Steeleye Span Touring ‘Hark The Village Wait’ in May

Steeleye Span established themselves as a major creative force in that vintage period for music, the early 1970s, becoming one of the most enduring stories in the world of folk and beyond.

As pioneers of folk-rock, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever. Now, there were gold discs and international tours, in a world beyond the small clubs which were known as the home of folk. And after half a century, it’s tie to celebrate the band’s famous albums. Maddy Prior and her iconic vocals will lead some of the most skilled musicians in the UK, playing key tracks and favourites from over the years.

A special live concert recording of the band’s debut album, Hark The Village Wait, will be released and available digitally on 2 May.

Band Members

The present Steeleye line-up is: The Legendary Maddy Prior (vocals), with long term member Liam Genockey (drums), Julian Littman, guitar/keyboards and vocals) Andrew Sinclair (guitar), Violeta Vicci (violin and backing vocals), Benji Kirkpatrick (guitar and backing vocals) and Roger Carey (bass), but how hard it is to think of the band without Maddy, when she hangs up that hat all around which she wears a green willow. Maddy still dances, still happy and in her element.

Sitting at the back with his long beard looking every inch the hippy figure is Liam Genockey on drums. Liam uses his kit to create sounds and atmospheres which are far more than hitting a stick against a skin. He utilises the metallic edges, the case – any part of the drum kit he thinks can add a particular moment to a song. His playing is very subtle and always beautiful

Julian Littman has been a part of the band since 2011 and has a huge pedigree of playing with some top-rated artists including David Bowie. He is a bit of a jack of all trades being an actor, singer, musician, song writer – you name it he does it. Julian plays guitars, keyboards and vocals.

Another relative newcomer to the bus is Andrew ‘Spud’ Sinclair. Playing superb guitar and impressive on vocals too, he clearly is an excellent fit.

The newest members bassist Roger Carey and multi-instrumentalist Benji Kirkpatrick (son of former member John Kirkpatrick who played with the band in 1977-1978 the group are now a dynasty) playing and singing as if they had forever been a part of the line up. Also, Violeta Vicci, a virtuoso violinist, who skilfully steps in when Jesse Mae Smart is unable to tour.

Steeleye Span is at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall on 10 May. “Don’t miss them…” The Independent.

“Don’t miss them…” – The Independent