TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

I think a respectful amount of time has passed since 2013's bash and i set my mind to wondering just who i would like to see next year

As as starter may i politely request 2 top turns who would light up the stage and delight the paying punters
 The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra
and Cheap Trick

Waterboys.

I SAID "WATERBOYS"!!!

Please.

Spinal Tap. It's gotta happen some day.

I would like to see, in no particular order and probably not realistic at all but...

James Taylor
Leonard Cohen
Madness
Eric Bibb
Nancy Griffith
Iris Dement
Tom Russell
Boo Herwerdine SOLO!
Buskin and Batteau (saw these in NYC and loved them)
David Gibb and Elly Lucas
Roger Davis
Lucy Ward
Jasper Carrot back as I am sad that I missed him
Faith Folk and Anarchy (Tom Robinson Steve Knightley and Martyn Joseph)
Truckstop Honeymoon
Christy Moore
Chumbawamba (reunion!)
ColvinQuarmby
Seafret
Edited to add how could I forget Waterboys!
Thats enough for now probably  ;)

Good call Gill!

Madness
Waterboys
Christy Moore
CQ

For starters please....

Reality or longshot, these would be good-

Carolina Chocolate Drops
Hot Club of Cowtown
Great Big Sea
Runrig OR Donnie Munro
Dawes
Red Baraat
Chris Trapper
Imelda May
Punch Brothers
Beausoleil

And isn't it high time Maddy Prior came back? Been a number of years hasn't it?

Waterboys!!!
Full set from Tom Robinson
Lucy Ward
Martyn Joseph
James Taylor
Christy Moore
Colvin jar by
SawDoctors
Gigspanner


But......do I want them all at one festival? Wouldn't they get in the way of the socialising ;)?

Merry Hell
Colvin Quarmby
Ian Hunter/Mott
Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst
Wilco
Al Stewart

Artists I'd like to see in 2014 who have never played Cropredy :

Cheap Trick
The Zombies
It's A Beautiful Day
Suzanne Vega
Jo Harman
Alice Russell
Aynsley Lister
Ian Parker
Sid Griffin & The Coal Porters
The Beach Boys or Brian Wilson & his band
Chas & Dave
Fish (as he plays pre-1990 Marillion, as opposed to the actual Marillion who don't very often)
Yes
Waterboys
New Model Army
Lucy Ward
The Stranglers
Teenage Fanclub
Albion Band (The Next Generation)

Artists I'd like to see return to Cropredy in 2014 :

Richard Thompson (with his Electric Trio)
Chris While & Julie Matthews or Blue Tapestry
Steeleye Span
Dylan Project
Deborah Bonham
Ralph McTell
Oysterband
Show Of Hands
Jez Lowe
Nick Harper
Colvin Quarmby
John Otway (with or without Wild Willy Barrett)

And a few fantasies :

Bruce Springsteen
Eagles
Fleetwood Mac
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Bob Dylan
Neil Young
AC/DC
Paul Simon
Leonard Cohen
Alison Krauss & Union Station

This list is by no means exhaustive and I'll probably remember more names in a minute, but one thing's for sure - the relative success of Alice Cooper's appearance will give other artists food for thought. 18,000 + friendly music fans in a field - that's an O2-sized audience, and some of the names in the fantasy list have played there in the last few years. Just a thought...

Colin Meloy please.

Would like to see:
Merry Hell
Blackbeard's Tea Party
Malicorne
Faith, Folk and Anarchy
Tom Robinson doing the pre-Fairport solo spot
Suzanne Vega
Madness
Arizona Smoke Revue
Blowzabella
Chumbawamba (I know they have split but bands have got back together before now)
Cruel Folk
Peter Knight's Gigspanner
Mrs Ackroyd Band
Magpie Lane
Red Shoes
Any number of 70s/80s rock/metal bands :)

And would like to see back again:
LJE
ColvinQuarmby
Leatherat
Mostly Autumn
Steeleye Span
Home Service

Please please please book Le Vent du Nord Sorry to shout.  ::) {:-)

Oh, Yes.

As I've reached the point where I need something special to get me to Cropredy, like Alice, then the Waterboys tick all the right boxes.

It would also be nice to see
Indigo Girls
Cheap Trick
Duotone
Skerryvore

All of the above votes for Cropredy 2014 can dream on. Fact.   ;)

do u reckon an extra day then??

Something you aren't telling us?

Neil Young
CSN&Y
Madness
Steve Hackett, pref playing Genesis
Turin Brakes
KT Tunstall
The Proclaimers
Wilco Johnson
Ben Folds
Capercaillie
The Specials
The Pogues
Family Mahone
Manic Street Preachers
Gruff Rhys
Australian Pink Floyd
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

But Madness or Specials would be enough :)
 

My first Cropredy was in 1990.  We went to the following 5, then 2007, 08, 09, 11 and last week-end.  From those years the bands I would most like to see again for 2014 are;
Thursday,  Clarion, Danny Champion of the World, The Gathering, HaySeed Dixie, Bootleg Beatles
Friday,      Strawbs, Colvin Quarmby, The Fureys, Dreadzone, Feast of Fiddles, Seth Lakeman, Buzzcocks, Levellers
Saturday,   Digence, John Tams, Lark Rise, The Dunwells, The Coral, Edward 11, Show of Hands, Fairport.

Or go one step further and get La Bottine Souriate - Quebec's answer to Bellowhead (technically the other way around) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nhq2RUYFqY

Also, Hoven Droven from Sweden - proper Scandi folk-rock - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvtdSo0laTg

Alan Stivell.

Yes, was wondering the same thing  ???

The Kennedys. Lovely bit of Americana.
Christy Moore
Yes - The Waterboys
Eddi Reader

Blackbeard's Tea Party
Alan Stivell
Waterboys
The Albion Band
Robert PLant
Martin Carthy / Eliza Carthy

The Young Uns
Peter Knight's Gigspanner
Mott the Hoople
Dr Feelgood
Albion Band
Roger McGuinn
Goodnight Lennin
Slade
Brian Wilson

Alan Stivell
Tri Yann
Corvus Corax/Berlinski Beat
Capercaillie
Transglobal Underground
21st Century Schizoid Band (as we'll surely never get KC)
Steve Hillage Band
RT (electric)

Many interesting suggestions above from which an excellent festival could be formed.

I don't think the Mott reunion will last into next summer but Ian Hunter and his band would go down a storm. Mott & Fairport were of course label mates and played a number of shows together back in the day. He would certainly give me a reason to return.

As would:

Merry Hell
The Albion Band or Gilmore & Roberts or both!
Duotone (though possibly more suited to smaller venues)
Tom Robinson (He hasn't really performed in many years apart from very occasional gigs but one listen to his acoustic live album, Living In A Boom Time should confirm how good he would be in the pre Fairport slot.)
Suzanne Vega
Oysterband are a good shout as they will be promoting a new album next year.
Richard Thompson (electric)



This is a really interesting idea. I think most of the nominated acts are probably not viable either because they have retired from live performance or because they are still stadium fillers in their own right and would be too big for Cropredy to cope with but Paul Simon has played Cornbury in recent years and would be perfect for Cropredy.

Ian Hunter played Isle of Wight festival this June - he'd be perfect for Cropredy.

Having heard Paul Simon's opinions on festivals at Glastonbury, I'm not minded to offer him a slot.

Boo Hewerdine with Eddi Reader, on the other hand.....  ;D

Good thing it's not you doing the booking, then :P

In many ways, Mike. Otherwise we'd have "Dead Puppies" booming out across the field. ;D

Some folk that I'd like to see that I've not seen mentioned:
Ray Lamontagne
Manran
Treacherous Orchestra
Dry The River
Wizz Jones
Krystle Warren
Karine Polwart
Mighty Doonans
The Unthanks (as long as they have the Brighouse & Rastrick with them and do King of Rome)
Emily Portman
Four Men and a Dog

Capercaillie
La Bottine Souriante
Tri Yann
have already been mentioned by people, but I'll second, third or whatever them.

Albion Band, definitely
Jez Lowe
Feast of Fiddles
Little Johnny England
Oysterband
are all ones who've been before but who I'd love to see (again)

And as a totally off the wall suggestion, to fill the 80's band slot: After The Fire

And my final yearly plea for Al Stewart  :)

You'll get no argument from me. One of my favourite bands of all time but...

Very few people really heard of them at the time and the current incarnation only features two of the classic line up, only play about three gigs a year and struggle to fill quite small venues (though there is a decent live album from a couple of years back).

I thought you might support me there, Gub!  It wasn't a very serious suggestion.  More of a wish!

And Nic Jones

Has to be The Travelling Band for me. They get better and better every performance and their album has just been released.

Surprised they haven't been mentioned yet...

I'd be happy with that  :D

counting crows please

Judging by everybody's comments;
1. Thursday,
 Fairport acoustic, fairport winter tour support act, a long forgotten 80's aor band, a classic folk rock band and a totally unexpected off the wall, headliner.
2 Friday
A generally high quality folkyish day, incl young folk award winners, another classic folk rock band and a 70's/80's band, almost their own tribute band, Squeeze/10cc/ Big Country etc
3 Saturday
A (Digance) light generally weak day so we can pop down the Brase until another stonking folk rock collosus, about 5.30 then an unexpected solo singer and then Fairport C.
How long will they continue'headlining'?
As requested,Waterboys, Madness, Cheap Trick , La Bottine Souriante,Treacherous Orchestra would fit some of these criteria. Most of which are just too expensive.

A little harsh on Squeeze I think. But I see where you are coming from. If you substituted UB40 I would be in complete accord.

I'd love to see a couple of these on the bill...

Robin Williamson
Newton Faulkner
Suzanne Vega
Tunng
Transglobal Underground
Chas and Dave
Nick Lowe
Martin Carthy
Eliza Carthy
British Sea Power
Richard Hawley
Toots and the Maytals
Chris Barber Big Band
Van Morrison
Steve Miller Band
Kangeroo Moon
The Resonators
Willie Nelson

I like to think that such artists don't just do it for the money...

I did have an ex-member of Counting Crows with me this year  ;D

Having already suggested Colin Meloy, I'd add Great Big Sea and KT Tunstall to my list.

I'd also like to see Laura Marling.

Trying to work on (informally!!):
Lee Thompson's Ska Orchestra
Red Hot Chilli Pipers (not peppers)
Madness
The Hollies

Return:
The Travelling Band
Home Service
Easy Star All Stars
Larkin Poe

In my dreams:
1-Stop Experience (unless they reform)
Capercaillie (I thought they'd stopped touring)
Lift-Off Percussion (for those who like drums)
Hermes House Band for the singalong pop music bit

Love the idea of The Travelling Band returning. My big plea would be for the wonderful Ruarri Joseph

Loving a lot of the above,couple of further ideas;
Old Crow Medicine Show
Lancashire Hotpots

The Bully Wee band
The Home Service
Richard Thompson trio
the Feast of Fiddles
...Dave Swarbrick (will he ever grace the Cropredy stage again?)
The Waterboys
Robert Plant
Sea Sick Steve
Ashely Hutchings...doing what ever he wants to

The Stranglers. Saw them briefly at the late prom on Monday. In my opinion the evening would have been improved by removing all the other performers and especially the comperes.    

XTC (if only...........).
E Costello
Dave Swarbrick doing anything he wants.
Capercaillie
The enormous Morris On from 2012

I accept your admonishment , I substitute UB40  but technically proficient as Squeeze were at Cropredy it didn't touch me, it was for me a' medley of our hits., which is arguably what a fest audience want. N.B. Martin Barre.

Paul Weller.

Someone earlier mentioned Duotone, which I applaud whole-heartedly! Although they wouldn't carry more than 20 yards up the pitch I fear. Maybe more suited to the Fringe? - along with Co-Pilgrim who would also be fab but wouldn't carry across the whole field.

For the main stage I'd like to put calls in for Mama Rosin and Skinny Lister who are both storming live acts.

Cheers

Nick

More expensive than Alice/Quo/UB40 ??

XTC YES!   ....Would seeing Dave Gregory in either Tin Spirits or as part of Big Big Train do?

I think Alice, Quo, etc are a one off buy.
This yr 2000 less people on Fri than Thurs so arguably an extra £200,000 on Thurs.... if you pay Alice £100,000 you're still quids in. (i'm not suggesting they did, just making a point)
What were the expensive bands this yr. Alice certainly, !0cc ? Ed11nd ??(probably not) Levs?
Lots of fests bands play for very little to get the exposure, make the money in CD sales.

The Decemberists
Alison Krauss and Union Station
XTC
Imagined Village
Madness
Laura Marling
Thea Gilmore
The Leisure Society
UFQ
Half Man Half Biscuit
Anais Mitchell and Jefferson Hamer
Natalie Merchant
James Taylor

The Decemberists are "on hiatus", thus my suggesting Colin Meloy. Any version of XTC without Andy would be sacrilege and indeed verging on impossible.

It would.

Waterboys
Kathryn Tickell
John Langan Band
Imagined Village
Hot Club of Cowtown
State of the Union
Chas & Dave
Darrell Scott & Danny Thompson

Please

ronnie

If they are touring again I would expect to see Katzenjammer booked.

Tom Russell has already been suggested and I think is a great idea.

Not well known in the UK, but with a keen following The Airborne Toxic Event. If they were more famous they would make a great rocking headliner. Maybe Friday.

Didn't I see that The Men They Couldn't Hang are gigging again. Are they any good?

Mind you, if The Office can pull off something as inspired as Alice Cooper, I'll leave it to them.

Dougie MacLean

People rave about Men they couldn't Hang and i really like them but was disappointed last time i saw them.
I see your Katzenjammer and raise you Eluveitie who i would genuinely love to see at Cropredy, probably in the Peatbog slot

Sonerien Du - they were superb at Cromer and they certainly demonstrated the Cropredy spirit by spending a lot of time in the bar

Also great at Cromer - Joe Broughton's Conservatoire Folk Ensemble (that should give the stage crew something to think about)

Shooglenifty.

Simpletones would be fun.

Korpiklaani would be good - what's not to like about a metal band who play accordians?

Folk metal would be great.  I love Wooden Pints.

Another one here for folk metal.

Katzenjammer were approached for this year, but wanted silly money. I would prefer to have Baskery instead.

Would like to see Katzenjammer. I can't understand how they can justify silly money. It is not as if they have a huge profile over here. Perhaps when translated into krone it sounded cheap!

Baskery are great fun!  :)

Baskery? Droooooool!  ;D

Double drool.

Saw the Men they Couldn't Hang at Wickham a couple of years ago. Brilliant, and very bouncy for the dancing types. Also able to pull out the tears with Green Fields of France though.

Somebody suggested Wilko in an earlier post. Sadly I don't think this will be possible, but if it is then would show the power of positive thought and gigging.

Waterboys would be great. I saw them for the first time last week, and was blown away. They also knicked Lunasa's bassist for one number.

Paul

I was told it was because one of them was pregnant.
They only play 200ish seaters over here. (£16 a ticket = £3200, less venue, not much)

Yes please. :-*

Johnny Clegg  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Clegg

Ooh yes! I would second that. I have been listening to his work since the early 80s (Scatterlings of Africa on an Africa shaped picture disc!). Never seen him live and would love to. Its a cruel, crazy, beautiful world.

How about Gryphon, touring in 2014 for the first time in many, many years.

Isn't Simon C involved with this?

Paul

I know they are almost their own tribute band now but for a great pre headline singalong howabout The Hollies.

DW

If we are going back to the early 60's for an act, either version of The Searchers would be a wonderful 60 mins for me.

A couple of lesser known bands

Omnia

http://www.worldofomnia.com/

The Buffalo Skinners

http://thebuffaloskinners.bandcamp.com/

Tour Manager, I believe. The lineup for 2014 is Richard Harvey, Graeme Taylor, Brian Gulland, Dave Oberle, Jon Davie and Graham Preskett.

How many acts is Graeme Taylor playing for now?

Paul

Seconded.  Would be absolutely perfect for the pre-Fairport slot.  And get Black Prairie along too.

If the 80s rock act slot is repeated - I vote for FM.  Or Thunder.

Has Frank Turner been mentioned yet?  

The Cat Empire are my fantasy Cropredy act.  I am convinced they would go down an absolute storm.  Sadly the chance of them appearing must be next to nothing.  Looking forward to their tour this autumn, though!

If RT is appearing, he had better bring a band.

George Thorogood
Manfred Mann
Blues Band

Mike wants:
Fisherman' Friends
Madness

Yes, well, no. Not on here but it was mentioned several times on Facebook last year. Would be absolutely fantastic but  doubt it.
He plays the huge ones and sells out solo gigs but would undoubtedly be fantastic to see him.

In the reggae slot it is high time Jimmy Cliff makes an appearance, joined by special guest Dave Pegg!

I also think it might be cool for one dedicated World music spot. I know its had mixed results at Cropredy over the years but if chosen well it would add an interesting element to the mix

One of his regular gigs may be on something of an enforced hiatus for a while.

Excellent shout, and may I recommend Raghu Dixit as the ideal act to satisfy the requirement?

Good call - Raghu

Eluveitie - their singer would have to tone down his language... a lot!  I find their live album almost unlistenable due to the swearing during the song announcements, and I'm no f***in prude.  ;)

As most of the current FC line-up have appeared alongside Corvus Corax in one of the Excalibur shows, I'd like to believe they could be booked... or they could do a set in the guise of their alter egos Berlinski Beat. Balkan ska bagpipe insanity. Preferably both, if Peggy & Gareth could negotiate a "buy one get one half price" deal...........

Well he's still playing medium sized venues - saw him at the O2 Academy in Brum recently - so he can't be that expensive. Would certainly bring the average age of the crowd down a bit as well!

Thirded!

Interesting isn't it - if we had asked this say 12 - 15 years ago I am pretty sure there would have been a huge shout for Marillion to play. I still think they should.

Thumbs up also for:
Leisure Society
Beth Nielsen Chapman to make a return (maybe in the pre FC slot)
some great country pop from Lady Antebellum would be very pleasing
and as an extra special guest for Fairport can we please have Bonnie Raitt

I agree - Marillion's music really suits being played out in the open air, it's such a big sound!

waterboys
imagined village
roy wood
madness

and please, lose digence.

With great respect to Jim we know that these threads end up as people listing their fave bands ,irrespective of whether they'd work at Cropredy, mea culpa.
But if we follow the formulae that i outlined in a previous thread and pinching an idea from another site

Thurs. FC acoustic, Winter tour support, Leatherat, Ezio (check them out , saw them at Ely) and Waterboys headline
Friday, final 2 acts Imagined Village and then Mark Knopfler with his present band including McCusker, McGoldrick etc. my 3 nephews/nieces ages 14 to 20 etc loved them to bits at the NEC
Then for the Sat loud spot one of, Elevetitie (Andy i know i've spelt it wrong) /Flogging Molly/Shooglenifty/Treacherous Orchestra etc
and Keith Donolley replaces Digance.
if that's too much like a folk fest we bung in Madness on Thurs eve but i'm not losing Waterboys!
I could list a load of people to fill in the gaps but they won't happen so I'll wait to be surprised. Lieutenant Pigeon anybody?

Imagined Village would be fab.

I know, which is why i went for 2  turns, one old established act who dont tour the UK. Much these days and one british based act that are wowing audkences at small festivals all over the show at the moment and wouldn't make huge hole in the festival finances, both of which would go down a storm.
I should have asked punters to limit their choices to 2 each which would have stopped the endless lists.

Damn it! I was about to unleash my seemingly endless list, which would need to be whittled down from 213 acts.  ::)

If I could only choose two it would be VERY difficult but I'll go for:

Turin Brakes for Saturday tea time

Madness for headlining any day or indeed all three days!

I've voted for Fish in my wishlist as opposed to the current Marillion. I love the current Steve Hogarth-fronted Marillion, all 11 albums and counting of them, and I'd love to go and see them play more often, but IMHO they would bore a Cropredy audience to tears, unless given specific instructions to play the "pre-1990 hits that a general non fan-based audience would want to hear" i.e. Kayleigh, Lavender, Garden Party, Incommunicado, etc... Fish plays all that stuff in his shows, the current Marillion don't always go there...

For me it's always got to be Great Big Sea (I suggest these guys every year)

and I always have a call for a Jack the Lad reunion ( however the Billy Mitchell Band would be just as good)

Other suggestions from  me:

Albion Band, Home Service, Colvin Quarmby, Wolfstone, Runrig,

People I actually know: Duncan McFarlane Band, and the excellent PlumHall,

Not sure about a Thursday headliner but Knopfler sounds good, anybody suggested Travis ?

Mark Knopfler and his band are such a perfect fit for Cropredy that it has to happen. And imagine him guesting with FC. Yum!
Madness would be great Thursday headliners.
I vote for the magnificent Merry Hell, and I'd love to see the return of Leatherat, who were superb at the Brasenose this year. New material sounding great, lads!

EDIT: Yes, yes, yes to Duncan McFarlane Band!

Imagine Mark K, Richard T AND Jerry D guesting with FC.......

They certainly bored me to tears when they played the Acoustic Festival about 5 years ago (they didn't play acoustic). I struggled and struggled and ran off after about 15 minutes. Fish was on a couple of years ago and we couldn't even make 10 minutes it was so dreadful.

Now that's more like it

Trembling Bells (with or without Mike Heron)
Admiral Fallow
Raghu Dixit
Leisure Society
Wheeler Street
Steeleye Span
Imagined Village
Julie Fowlis

Can't wait, thanks ;D

Are they still active? Their website and social media pages seem to have gone a bit quiet.

Great young band. I hope they are still going.

The waifs, if they are touring.

Graham Parker And The Rumour.
Christine Collister.
Elvis Costello.
Whole Lotta Led.
Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze were at Cropredy 2012, so unlikely I guess?...but a brilliant solo perfomer!).
Ray Davies.

I was being serious with my suggestions too.  Not sure what Madness charge these days but have a fairly good idea that it might be outside of the Cropredy budget and I could ask them; Lee's orchestra is a lot cheaper!  The Hollies should be okay for the sing-a-long slot and ought to be within the price range; again I can ask them. ;D

I was under the impression that they have a CD in the pipeline and when it's ready they will be out and about to promote it.

Having said that, I may have been dreaming ???

Colin Meloy (or defrosted Decemberists!)
Joe Jackson
The Corner Laughers (bit of California sunshine in an Oxfordshire field)
New Model Army
Decameron (if they are still playing?)
Albion Band (still surprised they didn't play this year)

all of the above stand at least an outside shout, but since its my wishlist...
Reformed REM, playing Green right through..!

....forgot Frank Turner (love child of Billy Bragg and the Levellers). Whilst I'm on it, I'll add Billy Bragg and the Levellers can come back.  

Madness
Peter Knight's Gigspanner
Trans Global Underground
Jamie Smith's Mabon
Spooky Men's Chorale
The Dhol Foundation
Imagined Village
Limehouse Lizzy
James Taylor
Fisherman's Friends

Or any two of those...

Glenn Tilbrook played a couple of years ago solo. I seem to remember a story of lots of jamming after hours at Cropredy after his set. Think that's how Untouchable worked its way onto A Sense Of Occasion.

Elvis Costello. Thursday headliner.

Full set by Yusuf. Friday headliner.

Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. Saturday before solo artist just before Fairport.

Oh I'd like that too, but no solo artist before FC,  just Steve Harley!

Great choice but one straight after the other would be too exhausting - some of us would like a rest between Steve Harley and Fairport! So I hope they find another 1980s vocalist I'm completely indifferent to for the pre-Fairport slot.

 Affordable & within Demographic :  Beausoliel, Sons of Cream, Roger McGuinn, Yardbirds

 Headliner:  James Taylor, Kansas, Ray Davies, Donovan                                                    

Forgot to mention:

Skinny Lister and The Albion Band :)

To some extent it doesn't matter,today I've put it my leave request for next August  [;-)

I have sat through Man, ISB, The Strawbs, and Mostly Autumn in past years. Marillion would have to go some to be more boring than those  ;)

RUN......

no argument here mate , these bands tend to give themselves a bad name, or ratber the deluded fans of such turns who having had their heroes  bore the arse off 99% of the audience immediately turn to the tinterweb and proclaim their heroes the hit of tbe festival, much to the derision of all sane people

Now now , you claimed to like a band where a fan on here said every tune sounds the same. If that isn't deluded................................

what band was that?

Peatbog things reference Bridgwits post.
I don't consider myself deluded liking The Strawbs and Man !!

god almighty, nick the peatbogs were one of the highlights of the whole festival, the whole field was bouncing, i think even Bridie liked them even if her ears are made of cloth where the bagpipes are concerned.
Also i quite like man myself but the strawbs were abysmal

Having seen the Peatbogs at Butlins and given up after 15 minutes we all gave them a miss and went back to the van for wine and horses derves.

The dishonerable member from the grim north is correct about the strawbs, they were dreadful.

I would defend The Strawbs from these accusations on several levels. Certainly they did not have a fanbase who ran off and proclaimed them the best thing at the festival. Nobody thought that, particularly as I believe the festival was 2007 when the Liege & Lief set took place on Friday night in front of a huge and ecstatic crowd. However on paper The Strawbs seemed a very good fit for Cropredy. In reality there were many people who did not enjoy them. Equally there were many people who did. They share that distinction with Harpers senior & junior who have split the crowd, as did John Martyn and plenty of others besides.

I was in the latter camp, enjoyed the Strawbs enormously, enough indeed to come straight home and buy a double disc anthology of their work.

yes they did, and it was embarrasing to read


"The Strawbs seemed a very good fit for Cropredy. In reality there were many people who did not enjoy them."

Aint that the truth

Well said.

And just to prove I don't carry bias, I thought Nick Harper was awful at Cropredy but have enjoyed him immensely since.

Hey! I haven't got cloth ears  ;D    I sometimes have beer ears tho...  ::)

I don't remember anything about the Strawbs in 2007, but their live version of Lay Down on the Free Reid box set is bloody awful. (in fact I just checked the lineup for 2007 and I can't remember any of the Saturday  :-\ ) I'm particularly gutted that I can't remember Bob Fox & Billy Mitchell)

Can we have Wishbone Ash back? I loved them

Seconded - but which one ? Andy Powell's Wishbone Ash as per 2007 or should Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash have a go ?  :)

Oh,thanks for clearing that up for me - I know I saw Martin Turner's lot three years ago,with Ted Turner guesting, but I too seem to have had a 2007 memory blockage,and couldn't remember which version I'd seen before.
Now I can't recall which was best - if any.

p.s, Man were great.

I thought I'd only seen Martin Turner's version and really enjoyed them. It does worry me though that I was there in 2007 and can't remember the other version even playing.

I'm afraid 10CC were to me the worst thing to listen to this year, but looking at the voting they seem to be popular with others. So as always it goes back to personal taste and never pleaseing everyone.

Also, I didn't see Mostly Autumn the year they were at Cropredy, but I love them and looking forward to seeing them yet again in October.

I have seen both in the last couple of years and they are both great live bands. I marginally prefer the Martin Turner version as there is a little more soul to their sound (check out last year's live album) but they are entirely reliant on the back catalogue and are possibly better suited to smaller venues. The Andy Powell version are still creating new music (also check out last year's surprisingly good Elegant Stealth studio album) and have more of a stadium feel about them.

If you want them to play Wishbone Ash songs and sound a bit like them I think it has to be Martin Turner's lot. Andy Powell...well, I wasn't over keen, even though we had a good chat with the band (not Andy) after the gig and they were a nice bunch of blokes. Not sure Andy's band is permanent is it? Does he put a band together when he goes out on tour?

I think it has been the same line up for several years and the current line up certainly recorded the album.

But when it comes to Wishbone Ash I don't think there has been any such thing as a permanent line up since the mid 70s!  ;D
They are a bit like Fairport in that respect but with added acrimony.

Just had a quick Google...so it looks like if you ask for Wishbone Ash, you'll get Andy Powell. But he did seem to be reluctant to do much old Ash stuff beyond 'Blowin' Free'. Maybe he does see it like Fairport, as a current and valid act going forward and yes it does look like a proper band. But I'd have thought people going to see him would want to hear more of the old stuff...even more so than with Fairport! Which is where Martin Turner pops up.  :P

http://www.wishboneash.co.uk/default.aspx
http://wishboneash.com/band/

I saw them about 18 months ago, around the time the album came out and they played plenty of old stuff then, though not necessarily the obvious choices. The set was probably 65 percent pre 1980 with at least 3 Argus cuts included but that was during a 2 hour show.

Has anyone suggested Le Vent du Nord yet?

Seem to remember Gower mentioning them LOUDLY earlier on!  ;D
Wisbone (Andy Powell) are on at Holmfirth Picturedrome in October, may have to go and have a butchers then.

With regards to keeping the peace i am refraining from commenting on Andy Powells wishbone ash when they were at cropredy
i'll just say lumpen

I shall speak softly, then, and carry a BIG STICK!

Yes to Wishbone ash too

Oh yes! Le Vent du Nord cannot have enough recommendations as far as I am concerned.  [;-) {:-) They are fabulous!

Christy Moore for the pre FC slot on Saturday night...................................

This is a guy who headlines Cambridge Folk festival...and who sells out concert halls throughout the land(s).  Is't that slot reserved for artists who might just about fill The Robin 2?

There is always Bad Moon Rising (tribute band to CCR)...featuring DM...is there any excuse required to get DM to play at Cropredy.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE7pDE5CiDI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

If we're going down that route, there's always Creedence Clearwater Revisited (CCR without John Fogerty), Fogerty himself (saw him at Hyde Park last year before Springsteen, excellent), or down here in Portsmouth there's a local tribute band called Creedence Clearwater Revival Revival  :)

...are there any Fairport tribute bands? at this moment in time it has never occurred to me to go looking for one/them...if there is no such act and you wished to form one...what would you call your Fairport tribute band? (May be a case for a different topic...excuse a momentary break in the thread).

Don't think there are any, are there?

If there was, they'd be very '67-'79ish and would have to be called Fotheringport Confusion.  I normally wake up just around the time I've come offstage with them.

Yeah - but he'd be somebody worth listening to in that slot - although I'd be quite happy to see him headline THurs or Fri.................

Airport Contention played at Acorn Fayre in 2009 (Possibly) and were very good as I recall.  :)

Wasn't there one called Meet on the Ledge? I remember seeing them at a pub in Brum about 15 years ago. For some reason my memory is suggesting they appeared at Cropredy as well, but I'm not sure how reliable it is in this case.

Not a tribute band except in name afaik - decent folk rock band though.

Meet On The Ledge were on second on the Thursday night of 2003 after CQ actually, this was before Marion and Allen from MOTL both joined CQ, very hot year!

There seem to be a lot of calls for Madness and I'd join in on that one. If they could get into the spirit of the place I think it would be a good one for crowd and band alike.
Dreadzone have a new CD and tour out on September so I'd bet 1/2 a pint of 6X on them.
A good call for Shooglenifty and The Imagined Village too.
On the not very-well known-front it would be good to prise Green Diesel out of the SE corner of the country too.

Now for my perennial call for the overlooked finely crafted songs, story-telling, wit, honesty, and vocal agility of....Mr Colin Hay. I caught his show at Leic Uni earlier this year and he's brilliant. I do think he'd surprise a few people with the quality of his work.

ADDED: Another great story-telling musician with a huge range, fantastic voice and a great presence; step forward Cerys Matthews...

I adore Cerys and go and see her regularly, but she's not a field filler...she captivates a small to medium sized venue.  Can't see her translating to such a vast stage.  Then again I think she's played some festivals but even there I'm guessing tent stages rather than huge fields....

In view of what the festival now is, Madness are a no-brainer as headliner.  

Missed it this year so much that I decided I don't care about the line up any more and want to be there next year, unfortunately Husband does not agree so just hope its a line up he likes, Madness would help things along ::)

They certainly would in this household as well.

You could well be right about Cerys but worth a punt. She was delightful at a very small venue in Bath just before Christmas.

I'd bet the other half of 6X on the 3 Daft Monkeys who also have an album due out soon.

Another vote for Madness, as much fun live as anyone around. Having been to Hyde Parkthis summer, any of Ray Davies, Elvis or Nick Lowe would also go down very well. Red hot Chili Pipers would do well.

Of American acts,would be great to see Southside Johnny headline one night. Also Pine Leaf Boys to add some cajun spice.

Would be nice to see some soul music on the bill.  Probably the one area neglected most over the years. On the assumption none of the greats from across the Atlantic can be persuaded, was very impressed by Beverly Knight when she played Cornbury. Really works at putting on a performance.

And how about some world music? Bombay Royale were great at Womad this year and Buena Vista would be superb

Cerys Matthews has one of those voices that gives me an instant headache. I want to like her so much but I just can't listen to her.

correct!!
but why would we need 2x FC + a FC tribute band?

as in Buena Vista Social club? I'd second that. Got a CD when mvc closed down and I'd love to see them live.

I think most of the originals are dead now, not that death stops anyone from touring anymore

Certainly doesn't. I went to see The Who at Manchester Arena in June, and Keith Moon and John Entwistle joined in with the rest of the band on a song each. (I'm not joking either; it could have been tacky, but in fact was extremely moving.)

They have indeed mostly all passed on-Ibrahim Ferrer, Pio Levia, Compay Segundo, Ruben Gonzalez. The only major ones still around are Omara Portuondo and Eliades Ochoa.

I'd love to see World Music represented with a slot, but am I wrong in thinking it just has not gone down too well at Cropredy over the years? Muzikas, Leningrad Cowboys, and I know there were others. There are so many fabulous bands and performers out there that it could be considered.

That's all gone very quiet. Mind you the press only tend to report when he is arrested, not when he is released without charge.

Paul

Thursday night headliners..

Pet Shop Boys

Well, why not? Great songs, lots of good graphics for the reinstated screen....

Why not indeed? It'd keep the missus happy and they've a good back catalogue of singalongs.

How about Erasure then?

I'd love to see Gogol Bordello too.
Tinariwen?
Isn't Carole King still going? She'd be good for the pre-Fairport spot
Ooh (looking at my cd collection) what about those Manfred Mann boys?  

Capercaillie?

Runrig??

oh no, please no, i really can't stand them!!!

Annbjorg Lien and her band would be great for Cropredy. She's a fantastic Norwegian hardanger fiddle and nyckelharpa player, one of the best exponents out there. I saw Chris Leslie at her gig in London last March, her only gig in the UK (they played 90 minutes and flew back to Norway the next day!) last year, so it might be possible. She'd certainly be something a bit different.

Or, another Scandi band that would be fab are the Tsuumi Sound System from Finland. Really inventive arrangements of tunes, and a great live band - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOdrVi0oNco

Kylie then..............

Ok, so she hasn't got the songs, but who cares..........................I'll just settle for the shorts..............

I have seen them (and Erasure) and they're ok if you just want a bop, but the repetativeness of the music will annoy after about 10 minutes. And the whooping audience.... You will want to kill  ::)

George thorogood please

now c'mon now Greg, you know none of us can be trusted when we get on the shorts.........imagine the carnage around the bar!!
see i could handle Erasure, or Kylie, but there's something about PSB that i just can't like.  most probably the sh*ite music.

abby and shorts??? NURSE!

Saw him a few weeks ago - he would be awesome! Cropredy would love him :)

George Thorogood would indeed be a thoroughly good choice (see what I did there?) I can imagine the crowd shouting along to
'One Bourbon, One Scotch and One Beer' - whoops, shorts again! ;D

You have no idea how much pain this is going to cause/ is causing me but here goes

Bill Pipe, the voice of sanity

Thanks for pulling the thread back from a full blown kylie and Jason reunion Bill

OMG! my name and sanity in the same sentance. Thats a first.
I am a huge george fan and would love to see them live.........Get a haircut an get a real job!!

At the risk of mentioning a FOLK band ........

I saw Fay Brotherhood (solo) last night at my local venue and she has wonderful voice.

Listening to her band "Cernewoda" (it means Charnwood - where they're from) on Reverbnation, they have a great sound and some interesting lyrics.

Ideal for an afternoon slot.

http://www.reverbnation.com/faybrotherhood

Erasure and PSB --- Oh dear

George T deffo.

Kylie yes but we'd need a bigger screen  ;D ;)

Just had a listen - very nice; as you say, they would be good for an afternoon slot.

I agree with a number of suggestions elsewhere here particulary Merry Hell, whose latest CD I am enjoying very much at the moment.

I am always suprised we haven't seen The Unthanks at Cropredy, I would certainly enjoy them.

As far as returning acts I would like to see Letherat back again on in the main festival. Kangeroo Moon who played at the fringe last year and were absolutely splendid and would make a great addition to the line up.

Sir Richard Thompson in any form

For the old prog /psychedelic rocker spot Gong please and Strawbs back again (runs for cover)

Punk/new wave Wreckless Eric or Stiff Little Fingers

Emerging new young band The Keston Cobblers Club I note they have Bob Harris seal of approval and is featured in the bands latest YouTube video.

Don't think there has ever been any Krautrock so maybe Faust could do a turn, that would wake a few people up!

and for the sing along Chaz and Dave

I don't know about anyone else, but I thought 30 minutes of stand up just before Fairport came on was a nice touch, maybe they could do similar in 2014 (but not Jasper again for me, maybe Frank Skinner?).

Seen her  a few times this yr and love her band and her voice. Probably would suit the fringe first

Another call here for Mr Thorogood  :)

Off topic a bit, but I used to sing Haircut with my band.
We once played a gig where a huge chunk of the audience,after hearing the first chorus,all joined in with the second one,whilst pointing at one of their number,who had,after being unemployed for some time, had indeed,got a haircut and immediately thereafter,had succesfully found gainfull employment.The lot of them were, in fact, out to celebrate that very thing.

Paul Young's band Los Pacaminos?

Don't remember hearing any Tex-Mex at Cropredy?  Cajun, yes - Le Rue

Don't I remember from one of the Cropredy programs reprinted in the Cropredy Capers box that sometime in the 80's, though not appearing at Cropredy itself, there was an advertised "post festival" concert by Flaco Jimenez?

Another vote here for George Thorogood.

Much that I love Fay Brotherhood and book them regularly, I'm not sure that they are ready for the main stage.

But, definitely no naff pop bands.

I quite like something jazzy and Cuban, if you know what I mean.

Saturday afternoon, sun shining, beer flowing, exotic rhythms floating across the field.....  8) paradise  :)

http://www.planetrock.com/news/rock-news/spinal-tap-to-return-next-year/

Thursday night candidates.....move that screen off stage to make room for the massive Stone'enge...oh 'ang on.

And with Harry Shearer (Tap bassist Derek Smalls) being married to Judith Owen, vocalist on such RT albums as The Old Kit Bag and Sweet Warrior, and co-conspirator on 1000 Years Of Popular Music, there's a connection, so it's not the most outlandish suggestion. Saw them at Wembley Arena in 2009 and they were wonderful...

Failing Spinal Tap, there's always The Folksmen  :) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JhLuVu-Cho

which would lead us naturally to a Thursday night headlined by the Darkness......!! :o

And Shearer is on RT's 'Cabaret of Souls' album - a performance of which would, come to think of it, be another good contender for Cropredy.

He's got loads of strings to his bow - I saw him on Match of the Day last week!  ;D

As Ian Anderson's current show is an interactive type thing, requiring a screen, that's a thought.

There will be naff pop bands! Romeos daughter, Big Country, Alice Cooper (gets coat  ;))

Naff and cheap is the way to go. IMHO  ::)

And that's The Majesty Of Rock!
The Mystery of Roll!
The darning of the sock,
The scoring of the goal!
The farmer takes a wife
The barber takes a pole.
We're in this together...and ever...

Galley Beggar - they deserve a chance at Croppers (well, I like them!)

Headliners on the Saturday?  ;)

What do the volume controls on the Cropredy mixing desk go up to?

Paul

Great Bourton

I see where you're coming from! ;D

No joke, I would actually really like to see Weird Al Yankovic. I've never seen him, and I can see his act going down quite well at Cropredy.

 :D

Seeing Weird Al back in 2004(?) was my very first concert. My dad had me set up to meet him at the local news station beforehand, but he canceled his TV interview the night before. I had prepared several parody ideas for him that my seventh grade mind though were out of this world, so his loss I suppose  ;D

He really is a lot of fun live, though. Incredible energy and I'm sure that if he were to visit Cropredy, he'd prepare something extra special. Maybe a folk polka (folka???) medley or a killer parody of 'Meet On The Ledge' (so many possibilities with that one...)?

Please book Richard Shindell. Sorted.  8)

Wild Oats - a great band from Isle of Wight http://www.wildoatsband.co.uk/
Ry Cooder

D'ya know what?

I don't care  :o I've decided that, unless the line-up is dire, I want to go anyway!  {:-)

Fable of the Bees featuring Paul James ex Blowzabella and Mr Cosgill's Delight/Dr Cosgill

Well me too Brij, but there's no harm in putting in a good word for your favourites.  ::) {:-)

You know this almost prompts the idea of a thread. "Who would cause you never go to Cropredy ever again if they were on the bill?" Or perhaps not...... :-X

Ha! I can see the posts now... :)

Martyn Joseph again.......and CQ...

I could work my way through all 15 pages of suggestions for next years line up  or just cut to the chase and list my choices. So here goes:-

Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel (still superb live and with a fiddle player in the band what's not to like ?)
The Blues Band
Graham Parker and the Rumour (BBC 4 documentary showed what  brilliant performers they are)
Ocean Colour Scene
Oyster Band (best live band around at the moment)
Mott The Hoople/Ian Hunter (this could be great fun)
Bad Company
Small Engine Repair (they'd fill the Travelling Band/Dunwells slot very well but with more rock'n'roll)
Decameron
Lindisfarne (there's a new Jacka-led version who could be touring next year)

I'm sure there's more but that will do for the time being

Cheers Nigel

Last night I saw The Rutles, with Neil Innes, in the Fleece, Bristol.
(There's a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3whVa6_auU of Ouch!. Rather poorly-lit, I'm afraid but the sound is ok.)

Now, there's a group who I think would go down well on a sunny Cropredy afternoon!

Simon.

Definitely! All you need is cash  ;D

Muffin Men (tick from Jim)

Joe Cocker (tick taken away... lol)

While i'm a fan of the muffins im a bit wary of seeing the same bands every couple of years at cropredy.
Has joe given up the Courvoisier onstage? Last time i saw him he demolished a couple of bottles during his set and he was not the better for it, and thats why i wouldn't bother with the gravel voiced old lush again

Alice Cooper.....................ah! (Well at least not this yr)

Neil Innes, now there is somebody who should be on. In whatever guise.

Acoustic before Fairport, would give people a real problem as to when to grab a meal.

A local band for me in Coventry called The Fallows.

Check them out they are rather good and I suspect would go down well with a Cropredy crowd.

Went to weyfest yesterday would recommend The Temperance Movement abosolutley brilliant....
Leatherat must be on the main stage for 2014 and why is it so long since Show of Hands have played Croppers.

Got back in from Weyfest around 8:30am today. The Temperance Movement were good also liked Tiny Dragons, and Grizzly and the Grasshoppers, would they go down well at Cropredy, who knows.  

Wasn't he a guest way back in the 80's at Cropredy?

Indeed he was. 1985. I love him, but he was a marginal figure, even then. Mostly known because of the Bonzos, Python, Rutland Weekend TV and so on. And, of course, the Rutles, and that earned him a bloody nose, poor sod. He's still very active in the parish, but Cropredy - today? - ooh, I'm not sure.

 :-\

There's still a good solid audience for him out there though, and even when there isn't he knows exactly what to do to win a crowd over.  He also has a delightful silliness about him.  Perfect for the Digance slot I'd say...

How Sweet To Be An Idiot was my favourite NI number.

I remember first hearing that one in 'Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl'-- still love it, though I have to say my favorite Innes songs are often Viv Stanshall co-writes (i.e., 'Mr. Apollo,' 'Busted'), though some of his solo-comps are phenomenal too ('Urban Spaceman' may be an obvious choice, but I do love it). I bet he'd go over alright at Cropredy.  :)

I seem to recall he came on stage at coppers dressed as a flower.

And, sad to say, the superior single version of this song is still unavailable on CD.   :(

Jules

Oh, and book The Waterboys for next year.

You know it makes sense.

Jules

Yes please

Gryphon
Home Service
Albion Band
Brave Combo
Polkaholix
Leningrad Cowboys
Gogol Bordello
Hoven Droven
Orchestre Del Sol
Spiers and Boden



Just a few of my faves

That sounds a bit too much like Cropredy for Cropredy doesn't it?

Gryphon and Home Service share a bass player, but Jon's a fit lad, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

Are they  both touring next year Simon? I knew Gryphon are.

Second vote for Brave Combo. I saw them twice last year and they are a lot of fun, know how to engage a crowd, and they would have Cropredy dancing easily.

Cheap Trick
The David Wax Museum
The Monster Ceilidh Band
Larkin Poe
Eddy Grant
Chic
The Albion Band
Fay Hield
The Carrivick Sisters
Chatham County Line
John Fogerty
Lindi Ortega
Nils Lofgren

Oh heavens I forgot about Fay Hield!  ::)  She is fab.  {:-)

Oh yes - I can just see the Cropredy crowd in Spangles and Platform shoes, boogying along to Freak Out!!  ;D

Only you bridg, only you.





A tee shirt drifts back in time from 2075, it says "Disco still sucks!"

BUT... It's ..... D delirious  .... I incredible ... no you're right ...  :P

Ratdog

Spoilsport! I defy anyone to keep still to "Boogie Nights" by Heatwave or "You Should Be Dancing" by the BeeGees  O0

On a serious note, is there any chance of is getting Neil Young at Cropredy?  {:-)

Two hopes - no hope and Bob Hope and Bobs been dead for a while

Where can I get one of those ? A lot of horrendous music has infiltrated our airwaves during my lifetime , most of it under the banner of disco, soul (and particularly Northern Soul) and rap. Whilst there have been some truly great soul artistes (Otis, Marvin, early Stevie, Curtis etc ) punters seemed willing to accept any old **** as long as was tagged as soul or if you could dance to it.

That was on our local radio yesterday and I was just thinking how utterly naff it sounded. Metronome percussion and ridiculous lyrics.

Now Neil Young is another matter ............

Remember how many people were saying beforehand that Alice Cooper would be dire? And look what happened.

I give you: Chic.

I can see what you are saying......I don't wanna take the risk!!

I dont want it , thanks. ;D

Mouserat!

Shrewpanda!

This is a fun game, isn't it?  :)

Gets my vote.  :)

Sorry, you might need to see this to get the context...

http://www.scarecrowboat.com/

Cheers

Nick

Mouserat is Andy's band in parks and recreation

Ditto

Ratdog are barely a working band these days.  There's also absolutely no chance whatsoever of them touring Europe...Bob lost a bucket load in 2002/3....

Darn! I haven't seen him since Wembley Arena in 1990!

How about Furthur, then?  ;)

Oh go on, then..  :) I very much doubt that we'll see Bob over these parts again.  Somebody was trying to make noises for a Allmans/Phil & Friends tour, mind...that would be fun...

Wouldn't it just? At any rate, just as long as Phil didn't sing too much! An interesting voice for a song or two (and he does sing my favourite song ever), but after a while it would start to irritate ....

Dark Star Orchestra?

Cosmic Charlies are more likely!

Steady, many happy hours spent at Wigan Casino. About 10 yrs ago at my stepdaughter's wedding her dad said said why does Dave dance like Wigan Casino 1973? He was quite shocked when i took it as a compliment...... step over, step over , heel turn...

Nowt wrong wi' Northern Soul.

Jules

Nowt wrong with Disco either  >:( well, some of it  ::)

Much as I love Nile Rodgers, I don't think he's right for Cropredy. Now Madness, they would be perfect  :D

I attended my first Cropredy in 2012. Finances did not allow a return trip this year(still paying off last years trip); hopefully next year. I loved the eclectic mix of bands in 2012, some I knew well(RT, Fairport, Saw Doctors, Squeeze), some I knew a bit(Big Country) and some I did not know at all (Larkin Poe, Bellowhead). With that eclectic mix in mind in 2014 I would like to see any/all of:

John Tams and/or Home Service
Fish
Big Audio Dynamite
Los Straitjackets
The Smithereens
Dan Reed Network
Eddi Reader
Runrig
Caravan
Red Hot Chili Pipers
Enter the Haggis
Runa
Gryphon

and some of those dream line-ups/combinations that seem to happen at Cropredy(like Morris On and RT's electric set from last year)
Richard Thompson/Phil Pickett/Dave Pegg/Simon Nicol/Dave Mattacks doing a set around the Bones of All Men
Albion Band members reuniting to play all of Rise Up Like The Sun
Jerry Donahue and Kristina Donahue doing a Fotheringay based set.

That shouldn't be too difficult to put together now will it?  :)

Thomas

Having spent the evening on a Breton/Galician tangent I put forth the following names (apologies if mentioned earlier in the thread)

Luar Na Lubre
Milladoiro
Carlos Nunez
Alan Stivell

Also a 'Celtic' inspired evening led by Monsieur Dan Ar Braz. Forget the guest appearance with Fairport, get him up there with Donal Lunny, Karen Matheson, Giles Servat, Bagad Kemper and the rest of the l' Heritage des Celtes. Now that would be amazing.

Would love to see that happen!... :)

Two bands previously seen at Cropredy, Ahab and Churchfitters. Both worth a reprise.  Band of Fools, as seen at Folkeast, also might fit in well.

Half Man Half Biscuit.

Not on Saturday, as they'd be at the Tranmere match (although, if Tranmere weren't playing, Nigel would be an ideal candidate to read out the football results.) Otherwise: they gig so rarely they'd definitely bring in a crowd; they could drive home afterwards; they've already mentioned Cropredy in song! Book 'em now, I say.

Do Tranmere still have their home games on Friday night if one of the bigger 2 teams on Merseyside are at home on the Saturday?

Dunno - I'm not a football fan, but, if they do, I guess that rules out HMHB as the Friday night headliner.

 ::)

Yeah, I was aware of those facts David - and I'm sure Ian was too - but we can dream...........  ;) Besides everybody else is coming up with no hope suggestions!

Steve Earle for me please.

From the louder end of the folk influenced spectrum Crumbling Ghost, they do a very good version of Reynardine and are not averse to turning the guitars up.

Neil

Chic.............I didn't think I liked them and thought I hated DISCO.Then I saw them at Glastonbury . They were without doubt the best Act there this year , absolutely stunning. What a repertoire of hits too .

They would really be good at Cropredy...but wont happen.

Have to say that Leatherat need bringing in . I suspect that Health and Safety will prevent them playing at the Brasenose.
Was more crowded there for them than anything else that wonderful weekend.

What would be your dream Cropredy? We could all disappear up a tunnel of our own favourite style so the rules of 2013 must be obeyed.

Thursday ...Starts with                                                      Fairport acoustic

................next                                                               the support act of the tour

............... A pop act of your chosing.                                 ....................................

............... A folk based Dancey type Band                           ....................................

..............  A really top class headliner                                 ....................................


Friday        Starts with                                                       R2 Young award winners

.......next    A country / world Music Act                              ...................................
                         
............... something traditional                                        ....................................

............... A pop based act                                             ....................................

............... Talented solo virtuoso                                      .....................................

.............. A classy Folk/Rock act                                      ....................................

..............  A really top class headliner                                 ....................................                


Saturday    Starts with                                                 Richard Digance

.......next    something different                                     ..................................
                         
............... something traditional                                    ....................................

............... A pop based act                                          ....................................

............... Warm up soloist                                     .....................................

.............. A classy Folk/Rock act                                      ....................................

..............  The really top class headliner                           FAIRPORT CONVENTION

I know I've got one less act on the Friday. That's deliberate, I was a bit offended that the levellers were rushed off stage without encore so that the next band could set up. This  should deal with that.


I am going to give it some thought and come up with mine.     What would yours be???      

Unlikely,but would get a thumbs up from me!

If you're going to bring anyone from the States - bring these. Proper band.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVuNUtbg_Bo

Just back home from Proms in the Park. Added to my list of suggestions for Croppers are The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Bryan Ferry, both superb !!

Cheers Nigel

Ferry............man at M&S?   That is a step too far to the right.    :-X

You do make me laugh!  ::)  

Check out Ferry doing Dylan - brilliant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5x2kKRI2V4

When did Cropredy become a political rally?

When that plonker started opening the bill on the Saturday?  ;) :)

It seems its ok to be a left wing muso, but not to have any other political thoughts.  i personly have no time for party politics and would not personly like to live in a communist state and have my life controlled, neither would i like to live under a far right party. Why people cant just like music for the music i just dont know, and it saddens me that we have left wing bigots as well as right wing ones. Let me know when the revolution starts.  

I came here to read about music, festivals and such not get indocrinated by some political bollix.

Bye!

His ridiculous son might want to drive his hounds through the arena fi e e e e e ld.

All very well. But if someone sings about politics - whether it be Digance or Bragg, Dylan or Harper - you can't just let music be music, can you?

I think the point is that with the bands that put out leftish politics, we all only discuss their music. If I like someones music I don't care what their political views are and don't bring them up.

But, if someone mentions acts such as Digance, Brian Ferry, Ted Nugent or Rush. Someone always has a go at them for their political beliefs. This is a music site, so let's stick to acts musical output and not whether you dislike their political stance.

Hear, hear. It's all about the music

We don't often disagree Andy but I think some acts beliefs can't be separated from their music., Levellers, Oysterband, Chumbawumba, Show of Hands, Billy Bragg, Home Service, even some of Lucy wards new stuff, Red Shoes have a very strong anti fox hunting song etc They are singing political songs. I would argue that a lot of 'folk music' has a political basis, Streets of London, Radio Ballads, Plantation songs, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Ewen Mcoll etc but that's a different thesis.
 Conversley,I didn't go to see Alice this yr but I don't suppose his rampant  support of the republican party would put many people off. it didn't put me off, I just didn't want to see him cos i've never liked his music. However he isn't espousing his politics in his songs,  I have had Van M's, Hymns to the Silence on today, it has not convinced me to find god!
In the past I have  been v uneasy at Digance's banter and songs and left the field. I disagree with his view expressed in some songs just as I
  sometimes disagree with bragg , levellers et al
Lucy knows that I think , ' stand up and take to the streets, they can't ignore us if we all choose to speak', is a wonderful, youthful. nieve, hopeful view but probably not if you're russian, turkish, chinese, iranian, north korean, egyptian. syrian etc!!!!
I'll finish this rant with the thought that nobody has 'complained' at the lyrics of some of Mr Furniers songs but then of course it's just music and I suspect children will be going to school tomorrow ;) :o ::)

But if an artist expresses a political view in a song, they are inviting us to join a debate, aren't they? You can't always separate the two. In fact you would be doing the artist a disservice if you did.

Agreed.

'Mixing pop and politics, he asks me what the use is
I offer him embarrassment and my usual excuses...'

To which I can only add:

'We are stardust, we are golden, we are billion year old carbon...'

In a word - No. They play on Saturday now.

I agree with the sentiment that you can't always separate the songs and the views of many artists from both sides of the political divide, however I'm not sure I can find any overt or covert espousal of beliefs in the lyrics of Mr. Ferry's many songs. Agreed that son Otis appears to be a bit of a plunker but should that cloud the judgement of whether Ferry Senior is still a consummate performer and well worth a headlining slot at Croppers ? I think not

Cheers Nigel

Sorry for the delay in replying - I've been looking for evidence of nasty right-wing views in Bryan Ferry's back catalogue.... not a sausage!   :)

My argument is that many artists of a left-wing leaning come to Cropredy and nobody says a word, but when an artist with a right-wing association is suggested there are comments. It's blatant snobbery and I think the acts at Cropredy should be judged on the quality of their music and delivery, not their assumed politics.
Exactly.

My apologies for my badly argued rant and i don't want o go off topic but over the yrs i have wrestled with this.
I love the works of Wagner, however very dubious political views and afilliations.
I return to the poetry of Larkin regularly, I read my kids Roald Dahl stories , both of whom had very dubious personal views/behaviours.
Where does it stop? I have no probs with Bryan Ferry cos he's not expressing any political views. ( Sheen loves Chris Leslie, so far she hasn't become a buddhist! although our local buddhist temple does a very nice coffee and cake!))
Here's a quandry. I would love to bring Red Shoes to Glooston Village Hall. Glooston is in the middle of fox hunting country, it provides employment, stables, vets, feed etc etc Some of my friends hunt. We agree to differ.
I know that if I brought Red Shoes to Glooston they would sing that song, Carolyn believes passionately in it and I would have at least half an audience walk out and probably wouldn't do gigs there again/ lose some friends/ be ignored in the pub. I am still wrestling with it.

Easy for me to say, as I wouldn't have to deal with the consequences, but if someone would fall out of friends with you or ignore you in the pub because they disagree with the sentiments of a song sung by a band you promote, are they worth having as friends in the first place?

Probably. If I restricted my friends to those who agreed me about everything I'd be completely solitary. I do choose to exclude some on the basis of insult rather than reasoned argument.

A song can at least be reviewed on the basis of musical merit.

However expressed,  I think most people can agree that extremist views over racism, immigration, etc are beyond the pale and indeed beyond left, center and right wings.

Have the dates for Cropredy 2014 been announced yet please?

7th to 9th of May no...thingy....tip of my tongue.....August!

7-9 August, David, according to the FC website.  

(11 months, 1 hour and 4 mins until Digance again?)  ::)

And if Simon, Peggy or Gareth happen to read this... another shout for Corvus Corax/Berlinski Beat.  Please.

For a minute there I thought you said Bronski Beat, and had a horrible 80s flashback!

Peter, I already said my 'friends' and I agree to differ about our views on fox hunting and we rub along. It's not close friends, it's the farmers. vets, stable yard staff etc who are the main income of the pub. My mate James, who works behind the bar hunts!
There is a very pro hunting lobby in the village, their livelihoods depend on it. It's still touch your cap to the laird stuff. I don't live in  the village but the majority of my friends do. An anti hunt song would be tantamount to praising Maggie T at a miners rally. Trust me, tensions run high.
I was out walking a few weeks back when the hunt was out, I was approached by a woman who vaguely knows me with the words , are you an anti?
I said I had a couple of nephews but.........she looked at me blankly.

I look forward to the BNP Community Choir at Croppers next yr. ;)

It is hard for someone like me who lives in a city to understand I suppose - I've always been strongly anti-hunting and, whilst never involved myself, knew a number of hunt sabs when I was a student - the tales they told about how they were treated by hunt followers made it clear they weren't very popular!

Everything is connected and music doesn't exist in a vacuum. Songs reflect our shared experience of life and politics is part of life. Ask musicians to stop singing about politics, and we may as well ask them to stop singing about love, joy, regret, sex, death, betrayal etc.

My original point was not about people singing of a particuarly subject, it was the attitude that only artists with left leanings could sing at Cropredy. As far as I'm concerned, the far right and the far left are as bad as each other and extremism of any kind is dangerous, but Bryan Ferry hardly falls into that category.

I hate snobbery about politics as much as I hate racism, sexism, ageism and homophobia. Let's celebrate our differences! "Britain's Friendliest Festival" doesn't have ...but only if your a leftie... after it.

Please try to keep this on topic and you can talk about politics, so long as it doesn't become political. (Whatever that means.)

I've always thought the Cropredy crowd was politically liberal (small L).

Generally I'll accept that the performers have their own views and can go along with that. It's when those views themselves are intolerant of other people, that I'll walk away.

Off the top of my head, I can't really think of any artists who sing 'right wing' songs, other than extremists like skinhead bands or National Socialist Black Metal bands. Many artists sing songs that could be construed as left wing - Billy Bragg, Elvis Costello etc, but there aren't many singing about how great David Cameron is or of Thatcher's qualities!

Add. In view of Colin's post above - I'm not trying to promote a particular political view - just musing on the lack of right wing artists.

I totally agree with Bridg on this matter.

I should hope not.  I hate bad grammar on signs and posters.   :D

Jules

Rats! it's you're! and too late to change it  >:(

Anyway as Colin say Back on Topic. About that Bronski Beat vote.....

they were bloody commies.... ;)

I remember this coming up on here briefly when Joan Armatrading was announced last year. I don't care about a performers politics unless it is a blatant advertisement or jingoism disguised as a song, and that sometimes includes things on the left which I support. If the performer happens to oppose my beliefs, but does not sing political songs then for me it is no problem listening.

Bronski Beat evolved into the Communards - another thing totally.

Anyhow, Berlinski Beat are nothing at all like Jimmy Somerville and the Rev Coles.  More like, well, er, a German/Polish/Balkan gyspy ska band. With bagpipes.  :o

Now that I have GOT to hear!  ;)

Let me see if I've got the gist of this:
There is an anti-Ferry element as he may be Right leaning and his son is pro-fox hunting; there is potentially an anti-Red Shoes element because they are anti-fox hunting....
If Hendo books Ferry for Little-Dimmock-in-the-Wold and Red Shoes are booked for Croppers does that fix it? Or have I missed something?
Also, whilst there are few Right leaning songs and plenty of Left leaning ones, there are many pro-fox hunting songs and few anti....

As long as the peoples front if Judea don't turn up again.   ::)

No, it will be the Judean Peoples Front instead

There's a few clips on youtube, Robert.  Be careful if you find their "official" video for "A Night in Berlin"... it's a bit risqué!

Thanks Paul, I shall check it out tonight when I get home  :)

I'm not anti Ferry but I do think he's a tit.
He's made a lot of brilliant albums and a few stinkers.

That sounds awesome! Even if they don't get to Cropredy I'm still going to try and see them.  {:-)

I agree with Gouty here but it is actually a more complex argument than he espouses. There is no separation between politics and music or between politics and anything else. Everything is political. With a small p. It is actually about one's own personal standards or ethics. Bryan Ferry is one of about half a dozen artists who I cannot bring myself to listen to as a result of their behaviour or, shall we say, personality. It is not a big loss to me because I was never particularly fond of his music. On the other hand there are artists who I like a great deal but about whom I feel conflicted because of what I know about their beliefs or behaviour. It is not possible to just say it is all about the music because every penny I spend on a CD or concert ticket is in some way condoning or faciliating those behaviours. The only way to register my disapproval is not to financially reward people whose actions I disapprove of.

A festival is difficult in that regard. I dislike the idea that some fraction of my ticket cost goes to someone with views l find disturbing irrespective of whether or not they articulate them in song.

Awful isn't it?   Does he listen to the lyrics and understand them, before committing that sound to disc?  

Hard rain is gonna fall my arse. IMO  :o

Throw out the ground bait and reel 'em in........ ::)  ;D

Couldn't agree less.  I think it's one the greatest Dylan covers.

Jules

I've always admired your sense of humour Jules.

If I'd known my suggestion of Byron Ferrari for Croppers was going to cause such consternation I'd have gone with Gary Glitter as my other option.  ;)

Cheers Nigel

Now that'a perfect example of music you can't listen to anymore without your skin crawling (asuming you listened to it before).But there are others that don't have the same effect.I'd best leave it there for fear of going off topic and legal proceedings.

I want to live in Little Dimmock in the Wold. Is it in Borcestshire?
 Red Shoes for Croppers is a good idea! ;)
My Little Dimmock gig budget does not extend to Byron Ferrari (much as Sheena would love it) but I can remind you of Lowri Evans, Glooston Village Hall 21st Sept 7.30 with support from the mighty Secret Life!

Nope.  Not joking.  Great record.

Jules

Forget Mr Ferry - let's have the full Roxy reunion - Bryan, Phil, Andy, Paul, Rik and Eno.

Fully agree - irrespective if politically (extreme) left or right or any other attitude.
If I cannot consent to it I try not to spend a single penny in favour of that artist/party/company/country.  
In addition, tell your friends about it (in a proper moment and without being patronising) Maybe the whole thig gathers some momentum.

Errrr.......Well.....errrrr.........I've never understood your musical tastes then Jules.  ::)

I loved the first three Roxy Music albums - and in context Ferry's first solo outing was pretty damn good - even now - and I'd love to see an original Roxy reunion ....................but not at Cropredy !!

(One dodgy suit is enough - Jon Boden)


Would root for Nick Cave.........

And Steel Pulse.........................

We went to the Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza in August mainly to see Steve Harley ( who I think would be excellent at Cropredy) but stayed to see The Bryan Ferry Orchestra.

I was not expecting much as I neither like nor dislike Bryan Ferry. He did, however, exceed all expectations. The jazz bit did not do too much for me but once he got going he was superb (especially 'hard rain'!) At the end he had the whole field standing for 'Lets stick together' and that was the chair and posh picnic brigade!

 A vote from here for Cropredy 2014!

while in london at the weekend quite a few of our lads went to the proms in the park and were enthusing about Brown Furry at lords on the sunday

Another vote for Steve Harley at Cropredy from me.

I dread to think what you'd call him if you were anti...

 :o  ;)

I was posting on the Clash box-set thread on iActive earlier which set me to thinking about my punk/reggae/dub years and it occurred to me that Steel Pulse would be ideal for Cropredy. Then I read your like-minded thought.

OMG, as they say.

He dropped in once before, as I recall. 1989? Come up and See Me. Mike Read? (Not 'im from Eastenders) RT also on stage?? It's all a bit of a blur...

Maart played the guitar solo.

How about From The Jam? I saw them earlier this year and wasn't expecting much - and they were superb, great live act.

Not seen them but heard good reports from others,

as a big name oldies act how about the Moody Blues - they seem to be always touring.

DW

I saw them recently too - absolutely brilliant and would go down a storm at Cropredy  :)

They were great at weyfest a couple of weeks ago.

Interesting choice in The Moody Blues, but they don't really do festivals that I am aware of.

Do we really want to be requesting tribute acts?  I mean, you may as well get some covers band from the local boozer.

Jules

They do have one original member in and would be a damn site better than some of the acts suggested.

There is a precedent Jules that in the recent past, first band on Saturday (pre Digance), e.g Chuckletruck, Freeway Jam, Blue Meanies, Spank the Monkey etc, were  local (pub) covers bands.
and as I recall several bands have appeared at Cropredy having only 1 original member.......10cc. Alice Cooper......Fairport Convention......(coat) ;)

Didn't Shameless Quo play one year or was that in the village?


As hendo mentioned, Can they be classed as a tribute with a former member in them?

Were 10cc a tribute band this year?

Ok Weller wrote most of the songs,but Bruce Foxton's bass parts are so essential to the sound
of those songs he can't be dismissed as part of the reason for the success of the band.It was only recently that Rick Buckler stopped doing it.
It was not really a case of having two slices of bread with no...filling of....some...sort.

Of course we do! We want good music played by skilled musicians that lots of people will enjoy. That's what Fairport's Cropredy Convention is all about.  {:-)

The people who book the bands clearly have no problem with them - in the time I've been going to Cropredy we've had bands singing songs by Quo, Santana, Bob Marley, Dylan, Zappa....  

Anyway, From the Jam is not a tribute act - it's the original bassist (ie a third of the group) playing songs he helped to write. We've had loads of bands with only 1 or 2 original members,indeed as is often pointed out, you could call FC a tribute band.  ;)

It's a tribute band.  A cabaret act.  A cash-in nostalgia trip.  I would really rather see a pub band play for fun than watch some of these desperate groups.  Fairport are an on-going concern that still make new records.  From The Jam aren't.

Jules

 Shameless Quo were on the main stage.

Legend went down well twice! Tribute band.
Big Country? without Stuart
My personal feeling is their shouldn't be tribute bands at Cropredy
We have a fest in Leics called Glastonbudget. Mainly tribute bands. it pulls 15000+ people

Has anybody mentioned Procol Harum. They're touring. Pity only Gary Brooker is left from the original line-up, but lets face it, he IS the voice of Procol Harum.

Er, they do make new music - they did a number of tunes from Bruce Foxton's latest solo album (which features the same singer and drummer) and a few other songs.  
Tribute? Yes they did say how much they enjoy playing The Jam's music, some of which Bruce Foxton wrote of course. It's hardly a Stars in Your Eyes "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight Jim Smith IS Elvis Presley" style tribute  ::)
Desperate? Hardly! They were having as much fun as the audience.
Cashing in? Well, they need to earn money, we all do. They're musicians, so it makes sense to tour and do what you know best. It's not really cashing in when you're on the road 200 nights a year, travelling up and down the country in a Renault Scenic, even if it does have aircon.

I admit we had no idea what From the Jam would be like, and we went along more to see Bruce Foxton play than anything else, but they totally surprised and delighted us. From the second they stepped onto the stage they delivered good, well-played music, and they had the audience (there were 3 generations from one family sat behind us) on their feet, singing, clapping and dancing along. A bit like when Tom Robinson came onto the stage at Cropedy :)

After all, Bruce Foxton IS the bass sound of The Jam...

Every bass player is the bass sound of their band!  Personally, I'd rather see Bruce going out there and presenting his own music under his own name.

Jules

It was a reference to the previous post from David Terrrrrrrr

Is it just the branding that's at fault here, as if he's trying to say that this somehow still is The Jam? Or is it that the set is chiefly composed of Jam numbers? I accompanied my 15 year-old son (who was then 14) to see Johnny Marr in Manchester a few months ago. Marr and his band played a handful of Smiths songs, and when they did the crowd went wild, but we had no sense at all that this was a tribute act. Instead, here was a chap who had every right to play and sing these songs. But might we have thought differently had his band been called "From the Smiths", or if most of the set had been Smiths songs? Possibly.

Jules, we don't want to be on too much of a pedestal.
 People loved the Muffin Men. Zappa tribute band tacking on one original member of the Mothers to give it some veracity.
Legend went down incredibly well etc.
It illustrates the changing Cropredy audience. Musafir and String Band may no longer get the gig!
and noting the post above, Martin Barre plays Tull.

Up until fairly recently, "From The Jam" also included Rick Buckler, so with two thirds of the Jam involved I guess they felt they had a right to include "Jam" in the name.
They also happen to be extremely good!

I do recall that Hamsters were at Cropredy

They are brilliant but they are a Hendrix/ Queen tribute band really (with a bit of Zappa thrown in at times )

I'm with you Jules. It's a tribute band. Possibly a very good one, and one that many people like, but still a tribute band. I enjoyed 10CC at Wickham this year but they're still a tribute band. Cropredy likes tributes, fair enough, but it's one of the reasons I haven't been since 2007.

Oh ffs this is such a pointless argument.  Statistically FTJ are less of a tribute band than Fairport are.  Get over it.

Pointless arguments? On Talkawhile? Never! ::)

As are rather stroppy overly aggressive put downs.  Sorry about that...bad day  :)

Depends which statistics you're using.  Fairport morphed into what they are now.  From The Jam were started by Bruce and Rick many years after their old group's demise, and expressly to play old songs to make some money.  Fair enough, I suppose, but let's not try and pretend that there's anything other than the desire for commercial gains going on here.

Anyway, my opinion is that suggesting such outfits for Croppers is aiming way too low.  I'd much rather listen to somebody new than someone coasting on former glories.

Jules

Oh Lord have mercy....now that is a very, er, interesting sentence to use about Cropredy...

Even if you think Fairport tend to coast these days, they sure up their game for Cropredy.  Maybe if From The Jam brought out that cantankerous old git from Woking who can't sing very well to guest on guitar, it would help matters somewhat.   ;D

Jules

Now, now, Jules, don't you be putting words into my mouth...  :-\ ::) ;) :)

I have made this point on here before, and I figured I would mention it again. As Jules says, Fairport have morphed, or evolved into what they are now, and have been a working band in some guise for every year of their 46 years (including the balance of 1979-1980, because they still got together for Cropredy). That anyone could think they are a tribute band of any sort is  wrong IMO. We all know the Fairport history, and we know the times when they had no original members, or only one original member. So if there is one band on the planet who knows what it is like to go out there and play only to be met with-"Sandy isn't in the band, no thanks, pass," "Richard isn't in the band, why bother?" "Swarb not in the band, whats the point?" it is Fairport Convention.

So when bands reform and play festivals like Cropredy they surely encounter the same problem, and they, and only they are the ones that have to do the convincing. Does it always work-no. Does it sometimes work-sure. The Blockheads and Squeeze being two recent examples for which it seemed consensus was pretty strongly in favor, whilst bands like Big Country and the Status Quo that appeared at Cropredy had mixed reviews on this board. The point to me is in the end result. I don't know The Jam, or From The Jam all that well, but if it is a good show, why not?

Previous post I meant to describe the years 1979-1985 as still being "working" years because of Cropredy, not 1979-1980.

I suggested him on about Page 4 of this thread.

However on second thoughts it could be dangerous! If Steve Gibbons hapens to be there at the same time and they meet up then the coming together of all that 'cool' could have untold effects.

The whole of North Oxfordshire might freeze over into one big glacier! ;D

I'm not sure that is really fair if it is a reference to Fairport. I think the one thing they try very hard not to do is be their own tribute band or coast on former glories which is why they keep producing new material and why that material forms the backbone of their set, at least on tour. We may not regard those songs as highly as the vintage stuff but the band at least are always trying to move forward, not look back.

With regard to the earlier posts about the current touring version of 10cc being a tribute band, I am not sure that is quite right either. They feature three members who have long been associated with the group, albeit only one original member. But that original member was one of the main songwriters. A nostalgia act possibly but not a tribute band.

As for tribute bands at Cropredy, the precedent has long since been set, ever since The Bootleg Beatles headlined the Friday night in 1990.

I've seen Steve Gibbons around Birmingham many times.  He has often appeared to be somewhat the worse for drink.  He has never seemed to me to be in any way "cool".....though not for want of trying.   ::)

Jules

I know tribute acts aren't everybody's cup of tea, but I quite like them. If you're going to have one though, why not the very best...The Musical Box. I've seen them a couple of times and they really are amazing (if you like Gabriel era Genesis) - it's almost like having a time machine.

What was the hit that Steve Gibbons had back in the day? its driving me potty trying to remember it

Tulane !!

Cheers Nigel

He always looks rather dapper on stage with the Dylan Project or dare I say it standing at the Cropredy bar!

thats the one. Think I saw him back in the day....obviously made an impression as I can barely recall it.

Exactly!  Add Aussie Floyd (if they are still about?) Cosmic Charlies, Rolling Stoned and Bootleg Beatles to that list and I don't think there is much to complain about.

A bit of fun for those who like that sort of thing and a shopping opportunity/trip to the fringe for those that don't. Simples.

Not really that 'simples'.  If cover/tribute bands become the acceptable norm, then I would argue that this does irreparable damage to original talent and any available audience they may have.  These sort of acts are fine in their place, and many are most enjoyable, but having them as major attractions at a legendary music festival is, to my mind, wrong-headed.

Jules

I don't think an occasional slot by a quality tribute act is going to damage anything.

I also don't think it has or ever will become the norm.

I am never going to have the chance to see Pink Floyd so is to have a taste of what that might be like such a bad thing? And if so why not at Cropredy?

Remember we are not talking about my local karaoke pub singer doing Robbie Williams!

It really is not the thin edge of the wedge.

Bootleg Beatles years ago - great, Muffin Men - great, Legend - great, Dylan Project great

I will never see the originals but welcome the chance to hear their music live.

DW

Blue Tapestry.....didn't go that year though,so a return booking would be nice.

I was there, and they were very nice. Half-way between the stage and the bar, my friends and I were going: 'Ooh! Was that one of hers as well? Whose? Joni's or Carole's? Never mind - what's this one? Whose round is it?' And so on...

And it really was lovely, but it was (very talented) filler. I agree with Jules that - with so much new stuff out there - it's great to be exposed to new bands at every opportunity. And - Heaven knows - anyone trying to make a go of it in music these days needs all the help they can get.

I should add that, as a card carrying old git, I saw The Musical Box play the whole of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway recently and it was brilliant. But hardly a sell-out... (Empire, Shepherd's Bush)

So, I can see the appeal of tribute acts for the Cropredy crowd, but :-\

Deacon Blue

And they're not a tribute band  ::) they're not cashing in or playing for oiyks at Butlins. They write their own stuff apart from the odd Bacharach or Beatles cover. They're still making records. Nearly all of the original band members are there.

I can already hear the Cropredy crowd singing along to Dignity...  :D  

Real Gone Kid too - daaah-dah-dah-dah-dah dah WOOO-OOO,WOOO-OOO,WOO-OOO.Just like I did at Glasto sometime in the last century.Class band.

that would be great

Sorry to say, just about the only thing I've heard by them was Real Gone Kid. So for me, they wouldn't work. But I will happily admit that Real Gone Kid would be one of my top three records of 1988...

I was a big fan of them in the 80s and I saw them live once. I must admit I haven't played much of their stuff recently. I still think Raintown is a great album though and some of their singles are really good sing-a-longs.

Good call - Deacon Blue are playing Belfast next week.

Great band live.

Great songs.

Would work for me.

Hope you can go along Gregg - I saw them last night and they were great. Real feel-good music and a fantastic atmosphere :)

Why not get the "Real Gone Kid" herself?

I had to google that.  I didn't know it was about Maria McKee.

Jules

Maria McKee performing all of "Life is Sweet" with the original band..might persuade me to make the multi $1000 trip next August.

I'm sure I remember Sweet,Sweet Baby being played over the p.a at one of my first Cropredy fests.Her voice certainly sounds good in that field.

I seem to remember a Lone Justice song being played one year.

It would probably get me there too (unless they were doing the same thing somewhere else anyway).

The Dylanesque album and live sessions are both excellent - check out the rest on youtube

They played  the main stage in 2006 and the Brasenose the following year

Last year we were invited to play a private venue and be joined by a musician of mega status (I'm talking on the same level as Planty) He had heard the songs and us play and we were thrilled to be asked. Then came a call "What ever you do don't perform Red Coat Ride" he's a hunter and so are many of the audience. You can have the gig if you don't do the song" hmmmm a tricky one  :o We declined the gig without a second thought. If the conversation had gone "it may not be a good idea to do that song" as some may be offended then I would have reconsidered. The last thing us Shoes want to do is offend or cause people to lose friendships. So far, we have had only one person walk out because of the song and raise the roof with the audience all the time. The song River Rea is far more heavy than Red Coat but we've had no objection so far  ;)

Caz

Like.

Yep  :)

Thanks, but I'm not remotely tempted.  :)

Imposssible! No one is on the same level as Planty.

But then I would say that. :)

He's just a regular guy in our neck of the woods, can't see what all the fuss is about  ;D

which having had the chance of a quick chat with him a couple of times during the fantastic Priory of Brion days is what makes him so damned extraordinary.  He really is just a regular guy.  Still.  And bloody good on him... :)

So it was you and me who liked Priory of Brion then!? :o

One of my favourite bands of all time...a) for the music which both Percy and I obviously share a love of, and b) for the excitement of the still just about word of mouth rather than internet based advertised gigs...all very cloak and dagger and all fabulous.  Saw them 5 times (inc Cropredy, by which point it was all over bar the shouting).  A great adventure.  

Only saw them at Cropredy. Loved it. Everybody I was with hated it cos they didn't know any of the material.

Loved them as well and proof if any was ever needed that it is all about the music for him and that the fame, glory and money were secondary. Of all the times I have seen the man one of my most memorable moments was seeing them do Song to the Siren at The Colosseum in Coventry. A truly stunning, hair standing up on the back of your neck moment.      

I could tell you some tales  ::) but I won't  ;D ;D

Caz x

Or maybe the fame, glory and money allow it to be all about the music now - just a thought.

DW

You could write a book!!  ;D

Maybe and it certainly brings the freedom to do what he wants. But respect to him for following his chosen path and not taking the alternative option of reforming the other band for the sake of turning his millions into many many more millions! As much as I would love to see them again!  

Red Shoes by Red Shoes?

In light of other recent postings, maybe not...  ;)

Please can we have Magma?  I guess the Brasenose & the Red Lion would be packed...

How about a bit of Rockabilly at Cropredy!

Are The Stray Cats still going?

Drugstore Cowboys (leicester rockabilly)

They had their farewell tour in2009.

Slim Jim is now in the Kat Men with Imelda May's hubby/guitarist Darrel Higham.

For Cropredy 2014 I'd love to see Dana Fuchs (great singer in Janis Joplin vein) with her band, Brett Hunt (fantastic singer songwriter from Australia), Altan and Blues 'N' Trouble.

It would be great if Wilko Johnson were still up to it next year, but I doubt he will be. His current project, according to The Who's website, is to record his final album in partnership with Roger Daltrey.

Chas'n'Dave would appear to be nailed on for Saturday afternoon.

The Leatherat spot ?

Chas 'n' Dave have form with Fairport, having appeared on the same bill with them at Led Zep's first Knebworth gig in 1979.

I recall seeing them at Cropredy a few years back - can't remember the year though.  I must admit to bopping around after having some initial misgivings. Of course Chas was a part of the marvelous Heads Hands and Feet along with Albert Lee back in the day - a fine band.

I only found out about this yesterday - I used to go out with a lad who loved HH&F, and developed a taste for them myself. Must check out iTunes....  :)

I saw them and have all the albums. Wonderful stuff.