Legendary Folk Rockers

The Swan Theatre presents the Legendary Folk Rockers, “Steeleye Span” 55th Anniversary UK Tour.

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.