STEELEYE SPAN Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. April 24. Tickets: £14 and £19 01242 572573 Folk rock band Steeleye Span have notched up 40 years in the business. To mark the event they are touring the UK and releasing an anniversary album.

The folk rockers have always had a strong following but their hit single All Around My Hat was their biggest chart success reaching number five in 1975.

There have been a number of line-up changes over the years but Maddy Prior is still the central figure as lead singer.

Lead guitarist Ken Nicol has been playing with the band for seven years and before that he was a member of The Albion Band with Ashley Hutchings.

“We have a great time,” he said. “It is a special year for us.”

The band are currently on tour in the UK and will be stopping off at Cheltenham next Friday. They will then be heading off to America and Australia promoting their new album and then back for another autumn UK tour.

“The album will be ready for the autumn tour,” said Ken.

Ken says he doesn’t have many tour bus tales as he tends to keep himself to himself.

“I am a bit reclusive. I have my iPod on and listen again to Radio Four. I want to be by myself and listen to the radio shows. It’s either that or ear plugs,” he said.

Along with Steeleye Span Ken plays in a duo with Phil Cool, the TV comedian. The pair will be appearing at Cropredy Festival on August 13.

Ken said: “The folk rock world is quite small so we all know each other. There is a lovely feel to Cropredy, it is a great festival. I have played there with The Albions and Steeleye Span.”