Steeleye Span are an English folk-rock band formed in 1969.

Still active today, along with Fairport Convention, they are amongst the best known acts of the British folk revival, and were among the most commercially successful, thanks to their hit singles “Gaudete” and “All Around My Hat”.

They had three Top 40 albums; they achieved a certified gold record with sales of “All Around My Hat”.

Throughout their history, Steeleye Span have seen many personnel changes but have maintained a strong continuity of tradition.

Their typical album is a collection of mostly traditional songs with one or two instrumental tracks of jigs and/or reels added; the traditional songs often include some of the Child ballads.

In their later albums there has been an increased tendency to include music written by the band members, but they have never got completely away from traditional music, which draws upon pan-British traditions.

In 2002 Belfield went to meet the guys from Steeleye! You can’t beat “All around my hat!”

In October 2013, the band released their 22nd studio album, Wintersmith, containing original songs based on the writings of Terry Pratchett. This was followed by a Winter tour of the UK.

This album marked a return to form and media attention as the album reached number 77 in the official UK Album chart, had tracks played on Radio 2 and led to various radio and TV interviews for Terry Pratchett and Maddy Prior as they promoted the album.

In November 2013, Peter Knight announced that he would be leaving Steeleye Span at the end of 2013. He was replaced by Jessie May Smart.

The band have continued to tour regularly and recorded four new tracks for the 2014 Wintersmith ‘Deluxe’ Album.

In the summer of 2015 they are touring North America with a reduced line up consisting of Prior, Littman, Smart, Genockey and for the first time Maddy’s son Alex Kemp on Bass, replacing his father Rick.

Recorded 2002 by Alex Belfield for the BBC and Celebrity Radio.

The post Steeleye Span Interview ~ All Around My Hat appeared first on Celebrity Radio By Alex Belfield.