Folk-rock pioneers heading for Worcester

FOLK-rock pioneers Steeleye Span are heading to Worcester next month.

The Swan Theatre hosts one of the dates of the Green Man Tour on Sunday, May 19 at 7.30pm.

The band, formed in London in 1969, 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 (pictured above) continue to celebrate their famous past alongside the recent history.

The Green Man Collection, which came out last December, brings together tracks from 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 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.

On the band’s first live dates of the year, they will be joined by new member Athena Octavia, part of indie folk band Iris & Steel and an acclaimed classical violinist.

The night will offer a selection of songs from across the years along with firm fan favourites.

The early 1970s saw Steeleye Span established as a major creative force with classic debut Hark The Village Wait and three follow-ups Please To See The King, Ten Man Mop and Below The Salt.

While celebrating their 50th anniversary Steeleye have enjoyed one of the most creative periods over the past two decades.

Led as ever by Maddy Prior, the line-up of Andrew Sinclair, Roger Carey, Liam Genockey, Julian Littman and former violinist Jessie May Smart was hailed as one of the best.

For more details and tickets, visit worcestertheatres.co.uk.