I have early
memories of 'All Around My Hat' being played. 'The Wife Of Usher's Well'
fascinated me. I don't know why; maybe it was the words. Then the guitar
would come crashing in. “.....earthly flesh and blood, DUN,
DUN!”
I was under the impression that 'All Around My Hat' was their first and
last album and they never got anywhere (!)
When I was a bit older I forgot about it. At my age that kind of thing
just wasn't listened to. I went to the Wellingborough concert anyway
even though this would be my first live Steeleye gig,
figuring I needn't bother again if they weren't any good. I was
expecting the place to be at best half-full but it was rammed. I didn't
see many people my age, if any, but then I tend not to notice my
surroundings when at concerts.
When I heard their second song, 'Drink Down The Moon' I felt a bit
weird. I thought I was going to have to leave. I had a pain in my chest
and kept being asked “are you OK”. Songs getting to me is nothing
new, but I wasn't expecting to have that strong a reaction.
Then I heard the “magic” words “I shall go into a hare....”
I froze.
I remember hearing this on a documentary. In my little, girlie head,
which was full of fantasy and songs (and obviously not much else)
whoever the woman was who was singing (didn't make the connection then)
she could actually shape-shift for real! This was before YouTube, before
the Internet even, so I had no way to search for the song. I thought
nobody remembered it but me.
At some concerts you look at your watch waiting for them to end because
you're bored, the band just can't do it any more, and you wish you
hadn't gone, but almost 2 hours flew by like 2 seconds. I wished the
concert would never cease.
I was lucky enough to meet Maddy at the end – and get a CD signed. I
told close friends/family, at least half of who looked at me, furrowed
their brows, and said “WHO?”
I’ve met a few people. I remember discharging myself from hospital to
see Iron Maiden, saying if I died then I’d die happy, etc. but I think
this is starting to eclipse that.
I made dad a card with a poem in it as thanks for getting me into
Steeleye in the first place. I consider it to be one of the best things
that has ever happened to me.
I had a gig booked up for me;
I nearly did not go;
I cannot share thoughts on yon gig,
For those my age never shall know.
Your good taste it hath now become mine;
It once made me lament;
Oh how I longed to be different
Now I wish I’d shown some sense
My hands they shook just like the leaves,
My head was like a sieve
When I tell people what did occur,
They all lose the will to live.
Whenever I feel wretched;
And wish the end was in sight
Even when I’m in the cold hard ground,
I’ll remember this stunning night.
