“Robert Plant sat at the back. You could see his brain ticking away, thinking, ‘I should do this.’ That’s what I like”: What drives the prog veteran who’s been compared to God?
Ashley Hutchings, a founding figure in British folk rock, reflects on the enduring creative drive that has kept him writing, performing and curating his catalogue well into later life. The article presents his influence through the admiration of fellow musicians, including Robert Plant, and underscores his role in establishing a modern British folk-rock tradition.
Hutchings co-founded Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band, three central groups in the genre’s development. In a 2016 interview, aged 71, he described himself as semi-retired while still touring From Psychedelia To Sonnets, preparing festival appearances, overseeing reissues and working on another album; he released his 100th album in 2022, before health problems ended his touring in 2025.
- Ashley Hutchings remains a defining British folk-rock innovator.
- His prolific work continued long after semi-retirement.
- Health issues forced him off the road in 2025.