Iain Matthews & Andy Roberts - The Craven Arms

After his superb performance in the Cruck Barn last year, Iain Matthews is back by popular demand... and this time he's bringing Andy Roberts! That's half of the legendary band Plainsong - live in the Cruck Barn!
Singer, song-writer and guitarist Iain Matthews was the original male singer in Fairport Convention, appearing on their first three classic albums, before leaving the band to form Matthews Southern Comfort. With the latter band, he scored a huge number one hit with an iconic cover of Joni Mitchell's Woodstock (which featured on the soundtrack to Daisy Jones & The Six). Next, he began his illustrious solo career (which continues to this day) and also formed the classic folk/rock/Americana band Plainsong with Andy Roberts...
Singer, songwriter and lead guitarist Andy Roberts had his first taste of fame as a member of the legendary poetry and music collectives, The Scaffold and Liverpool Scene, before establishing himself as a solo artist, songwriter and highly in-demand session guitarist and forming Plainsong with Iain. Post Plainsong, Andy toured as a guitarist on the Pink Floyd The Wall Tour, backed Billy Connelly, written TV and film scores and even provided music and voice for Spitting Image! From having huge hits with The Scaffold, to touring with Led Zeppelin, via being on an album produced by Jimi Hendrix to hanging out round at Paul McCartney's house, you name it: Andy's done it!
It's such a pleasure to welcome this superb duo to the Barn! Expect fantastic harmonies, scintillating guitar playing and superb songs!


Plumhall (Michelle Plum and Nick B Hall) are an acclaimed UK songwriting duo known for their captivating vocal harmonies and exquisite acoustic guitar playing. Their original songs have earned them widespread acclaim.



Their first two albums, Thundercloud and The Ghost of Noise, received significant recognition, including a Hidden Gem recommendation from The Guardian/Observer. From the alt-country feel of the debut to the more experimental sound of the follow-up, Plumhall have shown their ability to blend strong songwriting with diverse musical influences. Their much-anticipated third album, One Star Awake, was released in June 2024 to critical acclaim and is available on all major platforms, as well as in CD format at their live shows.



2024 has been a remarkable year for the pair. They completed a successful 30-date tour as special guests of Fairport Convention on their Winter Tour, with Fairport joining Plumhall on stage each night to perform One Star Awake, the title track of Plumhall's latest album, which also features Fairport's Ric Sanders. They were thrilled to be invited to perform at Costa Festival in Ibiza in May. They then reunited with Fairport at the Cropredy Convention in August, where they performed as part of an extended Fairport lineup including

Ralph McTell.



Plumhall have had the honour of performing with the legendary Al Stewart multiple times, including at renowned venues such as London's Palladium and Cadogan Hall. They have also played alongside esteemed musicians like Larry Campbell, Phil Beer and Steve Knightley.



In 2018, filmmaker Richard Heap invited Michelle and Nick to write an original song for, arrange live acoustic music for, and appear in the 2020 feature film The Runaways. The song "Closing Down" has since become a beloved part of their repertoire.



During the pandemic lockdowns, Plumhall built a loyal global following through their livestream performances, which led to a fan-made video for their song "A Darkness That Won't Leave The House", later championed by Janice Long on BBC radio.



Michelle Plum's musical background includes a four-year stint with Chumbawamba, 4 years as a session musician with The Chris Norman Band, and a co-founder of the folk band Waking The Witch. Nick Hall has toured with Ian Prowse & Amsterdam, Magna Carta, and The Hall Brothers.