Fairport in Ely, 26th of May

[Jan_]

How can two gigs on the same tour seem so very different?  Every note played and every word sung were the same, apart from the addition of another song towards the end, and yet there was no comparison between last night's gig at Ely and the one I attended earlier in the tour.

In contrast to the weather outside, the atmosphere was warm and friendly and there was much interplay between band and audience. Two small girls were invited to sit at the front where they would have a better view and when Chris began his introduction to John Gaudie, Simon nodded in the direction of the girls and Chris stopped short of what was presumably going to be a graphic and gory account of the tale and then instead dedicated it to the girls, who were both fiddle players.

I enjoyed all the songs and tunes – even the one I don't like – but highlights for me were Hiring Fair and Lancashire Hills. Hiring Fair received what I think was the loudest applause of the evening and Simon looked both relieved and exhausted at the end of Lancashire Hills.

It was nice to meet Ollie again and to hear him thanked by the band for his part in arranging this gig.  We nearly didn't go but I'm so glad we did.

P.S.  I laugh because Ric is still using that joke!

[Ollie]

That was possibly one of, if not THE best FC gigs I've been to. The onstage banter was great and the whole gig had a very intimate feel to it. As Katy's Mum said, it was a warm, friendly place. Simon even said it was the friendliest venue on the tour so far (and the best food!). I think the band really did enjoy themselves. The set list was as earlier, with the omission of The Rose Hip. The sound was a bit dodgy in places, but the new sound guy has got to get used to the band I suppose. Hiring Fair and Cell Song were incredible - you couldn't hear a pin drop. I think several people had to wipe a tear away at the end of Cell Song (including some people on the stage). Also, it was great to hear Portmeirion, the song that got me into Fairport, especially as my teacher who played it to me was there! We told Ric afterwards, and he seemed genuinly pleased that we'd told him. (I also asked him about the RULTS re-union. He said it looks unlikely, as some aren't available, but he'd really really love to do it live again).

And I got a mention from the stage   Really, it was only an e-mail.... ok, several e-mails   But I think well worth it. Fantastic gig and we have managed to convert my Dad's friend. Well, I guess he liked it, as he came home withe a signed copy of SoO and the latest DVD! Really can't wait for Cropredy now.          

[Mag T]

Extremely pleasant evening last night at Haddenham village hall.  Yes, maybe the same (or similar) old jokes scattered here and there, but.....who cares?.....the music was fab.

[Anne Dunn]

Oh dear, don't take me seriously, that was in no way meant as a criticism, it just amused me.    

[Goaty]

Exit sign jokes are on the way out aren't they

Anyone care to share the joke ?

[Ollie]

Here's some piccies from a Longdog who was there -  http://www.longdogs.co.uk/gallery/v/Paul+Rule/fc_ark_2008/