The Incredible String Band

Live, Unreleased And Rare

This page attempts to list all the material available by The Incredible String Band outside of the Elektra and Island albums that were released during the band's lifetime. As such it covers mainly radio sessions and live tapes that circulate among fans, but also extends, for completeness sake, to cover material that has been officially released in the years since then, such as the 'On Air' and 'BBC Radio One In Concert' radio session albums and 'The Chelsea Sessions 1967' CD, as well as recordings that are known to exist in the record company vaults. At the moment the list only covers the band's original life-time, from 1966 to 1974, although somewhere along the line it may be extended to cover the 1997 Robin and Mike reunion concerts and the full-blown ISB reunion kicked-off by the 30.12.99 Edinburgh Hogmanay concert.

The magazine 'Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending' has proven very helpful in compiling this list, in particular Paul Bryant's article 'Establishing The Canon' from the first issue, plus follow-ups in issues 2 and 3, and Bill Allison's article 'The ISB At The BBC' from issues 3 and 5.

Information on the BBC radio sessions can be found in the book 'In Session Tonight' by Ken Garner (published by BBC Enterprises).

The list was compiled by Shane Pope, based on an original list by Paul Bryant, who also provided most of the lyrics to the unreleased songs. Other members of the ISB Mailing List provided further information. Updates and corrections to the list are welcome, post them to the mailing list for discussion.

Dedicated to the Invisible Brethren, with love and thanks to Robin and Mike for their continued inspiration.

Red text denotes a song not officially released on an original ISB album.
Green text denotes a version considerably different from that officially released.
Purple italic text denotes background information (official LP release dates, etc).
Asterisks ****** denote an unconfirmed guess at the titles of a set of jigs or medley, based on similar set lists from the time.
All dates use UK/European DD.MM.YY format.

[ Pre-ISB ] [ 1966 ][ 1967 ][ 1968 ] [ 1969 ][ 1970 ][ 1971 ] [ 1972 ][ 1973 ][ 1974 ]



Latest Updates [ Full Update History ]
18.06.08 Updates: John Peel's 'Sounds Of The Seventies' programmes on the 13.10.71 (recorded 5.10.71), 29.8.72 (recorded 14.8.72), 6.3.73 (recorded 26.2.73) and 23.10.73 (recorded 9.10.73) continued to use the 'Top Gear' title. The 17.3.72 (recorded 29.2.72) 'Sounds Of The Seventies' show was not a 'Top Gear' one, but a new Friday night show, sometimes refered to as 'Friday night is boogie night' due to the jingles used.
21.04.08 Additions: 'Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air' US Radio Advertisement, Late 1971/Early 1972.
Updates: Confirm the jig titles for POP 2, ORTF, May 1972.
20.02.08 Updates: Corrected the track listing for the Fillmore East, New York, 14.12.69 Videofreex footage and provide a link to a clip of 'Dust Be Diamonds'.
In several places 'Dust Be Diamonds' was credited as a Robin composition instead of a joint Heron/Williamson one.
To Do List
  1. Complete the lyrics to the unreleased songs - 'Do You Think I'm A Liar?', 'Short Song', 'Let Me Tell You', 'Running Around All Night', 'Likky's Colour Song', 'Feet Off The Floor' and 'Down On The Track'.


  2. Correct and complete the lyrics to 'Johnny Cope' and 'Johnny Lad'.


  3. Confirm the titles of the various unknown jigs, medleys, etc:
    • City Hall, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne 26.10.69
    • Fillmore East, New York, 14.12.69
    • Stuart Henry's 'Sounds Of The Seventies', 24.9.70 (Recorded 17.9.70)
    • Brighton Dome, 10.10.70
    • Pacific High Studios, San Francisco, 15.2.71

  4. Confirm the unknown titles and details of the uncirculating TV broadcasts and film clips:
    • Julie Felix 'Once More With Felix' Pilot Show, Summer/Autumn 1967
    • 'Late Night Line-Up', Autumn 1967
    • U, The Roundhouse, London, 8 to 18.4.70
    • U Rehearsals, Fillmore East, New York, April 1970
    • US Breakfast TV, Atlanta, April/May 1973
    • Swiss TV, Lugano, Late 1973 Or Early 1974
    • Granada TV Show, Manchester, 18.2.74
    • Danish TV Special, Copenhagen, 2.3.74

Pre-ISB

St Andrews Folk Club, Edinburgh, October 1963

  1. The Mole Catcher (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  2. The Holy Ground (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  3. The Boys Of Wexford (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  4. East Colorado (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : Robin and Owen Hand. Robin introduces 'East Colorado' as a Carter Family song but it's actually a traditional song, recorded by many old-timey and blues musicians, and known variously as 'Take This Hammer', 'Spike Driver Blues' or 'East Colorado Blues'.


Studio Recording, 1963

  1. Jazz Bo's Holiday (Tarrant Bailey Jr)
Source : Edinburgh Folk Festival Vol. 1 LP (Decca LK 4546)

Notes : Robin and Clive. Despite the LP title these were studio recordings, not live tracks from the festival. From the LP sleeve notes: JAZZ BO'S HOLIDAY, a ragtime banjo piece, is typical of the 'curio music' that flourishes in odd pockets all over the folk scene. Instrumentalists CLIVE PALMER and ROBIN WILLIAMSON are typical of many of the folk performers who appeared at Edinburgh. They just blew into a club, played and sang, blew out again. Robin is quite well known locally as a singer. Clive - well, nobody knows much about him except that he comes from around Nottingham and plays, as you will hear, fabulous ragtime banjo.


St Andrews Folk Club, Edinburgh, November 1964

  1. Johnny Cope (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Johnny Lad (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  3. The Working Chap (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Do You Think I'm A Liar? (Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : Robin and Clive.

1966

June 1966: 'The Incredible String Band' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, fiddle, whistle, mandolin; Clive Palmer - vocals, banjo, guitar; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar.

The Balmore Tapes, October 1966-February 1967

Session A (Mike Solo)
  1. Short Song (Heron)
  2. Tune (Heron)
  3. Join The Band (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Can't Keep Me Here (Heron)
  5. Let Me Tell You (Heron)
  6. Tune (Heron)
  7. When The Music Starts To Play (Heron)
  8. Running Around All Night (Heron)
Session B (Robin Solo, With Occasional Interpolations From Licorice)
  1. See Your Face And Know You (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Alice Is A Long Time Gone (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. Tune (Williamson)
  4. The Mad Hatter's Song (Guitar Part) (Williamson)
  5. The Mad Hatter's Song (Williamson)
  6. Tune (Williamson)
  7. Blues For The Muse (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  8. First Girl I Loved (Williamson)
  9. Likky's Memoir (McKechnie) [ Lyrics ]
  10. Born In Your Town (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  11. Born In Your Town (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  12. Whistle Tune (Williamson)
  13. Born In Your Town (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  14. Flute Tune (Williamson)
  15. Likky's Colour Song (McKechnie)
  16. Wacky Noises...
Session C (Robin And Likky, Robin And Mike)
  1. Cindy's Crying (Tom Paxton) [ Lyrics ]
  2. As I Roved Out (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  3. First Girl I Loved (Williamson)
  4. Every Time (Tom Paxton) [ Lyrics ]
  5. Gimbri Song (Chinese White) (Heron)
  6. Introduction/Gimbri Song (Chinese White) (Heron)
  7. Alice Is A Long Time Gone (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  8. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  9. Introduction/When The Music Starts To Play (Heron)
  10. Discussion
  11. 'Lovers Of Evening' Introduction (Williamson)
  12. Relax Your Mind (Huddie Ledbetter) [ Lyrics ]
  13. Discussion
  14. No Sleep Blues (Williamson)
  15. The Half Remarkable Question (Williamson)
Session D (Robin And Mike, Robin Solo, Robin And Likky)
  1. Relax Your Mind (Huddie Ledbetter) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Feet Off The Floor (Heron)
  3. Discussion/Instrumental Jam (Williamson/Heron)
  4. Lover Man (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  5. I Ain't Goin' To Work Tomorrow (A.P. Carter) [ Lyrics ]
  6. Down On The Track (Trad.)
  7. More Pretty Girls Than One (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  8. Engine 143 (A.P. Carter) [ Lyrics ]
  9. The Little Gypsy Girl (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  10. Autoharp Doddles (Williamson)
  11. Wordless Song (Trad.)
  12. How Sweet To Be A Cloud (A.A. Milne) [ Lyrics ]
  13. Two Guitars (1) (Williamson/Heron)
  14. Two Guitars (2) (Williamson/Heron)
  15. The Half Remarkable Question (Williamson)
  16. The Eyes Of Fate (Williamson)
  17. Anach Cuin (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  18. A Ballynure Ballad (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  19. The Month Of January (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  20. The Twa Sisters (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  21. The Cruel Brother (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  22. George Collins (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  23. Sir Patrick Spens (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
Session E (Robin And Unknown Erratic Female American Fiddler)
  1. Fiddle Tunes (Trad.)
Source : Home demos and rehearsals, Temple Cottage, Balmore

Notes : After returning from Morocco, Robin and Licorice lived at the home of Mary Stewart in Balmore, a few miles north of Glasgow. During renovations in 1996, a hoard of reel-to-reel tapes from that period were discovered, along with a water-colour painting and home-made fiddle, both created by Robin. Among the tapes were ones labelled 'Robin', 'Mike' and 'Robin and Mike', featuring home recordings of Robin and Mike rehearsing (both solo and together), jamming, and even, what seems to be, planning the set for their November 1966 concert at the Royal Albert Hall, complete with introductions! The original tapes were fairly fragile and the recording quality was pretty rough, so they were subsequently electronically 'cleaned-up' by Tom Barwood, allowing Raymond Greenoaken to write a fascinating article about their contents in 'Be Glad' issue 9.

1967

The 5000 Spirits Demos, Early 1967

  1. Lover Man* (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Born In Your Town* (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. First Girl I Loved* (Williamson)
  4. Gently Tender (Heron)
  5. Little Cloud (Heron)
  6. Blues For The Muse (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  7. The Eyes Of Fate (Williamson)
  8. The Mad Hatter's Song (Williamson)
  9. Alice Is A Long Time Gone* (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  10. See Your Face And Know You* (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  11. Frutch* (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  12. The Iron Stone (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  13. God Dog* (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : Studio demos, Sound Techniques, Chelsea

Notes : Tracks marked * originally appeared on the bootleg tape 'Let The Universe Roll'. These essential recordings are now officially available, in full, on the 1997 Pig's Whisker CD 'The Chelsea Sessions 1967' (PWMD5003, reissued in 2000 as PWMD5022 with an additional track). Of the tracks that ultimately appeared on the finished 'The 5000 Spirits Or The Layers Of The Onion' album, most of the versions here are fairly similar, although stripped down and lacking additional overdubs. However, 'Blues For The Muse' features an additional verse that didn't make the final version, as does 'The Iron Stone', the finished version of which didn't see the light of day until the release of 'Wee Tam And The Big Huge' in 1968. Al Stewart recorded a version of 'Lover Man' on his 1970 debut album 'Bedsitter Images', whilst Shirley Collins included 'God Dog' on her 1969 album 'Anthems In Eden'. It is most likely that 'God Dog' dates from the sesssions for 'The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter', rather than '5000 Spirits', as the band had met Shirley and Dolly Collins at a concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the 4th October 1967 and had then contributed to their 'The Power Of The True Love Knot' LP, with Dolly returning the favour by providing arrangements and flute organ to 'Hangman's'. This would date it to late 1967 or early 1968.


July 1967: 'The 5000 Spirits Or The Layers Of The Onion' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, gimbri, flute, percussion, oud, mandolin; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, harmonica; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, finger cymbals.
Guests: Danny Thompson - bass; Soma - sitar, tamboura; John 'Hoppy' Hopkins - piano.

Corries Folk Festival, Edinburgh, 1.8.67

  1. The Hedgehog's Song (Heron)
  2. Good As Gone (Williamson)
  3. The Eyes Of Fate (Williamson)
  4. Mercy I Cry City (Heron)
  5. Chinese White (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : Transferred directly from an old reel-to-reel tape. The music was originally recorded on the balcony of the old Cally Cinema on Lothian Road, Edinburgh (now a nightclub called Centuary 2000) during the Corries Folk Festival 1967. This is the full archive recording, in glorious mono with no edits. Introduction by Ronnie Browne.


Julie Felix 'Once More With Felix' Pilot Show, Summer/Autumn 1967

  1. Little Cloud (Heron)
  2. ****** Unknown Title ******
Source : BBC Television

Notes : Issue 8 of 'Be Glad' included a picture of Robin and Mike being filmed for 'Once More With Felix', taken from the pop music section of the 1967 Grolier Year Book. By the look of the instrumentation (guitar and hand drums) and the capo position, Raymond Greenoaken surmised that they were playing 'Little Cloud'. This picture of the band has subsequently been found to have appeared on the cover of the October 1967 edition of Wireless World magazine. The 'Tech Ops Nostalgia' site states that the show was an advance proving test for the BBC's first large colour studio. The 'Music Pictures' photo library has another photo from this session with both of them playing guitars, so at least one other song must have been performed. Does this footage still exist though?


'Late Night Line-Up', Autumn 1967

  1. Chinese White (Heron)
  2. The Hedgehog's Song (Heron)
  3. ****** Unknown Titles ******
Source : BBC Television

Notes : Not in ciculation but possibly still exists in the BBC vaults. From the memories of ISB list members, the usual format of this late night BBC2 arts/current affairs programme was for the musical guests to perform a song each night Moday to Thursday. If this was the case, then the band must have performed two more songs, which we can guess may well have been Robin's compositions. It's thought that these appearances most probably date to around September 1967.


Pete Drummond & Tommy Vance's 'Top Gear', 15.10.67 (Recorded 10.10.67)

  1. Painting Box (Heron)
  2. Mercy I Cry City (Heron)
  3. Chinese White (Heron)
  4. Nightfall (Williamson)
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : This complete session appears on the 'You Get Brighter' bootleg tape advertised in 'Be Glad' issue 8.

1968

VJOEW, Early To Mid 1968

  1. October Song (Williamson)
Source : Dutch AVRO Television

Notes : A stunning partial clip, with Robin on oud and Mike on sitar, that appears to have been filmed in somebody's front room - maybe Joe Boyd's? Taken from a short lived music show presented by the Dutch singer Bojoura.


Julie Felix 'Once More With Felix', 3.2.68

  1. Three Is A Green Crown (Williamson)
  2. Geordie (Trad.) [ Lyrics ]
  3. See All The People (Heron)
Source : BBC Television

Notes : It is not known whether this 'Once More With Felix' appearance dates from 3.2.68 or 23.3.68, although on the 'You Get Brighter' bootleg tape (audio only) this one is listed as 'Julie Felix TV Show (1)'. 'Geordie' is the popular traditional song, sung here, presumably, by Julie Felix, with backing by Mike on sitar and Robin on hand-drums.


John Peel's 'Nightride', 6.3.68 (Recorded 4.3.68)

  1. You Get Brighter (Heron)
  2. All Too Much For Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. Ducks On A Pond (Williamson)
  4. I Bid You Goodnight (The Pinder Family)
  5. Won't You Come See Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : 'Won't You Come See Me' wasn't broadcast on the 6.3.68 (the first ever 'Nightride' programme) but was including in the repeat broadcast on the 26.6.68, where it replaced 'Ducks On A Pond'. The entry in the 'In Session Tonight' book is incorrect, it excludes 'I Bid You Goodnight' and 'Won't You Come See Me', and doesn't mention the repeat broadcast.


Julie Felix 'Once More With Felix', 23.3.68

  1. The Half Remarkable Question (Williamson)
  2. Painting Box (Heron)
Source : BBC Television

Notes : It is not known whether this 'Once More With Felix' appearance dates from 23.3.68 or 3.2.68, although on the 'You Get Brighter' bootleg tape (audio only) this one is listed as 'Julie Felix TV Show (2)'. This is the only appearance by the band known to still exist on video tape, it is featured on the limited edition 'I Looked On' video, in colour and in reasonable quality - essential viewing! Julie Felix joins Robin and Mike on guitar and vocals for 'Painting Box'. 'The Half Remarkable Question' was shown in much improved quality as part of BBC4's 'Folk Britannia' series on 10.02.06.


Royal Festival Hall, London, 30.3.68

  1. Noah And The Dove (Williamson/Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Mercy I Cry City (Heron)
  3. See All The People (Heron)
  4. Three Is A Green Crown (Williamson)
  5. The Head (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  6. A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
  7. Douglas Traherne Harding (Heron)
Source : Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending Film

Notes : This is the earliest segment of Peter Neal's 1970 ISB film, original issued on video via Network Mail Order in December 1993 (no catalogue number given), then reissued more generally by Wienerworld (WNR 2092) in August 2000 and subsequently on DVD (WNRD 2121) in December 2001. 'A Very Cellular Song' was filmed but doesn't feature in the film, whilst of the other tracks, only 'See All The People' (as featured on the 'Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending' album) and 'The Head' (the poem included as an insert to 'Wee Tam And The Big Huge') are featured in their entirety.

According to Peter Neal's interview, included as a bonus on the DVD, they filmed around 40 minutes of concert footage, most of which was televised within a few months of the concert (as an edited rough cut). Presumably this is the folk music documentary shown on the BBC that he mentions in an interview in 'Be Glad' magazine.

Further information from Raymond: The film was premiered at the Tyneside Film Theatre in Newcastle in November 1969 as part of the Pop Goes TFT season. There were two showings, one in the afternoon and the other (which I attended) in the evening. At that stage the final editing had still to be made: there was neither title sequence nor credits sequence, and we were warned there might be occasional intervals of blank screen (there weren't). I remember the Cellular Song "intercut" sequence, which memorably featured Robin playing bongoes and puffing a kazoo simultaneously, and making lascivious noises into the microphone for the amoeba squelch effects. Presumably the Cellular Song sections were deleted before general distribution.

Other sections of the film feature 'The Pirate And The Crystal Ball' fantasy fable, several live in the studio tracks, and interviews with both Robin and Mike.


March 1968: 'The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, gimbri, whistle, percussion, pan-pipes, piano, oud, mandolin, Jew's harp, chahanai, water harp, harmonica; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, sitar, organ, hammer dulcimer, harpischord; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, finger cymbals.
Guests: Dolly Collins - flute organ, piano; David Snell - harp.

WBAI, New York, 13.5.68

  1. The Head (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Douglas Traherne Harding (Heron)
  3. See All The People (Heron)
  4. You Get Brighter (Heron)
  5. Maya (Williamson)
Source : WBAI Radio, NYC

Notes : Broadcast live from the WBAI studio. 'The Head' is Robin's recitation of the poem that was included as an insert in the original double-album version of 'Wee Tam And The Big Huge'.


Fillmore East, New York, 5.6.68

  1. Waltz Of The New Moon* (Williamson)
  2. You Get Brighter* (Heron)
  3. A Very Cellular Song* (Heron)
  4. October Song* (Williamson)
  5. Bell Ringing (Williamson/Heron)
  6. The Pig Went Walking Over The Hill (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  7. See All The People (Heron)
  8. Swift As The Wind (Heron)
  9. Mercy I Cry City (Heron)
  10. Play Music* (Williamson/Heron)
  11. Ducks On A Pond* (Williamson)
  12. Puppies* (Heron)
  13. Chinese White* (Heron)
  14. Maya* (Williamson)
Source : WBAI Radio, NYC

Notes : Tracks marked * appear on the bootleg Goldtone CD 'Mother's Day' (GT-023, limited edition of 1000). This was a benefit concert for WBAI Radio and is believed to have not been broadcast until a year later.


Penwern, Pembrokeshire, West Wales, Summer 1968

  1. The Pirate And The Crystal Ball (Williamson/Heron)
Source : Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending Film

Notes : This is the second half of Peter Neal's 1970 ISB film, original issued on video via Network Mail Order in December 1993 (no catalogue number given), then reissued more generally by Wienerworld (WNR 2092) in August 2000 and subsequently on DVD (WNRD 2121) in December 2001. Filmed over a single weekend in the summer of 1968 in the area surrounding the band's communal home in Pembrokeshire, 'The Pirate And The Crystal Ball' is billed as a fantasy fable and features the band and assorted members of the Stone Monkey dance troupe (including soon to be band member Malcolm LeMaistre) running around in strange home-made costumes - definitely of its time! The instrumental music for this sequence was largely issued as 'The Song Has No Ending', the second side of the 'Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending' album, although there are differences between the film and album versions. It should be noted that the recent DVD issue replaces the original soundtrack to this section with the music from the album. Other sections of the film feature live footage from the Royal Festival Hall, several live in the studio tracks, and interviews with both Robin and Mike.


Fillmore East, New York, 27.11.68

  1. The Half Remarkable Question (Williamson)
  2. Jigs - Ten Penny Money/The Kid On The Mountain (Trad.)
  3. Waltz Of The New Moon (Williamson)
  4. You Get Brighter (Heron)
  5. White Bird (Heron)
  6. The Iron Stone (Williamson)
  7. A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
  8. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
  9. Job's Tears (Williamson)
  10. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  11. The Song Has No Ending (Williamson/Heron)
  12. Creation (Williamson)
Source : Audience Tape


November 1968: 'Wee Tam And The Big Huge' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, gimbri, bass, percussion, whistle, sarangi, violin, flute, kazoo, Irish harp; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, sitar, organ, harpischord, washboard, harmonica; Rose Simpson - violin, percussion; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, Irish harp, percussion.

Wee Tam And The Big Huge Out-Take, 1968

  1. Medley: All Too Much For Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ] / Take Your Burden To The Lord (Blind Willie Johnson) [ Lyrics ] / Let It Shine On (Blind Willie Johnson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : Studio out-take, Sound Techniques, Chelsea

Notes : This wonderful medley of Robin's unreleased 'All Too Much For Me' and two Blind Willie Johnson gospel songs is available as a bonus track on the 2000 Pig's Whisker CD reissue of 'The Chelsea Sessions 1967' (PWMD5022).

1969

Live In The Studio Recordings, Sound Techniques, Chelsea, Early 1969

  1. All Writ Down (Heron)
  2. The Iron Stone (Williamson)
  3. A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
Source : Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending Film

Notes : This is the latest segment of Peter Neal's 1970 ISB film, original issued on video via Network Mail Order in December 1993 (no catalogue number given), then reissued more generally by Wienerworld (WNR 2092) in August 2000 and subsequently on DVD (WNRD 2121) in December 2001. A live in the studio 'A Very Cellular Song' was filmed but doesn't feature in the film, although it is heard as backing to the interview sections - does the film of it still exist?. Other sections of the film feature live footage from the Royal Festival Hall, 'The Pirate And The Crystal Ball' fantasy fable, and interviews with both Robin and Mike.


Julie Felix 'Once More With Felix', 15.2.69

  1. All Writ Down (Heron)
  2. Fine Fingered Hands (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : BBC Television

Notes : This 'Once More With Felix' appearance is featured on the 'You Get Brighter' bootleg tape (audio only). Robin released a new version of 'Fine Fingered Hands' on his 1998 Pig's Whisker CD 'Ring Dance' (PWMD5008).


John Peel's 'Nightride', 5.3.69 (Recorded 5.2.69)

  1. All Writ Down (Heron)
  2. Dust Be Diamonds (Heron/Williamson)
  3. Theta (Williamson/Heron)
  4. Fine Fingered Hands (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : This complete session appears on the 'You Get Brighter' bootleg tape, whilst 'All Writ Down' and 'Fine Fingered Hands' also appear on the 'Let The Universe Roll' bootleg tape. Back in the summer of 1996, it was reported, in 'Be Glad' issue 8, that the master tape of this session had been discovered and that an official release might be in the offing, comprising this and the best of the other early sessions. This has finally appeared on the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087), although 'Fine Fingered Hands' is taken from an off air source as John Peel was so involved with his chat with Adrian Mitchell during the broadcast that the show ran out of time, causing this song to be played in the second (non-Peel) half of 'Night Ride', which doesn't exist anymore in the BBC archives. 'Theta' is the final section of 'The Song Has No Ending'. Robin released a new version of 'Fine Fingered Hands' on his 1998 Pig's Whisker CD 'Ring Dance' (PWMD5008).


Fillmore East, New York, 27.4.69

  1. Maya (Williamson)
  2. You Get Brighter (Heron)
  3. Vishangro (Williamson)
  4. All Writ Down (Heron)
  5. Sleepers Awake! (Heron)
  6. A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
  7. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
  8. The Iron Stone (Williamson)
  9. White Bird (Heron)
  10. When You Find Out Who You Are (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  11. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  12. Creation (Williamson)
Source : Audience Tape


Ludlow's Garage, Cincinnati, May 1969

  1. Maya (Williamson)
  2. Dust Be Diamonds (Heron/Williamson)
  3. The Letter (Heron)
  4. Come With Me (Williamson)
  5. This Moment (Heron)
Source : Soundboard Recording

Notes : This tape has been labelled as dating from the band's appearance at Ludlow's Garage on the 10th May 1970, but the set list suggests it's a year earlier. Mike mentions Cincinnati during 'This Moment' and the band were certainly touring the States in May 1969, so this seems a likely source.


Woodstock Festival, Bethel, New York, 15.8.69

  1. Invocation (Williamson)
  2. The Letter (Heron)
  3. This Moment (Heron)
  4. When You Find Out Who You Are (Williamson)
Source : Woodstock film out-takes

Notes: For many years it was assumed, by both fans and the band themselves, that no footage of their appearance at this legendary festival existed. However, in recent years a number of clips have surfaced, these being:
  1. The 'Woodstock Diaries' DVD (Warner Brothers DVDSV3001D), originally shown on British TV in the 1990s as a series of three programmes, includes a 44 second clip of the band's arrival by helicopter and part of 'When You Find Out Who You Are'. This is the only footage officially released so far.
  2. The 'I Looked On' video includes the 'Woodstock Diaries' footage plus a longer 2:32 clip of 'When You Find Out Who You Are'.
  3. MPEG format videos circulating on line, taken from the official film out-takes, include full versions of 'The Letter' (5:18) and 'When You Find Out Who You Are' (9:06), plus a partial 1:53 clip of 'This Moment'.
  4. Two hours of black and white footage taken from the side of the stage (known, incorrectly, as the security camera footage, but reputedly shot by a member of Jefferson Airplane's entourage according to the guys at the Woodstock Project web-site), includes a 58 second clip of Robin performing 'Invocation' plus 4:33 of 'The Letter'.
A photo of Rose playing a recorder at Woodstock also exists, but as this doesn't feature on any of the four existing songs, then it's fair to assume that at least one more was played. The most likely choice is 'Come With Me', which was played in other sets around this time.


Philadelphia Folk Festival, The Old Pool Farm, Upper Salford, Near Schwenksville, 23 or 24.8.69

  1. Dust Be Diamonds (Heron/Williamson)
  2. Black Jack Davy (Heron)
  3. This Moment (Heron)
  4. When You Find Out Who You Are (Williamson)
  5. Air (Heron)
  6. Come With Me (Williamson)
  7. The Letter (Heron)
  8. Waiting For You (Williamson)
  9. Queen Juanita And Her Fisherman Lover (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
Source : Soundboard Recording and Audience Tape

Notes : The soundboard recording, on the Tallulah Records bootleg CD 'Philadelphia Folk Festival 1969' (TR019), is sourced from both dates and excludes 'Queen Juanita And Her Fisherman Lover' and the start of 'Dust Be Diamonds'. The audience recording date is not known, however, the 24th is the most likely as, according to the event programme, they played a full one hour concert that afternoon, whilst on the 23rd they were part of a multiple artist evening concert. The audience tape excludes 'The Letter', 'Waiting For You', all but a couple of seconds of 'Air' and is heavily clipped in places. It is often incorrectly dated to the 12th of August.


John Peel's 'Top Gear', 24.8.69 (Recorded 5.8.69)

  1. The Letter (Heron)
  2. This Moment (Heron)
  3. Gather Round (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Waiting For You (Williamson)
  5. Black Jack Davy (Heron)
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : 'Black Jack Davy' was added when the session was repeated on the 1.11.69. This complete session appears on the Pontiac bootleg CD 'Unbroken Circle' (no catalogue number given), though it is incorrectly dated as 5.8.70.


Texas International Pop Festival, Lewisville (near Dallas), 31.8.69

  1. Waiting For You (Williamson)
  2. Black Jack Davy (Heron)
Source : Soundboard Recording

Notes : These two tracks appeared on the 'Let The Universe Roll' bootleg tape, sourced from a bootleg 3-CD boxset of the festival, believed to have been issued by the Luxembourg-based 'Oh Boy!' label. These were the only two String Band tracks included. After extensive enquiries, original 'Be Glad' editor Andy Roberts tracked down the bootleg manufacturer, who confirmed that they had the full ISB set and were willing to come to an 'arrangement' with it. Unfortunately they were shut down shortly afterwards, so this arrangement was never made. Hopefully the tapes will surface again one day. Film of this performance is known to exist, Lisa Law, then a member of The Hog Farm commune, shot around eight minutes of silent film of the band. A bootleg video from the festival, Got No Shoes, Got No Blues, released by Whoopy Cat Records, mentions the ISB in the opening credits but they are not seen or heard in it. This is not believed to be the finished version of the film, which was withdrawn before completion, so the producers may have intended to include footage of the band in the final cut.


City Hall, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, 26.10.69

  1. ****** Untitled Instrumental (Possibly a long instrumental introduction to 'Maya') ******
  2. Maya (Williamson)
  3. Come With Me (Williamson)
  4. The Letter (Heron)
  5. This Moment (Heron)
  6. Black Jack Davy (Heron)
  7. Big Ted (Williamson)
  8. Pictures In A Mirror (Williamson)
  9. Waiting For You (Williamson)
  10. Gather Round (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  11. Queen Juanita And Her Fisherman Lover (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
Source : Catalogued as existing in the vaults of Island Records

Notes : This information was posted to the ISB mailing list by 'Be Glad' editor Raymond Greenoaken, who describes it as the best String Band concert he ever saw. The track listing is purely from Raymond's memory, which he admits maybe incorrect. The untitled instrumental was introduced as a short instrumental, but may be the extended instrumental introduction to 'Maya' as heard on some other contemporary shows.


Fillmore East, New York, 14.12.69

  1. Maya (Williamson)
  2. Dust Be Diamonds (Heron/Williamson)
  3. Come With Me (Williamson)
  4. When You Find Out Who You Are (Williamson)
Source : Videofreex Inc.

Notes : According to Radical Software (specifically PDF pages 1 and 2), an experimental video magazine from around 1970, Videofreex filmed the ISB in November 1969. This is the same footage listed on The Early Video Project tape list. This footage still exists and has been confirmed as actually coming from the band's appearance at the Fillmore East on the 14.12.69. A short clip of 'Dust Be Diamonds' can be viewed at the Video Data Bank web site.


Berkeley Community Theatre, 31.12.69

  1. Black Jack Davy (Heron)
  2. Muddy Roads (Trad.)
  3. Big Ted (Williamson)
  4. Waiting For You (Williamson)
  5. Queen Juanita And Her Fisherman Lover (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
Source : Soundboard Recording

Notes : This is usually incorrectly listed as originating from the Carousel Ballroom, San Francisco.


December 1969: 'Changing Horses' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, washboard, piano, flute, sarang, Chinese banjo, percussion, electric guitar, organ, gimbri, violin; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, electric guitar, piano, vibraphone, percussion, sitar, mandolin; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, guitar, organ, kazoo, percussion; Rose Simpson - vocals, bass, percussion.
Guests: Walter Grundy - harmonica; Ivan Pawle - organ, piano.

I Looked Up Out-Take, Late 1969/Early 1970

  1. Queen Juanita And Her Fisherman Lover (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
Source : Studio out-take, Sound Techniques, Chelsea

Notes : This studio version of 'Queen Juanita And Her Fisherman Lover' eventually appeared on the 1976 Island compilation double LP 'Seasons They Change' (L 4568 1/2).

1970

U, The Roundhouse, London, 8 to 18.4.70

  1. ****** Unknown Titles ******
Source : TVX Video Co-Op

Notes : According to Radical Software (specifically PDF pages 1 and 2), an experimental video magazine from around 1970, the TVX video co-op filmed the ISB and Stone Monkey performing 'U' at the Roundhouse for two hours over three reels of 1/2" Sony 625 tape. The man behind the camera was none other than John 'Hoppy' Hopkins, who, amongst other things, had previously played piano on 'The Mad Hatter's Song' on the band's 'The 5000 Spirits Or The Layers Of The Onion' LP. Unfortunately Hoppy has no idea where the tapes are and presumes they are long since lost.


U Rehearsals, Fillmore East, New York, April 1970

  1. ****** Unknown Titles ******
Source : Jackie Cassen video footage

Notes : According to Radical Software (specifically this PDF), an experimental video magazine from around 1970, Jackie Cassen filmed the ISB and Stone Monkey rehearsing 'U' at the Fillmore East on 1/2" Sony tape. As they were performing this at the Roundhouse in London between the 8th and the 18th, and then at the Fillmore East between the 23rd and 26th, the rehearsals are likely to have been some where between these dates. It is not known whether this footage still exists.


WMCA, New York, 25.4.70

Source : WMCA Radio, NYC

Notes : Page 37 of the New York Times from this date carried the following listing - "Radio - Talk, Sports, Special Events 11-1 am WMCA: Alex Bennett. Mike Heron of the Incredible String Band and Mike Jahn, rock critic and others, guests". What music, if any, this featured is unknown as it is not in current circulation.


U, Fillmore East, New York, 26.4.70

  1. Overture (Williamson/Heron)
  2. El Wool Suite (Heron)
  3. The Juggler's Song (Williamson)
  4. Time (Williamson)
  5. Bad Sadie Lee (Shankman)
  6. El Ratto (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  7. Long Long Road (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  8. The Demons (Williamson/Heron)
  9. Light In Time Of Darkness (Heron)
  10. Glad To See You (Heron)
  11. Walking Along With You (Heron)
  12. Hirem Pawnitof/Fairies Hornpipe (Heron)
  13. Instrumental Duel (Williamson/Heron)
  14. Partial Belated Overture (Heron)
  15. Bridge Song (Heron)
  16. Astral Plane Theme (Williamson)
  17. Invocation (Williamson)
  18. Robot Blues (Williamson)
  19. Puppet Song (Williamson)
  20. Cutting The Strings (Williamson)
  21. Bridge Theme (Heron)
  22. I Know You (McKechnie)
  23. Rainbow (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : 'Overture' is a fragment of the introductory tape played before the start of the show, with this surviving section appearing to be part of 'Glad To See You'. 'The Demons' and 'Instrumental Duel' are instrumental sections, the real titles of which are unknown.


April 1970: 'I Looked Up' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, violin, percussion, gimbri, flute; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, harpischord, piano, organ; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, bass, dulcimer, drums; Rose Simpson - vocals, violin, bass.
Guests: Dave Mattacks - drums.

Fillmore West, San Francisco, 11.5.70

  1. Cutting The Strings (Williamson)
  2. Light In Time Of Darkness (Heron)
  3. Glad To See You (Heron)
  4. Hirem Pawnitof/Fairies Hornpipe (Heron)
  5. Walking Along With You (Heron)
  6. This Moment (Heron)
  7. Robot Blues (Williamson)
  8. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
Source : Soundboard Recording

Notes : This partial set (the start of 'Cutting The Strings' is missing) is available on the Wolfgang's Vault Concert Vault, taken from soundboard recordings made by the owner of the Fillmore, Bill Graham. This is the first of two Stone Monkey-less 'U' performances, with, presumably, the non-'U' songs added to pad out the performance following the dancers departure. Many of these songs were previously played individually on Wolfgang's Vault Radio, along with several other songs that are missing from this set, so it is possible that they also have a recording of the second date from the 13th. At that time they were first labelled, incorrectly, as dating from 17.05.72, and later, and again incorrectly, as 16.5.68. 'Fairies Hornpipe' was also mistitled as 'Crunchy Granola', a title taken from the between song chat.


Fillmore West, San Francisco, 13.5.70

  1. Glad To See You (Heron)
  2. Worlds They Rise And Fall (Heron)
  3. Puppet Song (Williamson)
Source : Soundboard Recording

Notes : These songs have been played on Wolfgang's Vault Radio, taken from soundboard recordings made by the owner of the Fillmore, Bill Graham. Now that Wolfgang's have made available their complete 11.5.70 tape (all be it not the complete show), we are left with these songs that have been previously played on Vault Radio but aren't part of the recording from the 11th. Presumably these date from the band's second Stone Monkey-less 'U' date at the Fillmore on the 13th as they include another version of 'Glad To See You'. Unfortunately the second half of 'Puppet Song' is missing. Most notable though is the version of 'Worlds They Rise And Fall', which has a completely different solo guitar arrangement from Mike, believed to be similar to that played at dates in Newcastle and Leicester in February 1970 where some of the 'U' material was road tested.


Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 17.7.70

  1. This Moment (Heron)
  2. Empty Pocket Blues (Palmer)
  3. Flowers Of The Forest (Heron)
  4. Gather Round (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  5. Cold Harbour (Williamson)
  6. Won't You Come See Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  7. Lady Wonder (Heron)
  8. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  9. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  10. Spirit Beautiful (Heron)
  11. Jigs - Rakish Paddy/The Mountain Road (Trad./Michael Gorman)
  12. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
  13. Dark Eyed Lady (Williamson)
  14. Weather The Storm (Williamson)
  15. Medley: Join The Band (Trad.) [ Lyrics ] / This Little Light Of Mine (Trad.) [ Lyrics ] / Let It Shine On (Blind Willie Johnson) [ Lyrics ] / Rainbow (Heron) / May The Long Time Sun Shine (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : The jig set opens with an air that could simply be a bit of Robin's improvisation or improvising on a piece of an air.

Free Trade Hall, Manchester, 18.7.70

  1. Gather Round (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : Only this one song survives from this concert.


John Peel's 'Top Gear', 25.7.70 (Recorded 20.7.70)

  1. Won't You Come See Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Empty Pocket Blues (Palmer)
  3. Flowers Of The Forest (Heron)
  4. Beautiful Stranger (Heron)
  5. Dark Eyed Lady (Williamson)
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : According to the 'In Session Tonight' book 'Dark Eyed Lady' was added when the session was repeated on the 3.10.70, however, the memories of ISB Yahoo Group members suggest that this song was part of the original broadcast. All but 'Flowers Of The Forest' appear on the Pontiac bootleg CD 'Unbroken Circle' (no catalogue number given), though 'Empty Pocket Blues' and 'Dark Eyed Lady' are incorrectly dated as 6.10.70. 'Empty Pocket Blues', 'Beautiful Stranger' and 'Won't You Come See Me' appear on the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087), although 'Empty Pocket Blues' is an off-air recording.


Stuart Henry's 'Sounds Of The Seventies', 24.9.70 (Recorded 17.9.70)

  1. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  2. ****** Jigs - Chief O'Neill's Favourite (Trad.)/The Mountain Road (Michael Gorman)/Rags And Tatters (Trad.)/Unknown Reel (Possibly Appalachian) ******
  3. Won't You Come See Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Raga Puti (Trad. Arr. Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  5. Ring Dance (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : 'Ring Dance' was added when the session was repeated on the 29.10.70, where it is believed to have replaced 'Raga Puti'. The 'In Session Tonight' book incorrectly lists the jig set as 'Coleman's Fancy/Rakish Paddy/The Wayward Fox/Johnny Grey', the BBC's source of these titles is unknown. The jigs, 'Raga Puti' and 'Ring Dance' appeared on the 'Let The Universe Roll' bootleg tape. 'Everything's Fine Right Now', 'Raga Puti' and 'Ring Dance' appear on the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087), all be it in off-air form. Robin released a new version of 'Ring Dance' on his 1998 Pig's Whisker CD 'Ring Dance' (PWMD5008).


Brighton Dome, 10.10.70

  1. This Moment (Heron)
  2. Won't You Come See Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. Flowers Of The Forest (Heron)
  4. ****** Jigs - Chief O'Neill's Favourite (Trad.)/The Mountain Road (Michael Gorman)/Rags And Tatters (Trad.)/Unknown Reel (Possibly Appalachian) ******
  5. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  6. Long Long Road (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  7. Brindaban (Heron)
  8. Black Jack Davy (Heron)
  9. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  10. Cold Harbour (Williamson)
  11. Empty Pocket Blues (Palmer)
  12. Lady Wonder (Heron)
  13. Weather The Storm (Williamson)
  14. Medley: Join The Band (Trad.) [ Lyrics ] / This Little Light Of Mine (Trad.) [ Lyrics ] / Let It Shine On (Blind Willie Johnson) [ Lyrics ] / Rainbow (Heron) / May The Long Time Sun Shine (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape


'Beatclub', 24.10.70

  1. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
Source : German Television Station Radio Bremen

Notes : Featured on the 'I Looked On' video and believed to have originated from a Japanese laser disc of the best of 'Beatclub', details of this show are on the TV Tome web-site. This footage is now officially available on the 2007 Orange DVD 'Beat Club Progressive Times Vol. 3 1970' (Orange 28203). A great performance with Robin playing a mean mandolin, Mike electric bass and showing off that famous smile, Likky strumming an acoustic guitar and adding wonderfully high vocals, whilst Rose demonstrates her one-handed organ playing technique! The band's appearance must have been recorded earlier than the given broadcast date as they played the Manchester Free Trade Hall on this day.


Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, 28.10.70

  1. Joe's Waltz (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : This song was previously thought to be lost until an ISB list member turned up a recording he made of it at the time. In a staggering case of coincidence, he only ever took a tape recorder along to two String Band concerts (the other being the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, 18.7.70), and just recorded a few as-then-unreleased songs, of which only one survives from each show! He believes the recording was made at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, though it might also come from the Manchester Free Trade Hall on the 24th October as he attended both shows. The song itself, although not one of Robin's best compositions, is an obviously heart-felt tribute to Joe Boyd who had recently left Witchseason and returned to the States.


October 1970: 'U' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, gimbri, flute, percussion, mandolin, fiddle, Jew's harp, washboard, shanai, bass, soondri, voice sitar, piano; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, sitar, piano, mandolin, organ, bass; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, guitar, spoons, drums; Rose Simpson - vocals, guitar, tabla, bass.
Guests: Janet Shankman - vocals, harpischord; Peter Grant - banjo; Mal and Malcom - vocals.

1971

John Peel's 'Top Gear', 9.1.71 (Recorded 6.10.70)

  1. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  2. Long Long Road (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  3. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  4. Raga Puti (Trad. Arr. Heron) [ Lyrics ]
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : This complete session appears on the Pontiac bootleg CD 'Unbroken Circle' (no catalogue number given). 'Long Long Road' appears on the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087), all be it in off-air form.


Pacific High Studios, San Francisco, 15.2.71

  1. Black Jack Davy (Heron)
  2. Won't You Come See Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. ****** Jigs - Chief O'Neill's Favourite (Trad.)/The Mountain Road (Michael Gorman)/Rags And Tatters (Trad.)/Unknown Reel (Possibly Appalachian) ******
  4. Flowers Of The Forest (Heron)
  5. Cold Harbour (Williamson)
  6. Long Long Road (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  7. Lady Wonder (Heron)
Source : Live simulcast from radio stations KPFA and KPFB, Berkeley, and KSFX, San Francisco.

Notes : The date quoted is either wrong or it's a broadcast of an earlier recording as the band were on tour in the UK at the time. Posters show that they played Pepperland, San Rafael on the 13th and 14th of November 1970 and the Fillmore West on the 14th December, so the recording is most likely to date from that period. The quality is excellent, despite the slightly odd mix due to the recording being two channels of a quadraphonic broadcast, with stunning versions of 'Flowers Of The Forest' and 'Cold Harbour' and a rocking 'Lady Wonder'! This is the band's first set, so a second set may exist somewhere.


Paris Theatre, London, 18.3.71 (Broadcast 28.3.71)

  1. Bright Morning Stars* (Trad./Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Worlds They Rise And Fall* (Heron)
  3. Jigs - Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men/Eyes Like Leaves (Williamson/Trad.)
  4. Spirit Beautiful* (Heron)
  5. Willow Pattern* (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  6. Cosmic Boy (McKechnie/Heron)
  7. Turquoise Blue* (Heron)
  8. Whistle Tune* (Williamson/LeMaistre)
  9. Darling Belle* (Williamson)
  10. Adam And Eve (Williamson)
  11. You've Been A Friend To Me* (William Shakespeare Hays) [ Lyrics ]
Source : BBC Radio One 'In Concert' Broadcast

Notes : Tracks marked * appear on the 1992 Windsong CD 'BBC Radio One Live In Concert' (WINCD 029) and the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087). The CD incorrectly credits Mike as the composer of 'Bright Morning Stars' when in fact it is traditional, being based on a version by the female vocal group The Pennywhistlers from their 1965 album 'A Cool Day And Crooked Corn'. Mike has rewritten most of the verses though, so he should get a joint credit. This show was also retransmitted on the 31.3.71.


April 1971: 'Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, violin, percussion; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, organ; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, recorder, organ, mandolin; Rose Simpson - vocals, recorder, bass.

April 1971: Mike Heron's 'Smiling Men With Bad Reputations' LP released in the UK.
Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, harp; Dudu Pukwana - piano, alto sax; Simon Nicol - guitar; Dave Pegg - bass; Mike Kowalski - drums; Richard Thompson - guitar; Rose Simpson - bass; Dave Mattacks - drums; John Cale - vocals, harmonium, bass, piano, guitar, viola; Gerry Conway - drums; Vemu Mukunda & Mohana Lakshmipathy - veena; Vshailendra - tambura; P.R.Money - mridangam, moorsing; 'Tommy and the Bijoux' - guitar, bass, drums; Pat Donaldson - bass; Tony Cox - VCS3; Elton John - piano; Gordon Huntley - steel guitar; Jimmy Page - lead and slide guitar; Sue and Sunny, Liza Strike, Heather Wood, Dr Strangely Strange - backing vocals.

WPLJ, New York, 11.5.71

  1. Talking Of The End (Williamson)
  2. You've Been A Friend To Me (William Shakespeare Hays) [ Lyrics ]
  3. Spirit Beautiful (Heron)
  4. Evolution Rag (Williamson)
  5. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  6. Bright Morning Stars (Trad./Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  7. Cosmic Boy (McKechnie/Heron)
  8. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
  9. Darling Belle (Williamson)
  10. May The Long Time Sun Shine (Heron)
Source : WPLJ Radio, NYC

Notes : Live radio broadcast from A & R studios, NYC. This concert apparently appeared on an impossibly rare bootleg LP on the Laurie label, titled simply 'Live'. This was previously listed as dating to 18.5.71 but an advert from the time shows the date as the 11th, although it is possible that it was repeated again on the 18th. Sometimes incorrectly listed as ABC FM, New York, 11.5.71 or WPL3, New York, 18.5.71.


Tupholme Manor Park Folk Concert, Bardney (near Lincoln), 24.7.71

  1. Dear Old Battlefield (Williamson)
  2. You Get Brighter (Heron)
  3. Big Ted (Williamson)
  4. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  5. Adam And Eve (Williamson)
Source : Audience Tape


John Peel's 'Top Gear - Sounds Of The Seventies', 13.10.71 (Recorded 5.10.71)

  1. You Get Brighter (Heron)
  2. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  3. How We Danced The Lord Of Weir (Williamson)
  4. The Actor (LeMaistre/Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : BBC Radio Session


October 1971: 'Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, oud, fiddle, whistle, percussion, cello, oboe, mandolin, kazoo, electric guitar, bass recorder, banjo; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, organ, sitar, piano, harmonium, bass, flute; Malcolm LeMaistre - vocals, harpischord, bass, percussion, kazoo, swanee whistle, mandolin, whistle, tenor recorder, bazouki, glockenspiel, harmonica, clarinet, church organ; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, harmonium, organ, percussion, bass, kazoo, bironne, autoharp.
Guests: Stan Lee - pedal steel guitar, bass; Gerry Conway - drums.

Pete Drummond's 'Sounds Of The Seventies', 25.11.71 (Recorded 17.11.71)

  1. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  2. The Sailor And The Dancer (LeMaistre)
  3. Tree (Heron)
  4. Living In The Shadows (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : 'Living In The Shadows' appears on the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087), all be it in off-air form.


Renold Theatre, UMIST, Manchester, 8.12.71

  1. Spirit Beautiful (Heron)
  2. Lowlands Away (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  3. You Get Brighter (Heron)
  4. Red Hair (Heron)
  5. The Fourth Of August (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  6. I'd Cry (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  7. Flowers Of The Forest (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : A rare solo show from Mike, backed at times by Stan Lee and members of the band 'Sticky George', Mike being their special guest for the night according to the Folk News section of a contemporary issue of 'Melody Maker'. Stuart Gordon, who guested on 'Earthspan' and the 29.8.72 'Sounds Of The Seventies' BBC radio session, and came close to being a full time String Band member after touring with them between the time that Likky left and Gerard Dott joined, was a member of 'Sticky George' at the time. After 'Sticky George' he joined 'The Shortwave Band' and 'The Korgis'. However, what Mike was doing playing a solo date is unknown, but this show is interesting in that it contains three otherwise unavailable songs, the original stripped down version of 'Lowlands Away', the previously only rumoured to exist 'The Fourth Of August' and 'I'd Cry', which wasn't even rumoured! Unfortunately the taper's batteries were running low, so only partial versions of 'I'd Cry' and 'Flowers Of The Forest' were recorded, whilst the remainder of the set, 'Feast Of Stephen' and possibly others, were missed.


'Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air' US Radio Advertisement, Late 1971/Early 1972

  1. The Same & More
Source : Elektra Records Advertisement Tape WS #5852

Notes : This is a 7.5 IPS stereo reel-to-reel tape, produced by Aura Recording, Inc, 136, West 52nd Street, New York, N.Y. 10019, JU 2-8105, presumably for distribution to radio stations. It contains a 60 second advertisement, labelled on the box as 'The Same & More', and additionally features a '0 Tone At Head'.

1972

Brighton Dome, 24.2.72

  1. Sea White Horses (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  3. Oh Did I Love A Dream (LeMaistre) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Flowers Of The Forest (Heron)
  5. Restless Night (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  6. Pantomime - The Worthy Woodcutter, The Wicked Wizard And The Wicked Weasel (Williamson/McKechnie/LeMaistre)
  7. Antoine (Heron)
  8. Secret Temple (McKechnie/Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  9. Feast Of Stephen (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : The name of the pantomime, 'The Worthy Woodcutter, The Wicked Wizard And The Wicked Weasel', is the invention of 'Be Glad's' Raymond Greenoaken, based on his recollection of the protagonists.


John Peel's 'Sounds Of The Seventies', 17.3.72 (Recorded 29.2.72)

  1. Oh Did I Love A Dream (LeMaistre) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Restless Night (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. Down Before Cathay (LeMaistre)
  4. Secret Temple (McKechnie/Heron) [ Lyrics ]
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : The band's only session appearance on John Peel's 1972 'Friday night is boogie night' show, part of the 'Sounds Of The Seventies' slot. It was always thought that just the first three songs were recorded for this show, but not so! An ISB list member has turned up a BBC transcription disc LP that contains not only an edited version of 'Restless Night' from this sesssion, but a studio recording of Likky's 'Secret Temple', previously only heard on poor quality audience tapes. The LP is labelled 'Top Of The Pops No. 836' (catalogue number 130057, expiry date 30.3.73) and was meant for overseas radio station use. It includes introductions by DJ Alan Black, and as well as the ISB features tracks by the Hollies, Argent, Olivia Newton John and Deep Purple. 'Secret Temple' has finally had an official release on the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087).


Eide Kino, Bergen, Norway, 23.3.72

  1. This Moment (Heron)
  2. El Ratto (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. Banks Of Sweet Italy (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Down Before Cathay (LeMaistre)
  5. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  6. Flowers Of The Forest (Heron)
  7. Pantomime - The Worthy Woodcutter, The Wicked Wizard And The Wicked Weasel (Williamson/McKechnie/LeMaistre)
  8. Oh Did I Love A Dream (LeMaistre) [ Lyrics ]
  9. Moon Hang Low (Williamson)
  10. Secret Temple (McKechnie/Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  11. Feast Of Stephen (Heron)
  12. Jigs - Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : The name of the pantomime, 'The Worthy Woodcutter, The Wicked Wizard And The Wicked Weasel', is the invention of 'Be Glad's' Raymond Greenoaken, based on his recollection of the protagonists.


April 1972: Robin Williamson's 'Myrrh' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, violin, flute, mandolin, bass, chanter, bironne, Chinese flute, Jew's harp, bazooki, gong, oboe, piano, cello, Indian flute; Susie Watson-Taylor - flute; Janet Williamson - organ, piano; Stan Lee Buttons - pedal steel,bass, organ; Gerry Conway - drums.

Bickershaw Festival, Lancashire, 6.5.72

  1. This Moment (Heron)
  2. Black Jack David (Heron)
  3. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  4. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  5. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  6. Won't You Come See Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  7. Secret Temple (McKechnie/Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  8. Feast Of Stephen (Heron)
  9. Medley: Job's Tears (Williamson)/Koeeoaddi There (Williamson)/A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
  10. Weather The Storm (Williamson)
  11. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
Source : Tape and/or film probably exist

Notes : This famously wet UK festival was organised by the later to be British TV personality Jeremy Beadle. In order to recoup some of the money he lost on it, a documentary was made in conjunction with Granada TV. 'Secret Temple' was apparently heard over the closing credits, though whether the band made any further contribution is unknown as the programme has not been retransmitted since then - it may well still sit mouldering in Granada's vaults. In addition, a local TV news report, from either BBC NW or Granada ITV, featured a reporter's voice-over about the festival with footage of the band in the distance, again performing 'Secret Temple'. This is believed to have been shown on the Monday following the festival (8.5.72). The BBC's on-line programme catalogue lists another programme about Bickershaw, part of the documentary series 'A Day In The Life', which is believed to also feature 'Secret Temple', both during footage of the band and as background music. Ozit Records 2007 'Bickershaw Festival 1972' DVD (OZITDVDNO6) includes grainy black and white footage of the String Band performing 'Weather The Storm'.


POP 2, ORTF, May 1972

  1. Oh Did I Love A Dream (LeMaistre) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin (Williamson)
  3. Secret Temple (McKechnie/Heron) [ Lyrics ]
Source : ORTF French Television

Notes : Although filmed in May 1972, this was not broadcast until the 25.08.73. The band played the Second British Rock Meeting at Insel Grun, Germany on the 21st of May and the Pink Pop Festival at Geleen, Netherlands on the 22nd, so this most probably dates to around that time. Also includes an interview, mostly with Robin, in French. Available as a pay to view stream at the Institut National de L'Audiovisuel web site.


The Second British Rock Meeting, Insel Grun, Germersheim, Germany, 21.5.72

  1. This Moment (Heron)
  2. Black Jack David (Heron)
  3. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  4. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  5. Won't You Come See Me (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  6. Feast Of Stephen (Heron)
  7. Weather The Storm (Williamson)
  8. Jigs - Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape


John Peel's 'Top Gear - Sounds Of The Seventies', 29.8.72 (Recorded 14.8.72)

  1. Black Jack David (Heron)
  2. Rends-Moi Demain (Williamson)
  3. Oh Did I Love A Dream (LeMaistre) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Hangman's Medley: Witches Hat (Williamson)/Koeeoaddi There (Williamson)/A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : This complete session appears on the 1991 Band Of Joy CD 'On Air' (BOJCD004) and all but 'Black Jack David' appear on the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087).


Paul's Mall, Boston, 8.10.72

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. Black Jack David (Heron)
  3. The Entertainer (Scott Joplin)
  4. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  5. Rends-Moi Demain (Williamson)
  6. I Know That Man (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  7. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  8. The Old Buccaneer (Williamson)
  9. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  10. Weather The Storm (Williamson)
  11. Jigs - Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Trad.)
Source : WBCN Radio, Boston

Notes : Often listed as dating to the 10th of August due to confusion between US and European date formats.


Toronto, Canada, October 1972

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. I Know That Man (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  4. Wild Cat Blues (Thomas 'Fats' Waller/Clarence Williams)
  5. First Girl I Loved (Williamson)
  6. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  7. The Old Buccaneer (Williamson)
  8. Swipesy Cakewalk (Arthur Marshall/Scott Joplin)
  9. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  10. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  11. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  12. Black Jack David (Heron)
  13. Oh Did I Love A Dream (LeMaistre) [ Lyrics ]
  14. The Hag With The Money (Trad.)
Source : Unknown - probably a soundboard or radio recording

Notes : All but the final two songs appear on the 1998 Mooncrest CD 'First Girl I Loved' (CRESTCD032Z), along with a version of 'Ithkos' from the band's final BBC Radio One 'In Concert' appearance. The recording is believed to originate from the band's shows in Toronto between the 24th and the 27th of October 1972, from either the Riverboat Coffee House or Massey Hall, although the ambiguous sleeve notes seem to confusingly suggest that the recording dates from the 1997 Robin and Mike reunion shows. Likky is sadly no longer present (she is believed to have left the band in June or July) and Gerard Dott is now a member - he contributes two ragtime pieces ('Swipesy Cakewalk' being mistitled as 'Catwalk Rag' on the CD) and Robin comments that he has been with the band for about two months. Robin reinvents 'First Girl I Loved' in a not-entirely-successful bossa-nova version and 'Giles Crocodile' finally makes his first official appearance. The 2005 Castle two CD set 'The Circle Is Unbroken: Live And Studio 1967-1972' (CMDDD1210) pairs the 'Chelsea Sessions' tracks with a more complete version of this set, adding further song introductions and two more songs (but excluding the out of place BBC 'In Concert' version of 'Ithkos'). However, the sleeve notes of this new CD suggest that these two new songs may possibly be from another source, and that the bulk of the recording may come from Calgary rather than Toronto.


October 1972: 'Earthspan' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, violin, cello, oboe, flute, mandolin, bass, hardanger fiddle, electric piano, viola, gimbri, Chinese flute, whistle; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, bass, piano, organ, piano, accordian; Malcolm LeMaistre - vocals, guitar, mandolin, whistle, harmonium; Licorice McKechnie - vocals, bass.
Guests: Stan Lee - bass, high hat, hand claps; Jack Ingram - hand claps; Stuart Gordan - vocals, viola, violin; Dave Mattacks - drums; Brian Davidson - drums; Digger and friends - backing vocals.

Sundown, Edmonton, 24.11.72

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. I Know That Man (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. Swipesy Cakewalk* (Arthur Marshall/Scott Joplin)
  4. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper* (LeMaistre)
  5. Turquoise Blue* (Heron)
  6. The Circle Is Unbroken* (Williamson)
  7. Everything's Fine Right Now* (Heron)
  8. Wild Cat Blues* (Thomas 'Fats' Waller/Clarence Williams)
  9. The Old Buccaneer* (Williamson)
  10. Flowers Of The Forest* (Heron)
  11. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  12. Explorer (Heron)
  13. Weather The Storm* (Williamson)
  14. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter* (Williamson)
  15. Black Jack David* (Heron)
  16. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men* (Williamson/Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : This is the full set list, only tracks marked * are thought to exist on tape.


Fairfield Hall, Croydon, 26.11.72

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. I Know that Man (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  4. Black Jack David (Heron)
  5. The Entertainer (Scott Joplin)
  6. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  7. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  8. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  9. Wild Cat Blues (Thomas 'Fats' Waller/Clarence Williams)
  10. The Old Buccaneer (Williamson)
  11. Flowers Of The Forest (Heron)
  12. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  13. Explorer (Heron)
  14. Weather The Storm (Williamson)
  15. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  16. Hangman's Medley: Witches Hat (Williamson)/Koeeoaddi There (Williamson)/A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
  17. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape


Newcastle City Hall, 7.12.72

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  3. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  4. Swipesy Cakewalk (Arthur Marshall/Scott Joplin)
  5. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  6. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  7. Weather The Storm (Williamson)
  8. Wild Cat Blues (Thomas 'Fats' Waller/Clarence Williams)
  9. The Old Buccaneer (Williamson)
  10. Flowers Of The Forest (Heron)
  11. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  12. Explorer (Heron)
  13. Black Jack David (Heron)
  14. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  15. Hangman's Medley: Witches Hat (Williamson)/Koeeoaddi There (Williamson)/A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
  16. Jigs - Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape


Paris Theatre, London, 23.11.72 (Broadcast 9.12.72)

  1. I Know That Man* (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  2. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  3. The Circle Is Unbroken* (Williamson)
  4. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  5. The Old Buccaneer* (Williamson)
  6. Black Jack David* (Heron)
  7. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
Source : BBC Radio One 'In Concert' Broadcast

Notes : Tracks marked * appear on the 1992 Windsong CD 'BBC Radio One Live In Concert' (WINCD 029) and the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087). This live set, minus 'I Know That Man', the jigs and DJ Pete Drummond's introductions, also appeared as part of a bootleg CD/calendar package on the 'Oh Boy!' label where it is credited as being one of the 'King Biscuit Flower Hour' syndicated US radio shows, live in London 1973.

1973

John Peel's 'Top Gear - Sounds Of The Seventies', 6.3.73 (Recorded 26.2.73)

  1. Raga Tune (Williamson)
  2. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
  3. Saturday Maybe (Williamson)
  4. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
Source : BBC Radio Session


Bristol University, 18.2.73

  1. Circus Girl (Williamson)
  2. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  3. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
  4. Second Fiddle (Duke Reid)
  5. Cold Days Of February (Williamson)
  6. Elite Syncopations (Scott Joplin)
  7. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  8. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  9. Saturday Maybe (Williamson)
  10. Tear The Silk (Williamson)
  11. Medley: Douglas Traherne Harding (Heron)/You Get Brighter (Heron)/Dust Be Diamonds (Heron/Williamson)/White Bird (Heron)/Ducks On A Pond (Williamson)/Sleepers Awake! (Heron)
  12. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  13. Black Jack David (Heron)
  14. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : What are the titles of the piano solo and the medley?


Bolton College Of Technology, 23.2.73

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
  3. Skiffle Song (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Sailor And The Dancer (LeMaistre)
  5. Raga Tune (Williamson)
  6. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  7. Circus Girl (Williamson)
  8. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  9. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
  10. Second Fiddle (Duke Reid)
  11. Cold Days Of February (Williamson)
  12. Elite Syncopations (Scott Joplin)
  13. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  14. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  15. Saturday Maybe (Williamson)
  16. Tear The Silk (Williamson)
  17. Medley: Douglas Traherne Harding (Heron)/You Get Brighter (Heron)/Dust Be Diamonds (Heron/Williamson)/White Bird (Heron)/Ducks On A Pond (Williamson)/Sleepers Awake! (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape


February 1973: 'No Ruinous Feud' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, oboe, fiddle, whistle, flute, viola; Mike Heron - vocals, guitar, organ, bass; Malcolm LeMaistre - vocals; Gerard Dott - clarinet, soprano sax, organ, piano, vibraphone.
Guests: Jack Ingram - vocals, guitar, percussion; Stan Schnier - vocals, bass; John Gilston - drums; Janet Williamson - flute; Susie Watson Taylor - flute; Alan Eden - drums; B.J. Wilson - drums; Greyhound - backing rhythm.

Royal Festival Hall, London, 17.3.73

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. Sailor And The Dancer (LeMaistre)
  3. Elite Syncopations (Scott Joplin)
  4. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  5. Cold Days Of February (Williamson)
  6. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
  7. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  8. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
  9. Circus Girl (Williamson)
  10. Dumb Kate (Heron)
  11. Raga Tune (Williamson)
  12. Lowlands Away (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  13. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  14. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  15. Saturday Maybe (Williamson)
  16. Tear The Silk (Williamson)
  17. Medley: Douglas Traherne Harding (Heron)/You Get Brighter (Heron)/Dust Be Diamonds (Heron/Williamson)/White Bird (Heron)/Ducks On A Pond (Williamson)/Sleepers Awake! (Heron)
  18. Black Jack David (Heron)
  19. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : This is the full set list, 'At The Lighthouse Dance' and 'Black Jack David' are missing from the tape. The running order of the tape is also different and runs track 10 - 15, 2 - 6, 1, 7, 9, 16, 19, 17.


Bob Harris's 'Sounds Of The Seventies', 19.3.73 (Recorded 27.2.73)

  1. Cold Days Of February (Williamson)
  2. Little Girl (Heron)
  3. Sailor And The Dancer (LeMaistre)
  4. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : All but 'At The Lighthouse Dance' appear on the 1991 Band Of Joy CD 'On Air' (BOJCD004).


State Theatre, Dublin, 20.3.73

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. Sailor And The Dancer (LeMaistre)
  3. Elite Syncopations (Scott Joplin)
  4. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  5. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  6. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  7. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  8. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
  9. Circus Girl (Williamson)
  10. Dumb Kate (Heron)
  11. Raga Tune (Williamson)
  12. Lowlands Away (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  13. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  14. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  15. Out Of The Dark Waters (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  16. Tear The Silk (Williamson)
  17. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  18. Medley: Douglas Traherne Harding (Heron)/You Get Brighter (Heron)/Dust Be Diamonds (Heron/Williamson)/White Bird (Heron)/Ducks On A Pond (Williamson)/Sleepers Awake! (Heron)
  19. Black Jack David (Heron)
  20. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape


Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, March 1973

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. The Circle Is Unbroken (Williamson)
  3. Wild Cat Blues (Thomas 'Fats' Waller/Clarence Williams)
  4. First Girl I Loved (Williamson)
  5. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  6. Weather The Storm (Williamson)
  7. Jigs - The Bird That Lives On Rain/Yellow Flames Of Whin/Jenny In The Mosshouse/Drunken Black Winter (Williamson)
  8. The Old Buccaneer (Williamson)
  9. Swipesy Cakewalk (Arthur Marshall/Scott Joplin)
  10. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  11. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  12. Black Jack David (Heron)
  13. Hangman's Medley: Witches Hat (Williamson)/Koeeoaddi There (Williamson)/A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
  14. Jigs - Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape


Ultrasonic Studios, Hempstead, NY, 24.4.73

  1. Black Jack David (Heron)
  2. Skiffle Song (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  3. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  4. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  5. Saturday Maybe (Williamson)
  6. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  7. The Old Buccaneer (Williamson)
  8. Dumb Kate (Heron)
  9. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
  10. Tear The Silk (Williamson)
  11. Jigs - Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Me (Williamson/Trad.)
Source : WLIR Radio, NY

Notes : Warner Brothers promotional live in the studio recording. The most likely date for this show is Tuesday the 24th of April as we know, from Malcolm's diary extracts printed in 'Be Glad' issue 13, that the band were in New York on the 22nd, that WLIR ran a 'Tuesday Night Live' concert series, and that the closing credits of the programme state that it is the 'final event of Warner Brothers month' (the 24th obviously being the last Tuesday of April 1973). Robin released a new version of 'Skiffle Song' (retitled 'Flat Foot Skiffle') on his 1997 Pig's Whisker CD 'Mirrorman's Sequences 1961-1966' (PWMD5002).


Tampa, Florida, 29.4.73

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  3. Skiffle Song (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  4. The Sailor And The Dancer (LeMaistre)
  5. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  6. You Get Brighter (Heron)
  7. Dust Be Diamonds (Heron/Williamson)
  8. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  9. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
  10. Sleepers Awake! (Heron)
  11. Brian Boru's March (Trad.)
  12. Giles Crocodile (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  13. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  14. Cold Days Of February (Williamson)
  15. Dumb Kate (Heron)
  16. Black Jack David (Heron)
  17. Tear The Silk (Williamson)
Source : Soundboard Recording

Notes : Robin released a new version of 'Skiffle Song' (retitled 'Flat Foot Skiffle') on his 1997 Pig's Whisker CD 'Mirrorman's Sequences 1961-1966' (PWMD5002). This version of 'Giles Crocodile' contains a totally different set of lyrics to the version on the 'First Girl I Loved, Live In Canada, 1972' CD.


'Midnight Special', 11.5.73

  1. Black Jack David (Heron)
  2. The Old Buccaneer (Williamson)
Source : US NBC TV Broadcast

Notes : Not in ciculation but possibly still exists in NBCs vaults. Details of this show are on the TV Tome web-site.


Palau De La Musica, Barcelona, 25.5.73

  1. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  2. The Sailor And The Dancer (LeMaistre)
  3. The Old Buccaneer (Williamson)
  4. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  5. Elite Syncopations (Scott Joplin)
  6. Turquoise Blue (Heron)
  7. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  8. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
  9. Circus Girl (Williamson)
  10. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
  11. Sleepers Awake! (Heron)
  12. Brian Boru's March (Trad.)
  13. Saturday Maybe (Williamson)
  14. Black Jack David (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape


US Breakfast TV, Atlanta, April/May 1973

  1. Black Jack David (Heron)
  2. ****** Unknown Title ******
Source : US TV Broadcast

Notes : In an interview in 'Be Glad' issue 11, Malcolm mentions that the band appeared on breakfast TV in Atlanta, where they performed 'Black Jack David' (or something), and following a disastrous demonstration by the resident chef, an unscheduled bad version of something else from their current set! There's no mention of an Atlanta gig in Malcolm's diary of the 1973 'No Ruinous Feud' US tour, printed in 'Be Glad' issue 13, although there is a break between the 11th and 14th of May (the end of the tour). However, on April the 10th he notes "Last day in LA was spent watching the rain, but in the morning I was on television". Whether this was a different appearance or just confusion nearly thirty years on we don't know, however, in the interview he does say that the band did lots of TV and he is surprised that so little survives.


Glen Row, Summer 1973

  1. Ithkos (Heron)
Source : Rehearsal Film

Notes : Released in 1974, James Archibald's 55 minute film of various musicians rehearsing included the Band Of The Scots Guards, the Royal Opera, the Wandsworth Boys' Choir and of course the ISB! The band are shown writing and rehearsing 'Ithkos' at Glen Row in the Summer of 1973 then later performing it at the Colston Hall, Bristol in October. The 'I Looked On' video featured the String Band only parts, whilst Adrian Whittaker of 'Be Glad' arranged a very limited edition official video release of the full film in 1997. The String Band provided music for two further James Archibald films, 'Time For Thought' (1972, 40 minutes) and 'No Turning Back' (1974, 100 minutes), though these only featured standard album tracks. See Adrian Whittaker's article in 'Be Glad' issue 5 for further information about the band's involvement with James Archibald.


Mike's Demos, Glen Row, 1.9.73

  1. Torch Song (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Belinda (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  3. It Takes My Breath Away Yet (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Jane (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  5. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
Source : Demo Recordings

Notes : These are demo recordings by Mike with help from latter-day ISB members Stan Schnier and Jack Ingram. All five tracks are available on the 1998 Unique Gravity CD 'Conflict Of Emotions' (UGCD5807), along with four new recordings of songs Mike wrote in the early 1980's. When the idea to release these recordings was originally mooted, 'Torch Song' was known as 'Crooner' and 'It Takes My Breath Away Yet' as 'Isn't It Amazing', whilst a sixth track from the same period, the fascinatingly titled 'Christ What A Birthday', never made the final release.


Salle Industrielle, Lille, 1.10.73

  1. Black Jack David (Heron)
  2. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  3. Rends-Moi Demain (Williamson)
  4. El Ratto (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  5. Dear Old Battlefield (Williamson)
  6. Dumb Kate (Heron)
  7. Circus Girl (Williamson)
  8. Lady Wonder (Heron)
  9. Saturday Maybe (Williamson)
  10. My Father Was A Lighthouse Keeper (LeMaistre)
  11. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
  12. Ithkos (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : The tape ends part way through 'Ithkos'. Robin introduces most of the songs in French.


John Peel's 'Top Gear - Sounds Of The Seventies', 23.10.73 (Recorded 9.10.73)

  1. Dreams Of No Return (Williamson)
  2. Black Jack David (Heron)
  3. Jane (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Dear Old Battlefield (Williamson)
Source : BBC Radio Session

Notes : All but 'Black Jack David' appear on the 1991 Band Of Joy CD 'On Air' (BOJCD004) and the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087). Contrary to the 'In Session Tonight' book, the version of 'Black Jack David' that appears on 'On Air' is from the 29.8.72 session and is in mono like the rest of that session, whilst this session is quite obviously (from listening to the CD) in stereo.


Colston Hall, Bristol, 23.10.73

  1. Ithkos (Heron)
Source : Rehearsal Film

Notes : Also see the earlier Glen Row Rehearsal entry. Does anything else (either video or audio) exist from this concert appearance?.


Rainbow Theatre, London, 12.11.73

  1. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  2. Dumb Kate (Heron)
  3. Cold Days Of February (Williamson)
  4. Dreams Of No Return (Williamson)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : Presumably this is all that exists from a longer set. 'Cold Days Of February' sounds suspiciously like the 'Hard Rope And Silken Twine' LP version (reputably recorded live at the New Theatre, Oxford, 20.11.73 according to the sleeve notes) and the Be Glad book suggests (on page 374) that this may be the true source. 'Dumb Kate' (the other live track on the LP) is different from the Rainbow version however.


New Theatre, Oxford, 20.11.73

  1. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  2. Circus Girl (Williamson)
  3. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  4. St Giles & The Dragon (Williamson)
  5. Black Jack David (Heron)
  6. Dreams Of No Return (Williamson)
  7. At The Lighthouse Dance (LeMaistre)
  8. Cousin Caterpillar (Heron)
  9. Jane (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  10. Cold Days Of February (Williamson)
  11. Antoine (Heron)
  12. Saturday Maybe (Williamson)
  13. Dumb Kate (Heron)
  14. Dear Old Battlefield (Williamson)
  15. Ithkos (Heron)
  16. Tear The Silk (Williamson)
  17. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
  18. May The Long Time Sun Shine (Heron)
  19. This Moment (Heron)
Source : Catalogued as existing in the vaults of Island Records

Notes : According to the sleeve notes, 'Cold Days Of February' and 'Dumb Kate' from this concert appeared on the band's final LP 'Hard Rope And Silken Twine'. However, 'Cold Days Of February' sounds suspiciously like the version performed at the Rainbow Theatre, London on the 12.11.73, and the Be Glad book also suggests that this may be the true source. The titles listed are as performed on the night, Island may not have recorded the full concert.


Swiss TV, Lugano, Late 1973 Or Early 1974

  1. Dear Old Battlefield (Williamson)
  2. ****** Unknown Titles ******
Source : Swiss TV

Notes : An ISB list member recalls seeing the band on Swiss TV, around late 73-ish. It was on the French Swiss Channel, because Robin announced the songs in French, although to confuse the matter, Lugano is in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. He remembers them playing 'Dear Old Battlefield', that Graham was on lead guitar and that a Mini Moog synthesizer was also being used. Graham Forbes said, in an interview in 'Be Glad' issue 9, that "The ISB were not banned from TV in Europe as they were in Britain and I recall one TV show we broadcast over the whole of Europe. Just us, no chat, no twee folk singers - just the band doing an hour-long session". In addition, Graham has also commented "there was a really good ISB tv show we recorded in Lugano. I think Mark (Anstey, ex-manager of both Robin and the reformed ISB) has tried to get that one without success. I am sure we also did one in Rome. A live gig.". Presumably these are different to the 2.3.74 Danish TV special.

1974

Champness Hall, Rochdale, 16.2.74

  1. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  2. Black Jack David (Heron)
  3. Circus Girl (Williamson)
  4. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  5. Dreams Of No Return (Williamson)
  6. Saturday Maybe (Williamson)
  7. Jack Straw's Wishes (Williamson)
  8. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
  9. St Giles And The Dragon (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  10. Dumb Kate (Heron)
  11. Dear Old Battlefield (Williamson)
  12. Ithkos (Heron)
  13. Tear The Silk (Williamson)
  14. May The Long Time Sun Shine (Heron)
  15. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : This is the full set list, the tape ends part way through 'St Giles & The Dragon'.


Granada TV Show, Manchester, 18.2.74

  1. ****** Unknown Titles ******
Source : Granada ITV Regional TV

Notes : This date appears in the 'Be Glad' site diary section with no further information to corroborate it. It's possible that this was a broadcast of the 1972 Bickershaw Festival documentary.


February 1974: 'Hard Rope And Silken Twine' LP released in the UK.
Robin Williamson - vocals, guitar, oud, mandolin, electric fiddle, alto flute, flute, whistle, congas; Mike Heron - vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, sitar, organ, piano, string scores; Malcolm LeMaistre - vocals; Stan Lee - bass, pedal steel, moog programming, vocals; Jack Ingram - drums; Graham Forbes - electric guitar.
Guests: Danny Thompson - string bass.

Danish TV Special, Copenhagen, 2.3.74

  1. ****** Unknown Titles ******
Source : Danish TV

Notes : This date appears in the 'Be Glad' site diary section and says that the band were invited back after their gig at the Falkonerteatret, Copenhagen on the 16.1.74.


Rainbow Theatre, London, 9.5.74

  1. Black Jack David (Heron)
  2. Circus Girl (Williamson)
  3. Finale: From A Very Cellular Song (Heron)
Source : Scientology LP

Notes : Available on the rare 1974 Scientology LP 'Live At The Rainbow, May 9 1974' (OTGB1), credited to 'Scientology Artists'. Although not held in high regard by most ISB fans, the version of 'Circus Girl' (often considered the worst song the band ever recorded) is actually better than the studio version on 'No Ruinous Feud'. The LP ends with a noisy thrash through the 'May the long time sun shine' part of 'A Very Cellular Song' featuring Chick Corea, Mike Garson, Woody Woodmansey and Jeff Appleby, who appear on the other (non-ISB) tracks of the LP.


Rehearsals, Probably Mid-1974

  1. 1968 (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  2. Evolution Rag (Williamson)
Source : Rehearsal Tape


Golders Green Hippodrome, London, 17.5.74 (Broadcast 1.6.74)

  1. Ithkos (Heron)
  2. Log Cabin Home In The Sky (Heron)
  3. 1968 (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  4. Jack Straw's Wishes (Williamson)
  5. Maker Of Islands (Heron)
  6. Dear Old Battlefield (Williamson)
  7. Jigs - Good Morrow To Your Nightcap/Crawley's Reel/Small Coals For Nailers/Katie Hill (Trad.)
Source : BBC Radio One 'In Concert' Broadcast

Notes : 'Log Cabin Home In The Sky' and '1968' appear on the 1991 Band Of Joy CD 'On Air' (BOJCD004) and the 2007 Hux CD 'Across The Airwaves' (HUX 087), whilst 'Ithkos' appears as a bonus track on the 1998 Mooncrest CD 'First Girl I Loved' (CRESTCD032Z). This show (minus the closing jigs) appeared on a quadraphonic BBC transcription disc LP, 'Stereo Pop Special 81' (CN 2161/SQ, issued week 47/74), described in the cue sheets as a 'pop spectacular featuring the Incredible String Band in concert'. Bizarrely, the version of 'Jack Straw's Wishes' on the LP is different to that broadcast on Radio One.


The Bottom Line, New York, 25.8.74

  1. Everything's Fine Right Now (Heron)
  2. Jack Straw's Wishes (Williamson)
  3. Beneath The Larked Sky (Williamson) [ Lyrics ]
  4. 1968 (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  5. Evolution Rag (Williamson)
  6. Strong Thing (Heron) [ Lyrics ]
  7. Jigs - Good Morrow To Your Nightcap/Crawley's Reel/Small Coals For Nailers/Katie Hill (Trad.)
  8. Dumb Kate (Heron)
  9. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
  10. Black Jack David (Heron)
  11. Tear The Silk (Williamson)
  12. Jigs - Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday Is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whisky/Grumbling Old Men (Williamson/Trad.)
  13. May The Long Time Sun Shine (Heron)
  14. This Moment (Heron)
Source : Audience Tape

Notes : This appears to a recording of the final show the band played as during Malcolm's introduction he says 'welcome to the final night'. After this show the band disolved, with Robin heading for California and Mike picking up the pieces to form Reputation, who would go on to play 'Strong Thing' in their live sets.