Fairport Convention

Fairport Convention formed in 1967 as a folk-rock band and later transitioned its sound into electric folk. The band's self-titled debut album was inspired by American folk-rock acts such as Bob Dylan and The Byrds, leaving British audiences thinking the band was an American act. In 1969 Fairport Convention released a series of albums including What We Did On Our Holidays and Unhalfbricking, which demonstrated original material, songwriting strengths and British folk elements. It was the band's third release that year, the iconic album Liege and Lief, that became a milestone in Fairport Convention's long-running career. The band combined British folk music with rock and roll, releasing a concept album of both traditional and original material. The 1970s saw a number of lineup changes for the band after members left to pursue solo careers and different projects. The most consequential change for Fairport Convention was the departure of lead female vocalist Sandy Denny, who left the group's vocal performance to be dominated by male singers. The band continued to record and release music throughout the decade but disbanded in 1979 when folk-rock fell out of the mainstream spotlight. By 1985, former members reinstated the band along with a new wave of musicians and released Expletive Delighted!, in 1986. Fairport Convention's only remaining founder is guitarist and vocalist Simon Nicol who continues to lead the band in recordings and live shows.