I think I shall enjoy watching and listening to him live.

DW

Seconded and thirded! I’m still stoked at this news. My sister is a massive FT fan, and is contemplating coming along with us to Cropredy (after turning down 31 annual invitations!)

Still buzzing as well.  3 Festivals booked so far this year and Cropredy is looking the best line up.  Can't wait for Gogol Bordello either ,  they are absolutely bonkers

Caravan seem to have been pushed way down the billing  :-\ Still, if it means hearing Nine Feet Underground on a balmy summer afternoon ill be a happy bunny...

I shall be moshing it for Caravan. Maybe see you there :)

Yes - Caravan too can't wait for that either.  In the Land of Grey and Pink turned up as a most welcome present on my last birthday.

With Frank Turner on the bill I'm seriously considering heading back to Cropredy for the first time since 2014, he's one hell of a live performer.

A quick YouTube would indicate i may well enjoy Mr Turner..... it's all looking good!

Will he be the first Old Etonian to headline at Crops? I'd never heard of him but he looks fun for some late evening rock.

Looking at some of his live performances I think we could witness one of the biggest field exits ever - I am not sure how folks will take to an old Etonian telling them to get up and mother f*****n dance.

DW

For all the wild enthusiasm about him now, i don't recall a big clamour about him in the pre-announcement threads (including this one). Just sayin'...

Well can you have a one man clamour? I got it wrong though, Winchesters finest are Friday Head liners not Thursday.

Re: Thursday headliner 2019?
« Reply #37 on: September 10, 2018, 11:16:18 AM »

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls please.
At that time all those offended by the occasional swearword should be nicely tucked up in bed.

Then

Re: Thursday headliner 2019?
« Reply #160 on: September 26, 2018, 02:13:37 PM »

For me , after the past few years (Brian Wilson excepted , I did enjoy that) we have seen acts lacking real energy.

Im still holding out for Frank Turner and the Sleeping souls

After last years leveller bore fest on a chilly Autumn night these will rock the joint with massive audience participation. Oh Im a happy Trevor.

Had a look at his show from Wembley. A bit shouty, and like the Pogues meets Bellowhead (in my opinion). Unnecessary swearing seems to try to be down with the kids. Not a family friendly performance (anyone remember Nick Harper?).

I'll quote myself from this very forum, July 18th, 2017 from a thread called "Hats Off To Frank Turner." :

"Frank and his music would be great at Cropredy, his foul language would not.

I saw him a few years ago and he "turned the air blue" as I believe the saying goes. I don't consider myself easily offended but it was over the top. It's almost as if he wasn't allowed to swear when he was at Eton and making up for lost time !

Let's have him on the condition he tones it down."

That's what I was afraid of.  Sorry if I sound prissy, but there is a place for swearing (usually just after hitting your thumb with a hammer, or likewise), but an over-reliance on it for the sake of... what?  Trying to sound cutting edge?  ...is just a lack of imagination in my mind, and would drive me off the field pretty quickly.

All being well, I shall be in a very happy place after seeing RT with Simon, DM and Peggy, so I won't want to spoil the feeling by being sworn at for an hour.

If his contract tells him to keep a lid on it, I'll be happy to give him a listen.

I think Frank will be great and maybe Peggy and Gareth will just have a little word with him.before he goes on about toning his language down a bit...not that it will have much effect! Looking forward to jumping around to his tunes though  ;D

He's not always sweary.

You're right, he's not - however, the night I saw him in Portsmouth a few years ago as per above, his mother had come down from Winchester for the gig, and maybe he considered it big and clever to lay it on thick in front of her, as in : "Crikey, Mother's in the audience tonight, better make it an extra naughty one, eh ?"  :)

Anything would be an improvement on THAT levellers performance! We're quite happy to give it a go.

He's being painted badly by some on here. I cant remember him being excessively sweary at either of the gigs I've seen him at.He doesn't need to effect getting down with the fans, this is typical of him;

Frank Turner plays free Bournemouth gig after the pop-punk trio Blink-182  cancelled their BIC show

Frank Turner played a free gig for fans after the pop-punk trio Blink-182 cancelled their Bournemouth International Centre show.
Blink’s tour promoters SJM broke the news that the completely sold- out BIC gig has been cancelled due to illness within the band.
The all-round top bloke that he is, main support act Frank Turner, worked away to book a venue for a last-minute show.
Frank played a solo gig at the Bournemouth Old Fire Station .Frank’s band The Sleeping Souls weren’t  able to join him on stage at the Old Fire Station as, in his words, “unfortunately our band gear is buried under Blink's stuff in a truck!”

Don't remember him being excessively sweary at Cambridge just a ball of loud excess on what should have been a lazy Saturday afternoon for some of us who just wanted to do the Telegraph crossword. ;)

Wandering across radio wavelengths yesterday, I came across an early music tune I recognised. Turns out I'd heard it first on the Bones of All Men album that RT, SN, DP and DM recorded with the since disgraced Philip Pickett. I gave it a spin and there's a few good tunes on there. I wonder if the chaps would ever consider playing any of these again, and how people might react...

Sorry to double-post, but the reason I raised this in this thread is because I'd also been pondering which songs and/or tunes RT & FC Friends might play on Friday evening. Maybe add CL for a couple of tunes from Smiddyburn? IF anything from Bones were to be included, the obvious candidate for keyboards is sadly no longer with us (Maart), and they'd need to get a crumhorns or recorder player in...

One final point... my own feeling is that as the Bones material itself would need to be rearranged, therefore it would become disassociated from Pickett's arrangements to a sufficient degree to be acceptable... after all, it's not the music's fault.

I'd add CL to the lineup anyway : a CL-powered "Full House" lineup is a wonderful thing !

And as for the aforementioned Mr Turner - I like his music and play it regularly on my radio show (having naturally checked the lyrics as he is prone to the odd unacceptable for broadcast F-bomb). I agree, he is a decent guy who pays attention to his fanbase - however, based on my last experience of one of his shows and the tone of his language, I decided that it wouldn't be necessary to see him in concert too often.
Putting him on at Cropredy is an interesting choice by FC Ltd. - overall, I think he'll go down very well and may even gain some new fans !

I think we've talked about this before, but the question of how a performer (or composer)'s personal life affects how one listens to their music is a difficult one.  I happened upon Philip Pickett's Alchemist album the other day and put it on for the first time in years.  Mrs Will, who is more of a classical fan than me, said, 'Why haven't I heard this before?'  Apart from the fact that I'm fairly sure she has, albeit several years ago, I did feel somewhat torn about the fact that we were both enjoying the music.  I haven't stopped listening the the Abion Band albums he plays on, so I can't say I'm boycotting him on principle...  

Just read on BBC News about a bloke suing his parents for all the suffering he's had since being brought into the world without his consent.

He must have been at last years Levellers performance.

If so the prosecution rests my lord.

I saw something similar to this on Facebook yesterday
Kid tells her parents they should pay her bills because "She didn't ask to be here"
Parents respond: "Don't take this the wrong way. Your father and I love you but we didn't choose you. You know how many sperm cells were released? You fought to win. You chose us. So maybe you should pay us instead..."

 :D

 ;D

Question...

What do the following Cropredy acts have in common?
Gogol Bordello          
Tors                          
Lil Jim                        
Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls  
Wildwood Kin                      
Wilson & Wakeman  
Will Pound and Eddy Jay      
The 4 Of Us                          
Tide Lines  


Answer                          
I have never seen any of them.

Just saying [;-)

Brilliant isn't it?

Just glad that Wickham Festival (week before Cropredy) *also* has Frank Turner (and more acts to suit his fans) than Cropredy - so with luck, Cropredy won't get inundated with FT fans who will likely get bored (and possibly drunk) during the rest of the festival.

Wickham also have day tickets.

FT will upset the chair-sitters in the audience who will get fed up of being danced on & hopefully pack up early.

The BC Folk Awards have been moved to the autumn for some reason so there will be now 2019 winner until then. FC Towers say normal service resuming in 2020 (presumably with the 2019 winner)

I think that's pretty derogatory of FT fans. Also, have you noticed the sobriety of the FC fans at the bar on a Cropredy Saturday night? Neither have I.

Suggesting they'll get drunk during Cropredy? hmm, we'll see. as you suggest, many will, regardless of whose 'fans' they might be.

And those fans on a SAturday night aren't likely to be FC fans get(ting) drunk, rather those there for other act(s).

I'm a massive FC fan, I'll be well oiled by MOTL.  It's the only way to be.

Good Heavens! What an interesting view.

I don't think you need worry. Most of Franks fans aren't interested in drinking. They will all be too busy getting smashed off their teats on drugs.
And a happy, tolerant Cropredy to you too.  :D

Isn't Frank 'Straight edge'? ie no drink or drugs. Not so sure about his fans though.

Glad to hear my fears are unfounded!

Frank Turner from that well known drug ravished hell on earth that is Winchester.

Last time I joined his fan base they were sitting on a sloping lawn at the Eden Project, which was still there when I left..

 Blimey Chris - a double-barrelled assault on both chair-sitters and FT fans! I’m happy to be both. I don’t think that FT fans will be deterred just because he’s playing Wickham. My sister who has never been to Cropredy in the 30 odd years I’ve attended is coming along to see FT. The most drunk and rowdy incident I’ve seen at Cropredy was in 1990/91? during Richard Thompson’s set when bottles were thrown and a fight broke out.....

Really?  Never saw/heard about that.  But 1990 was a rare non-attending year for me...

Frank Turner is a good call for Cropredy. He headlined Beautiful Days a year or so ago, and I felt it was safe enough to take my son (aged 9 or 10) to the front door a few songs. I don't think he or the audience will be any bother.

As for drunkenness; we saw Frank solo at Wood festival a few years back. He'd been given a bottle of malt as part of his rider, and said he didn't drink it so offered it to the audience. It went round the crowd and was empty within seconds. No fights broke out though...

Cheers

Nick

This is not football. People are not just "fans" of one act and by extension rival fans to those of the other acts. They don't wear different coloured scarves to signify their allegiance (though maybe some T-shirts could be a giveaway). I'd like to think that a lot of people would like quite a few different acts and enjoy themselves with whatever level of alcohol they're happy with as long as it doesn't annoy others. And even switch their opinion of an act (preferably for the better) based on what they see.

(Talking of Cropredy and drink, I'm made up now Old Rosie is available in Asda  in Strabane  ;D getting in training now... )

He certainly used to be, and was a vegetarian as well. Not so sure he still is though.

That said, and having been to several FT gigs, we are in for a triffic Friday evening.

And well said StephenB, that's been my experience when talking to other FT fans.

"And well said StephenB, that's been my experience when talking to other FT fans."

I know - Old Rosie in Asda - it's brilliant    :D  :D

I can’t wait for Frank Turner.

I really think he’ll “get” Cropredy and he’ll be one of those “I was there” moments.

Bring it on!!!

He seems to be doing a lot of festivals this year - headlinning Folk by the Oak too. My ears & eyes will be open.

I’m looking forward to the extra star turn on Thursday......

Do you have insider knowledge?  :o

Perhaps it's the annual meteor shower...

With a new album out in May let's hope the Waterboys balance the new with lots of the old favourites!

Crikey, I clearly missed out when I saw him at Cambridge FF recently. No problems at all. But, hey, what do I know?

Heaven forfend that people should get drunk at a folk festival.... ;D ;D ;D
We need to get rid of that big barry thingy at the side of the field. No good will come of it.......

As a Frank Turner fan is it compulsory for me to get drunk and rowdy?

No ones told me that at any of his gigs I've been to where there's been no trouble of any kind. But there again he's from the hotbed of British troublemaking. Tough place Winchester.

He learnt all his bad habits at school.  Tough place, Eton.

Just noticed - we've broken the 100 days mark!

Eton? Gosh. How amazing. I have never met or seen anyone in my life who was educated there. Hardly fits in with the punk image. Should be a very interesting set by these guys., don't know what to expect  but then Cropredy is always full of great surprises.

Legend has it that Frank is responsible for the geographically placed mess that inspired the puddin' with his punkery palaver.

Sorry, it goes back to at least 1893.

Seriously though, I’ll bet you have.

Yeah...I was just being silly and alliterative.

From FC's website (dated 13th June), I've only just spotted this...….


Peggy writes - "Fairports will be doing the Cropredy Warm up shows at Banbury Trades and Labour Club on 5 & 6 August. We will have special guests joining us on both nights including Dave Mattacks and "Fairport Extension “. This will be a 10 piece line up enabling us to tackle some “big production” items from our past repertoire. Do please join us for these special pre-Cropredy Festival events.
Cheers, Peggy."

Could be a very interesting Saturday night set, then?

and

It sounds like a effort is being made, not before time

Brass section so they can replay 'Heard It Through The Grapevine'? :D