STEELEYE SPAN - Queen Elizabeth Hall, London.
19th. December 2002.

A Review by David Mantle

There were times during the past 18 months when it seemed that this day might never happen, and some members of the audience may well have been appreciative of that fact. Either way, the crowd was in good mood and anticipatory but there was also a feeling of reassurance that the “old order” was restored. The sight of Liam sitting in the foyer beforehand a reminder that the familiar faces had returned.

There wasn’t a seat to spare as the band emerged from the shadows to a large applause and several cheers. They launched straight into The King with Rick taking the lead verse and then Maddy, Peter, Ken and Rose joining in to form the harmony. It took about 5 seconds to be reminded exactly why Steeleye still attract their wide and loyal fan base - the flawless mix of voices still powerful enough to grab your attention instantly and make you feel like you’d still only just discovered them. Despite the fact that The King was first released in 1971 it still sounded as fresh as if it was new, and the added vocal of Rose Kemp contributing in no small measure. I have to confess to never have seen or heard her before but I think it fair to say that she could take the lead on any Steeleye number should she so desire.

The opener was the only song not on the Present album during the whole set, but as everyone knew what to expect it wasn’t out of place. Black Jack Davy soon followed, tweaked a little from the original arrangement but on the whole still the familiar version from 1975. Again this finished to great applause and so it progressed. John Barleycorn, Misty Moisty Morning, The Weaver, Hard Times, all played flawlessly and to a great reception. Before anyone realised it was interval time, I doubt 50 minutes has flown by so fast for anyone. Even my companions, who were at their first Steeleye concert, remarked on how quickly it had gone. Praise indeed!

The second half started with King Henry, and moved through the majority of the rest of the album, with Let Her Go Down being dedicated to Jenn who had travelled from America to be there. Songs such as Drink Down the Moon, Two Magicians, Blackleg Miner, and the standard finisher Thomas the Rhymer carried the audience along for another hour, before the obligatory encores of Hat and Gaudete, the latter strengthened by Rose seeming to take what used to be Tim Hart’s line. Then the lights came up and everyone drifted off into the night, half an hour late but not one member of the audience seemed to mind.

I think there are a few things that came out of this concert. Firstly Steeleye could have filled the QEH twice over. There was a queue when we arrived and this was just for the returns, and I know of several people who were disappointed when the tickets were sold out about a month in advance. Maybe it’s time to rebook the Royal Albert Hall (although I can’t see the evenings takings being released from the roof this time). If Show of Hands can practically fill it then I’m sure Steeleye would have no trouble!
The band also seem far happier and at ease with each other than the last time I saw them. Milton Keynes may not be the most glamorous location but the Peter/Gay/Tim/Rick line-up seemed to be going through the motions and not playing for enjoyment - maybe due to the “reasons” given by Gay upon her departure. This time around they looked like they were having fun, right down to the return of the introductions to the songs and Maddy dancing about the stage.

Like many others I was both disappointed and apprehensive when it was announced that Bob wouldn’t be touring this time and that Ken Nicol would be taking his place. I was one of those who had never heard of him and so came into this blind, but as has been said by others he fitted in so well it was hard to believe that 3 months ago he didn’t know any of the set. The only thing I would now like to see is a line-up incorporating both Ken and Bob, but this is not to detract from either of them in any way - they would both be outstanding members of any future Steeleye projects.

Maddy said at the end of the show that she is having a ball with the band on this tour, and I believe it was reflected in the performance and the reaction from the audience. Surely Steeleye will continue for a good while yet, and I will be interested and excited about any new material and albums that this line-up can produce. It has been mooted that there may well be a 35^th anniversary album and tour, I would hope that this gets the publicity and advertising it deserves as there is so much talent, enthusiasm and even potential that exists I only hope that the powers that be support them, encourage them and don’t leave it 18 months until next time!

All in all, Steeleye are back and doing what they do best. The audience and support is as strong as ever and the band looks like a band again. I can’t recall the last time an evening took so long to arrive and then disappeared in an instant, and whatever else happens this is the best Christmas present I could have asked for!