Eighty per cent of this line up were at University of Kent in 1972 for a gig that set  the hall alight.

This was the nearly early days when Steeleye had matured into a major innovative and easily recognisable  force.  They took over the mantle from Fairport and developed electric folk into something instantly recognisable and appealing to a wide audience.

The style is innovative and the range broad, but their instantly identifiable sound is that of old fashioned and traditional instruments electrified and then blended with modern rock methods.

As the members of the band age, so does their audience even though they attract a growing interest from younger generations.  They perform only intermittently and are more valued and sought after for that.  But the sound and use of the instruments and the lyrics is so much their own that a tribute band... well I don't think so.  But then could Maddy's daughter - Rose - bring together STEELEYE 2 and carry on the legend?

Event Date: April 14, 2009
Event Venue: St Albans Alban Arena

The house lights dim, the stage lights come on and four old men shamble on looking as if they have taken a wrong turn from the bar. They are accompanied by a woman dressed, rather startlingly, like a fuschia. The anxiety about what is coming next lasts about 10 seconds.

Because the moment they strike up the music, you are caught up in a swirl of rhythm, colour and pure joy. You can't keep your feet still (I briefly wish the man behind me would as my kidneys are jabbed with every beat), you can't keep the smile off your face. They are so good.

It takes Maddy perhaps two songs to get that wonderful voice up to its peak but once there it is still in devastating form, an instument of power and beauty, sweeping, piercing, dancing. You find laughter welling up inside as you follow it thrillingly through the song.

I last saw Steeleye Span at the Queen Elizabeth Hall back in the 70s. Then it was all kaftans and hands cupped over ears. I don't miss any of that. What I saw and heard was a tight professional band honouring the music and beating up a storm. The musicianship is awesome.

And as the evening progresses, Maddy, responding to the irresistable drive of Peter Knight's fiddle playing, starts to jig and twirl and I am that twenty year old again, captivated, exhilarated, in love with life.

Thanks, Maddy, Thanks Steeleye. I had forgotten how good that feels.

After a false start that just adds to the fun, the band ends with a near faultless performance of Gaudete. Rejoice, indeed.

Event Date: May 7, 2009
Event Venue: Hull City Hall

 Steeleye Span @ Hull City Hall, May 7
                                 Review bySteve Anderson

“The singer may die,” sang violin virtuoso Peter Knight as his voice rounded off a stunning concert marking the 40th anniversary of folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span. “But,” he concluded, “the song will remain.”
That lyric summed up the essence of 'Span, whose career has embraced world tours, the first British chart hit in Latin – the sacred Christmas carol “Gaudete”, a Top 20 success in 1973 – and a line-up of producers as diverse as Mike Batt, of Wombles fame, and Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson.
Steeleye, co-founded by lead vocalist Maddy Prior, has built up a loyal fan base since those first gigs five decades ago and, although its trademark sound has evolved over the years with the occasional foray into mainstream pop and a catalogue of personnel changes, the band today maintains a distinctive character that thoroughly merits its “unique” tag.
Fairport Convention, which has shared a number of Steeleye musicians since the early days of both outfits, is similar in many respects, as is the presently-dormant Albion Band, whose fluid line-up has contained ex-members of both Steeleye and Fairport.
But what sets Steeleye apart from others is Maddy's astonishing vocal range, its strength seemingly undiminished after a myriad renditions of  “Long Lankin”, “Black Jack Davy”, “Tam Lin” and other folk-rock classics.
Much of this city hall performance consisted of newer Steeleye material (that is, from the 1980s and onwards), but “Thomas the Rhymer” had a welcome airing, as did “All Around My Hat” and, of course, “Gaudete”.
It's hard not to believe that Maddy, Peter Knight, guitarist Ken Nicol, drummer Liam Genockey and  Peter Zorn – deputising for stalwart Steeleye bass player Rick Kemp, who is ill – are not a little tired from their exertions, but, if they are, they don't show it.
Indeed,  when Maddy wasn't actually performing on stage in Hull last Thursday night she was selling raffle tickets to raise money for one of her favourite charities, War Child, which helps to protect youngsters living in some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones.
“Doesn't she ever have a break?,” asked the woman sitting next to me. “Of course,” I told her. “Steeleye weren't playing last Monday...”


                                                                                      ENDS

Event Date: April 21, 2009
Event Venue: University of Kent, Canterbury

Steeleye Span wandered onto the stage last night without an introduction and stood looking bemused while the audience were left unsure if the concert had started. After a while instruments were fine tuned, and then the band opened with a number in which the lyrics could not be heard. Maddy's amazing voice was drowned  by over amplified bass and electric guitar.

Throughout the first half Maddy did her best to project her voice but the lyrics were lost. The violin player was amazing, again when all were playing together some of the sound was drowned by the more electric instruments levels, who I suspect are used to playing larger venues. The balance of overall sound needed adjustment last night.

One instrumental, left Maddy sitting at the rear of the stage doing what can only be described as 'chair based exercises for the over 50' .....it did not look good.

This concert was disappointing, we left after the first half!

Event Date: May 3, 2009
Event Venue: Newark Palace Theatre

Watching Steeleye at Newark was like looking at the pieces of a watch working together, each group member is doing their bit to create something special.  Forget your overpriced large venue shows with bigheads like U2 etc, etc.  Go see Steeleye in an intimate venue and witness real musicians playing and hear the wonderful and angelic voice of Maddy Prior.  I saw them at the same time last year in Buxton and only heard a few of the same songs (their anthems) this time around, such is their vast catalogue.  Maddy asked where has the 40 years gone, I also wondered where did the time go for the concert as it seemed to be over too quickly.  Will be back again next year if they tour without a doubt!!!