Rebellious Truth 24: Archie Fisher + Fraser Fifield
Free event, lecture-recital with support set (performance)
Sunday, May 12, 2024
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Hosted by Dr Lori Watson, Celtic and Scottish Studies, as part of Edinburgh TradFest
Archie Fisher: ‘ONCE UPON A SONG: SEVEN DECADES OF SCOTTISH FOLK’
Our fourth annual Rebellious Truth lecture-recital in collaboration with Celtic & Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh features a bona fide legend of Scottish folk. Musician, songwriter, producer and broadcaster Archie Fisher is one of the ‘Glasgow Boys’ of the 1960s Scottish folksong revival.
His musical career began at home in the 1950s. The Fishers were a well-known singing family and included folk luminaries Ray and Cilla (Archie’s sisters). Ray and Archie were in a skiffle group together before they became a folk duo, later a trio with Bobby Campbell called The Wayfarers.
In the late 70s Archie began a long collaboration as an accompanist and record producer with Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem. As a songwriter Archie’s material has been covered by many amazing singers including Barbara Dickson, Eva Cassidy, Wizz Jones and Stan Rogers.
In 1983 he began a three-decade career as a broadcaster, presenting the popular radio show BBC Scotland’s Travelling Folk until 2010.
Once Upon A Song will look back at the changes in the scene over the past 70 years.
Presented as a series of musical anecdotes, Archie bears witness to the events, people and songs that epitomised 20th century folk culture in Britain, Ireland and beyond. He reflects on folk music as his constant companion through generations of change.
The event will also include some songs from Archie, and a special set by Celtic & Scottish Studies Traditional Artist in Residence Fraser Fifield.
Rebellious Truth is presented in partnership with Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh. You can attend in person at The Traverse or join us online on the day.
Tickets for live event: free (but ticketed)
Link to live stream
Doors open: 1.45pm | Event starts: 2pm