21 Mar Legendary Folk Rockers “Steeleye Span” Announce 55th Anniversary Tour at Chelmsford Theatre
Pioneers of folk-rock, Steeleye Span changed the face of the genre forever, taking it out of small clubs and into the world of gold discs and international tours. Five decades on and the band continue to celebrate their famous past alongside their recent history. That is true of their latest release, The Green Man Collection – bringing together tracks from their recent albums with new versions of three Steeleye classics (including a reworking of ‘Hard Times’ featuring Status Quo’s Francis Rossi) and a cover of Elvis Costello’s ‘Shipbuilding’. The title track is of special interest to Steeleye fans, a song by Bob Johnson – who was a member of the band throughout the early years and responsible for many of their classic ballads from that era. Previously lost for 40 years, the song addressed the issue of climate change long before it became such a widespread topic.
The band will undertake a full UK tour in support, their first live dates of the year, where they will be joined by new member Athena Octavia – part of indie folk band Iris & Steel and an acclaimed classical violinist. As ever – and with such a rich history to choose from – the night will offer a selection of songs from across the years and albums, coupled with firm fan favourites.
The early 1970s would prove to be the start of a vintage period for music and the beginning of an era that would change the world. For Steeleye Span it would see them established as a major creative force. By the end of 1973 they had not only released their classic debut Hark The Village Wait but also three follow ups – Please To See The King, Ten Man Mop and Below The Salt – launching one of the most enduring stories in music. Unlike most acts of their era, the band haven’t been content to rest on their laurels even as they have celebrated their fiftieth anniversary – enjoying one of the most creative periods of their history over the past two decades, including the acclaimed Wintersmith collaboration with Sir Terry Pratchett in 2013 and 2016’s Dodgy Bastards. Led as ever by Maddy Prior, the line-up of Andrew Sinclair, Roger Carey, Liam Genockey, Julian Littman and former violinist Jessie May Smart has been hailed by many as one of the best ever, not only bringing a new approach to classic material but producing the 2019 album Est’d 1969, worthy of anything that preceded it.
The Green Man Collection is Steeleye Span’s latest album and was released on Friday 1st December 2023. It is available from parkrecords.com or all good music retailers.
2024 TOUR DATES MAY
Wed 1 Old Fire Station Carlisle Sold Out
Thu 2 The Mechanics Burnley http://tinyurl.com/3f4684jj
Fri 3 City Varieties Leeds http://tinyurl.com/mpjffcea
Sat 4 The Grand Theatre Lancaster http://tinyurl.com/46hr48f2
Mon 6 Parr Hall Warrington http://tinyurl.com/5aadhemd
Tue 7 The William Aston Theatre Wrexham http://tinyurl.com/ycsmbamv
Wed 8 Town Hall Loughborough https://tinyurl.com/ym3fmywz
Fri 10 The Playhouse Stratford-Upon-Avon http://tinyurl.com/5nsx7v3y
Sun 12 The Brewhouse Taunton http://tinyurl.com/3whad62z
Mon 13 The Palace Theatre Paignton https://tinyurl.com/mrxk8tdj
Tue 14 Princess Pavilion Falmouth http://tinyurl.com/34kxeb3r
Wed 15 The Forum Bath http://tinyurl.com/3j893p3k
Fri 17 The Alban Arena St Albans https://tinyurl.com/zewv25fy
Sat 18 Theatre Royal Winchester http://tinyurl.com/ywu98y6v
Sun 19 Swan Theatre Worcester http://tinyurl.com/26xneaan
Mon 20 Wyvern Theatre Swindon http://tinyurl.com/3yjxn2s5
Wed 22 Chelmsford Theatre Chelmsford http://tinyurl.com/bdejn25s
