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March 2024

'Banners of protest, banners of hope.' Ed Pickford captures the spirit of the Durham Miners' Gala in song

Colin Randall writes: By very welcome coincidence, Andrew Curry's fascinating article on the role of music and humour in the story of coalmining appeared just before Ed Pickford posted at Facebook his song about the Durham miners' gala, a great... Read more →


Before the miners’ strike—telling the miners’ story in songs, jokes and sketches

The long history of the miners’ fight for better pay and conditions was brought to life by Alan Plater in Close the Coalhouse Door. The songs of Alex Glasgow were central to the telling of the story. Read more →


Fairport Convention at Union Chapel. Still holding back the years

Colin Randall's review of Fairport Convention's concert at the Union Chapel in London has already appeared at Substack. This is an extended version. Thanks to the many members of Fairport-related Facebook groups who have followed links to Salut! Live ...... Read more →


'Hearty disagreements' but no Everly or Gallagher-style strops: Simon Nicol on Fairport Convention's enduring appeal and camaraderie

Sunday update : it was an enjoyable concert in one of London’s nicest venues. A big shoutout for the support duo, Plumhall. ( Update: my review appears here As I write, there are still tickets left for the final date... Read more →


The miners, disunited, were soundly defeated (by tyranny)

Colin Randall writes: an anniversary worth noting is that of protracted miners' strike of the mid-1980s. For musical illustration, I have chosen Ed Pickford's lament for a vanishing trade, Farewell Johnny Miner, by Dick Gaughan, Blackleg Mining Man by Pitmen... Read more →