Fairport Convention

Fairport Convention is a legendary British folk-rock band known for their influential role in the British folk music revival of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Here are some facts about the group:

1. Formation and Early Years:

   • Fairport Convention was formed in 1967 in London, England. The original lineup included Richard Thompson (guitar, vocals), Simon Nicol (guitar, vocals), Ashley Hutchings (bass), Martin Lamble (drums), and Judy Dyble (vocals).
   • The band's name was inspired by Fairport, a village in North Yorkshire, where they conducted their first rehearsals. "Convention" was added to the name as a nod to their eclectic mix of musical influences.

2. Pioneering Folk-Rock Sound:

   • Fairport Convention played a crucial role in popularizing the fusion of traditional British folk music with rock and roll, a genre known as folk-rock. Their innovative sound blended traditional folk songs and tunes with electric instrumentation, creating a unique and distinctive style.
   • The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1968, showcased their folk-rock sound and received positive reviews from critics. However, it was their second album, "What We Did on Our Holidays" (1969), featuring Sandy Denny on vocals, that solidified their reputation as pioneers of the genre.

3. Tragic Accident and Resilience:

   • In 1969, tragedy struck when the band's van was involved in a fatal accident on the M1 motorway, resulting in the deaths of drummer Martin Lamble and Jeannie Franklin, the band's girlfriend. The surviving members considered disbanding but ultimately decided to continue making music.
   • Following the accident, Dave Mattacks joined Fairport Convention as their new drummer. Despite the devastating loss, the band persevered and released their landmark album "Liege & Lief" later that year, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest folk-rock albums of all time.

4. Sandy Denny Era and Commercial Success:

   • Fairport Convention experienced commercial success and critical acclaim during their collaboration with singer-songwriter Sandy Denny. Denny's ethereal vocals and songwriting contributions played a significant role in defining the band's sound during the early 1970s.
   • Albums such as "Liege & Lief" (1969), "Full House" (1970), and "Rising for the Moon" (1975) are considered classics of the folk-rock genre and feature some of Denny's most iconic songs, including "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" and "Matty Groves".

5. Enduring Legacy and Continued Activity:

   • Fairport Convention has undergone numerous lineup changes over the years, with members coming and going, but the band has continued to perform and record music for over five decades. Despite the changes, their commitment to preserving and innovating within the folk tradition remains unwavering.
   • Fairport Convention hosts an annual music festival called Cropredy Festival in Oxfordshire, England, which has become a beloved event for folk music enthusiasts. The band's enduring legacy and influence on the folk-rock genre have earned them a place i