Eliza Carthy & Special Guests- LINEUP CHANGE

In the wake of Martin Carthy’s unexpected recent retirement, Eliza has drawn together a community of varied and talented musicians, all of whom have played a role in Martin’s outstanding career. These artists will share the stage with Eliza, honouring and celebrating Martin’s immense legacy and musical back catalogue.

This evening will present a rolling cast of admirers, colleagues and surprise guests, performing an entirely new set featuring some of Martin’s best loved work from all eras of his career, spanning from his debut to final albums, via Waterson:Carthy and beyond. Martin’s grandson will make his first ever stage appearances, playing one of his grandfather’s guitars.

Nick Hart is an award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist whose work with English folk song has earned him a reputation as one of the most acclaimed performers of his generation. His considered approach to accompaniment is informed by a deep respect for the nuances of traditional song and his captivating live performances are a testament to the importance he places on story-telling.

Tim Van-Eyken is a highly respected singer, melodeon player, and interpreter of English folk music. Rising to prominence as a member of Waterson:Carthy, Tim has established himself as a distinctive solo artist with a rich, expressive voice and a powerful instrumental style. His performances are marked by both passion and precision, breathing new life into traditional songs while showcasing his skill as a captivating storyteller.

Blur co-founer and guitarist Graham Coxon has long cited folk legend Martin Carthy as an inspiration. They performed last September together at “The Life & Songs of Martin Carthy” tribute concert at London’s EartH, delivering an epic and highly acclaimed rendition of Scarborough Fair featuring Coxon’s inventive guitar work.

Jon Wilks is a singer, songwriter and acclaimed fingerpicking guitarist whose work is rooted in English folk traditions, memory, and place. Described by The Quietus as being “at the centre of the current folk scene,” he began by exploring traditional songs from Birmingham and the wider Midlands, before shifting toward original, autobiographical songwriting. Jon has been instrumental in curating special events with Martin, exploring his career and legacy in recent years.

Tim Eriksen is acclaimed for transforming American tradition with his startling interpretations of old ballads, love songs, shape-note gospel and dance tunes from New England and Southern Appalachia. He combines hair-raising vocals with inventive accompaniment on banjo, fiddle, guitar and bajo sexto – a twelve string Mexican acoustic bass – creating a distinctive hardcore Americana sound. Tim has worked regularly with both Eliza and Martin over the past few decades.

Finn Curran Carthy is the grandson of Martin Carthy, son of Eliza, and the latest in the lineage to take to the stage, playing his grandfather’s guitar.

Martin Carthy is a legendary ballad singer and guitarist who has influenced generations of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, while Eliza has been twice-nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and a multiple-award winner at the BBC Radio Two Folk awards.

In recognition of his illustrious career Martin was recently shortlisted for the 2025 Mercury Prize for his wonderful new solo record Transform Me Then Into A Fish. This album both marks his 84th birthday in May 2025, and offers a full circle moment in his music journey as he revisits material from his very first (eponymous) solo record released in 1965.

Important update:

The Carthy family had hoped that the planned 2026 tour and festival dates with Martin Carthy, alongside his daughter Eliza, would offer a graceful and dignified exit from touring for him: one in which he could celebrate his amazing legacy and leave audiences with fond memories. Sadly, Martin’s health has rapidly declined in the last few weeks. As such, we have made the incredibly painful decision that Martin will be unable to fulfil these duo bookings.

“Dear everyone,

A month ago, Martin, at 84, was diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimers Disease. While his doctor initially suggested that Dad would and should be able to tour in the Spring, and we were hoping to use the tour to say goodbye to Dad’s many fans, it now appears that this won’t be possible or advisable for his health.

Dad sends his love and regrets to everyone hoping to see him one more time. Eliza will fulfil these shows, and will try to honour his legacy as much as possible. Our family thanks you for your patience and love.”

– Eliza Carthy

Please note all ticket holders for the original Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy show will be able to claim a refund upon request