Open Gig for Fifestock 2012! Fairport Convention are often credited with being the first English electric folk band. Formed in April 1967, with Simon Nicol, Richard Thompson, Ashley Hutchings and Shaun Frater, Fairport rapidly developed from playing cover versions of American 'west coast' style music to an individual style which melded rock music with traditional English tunes and songs. Bedevilled by numerous personnel changes they temporarily disbanded in 1979 but reformed in 1985. Since then, they have enjoyed stability and continue to tour and record regularly.