TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

7pm, Sat 27th May 2017, Union Chapel, Islington, London N1

50 years to the day since their first show.

"A celebration of Fairport's past, present and future - featuring special musical guests".  

Tickets on sale early next year.

I aim to be there (an ideal wedding anniversary present for my wife - I'll just say we're going to London to see a show...)

I shall be there too. Unfortunate clash with the Orkney Folk Festival that I was planning on returning to.....but heyho, masy go to the Shetland one instead earlier in May.

It would be commercial suicide to put them on sale before their Wintour gig in the same venue (unless that sells out in advance, that is)

Definitely can't miss this one....must keep a close eye out for when the tickets go on sale....

I'm sure someone (probably me, I'm a member there) will post the details as & when they are announced :-)

I'd love to go to that if somebody is willing to be my chaperone there and back (and during the show). I live just outside Oxford.

Ok, these went on sale today, at a pound dearer than the Wintour date.

See you all there.

My thoughts upthread still stand though, and I suspect the Wintour date will suffer.

Booked :) See you there.

Keith

As it's 25 days after my 50th, it seems churlish to say no.  If it has even a hint of the Barbican 2009 show about it, I'll be pleased.  Booked.  Happy Birthday to me (and them).

Pity...it's the day I come back from hols...

Got tickets and thought we would tie it in with a trip to the Pink Floyd exhibition at the V&A. £24 a ticket!!! I don't think so.

Finchley Travelodge (not exactly on the doorstep but not a million miles away) is £47 for the night (for a couple).

Booked!  ;D ;D

Don't forget the venue has a 2230 curfew, so not a late finish

I wish I could plan far enough ahead to book tickets, as I'd love to be there, but I won't know for some months yet if I will be travelling around then  :(

Ticket booked!  :)

Let's do lunch.  :) [;-)

Between now and then I'm going to make a real effort to refind my love for the band.  I spent a huge amount of my time (and money) following them from 1981 to c.2010 (saw them well over 50 times including separate Cropredy sets) and, although I still listen to them a lot I've sort of stopped caring.  On the way to work today, I got all emotional thinking about how much they mean to me and how much time and effort I've invested in them, and how I've thrown a lot of that away in a disinterested huff in the last decade or so.  I can't imagine anything getting close to the Barbican show but if this has even 25% of that I'll be more than happy.  And you have my express permission to hold me to task if I say anything negative about the current band.  I'm even going to 'listen without prejudice' to their more recent albums (and keep any negative thoughts I have to myself, whilst sharing any positive ones)

I'm really looking forward to this gig.

Crikey! Careful David....enjoy!

good luck

Intriguing statement David.

Shall we watch this space and see what happens?

All booked, and tapping up some of the Prog-daughter's uni friend's parents (I think) for a spot to lay our heads!!!!

Just got our tickets for this. I have to be honest, if next year's Cropredy lineup doesn't fill me with excitement, this gig may well be enough for me for the 50th anniversary. We can guarantee we won't be getting rained on as we watch, at any rate.

Got my ticket... need to remember to take a cushion, as I understand the pews are somewhat unforgiving.

How's are you holding David?

Still greatly looking forward to the gig.  Haven't been rude about the band recently, I don't think.  Even listened to OTNH the other day.  Nice cover.  :D

I'm surprised that you managed to understand my question David!  I'm not sure what I was typing there????   :-[  :)

Pleased to say that we will be there. The question over the two gigs at the Union Chapel was resolved when I realised that the Winter Tour coincided with my mum's 90th birthday so we are looking at seeing that elsewhere.  

Only 7 and a half months to wait, I have never ever bought tickets so far in advance.

Bought these and Big Big Train at 54weeks in advance the same week!!!!!

You and me both...

Got the tickets, reserved the cushion (thanks Chris!)  :D

Booked,

 ;D

Just booked - had thought they weren't on sale until the New Year as it said in Cropredy programme just as well I happened by here or could have missed out.

Announced on Facebook that this is now sold out. Wonder when people will start queuing?

Oh yes, early because we don't wish to be at the back of the balcony!!  ::)

Due to the passing of my long-time friend and Cropredy companion Guenther I have a spare ticket for the Anniversary Gig. Anyone interested?

Looks like we have a spare ticket too. PM me if interested.

Ok, peoples, what do we actually know about this gig?  Do we know there are going to be guests and old material etc.  Is Richard definitely there?  Tyger?  etc.etc. I'm getting a little anxious.... :-\

Yes, I suppose we're all assuming something along the lines of the Barbican show. Would seem likely due to the historical significance of the date, but you never can tell.........

If past anniversary shows are anything to go from, it'll probably be another missed opportunity. I hope it isn't and I'm horribly wrong.

The Barbican Show was so perfect (even without Swarb) that I find a complete disaster (which for me would basically be a gig by the current lineup - sorry to whoever that offends) almost too much to contemplate.  I'd rather bail now if that was going to be the case.  What does everybody's schedule look like?

I think I might come up early on the train, catch a bit of lunch and head down to Denmark Street for a bit of window shopping. You?

Boom boom.

ps In a nostalgic conversation about what used to be great, and really isn't any more, Denmark Street does seem rather an appropriate metaphor for the subject....

I doubt most of those things other than the material. pretty certain that the set list will be drawn from The Ledge poll as alluded to by Peggy at the Worthing gig this week. Whether that also applies to the rest of the Spring tour which surrounds 27th, I'm not sure. I wouldn't bet against Ashley being there along with a Sandy stunt double. Iain, Maart maybe. RT & DM less likely I think. They will settle for Cropredy. Indeed, in the tour programme (which is an excellent thing by the way, full of archive material) Gerry says that the next time he will see DM is at Cropredy.

Entirely agree.

RT looks doubtful as he's playing in California on 26th. DM will presumably be over for the FoF tour in April, but to be back a month later for a one off gig, also seems unlikely. However, we live in hope.  :)

This golden anniversary concert is probably not important/interesting enough for former members, otherwise they would be there. They left the band and began their own careers.

I'll be there, watching as I did at the original gig along with several others (or at least one person!) who was also there... I'd bring the Silent Hand-Clapping Machine as well if it was still in existence  ;D

Only *watching*, Jude? That's a shame

I'm not going - I left it too late to book, by which time it had sold out - but I never assumed it would be anything like the Barbican show -which was wonderful.  I think it will be a gig by the normal line-up, possibly with one or two guests, but celebrating the anniversary, so with a setlist from the poll.  Don't expect too much in the way of a Barbican-type event would be my guess.

(And if anyone is selling their tickets, feel free to point them my way!) ;D

Where is this poll of which you speak, please?  Has it been and gone or is it still up and running?  Must have passed me by....

I think it has long since closed.  Here's the thread about it: http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=43415.0

Ta.

Your memory is going, David - you posted into that thread at least once.

Oh dear, it most certainly is.  I've forgotten far far more than I've ever actually known....

I really hope it isn't a rehash of the Wintour (which I haven't seen yet - off to the Union Chapel at the end of the month); another trip to London to see the same show would be too much deja vous....

Before you?

Tres bien! Curse you, autocorrect!

A change of mind for me on this one.

I've got 2 tickets for sale @ £57.20 (which is exactly what they cost me from Music Glue back in Sept).  Admittance is by one PDF attachment (which says 'admit 2') so you can only re-split if you're going in with the other person.

Happy for payment by paypal (cash transfer 'to friends and family') or bank transfer.  I'll forward the email once I have cleared funds in my account.

Contact me offlist for further details.  Ta.

Would quite like to go but can only use one ticket as my usual companion for these things will be away on holiday.

Make a friend!

I have messaged you both

Tickets sold now :)

You'll regret that, I reckon

I'll regret not being at Cropredy more, but I'm happy with my call.  The Barbican gig was near perfect.  A decent way to sign off (although I had the misfortune of one more hideous gig in Chester the following year to contend with).  And if it's great, which I hope it is, I shall enjoy it from afar....

Apropos of nothing...there have been occasional mutterings about 'value' and Cropredy. I consider it to be money well spent, and is marvellously good value - that coming form a Yorkshireman. Anyhoo - the reason for this sudden outpouring - we are coming down for the 50th anniversary concert which, being on the saturday of the bank holiday means that, with train tickets, station parking, a hotel stay and food, I reckon it will cost the two of us about the same as it costs for a family of four to go to Cropredy - for three days (sans food, admittedly)!

Hi everyone. I have two tickets for the Union Chapel concert, but I now can't go (due to work). If anyone still needs tickets please message me.
Thanks!

Just wondering who on TAW is going on Saturday, and whether anyone fancies meeting for a beer or two before the gig? Perhaps we should set up a separate thread in the Arms - for added security?

I'm going, but unsure about getting there early enough to partake. But in case I can. details please when available.

I concur, maybe for the Arms....

There's a "members-only" thread in the Arms...

Still have a spare ticket for Saturday, as my brother in law has to go to a wedding. thanks

Celia and myself will be there.  Getting checked into a distant but cheap Travelodge and then heading in.

This from Simon on the Fairporters FB page copied verbatim:

"No doubt that many on here will have heard John Wilson’s interview on Front Row yesterday evening – and in these days of off-air broadcast consumption many more may find time in their lives for it later on. It’s not for me to say (though I will) but I thought he and the programme’s editor did an excellent job of making Peggy and myself sound reasonably articulate, and fired in some appropriate musical clips to leaven the bread.
I’m long over complaining at the media’s distorted focus on the ‘achievements’ of Fairport down the decades, consigning the vast majority of our time in existence to an extended coda to the first four albums, and have come to accept it as a handy hook for them to hang us on. As long as they spell the name right and keep talking about us, it’s fine with me.
But alas, John was labouring under a misconception during our chat last week which was not clear to me and so was unable to clear up for him. Others of you may have also put two and two together and made twenty-two.
Next Saturday’s anniversary gig at the Union Chapel, fifty years to the day from our first show under the name Fairport Convention, was never planned as, nor will it become, the reunion celebration he hinted at: there will be no ‘victory parade’ of ex-members coming and going, recreating as pensioners the line-ups we were in earlier incarnations of the band.
Even if we wanted it to be thus, we wouldn’t have slotted it into the middle of a regular Spring Tour, nor could we have found time to plan and rehearse, let assemble the personnel. That has always been something to aim for on Saturday night in August, on the stage at Cropredy, and we’ll make it happen there.
There may be some extra input from friends of the band at Highbury Corner in a few days, but for those of you planning to be with us, I’d like to thank you as always for putting your dollar down, promise you as good a show as we can manage, and apologise for any conclusions that your yourselves or third parties may have leapt to."

A pity but let's hope there will a couple of special friends.

Simon mentions "may be some extra input from friends of the band ...." which he didn't have to at that point, so....

I think he's basically telling us that it won't be a run-through/rehearsal of Saturday night at Cropredy....which I wasn't expecting.

There may be some wondering why they billed *just this gig* as Fairport Convention - 50th Birthday Party which rather gives the clue that it'll be more than simply a run-of-the-mill acoustic gig like the rest on the current spring tour, IMHO.

So, Simon, you may have just started the thought process that you have heard from some of your fans.

Well, I'm delighted I made the call I did.  Speaking entirely personally, I think the gig was massively misrepresented from the off.

That's disappointing- I'll be miffed if it is a blend of wintour/acoustic shows with little celebratory about it. Factoring in food, travel and accommodation, I reckon I could think of better ways to spend c£200 than a re-run of the show I saw a couple of months ago. Still, I'll reserve judgement until Saturday night...

Thommo is gigging in the states the day before so he won't be there - if anyone you might get Ashley and maybe Chris While, I reckon that'll be about it.

DW

This is what was said in the November newsletter:

"In May, we’ve got something really special lined up for you. Fifty years to the day – almost to the hour, in fact – since the band’s Golders Green debut Fairport Convention returns to north London for a Golden Anniversary Gig. This celebration of our past, present and future will take place at The Union Chapel, Highbury N1 on Saturday 27 May 2017. Keep an eye on our website for box office information and details of the musical guests."

I'm still holding out hope!

I'm still waiting for the band to ask me to take my (bass) uke...  ;)

Has anyone raised this on the FB Fairporters' page? On the surface of it that does look like a massive volte face.  ???

I guess one could argue that the current set list and the 50:50 album is a celebration of the band's past present and future and there are no promises of who the musical gusts may be - but I agree it does seem to be throwing out a line for which some have taken the bait. A rare occasion where Fairport have maybe kicked a PR own goal and possibly alienated the devotees.

I am sure the gig will be a good one but if it is a - slightly revamped - take on the Spring tour folks who have spent money on tickets. accommodation, travel etc for what was promised as "something really special" have a right to feel a bit hard done by. BUT lets wait until the reviews come in, Fairport still have the ability to surprise and Simon's comments may be about managing expectations.

DW

Uke?  He did mention musical guests ;)

Could someone direct me to this page please?

It's not pretty David.
My wife joined, read some comments, entered a conversation, got sworn at -  and left!  ;D

That would seem to be the norm for Facebook these days  :(

Well, it's the page entitled "Fairporters" on Facebook.

I don't think there's much to be gained from embarassing Simon there, though. I'm pretty sure he neither wrote nor read the Newsletter contents and he'd be rather surprised  at this statement.

Just to be clear, I wasn't suggesting that someone did raise the point, I was asking if anyone had. This may have been an unfortunate instance of someone taking their eye off the ball if an operation quite as 'cottage industry' as the FC office put out something saying they had something 'really special' lined up in their official newsletter only for one of the proprietors to say, closer to the event and with ticket sales secured, that there "may be" some input from friends of the band. With respect, I think any conclusions about the nature of the show weren't necessarily 'leapt to' on our part.

Spot on.

Well we'll find out soon enough.

We have a spare ticket, by the way, for "unreserved seating", so if anyone is interested (asking face value: £26 ) IM me.

Just downloaded our tickets, and this is what they say...



Edit: External image removed

I'm not expecting a Cropredy-style cavalcade of guests, but it would seem a bit odd to call it a "50th birthday party + friends" if it's just going to be the same gig that could be seen on any night of the wintour.

I think everybody's expectation has been for this to be a bit more special than simply a regular FC gig that just happens to be fifty years to the day of their very first one - would that be a reasonable summation?

That was my thought when booking, booking time off work, booking hotels, etc, etc, etc........  ???

As well as our spare ticket for this event, we also have a spare ticket for the Pink Floyd Exhibition at the V&A. Time slot: 11:15 Sunday.

Face value wanted: £26

Email me at andrewjohnleslie@gmail.com if you are interested.

https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/pink-floyd

I wish I could go. I know that's no help to you at all Andy but I'd really like to go to both!

Never been to a gig at Union Chapel but reading here about getting seats, so:
How early do I need to queue to get a good seat? Don't need front row but like to be close enough to have a good stab at who the "friends" are.

I reckon 30-45 mins before the doors open should get you a decent seat. Mind you, I don't think that there are any really bad seats (just hard on the posterior!)

Take a cushion...  ;)

The crowd assembles...



Edit: Great photo, but sorry no hot linking. Attach using 'Aditional Options..' Colin

The view from the gods.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Well, that was OK. Not great, and not a particular celebration of 50 years - the setlist wasn't much to shout about - but OK. But then, this was the first time I've seen the band since Cropredy 2007, so there was a certain novelty value to it.

It is not often that a band exists 50 years and one would assume that it would be a special occasion, well not so. It was just another Fairport concert with two friends who I had never seen before but who I did like very much. I still do feel uncomfortable when Simon sings the songs Sandy Denny sang and I think they could do with a permanent female singer. Although I did not like all the songs I did enjoy the concert.

Were you sat in the front row, Ronald?

I thought the musicianship second to none, but the second set was far stronger material-wise

Good to catch up with an awful lot of friends, thanks all.

And yes. I do know my Matty from that Bangor song!

There's some similarity... Matty does get to bang 'er. Sorry!

Keith (Swamp Donkey) and I were sat right at the back up in the gods... the sound was as good as I have come to expect. Peggy's bass work was as fine as I have ever heard him play.

A fine evening, particularly the second set.

Happy Birthday Fairport!

No Chris, my wife and I sat next to the aisle in row 10 or 11 I think. We sat next to a couple who had a 10 year old daughter called Georgie who has been a fan since she was 5 and who also goes to Cropredy.

The second set was indeed stronger and the sound was crystal clear.

I realise it is a bit early back in UK ;D but the post-gig posts haven't made much comment on the content, guests or any of the concerns raised earlier.

A fantastic concert in a wonderful setting, enhanced of course by Chris remembering to grab 2 cushions, thanks Chris.

The second half was so good, the sound amazing.' Special guests', Jacqui McShee first half and second half Sally Barker.  ;)

A very polished set, with an enthusiastic audience. Simon looked visibly moved by the reaction. I wouldn't call it special, as far as I could tell it was pretty much the same set list as the Wintour with a couple of variations. A nice day out for me, catching up with an old school friend and bumping into Paul T in the pub, but would I have come having seen them at the Union Chapel on the wintour, and if I'd known the set list in advance? On balance, yes.

We gave up going to the wintours in about 2003 because they'd become so samey and the new material was so ho-hum, and as mentioned previously we last the saw the band live at Cropredy 2007, so last night was something of a dipping of a toe back into the water.

The musicianship was as good as ever, but then that's a tired old cliche when it comes to FC, and *all* the bands I go and see live display superb musicianship, so let's discount that. What mattered last night was the atmosphere and the song selection; the quality of the former was a given, the latter much less so.

The first half was a bit dull. Sorry, but it was. I can't even remember most of what was played, and although Our Bus Rolls On sounds sparkier live than on CD, the lyrics are still irredeemably twee. Good to hear Genesis Hall again though.

Second half was definitely stronger, and I was surprised to discover that a Chris Leslie song was one of the highlights - John Gaudie had the drive of mid-80s FC (my favourite era).

Overall, the most memorable aspect was probably the stage banter. Ric, in particular, was on good form.

John Gaudie is a bona fide Fairport classic at this point, albeit that it started life as a Whippersnapper song and was the first thing he brought to the band when he joined 20 years ago.

Just of to Wembley to see Blackpool in the playoff final so it seems appropriate that the phrase which comes to mind is a game of two halves. The first half was a bit indifferent especially with the three weakest songs from the new CD. I had refrained from commenting on it before as so often songs take on a new life when performed in concert. They didn't. I can only assume PJ was happy to give it away. I did enjoy Genesis Hall and a strong WKWTTG, good to hear the two fiddles on that. Don't agree about the sound though - we couldn't hear a word Jacqui McShee sang which was a real shame.

Clearly the manager had words with the team in the second half as they came out on the attack, with far better sound. Had missed the winter tour but did enjoy Sally Barker who seemed to lift them. Enjoyed everything in the second half, even the new song. Only slight carp is I don't like so much banjo in Matty Groves and really miss the instrumental coda. By the end, it did start to seem special and we went away happy.

I only hope I feel the same at 5 this afternoon....come on the Pool!

The best song for me was Rising for the moon, it has always been a favourite of mine and it was good to hear a female vocalist sing it, Sally Barker sang it very well.

I wasn't there and haven't seen a setlist but from the above descriptions, the dynamics sound exactly like the Wintour i.e. flat first half, more energetic second half.

My review of last night now up on my blog

https://darrensmusicblog.com/2017/05/28/fairport-convention-50th-anniversary-gig-at-union-chapel-london-27517/

It sounds like no stops were pulled out for this showcase gig celebrating 50 years of what was once the greatest folk rock band in the world.
Another chance to celebrate missed.
Whatever, it wasn't really what was hinted at when first announced.

It was definitely overhyped, but possibly by accident rather than design given Simon's "managing expectations" post last week.

I have to be honest here and say that because I haven't seen the band in person for 10 years, my immediate reaction when they walked on stage was that Simon was a lot more svelte than previously, and Peggy had... gone the other way :) Certainly not what I was expecting.

Gerry didn't step out from the kit to say anything. I'm sure that when we were still going to wintours every year, he would get up to do at least one song intro. Possibly reluctantly? :)

Far more than hinted at.  If there was misinterpretation from the fans, there was misinterpretation everywhere online, and it could have been nipped in the bud much much earlier.  I'm very glad I decided not to go - it would have broken my heart.  Having said that, I'm gutted not to be going to Cropredy, as there is music there that I definitely want to see, but I'll have to make do with listening to it instead.  I am excited by the box set too, so it's not all bad, despite knowing virtually everything on it intimately!  Weirdo....  Twas ever thus.

You are right it was more than hinted at. There was a newsletter last autumn which announced a very special evening and it prompted us to book last September even though it effectively blocked off the bank holiday weekend when we would otherwise have gone away. This was repeated in later Fairport newsletters even up to April and I would be surprised if they were sent out without being approved by someone senior at Fairport Towers.

I wonder if some of the special guests they were hoping for couldn't make it, hence Simon downplaying in recent weeks? Whatever, they do need to take a good look at their customer relations. They have an intensely loyal fan base but they shouldn't take us for granted.

Overall, it was no more than an ordinary but enjoyable Fairport gig with no surprises. What made the evening special was the audience and the response at the end.

My take on it. http://theafterword.co.uk/fairport-convention-2/

Sorry I missed seeing you Shane. I was there. Honest!  :)

The only celebrity I bumped into was Andy Leslie.  [;-)

Um, thanks for that. Wendy and I were accompanied by our son, Simon, we all enjoyed the gig to various levels. Good to see Shane and his mate, Steve.We were helped out by Martin Driver in offloading a spare ticket, so thanks for that, mate.

A few other TAW folk were there and we exchanged greetings, didn't see Jude though.

I met several people who had flown in for this gig from various continents, our mere 6.5 hr journey from Wales was as nothing to their journeys.

As I've said on FB, "John Gaudie" was the standout for me, because they extended it and made it the most enthusiastic of their playing. Excellent.

The set List....

Our Bus rolls On
Genesis Hall
Devils Work (DIY)
Summer by the Cherwell
Slip Jigs & Reels
Danny Jacks Reward
Lady of Carlisle (w/Jacqui)
WKWTTG
Bring me Back my Feathers
____________________

Sir Patrick Spens
Fotheringay
John Gaudie
Portmeirion
Rising for the Moon (w/Sally)
Farewell Farewell
Hiring Fair
Eleanor's Dream
Matty
_________________

MOTL

Sounds like pretty much the exact same setlist (minus the two guest songs) that we had at Nettlebed last Monday.  Not so sad I didn't make the effort to go now.  Not that I wouldn't have enjoyed it, but it would have been more of the same so close together.  I think the first mention of it was in last year's Cropredy programme.  I'd have to look back at it to see exactly how it was phrased, but the suggestion was that it would be something a bit different.

It was a really enjoyable evening with a good atmosphere but when we first heard about it we 'rushed' to get tickets as we thought the guests were going to be 'special' It really did give that impression.

Same here!

listened to a pretty decent recording.
it wasn't that special ???
possibly the most serious case of mis-selling since PPI

For anyone wanting a full gig review, this from the Friends of Fairport FB page,

"Fairport Convention
The Union Chapel London 27th May 2017
The fiftieth anniversary concert

On Saturday night at the Union Chapel in Islington, 8 O’clock was approaching. Just before Fairport started I was talking to Kingsley Abbot, one of those present at the debut gig, I asked him what he had been doing that night. “Waiting for them to start playing” was his reply. 50 years on and he was still waiting. In between of course there had been some very memorable moments. Those are all for elsewhere of course, tonight it was about tonight. There were several attendees of that first gig present, including Judy Dyble who joined the band shortly after that debut performance.

A few minutes later Fairport took to the stage 50 years to the day on from their debut at St Michael’s Church hall a few miles away. No support, the entire night was theirs, celebrating from the early albums through to their most recent release of course. In fact, that’s where they started with “Our Bus Rolls On”, the latest of the inward-looking songs, about the band and life on the road.

Jumping back to 1969 for “Genesis Hall”, then back up to date, for “The Devil’s Work” and “Summer By The Cherwell” time passed rapidly. “Slip Jigs and Reels” has been in the set on the current acoustic tour, a welcome return, I always liked this piece. Back to the 50:50 @ 50 album for the cheap version of the expensive recording of “Danny Jack’s Reward” written to show off the rhythm section, performed doing exactly that. Time next for a guest to join the party, Jacqui McShee sang “Lady Of Carlisle” on the album, and tonight saw the live debut of the song. As they always do Fairport made the guest spot the high point of the set. It’s always a treat to hear a new song in the set for the first time, the occasion making it even more so.


Although halfway through an acoustic tour, this one off electric show had a slightly different set list from both the Winter and Spring tours, but a regular in both over the years has been “Who Knows Where The Time Goes”. Tear raising in it’s beauty on the night. Up-tempo and with Chris on the banjo it was “Bring Me Back My Feathers” that closed the first half.

During the interval there was time to mingle and chat again, the band were at the merch stall signing anything, “except personal cheques” as Chris had stated. It was soon time to re-take our seats for the second half, featuring largely older material..

Many favourites were included, all spot on performances. “Sir Patrick Spens”, “Fotheringay”, and the more recent but still old “John Gaudie” and “Portmeirion”. Ric’s intro to that being a five minute stand up comedy spot that betters some comedians that I have seen. No doubt he was coached by his old friend and Fairport fan Bobby Bragg who is sadly no longer with us.

Guest time again, and as she did on the winter tour Sally Barker took the mic for “Rising For The Moon”, dancing throughout as she sang. Both Sally and the song are firm favourite with the audience who once again responded with long and hearty applause at the end.

Slowing the pace for “Farewell Farewell”, the sound floated around the chapel beautifully, as it did particularly on Ric’s solo on “The Hiring Fair” which followed. It was to the new album again for “Eleanor’s Dream” the latest of Chris’ songs about Franklin. That was almost it, time for the two non-surprises / required songs of the night. Following “Matty Groves” the applause was long and loud. A they returned to the stage we were prompted from within the audience to sing “Happy Birthday” which we all did gleefully. Sally returned to take the second verse of “Meet On The Ledge”, and we all sang the chorus. Sound was perfect, and lights highlighting the beautiful architecture of the building as well as the band, but as we all know, there is only a next gig to look forward to after that song. So we spilled out onto the street, or in to the bar to talk about the evening, and indeed the previous fifty years. That had been a great performance on a special night. Thanks Simon, Peggy, Ric, Chris and Gerry. Now, it’s on to the BIG party at Cropredy. It’ll soon be here."

I've written this review for Folk Radio UK: http://www.folkradio.co.uk/2017/06/fairport-convention-50th-union-chapel/

"But Simon really had little to worry about, the gig was already sold out..."

And why do you think that was?  [;-)

From the Folk Radio review:

"And to be fair, no one is being short-changed..."

Given the way the concert was promoted going right back to the original announcement, it wouldn't be unreasonable if people *did* feel short-changed. I have to be absolutely honest and say that if we'd known that it was just going to be A.N. Other spring tour gig, merely coincidentally in London on the 50th anniversary day, we probably wouldn't have gone.

When the concert was announced it looked like a real 50th birthday concert with several past members and guests so I told my wife that it would be nice to go to this "very special" concert, so we booked hotel and flight (we probably were not the only ones). The concert was nice but not what we had expected.