Unusual Fairport shows

[Magic Fingers]

I wondered if anyone would care to share any memories of unusual Fairport shows down the years.  I daresay that this subject has been discussed before, but then I suspect that most subjects have been discussed here before!  Whatever, here’s one for starters.  I always try to catch a couple of shows each tour, and 2002 was no exception. I first went down to Somerset for the Yeovil show, and then ten days later headed for Worthing.  Vikki Clayton was supporting the band on this tour, and all went well in Yeovil, but at Worthing something was clearly amiss.  Vikki had begun the show by playing some songs from Looking at the Stars, Fairport joining her for the title track, but, unusually, she remained on stage as Fairport began the first half of their set.  It transpired that Simon, sitting silently with his guitar in the background, had completely lost his voice, necessitating, as you can imagine, some last-minute set-list changes (I discovered during the interval that Peggy had rung Vikki up earlier in the day, explained the problem, asked her which songs she knew the words to, and then later called her back to tell her which ones she’d be singing!  And not to tell anyone that there’d be a few surprises at the end ;o)).  So lead vocals were shared between Chris and Vikki throughout the show, with Anna Ryder, who wasn’t due to be appearing, on hand to help out during My Love Is In America and Talking About My Love.  But the best bits did indeed occur towards the end of an understandably shortened second half.  Crazy Man Michael made an appearance, followed by a surprise Tam Lin (both with VC on lead vocals). I have to say that Tam Lin is one of my personal all-time favourites, and a song that was miles away from being included in any likely set-list at that time (before you ask, personally I think the new version is very good indeed), so you can imagine my delight when it was introduced as being “for a friend from Croydon who’s in tonight”.  I have moved since ;o)  Anyway, we then got Matty, of course, again with Vikki taking the vocals, back for an encore of some jigs and finally Vikki one more time for a wonderful Who Knows Where The Time Goes?  And then goodnight.  That’s all folks.  No Meet tonight.  

So there you have it.  A hugely enjoyable gig despite the circumstances, and my entry for the Unusual Show Awards.  Anyone else?

[PaulT]

Wasn't there a show the year Simon injured his leg when instead of him leaving the stage for the interval, the crew threw a black sheet over him?  I'm sure I've seen a pic somewhere... one of Chris Bates' perhaps?

The most different gig I've seen was the recording of the Granada show in the dunes at Ainsdale (Southport), when sets by Steeley & FC were followed by a "jam" featuring members of both bands. As far as I know, the sound guys didn't record it.....

[steve-n]

Probably the Bosworth battlefield gig a couple of years ago when the stage was the trailer part of an articulated lorry. The sound system and lighting completely overwhelmed the power available which kept tripping out and the set continued by torchlight into the gathering gloom.

Terrific venue, lovely people and a great show - although the benches were a bit firm!!

[Goaty]

Probably the Bosworth battlefield gig a couple of years ago

Before anyone reminds me

[Big Dave]

Probably the Bosworth battlefield gig a couple of years ago

Before anyone reminds me

How much is worth not to Goaty?  

[Nick Reg]

What about the one on  May Bank holiday about 5 years ago when they played outdoors in the centre of Chipping Norton. Maart played instead of Chris, who was unavailable. Loved it even though it was underrehearsed and Simon forgot a few words.
Also the unamplified gig in Deddington church with the acoustic line up of Simon, Peggy, Ric and Maart, with other guests including Chris and Beryl. The lights failed and everyone carried on singing in the dark.

[davidmjs]

The Millennium New Year's Eve show in Beverley was certainly a little 'unusual'....a) because I reckon it's almost certainly the only Millennium NYE I'll attend (even if it was a year early) and b) because the mass singalong to Hard Day's Night was a genuine unexpected delight.  And finally because Mr Pegg kissed me.  I've never washed since...

[Amethyst (Jenny)]

I was lucky enough to be at both the Bosworth gig and the Deddington one...

At Bosworth some of my friends held their torches up to illuminate the band... I seem to recall Ewen missed this one...  

At the Deddington gig Ralph McTell was a special guest.. that was in 1994.

[Malcolm]

Just goes to show what a great set of people they are. Give the paying public a bit of good old music and show them the audience is appreciated.

All too easy to cancel a gig when someone takes sick.

[Paul]

We went to a barn dance in Fareham a good few years ago, and Peggy and Simon were in the barn dance band.

A great evening was had by all. They were very unassuming, and just played along with the band.

Paul

[Stationary M25 Traveller]

We caught them playing in a tiny hall attached to a bar in Braedstrup, Denmark, in October 2005. We were touring on holiday, and happened to see a poster, and got tickets an hour before the gig.

The stage was about 8 feet wide - a very intimate affair.

It was absolutely fabulous.

[Chris]

Wasn't there a show the year Simon injured his leg when instead of him leaving the stage for the interval, the crew threw a black sheet over him?  I'm sure I've seen a pic somewhere... one of Chris Bates' perhaps?

Canterbury Marlowe if I remember correctly....

What about the one on  May Bank holiday about 5 years ago

Put on by the town mayor at the time, I believe. She's still a Councillor & is likely to be at the end of tour party in Chippy, in a week or so.

The Millennium New Year's Eve show in Beverley was certainly a little 'unusual'....

Oh wow! Yes, definitely my favourite 'unusual' gig....the place  absolutely rocked. I even appeared in the front row when I was actually at the back taking photos!

I was lucky enough to be at both the Bosworth gig and the Deddington one...

Yup, me too - along with the others mentioned above. Bring on the next one.....

[Nick Reg]

Wasn't there a show the year Simon injured his leg when instead of him leaving the stage for the interval, the crew threw a black sheet over him?  I'm sure I've seen a pic somewhere... one of Chris Bates' perhaps?

Canterbury Marlowe if I remember correctly....

What about the one on  May Bank holiday about 5 years ago

Put on by the town mayor at the time, I believe. She's still a Councillor & is likely to be at the end of tour party in Chippy, in a week or so.

The Millennium New Year's Eve show in Beverley was certainly a little 'unusual'....

Oh wow! Yes, definitely my favourite 'unusual' gig....the place  absolutely rocked. I even appeared in the front row when I was actually at the back taking photos!

I was lucky enough to be at both the Bosworth gig and the Deddington one...

Yup, me too - along with the others mentioned above. Bring on the next one.....

Didn't the mayor waffle a bit, which in the end prevented an encore.

[Nuthouse]

Probably the Bosworth battlefield gig a couple of years ago

Before anyone reminds me

Ah the days of Ewen the Navigator  

[Amethyst (Jenny)]

The wrong day wasn't it??

 

[Nuthouse]

The wrong day wasn't it??

 

Wrong place wasn't it Goaty ?

[Amethyst (Jenny)]

I knew it was one or the other.. expect you're right Nuts...

[Goaty]

 

[clive]

Ah yes, the Battle to find Bosworth..

Ashby Fest, mid 90's for me. Not particularly unusual except for being in a marquee but the least formal of any gigs I've been to and huge fun. (not that that's unusual either)

[Amethyst (Jenny)]

I remember that one too clive.. I think we've talked about it..

 There were a few 'refreshed' peeps there.......