Folk rockers with an eye for the classics

With a career spanning an astounding six decades, Steeleye Span is not just a legendary name in British music but also a link to the classic days of rock and folk music.

Contemporaries of the likes of Led Zeppelin and Fairport Convention, they have changed the face of folk music forever, taking it into the world of chart-topping albums and international tours.

They reached a peak of commercial success in the 70s with All Around My Hat and Gaudete gaining chart recognition.

Fronted by stalwart Maddy Prior, the band includes fiddle player extraordinaire Peter Knight, bass guitarist Rick Kemp and drummer Liam Genockey, along with recent additions to the line-up guitarist Julian Littman and multi-instrumentalist Peter Zorn.

Now, having established themselves as a six-piece, Steeleye Span are emerging on another new exciting chapter, an album collaboration with Discworld author Sir Terry Pratchett, which will be released towards the end of the year.

Fans will be able to get a taste of these new songs, along with the familiar classics and gems, when the band’s UK tour comes to Buxton Opera House on Monday December 16, at 8pm.

Tickets, priced £17.50 and £19.50, are available from the box office on 0845 127 2190 or online by visiting www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.