Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside, particularly the North Norfolk coast and Cromer. At the end of the Pier tonight It's all the fun of the 'Fairport Convention'. There has always been entertainment on the jetty even before the Pier was built. It was Herr Moritz Wurm and the Blue Viennese Band who kicked it all off in 1901. Seaside Special was held here in 1978. As well as a yearly 'Folk on the Pier' Festival. Fortified by a couple of pints and a curry we make our way onto the Pier.
In the bar Dave 'Peggy' Pegg is helping out at the 'merch' stall, and acting as 'Chief Wine Taster'. He is in great form and we have a quick chat. 2024 is the 57th anniversary of the band.This Autumn Tour promises a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new. No drums tonight though , Dave Mattacks is on another continent. However we do have founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on Bass Guitar and vocals, Ric Sanders on Violin, Chris Leslie on, Mandolin, Banjo, Fiddle, Flutes and vocals.In what will be something of an acoustic show. I also managed to grab a few words with Mr Leslie as he tuned up on the stage. I asked him if 'Hiring Fair'(my wife's favourite) might get an airing tonight? He explained that even old favourites have to take a holiday every so often. He was, just as I had imagined a lovely chap, and was happy to let me take a photo. .
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| Chris Leslie |
We are sitting to the right of the stage, looking across to our left. Not a bad view at all really although the seat isn't the most comfortable. I apologise to those sitting around me for my wriggling around. Finally settled, the band take to the stage and open up in traditional style with 'Walk a While'. from the 1970 album 'Full House'. We are still looking for overnight success quips Simon Nicol. We drop back further in time with 'Crazy Man Michael' from 'Liege & Lief''. There follows a beautiful rendition of 'Now be Thankful, written by Richard Thompson and Dave Swarbrick. There is always great reverence and respect shown to former band members and other songwriters. The first half is a really well crafted set of songs. Chris Leslie tells us about his love of the local funfair turning up. The excitement it brought to him as a small child. Banbury did very well tonight with many a mention.
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| Fairport Convention |
The first half ends with 'Cider Rain' from the excellent 2019 album 'Shuffle and Go'. Simon announces an interval of 20 minutes is going to take place. The band would be most grateful if the audience could take theirs at the same time to avoid any confusion. It was really warm in the intimate surroundings of the Pier Theatre.I step outside and take in the fresh salty night air. It is very calm and dare I say mild for late October. The town of Cromer looks very pretty all lit up. In Pride of place stands the Hotel De Paris, a stunning Regency building built on the seafront in 1820. In It's glory days high profile guests including artists and financiers such as Rockfeller, Rothschild, Vanderbilt based themselves there. Oscar Wilde is said to have stayed there and Stephen Fry worked as a Waiter, maybe that last bit is an urban myth?
Enough of all the romanticising about the past, there is a second half to enjoy! 'Slips Jigs and Reels penned by the wonderful 'Steve Tilston'. Each song is given an introduction and a little of history behind it. Something I really like and find interesting. Banbury crops up again with the joyous 'Year of 59'. Another Chris Leslie song about a possible UFO visit to the area.The 'James Taylor 'Frozen Man' follows. Simon tells us about his chance meeting with the great singer/songwriter. He asked him what he thought of their version of the song. 'The best I've heard' he tells Simon, although it is the only one... 'Bloxham Boy' 'Ric Sanders in true 'end of the Pier' fashion regales the audience with his latest comedy routine. A prelude to his instrumental song ' Steampunkery'. He also pays tribute to founding Grateful Dead Bassist Phil Lesh who sadly passed a day earlier.
The back catalogue of Mr Nicol also gets delved into with 'Over the Lancashire Hills'. A song written by 'Stuart Marson' and featured on the 'Before you were here' album. Recorded at the Woodworm Studio by none other than Mr Pegg. Simon tells the audience how 'Peggy' used to be quite the lead guitarist! Before opting for less strings and softer tones , but still on the same money!! The night is drawing to it's close, the denouement (I've never used that word before) provides the opportunity for a certain Matty Groves to get led astray once more. At last some Folk Rock, or Frock as they like to call it. Dressing up is optional. One of these days I'm sure Old Matty is going to give Lord Donald what for.
The band are way past doing the disappearing and coming back on encore malarkey. Instead they stay seated, covering their faces with their instruments. That's the way to do it! As I'm sure Mr Punch must have said many a time on this very Pier.
The band show no sign of slowing down on stage or touring. They will be on the road again for their Winter Tour complete with Dave Mattacks on the drum kit. Whatever the line up they are always well worth seeing A band without peer I'm tempted to say given the location tonight.......
Caught up with Peggy again afterwards who kindly signed the set list given to me by Chris Leslie. Tomorrow they are in the Capital, underneath the Cutty Sark no less!
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