Fairport at 50 on Radio 2

[Alan2]

For years the Airplane were spoken of as inspiration. Now, the Byrds.Just an observation

I don't think the Airplane were ever quoted by Fairport themselves as being an inspiration.. the Tommy Vance quote calling us the English (British?) Airplane as a throwaway soundbite stuck like glue, but yes the Byrds were much more of an inspiration at that time.
Perhaps time to set the record straight?
 

And was it yourself, Jude,  who said in the programme that songwriters were a big influence? Cohen etc. ?

[jude]

And was it yourself, Jude,  who said in the programme that songwriters were a big influence? Cohen etc. ?

possibly (I can't remember what I said now   )

[John From Austin]

For years the Airplane were spoken of as inspiration. Now, the Byrds.Just an observation

Iain Matthews' voice is undeniably similar to Marty Balin's, but I'm not sure I can identify much further similarity between early FC and the Airplane.  Did the Airplane singers ever perform such close harmonies?

[Bob Barrows]

For years the Airplane were spoken of as inspiration. Now, the Byrds.Just an observation

Iain Matthews' voice is undeniably similar to Marty Balin's, but I'm not sure I can identify much further similarity between early FC and the Airplane.  Did the Airplane singers ever perform such close harmonies?

Absolutely. Listen to "My Best Friend", "How Do You Feel", "Martha", even "Ballad of You and Me and Pooneil"

[Marky]

I think the comparison to the Airplane was more to do with the arrangement of the lineup; male/female vocalist, two guitarists, bass & drums. Both bands were six strong.

[jude]

I think the comparison to the Airplane was more to do with the arrangement of the lineup; male/female vocalist, two guitarists, bass & drums. Both bands were six strong.

Yep!

[jimc]

I think the comparison to the Airplane was more to do with the arrangement of the lineup

Or, bearing in mind that glib comments were just as prevalent as they are now, the band names, both being two words, 5 syllables, and no articles and conjunctions.

[Bingers (Chris)]

Was at Radio 2 folk awards last night....brilliant evening so check it out on radio 2 website and BBC4 on Sunday night....and before anyone says that this is off topic, I've put it on here as Simon Nicol made an eloquent speech as he presented one of the awards (thereby making it Fairport on Radio 2)  

[Chris]

The Young Folk Award - so completing the Cropredy line-up.