Eliza Carthy and Special Guests: The Songs of Martin Carthy
About Eliza Carthy and Special Guests: The Songs of Martin Carthy
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. Guests include Finn Curran-Carthy, Nick Hart, Angelne Morrison, Tim Van-Eyken and Jon Wilks.
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.
Image: Travis Elborough
Musical guests
Nick Hart
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.
Angeline Morrison
Recently hailed as one of MOJO's 'voices taking folk into the future', Angeline Morrison is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose work combines a deep love of traditional song, a deep respect for the hidden ancestral voices of Old Albion, explorations and re-imaginings of diaspora, nation and history, and a strong belief in magic and enchantment as powerful charms for decoloniality.
Tim Van Eyken
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.
Jon Wilks
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.
Finn Curran Carthy
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.
The event details above reflect an update to the show originally planned. Please find further context below. Existing bookers have been notified.
ABM and 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.
A message from Eliza Carthy: Dear everyone, a month ago, Martin, at 84, was diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer’s 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.
Booking info
To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.
