The set list on the current tour for those interested:


The Green Man' (Re working of 'lost' Bob Johnson song from the 80s)
'New York Girls'
' The Sound of the Drum' (New song)
'Demon of the Well'
'When all the World was Young Lad' (Based on the poem)
'January Man'
'Hey Nonny Violence' (written by Maddy)
'Jack Hall'
'Thomas The Rhymer'
[Interval]
'Hard Times of old England '
'King Henry'
Shipbuilding' (Cover of Elvis Costello song)
'Long Lankin'
'Dogs and Ferrets'
'My Giddy Aunt (instrumental written by Julian)'
'Low Flying' (Rick Kemp song)
'Genocide' (Rick Kemp song)
Sir James the Rose'
'Bonny Black Hare'
Encore: 'All Around My Hat'; 'Dodgy Bastards'.

Glad it went down well, as you say anything that keeps it fresh for them is good!

Ok, I like a challenge, I think she has sung it 1,575 times. Give or take. And its not give or taking many, I do actually have most of the data ..  

Not sure I fully agree with that - the '87 (and after) version is pretty different from what came before...

I can understand why Quo would have wanted to do a version of it - it lends itself perfectly to the Quo boogie. I thought it was a great way to end the show and the Lancaster crowd certainly enjoyed it.

I suppose it can be difficult when there is one particular song (or two) which a band is known for. With Fairport they don't tend to mess about with MOTL but have come up with different arrangements of Matty. If it keeps Maddy happy doing an alternative version of Hat then fair enough. I wonder how many times she's sung it?

Great. A good read, thanks. They certainly are more of a 'Rock' band than Fairport. in fact they are also more of a 'folk' band as well, but I am showing my prejudices there..  

What did you think of them doing the 'Status Quo' version of their own song (so to speak). I am intrigued by it and it is dividing opinion. I am watching them o Sunday.

I'm indifferent to most of the later Steeleye.  Too much tum-te tum rhythm.  Up to and including Parcel of Rogues all is wonderful.
Having said that I went to see them in the expanded lineup a few years back and enjoyed the evening very much. 6

Steve Ashley at the Wychwood Folk Club. Songs full of wonderful observation, at times provocotive, other times delicate and somehow reassuring. Steve was having a good time, so of course did we. I loved the stories, the warm witty comentary and altogether a fabulous way to spend an evening. From what Steve said this was a rare outing. It would be worth travelling if you spot a gig to catch one of the legendary greats of the folk revival who is still delivering and bang up to date with his writing.

Via Ray Cooper (Chopper);Ron Kavanagh, on May 4th.  

A sad loss. I regret not seeing the Moodies classic line up live; although they made some good stuff after Mike left, nothing matched up to their "core 7" albums.

Yes, very much enjoyed it. I've written a review for anyone interested -

https://colinbertram.blogspot.com/2024/05/steeleye-span-gig-review-lancaster.html