I think the setlist is the same on all dates so far?

I really enjoyed it last night in Manchester, my second five piece show after last year in Hexham (after a break of 15 years).  DM was once again the glue that held it all together.  There were several examples of just how much of a battering he gives that Yamaha kit of his.  He's immense and, sorry, but it's true, Fairport are a much lesser thing (though still, of course, very enjoyable) without him.  

Everyone was musically and vocally strong (even some wondrous three part harmonies at times).  Only downside for me (although rather against my better judgement I still laughed) were the somewhat out of control Ric comedy slots - I think he had three which must have used up about 10 minutes.  Less is always more when it comes to comedy in music (I think), and somebody urgently needs to stage an intervention.  

I sometimes struggle with some of Chris's material (there was one from last year which I actively loathe) but all the choices this year were very strong and fitted into the wider set well.

I really zoned into Peggy's bass space at time during the show.  He's a bloody genius on that thing - makes it look SO easy.

I haven't mentioned Simon yet but only because he was his usual wonderfully skilful and talented self.  

This version of Sloth is getting better and better and better.  Worth the price of admission alone...

8.8/10 for me (and I'm a bloody low scorer)

Oh, and Jenn Butterworth is brilliant.  Really strong material, confident and hugely gifted and seemingly a really lovely person too.  She performed two songs with Fairport, and they were both great.  Never experienced a song about endometriosis before, I don't think...

Get yourselves to the gigs.  There can't be much left in the tank, so don't leave it too late.

Setlist from Manchester.

Despite any first night issues/nerves, the chaps were on fine form on Tuesday at MK. They’ve done a few tweaks on a couple of songs which enhance them. Chris’ voice is excellent, but he seems to have dropped a few semitones so doesn’t get quite the high notes as before. (I did think Peggy looked unwell, but it may have been the lighting/shadows on stage)
An enjoyable evening…..mind you I always go without expectations etc so enjoy the performance ‘in the moment’. Yes, I may have noted a few things, but they didn’t matter…..I don’t want perfection, I want a gig that makes me feel good. This one did. Thanks chaps.

I see set list.fm are on the case. Looks like a good show!

Thanks

Better ask the lads this evening - they are more likely to know than the rest of us!

No decent pubs that I know of. Plentiful parking, drive into the Uni main entrance, the venue itself is great and there's a decent bar

Have fun!

Ummmmm....this confused me.  May next year - is this really the five piece?

https://dice.fm/event/dkmr96-fairport-convention-60th-anniversary-celebration-25th-may-new-century-manchester-tickets

Wille and the Bandits at Acapela on Wednesday, first time since they played Cropredy 10 years ago. Definitely worth going to see, tons of energy and the new proggy keyboard player was right up my street  

As Cornish lads fond of a bit of surfing, they're rightly concerned about sewage disposal into the sea and have written a song about it: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=8b59G7Uoq-w&si=kH1SsbszFW6Ophnx

And yet it was (just over) a year ago!