The latest artist to bravely bare their soul for Spiral Earth and give us their list of firsts is singer/songwriter : MADDY PRIOR
The instantly recognisable voice of Steeleye Span, Maddy Prior began singing in her early teens and hasn’t stopped since.
Forming a duo with Tim Hart in then mid-sixties, the pair were part of the debut line up of Steeleye and remained with the band until the early eighties, when Tim was forced into semi-retirement. A brief sabbatical after the well received Time album aside, Maddy has been the one of band’s constants – her voice guiding them through a variety of styles, from her beloved traditional music to rock and pop.
Outside of the band, Maddy has a long history of collaborations and a successful solo career. Forming the Silly Sisters with June Tabor at the height of Steeleye’s success in the seventies, her work has included a delightful series of albums and tours with The Carnival Band, the trio Maddy & The Girls and appearances with many of the musicians who she has inspired over the years – including The Levellers, Hannah James, Rev Hammer and Benji Kirkpatrick – as well as hosting singing workshops at her Cumbrian home. Whatever the project, however, it is Maddy’s voice that is the clarion call.
We were thrilled when her firsts found their way back to us, so if you are sitting comfortably ……
FIRST RECORD YOU EVER BOUGHT
Kathleen Ferrier, 1959 When I was still in Blackpool I really wanted this record and my dad brought it for me.
The Springfield’s – Island of Dreams.
FIRST PERSON WHO MADE YOU WANT TO BE A MUSICIAN
I was around musicians and fell into it really….
FIRST GIG YOU EVER SAW
A Pantomime in Blackpool…. I went to Jazz Clubs, but I danced, so it was a dance as far as I was concerned.
FIRST PERSON YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH
Tim Hart.
Tim sadly passed away in 2009 after a battle with lung cancer .
Here is a link to a lovely celebration of his life https://steeleyespanfan.co.uk/the-band/tim-hart
FIRST THING YOU THINK ABOUT IN THE MORNING
Where am I??
FIRST PERSON YOU’D INVITE TO A PARTY
Rick Kemp.
FIRST THING YOU’LL BUY WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR FIRST MILLION
A bottle of really good champagne.
FIRST THING YOU’LL ABOLISH WHEN YOU RULE THE WORLD
Intolerance.
FIRST ALBUM YOU’D SAVE IF YOUR HOUSE WENT UP IN FLAMES
The Flying Burrito Brothers. They were forerunners of bands like the Eagles, Los Angeles Bands, When Rick and I got together we used to listen to this sort of stuff.
FIRST PERSON YOU’D SEND ON A ONE-WAY TICKET TO THE HEART OF THE SUN
Nobody that I know.
FIRST THING YOU EVER PERFORMED IN PUBLIC
The Tennessee Wig Walk at the Saturday matinee competition and I used to win!
FIRST SONG YOU’D HAVE PLAYED AT YOUR FUNERAL
Somewhere along the road – Rick Kemp;.
FIRST INSTRUMENT YOU EVER OWNED
Banjo
(We should all know what one of those is!)
FIRST PERSON YOU’D RAISE FROM THE DEAD
My Mum.
FIRST PLACE YOU’D VISIT IN A TIME MACHINE
I am quite happy where I am, I’d rather stay here.
FIRST TRACK ON YOUR APPLE MUSIC OR SPOTIFY MOST PLAYED LIST
Sing Lustily And With Good Courage… I sing along to this as part of my warm-up with The Carnival Band.
FIRST TRACK ON YOUR IMAGINARY ALBUM OF YOUR OWN GREATEST HITS
Tam Lin.
FIRST PERSON YOU’D ASK TO JOIN YOUR ALL-STAR BAND
Martin Carthy
FIRST THING YOU’D LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m the perfect me….
FIRST ARTIST YOU’D BOOK TO APPEAR AT YOUR OWN UNLIMITED BUDGET FESTIVAL
Spiers & Boden
ANY OTHER FIRSTS YOU WANT TO OFFLOAD TO UNBURDON YOUR CONSCIENCE?
All the people I have worked with have all been great musicians and have enriched my life.
We would like to thank Maddy for taking the time out of her busy schedule to complete her Spiral Firsts for us. as you can see from the following live dates, life is not slowing down for this extraordinary and very talented performer.
Don’t take our word for it though, the best way to experience this musical power house, is live.
Catch the end of her Spring Tour Dates as follows:
Thu 7th May Warwick Arts Centre Warwick 02476 496000
Sat 9th May Shrewsbury Abbey Shrewsbury 01743 232723
Sun 10th May Malvern Theatres Malvern 01684 892277
Tue 12th May The Brewhouse Taunton 01823 283244
Wed 13th May Corn Exchange Exeter 01392 665938
Thu 14th May Palace Theatre Paignton 01803 665800
Sat 16 May Theatre Royal Portsmouth 02392 828282
For more information please visit: http://Vhttps://steeleyespan.org.uk/
Featured image Pete Silver
