From Paul McCartney’s Pipes of Peace to Elton John’s Nikita, drummer Dave Mattacks has one of the most impressive CVs in rock music history - and he's set to take to the stage in Southampton later this month.
With recording credits dating back to the 1960s, the 77-year-old has collaborated with musicians from Jimmy Page to The Proclaimers and on Tuesday, March 31, he’ll perform with folk-rock pioneers Fairport Convention at Turner Sims.
Speaking to the Daily Echo ahead of the tour, Dave said he was preparing to leave his home in America to hit the road across the UK.
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He said: “For the first time in a long time, I’m going to be away from home for two months. I know how to do it, I’m just not used to it.”
Dave revealed he hasn’t taken part in a two-month-long tour since the 1980s, where he played with acts including Jethro Tull and The Road to Hell hitmaker Chris Rea.
For the rest of March and April, Dave will be playing with Fairport Convention, whose 2026 line-up features founding member Simon Nicol and long-time bassist Dave Pegg.
Although officially joining in 1969, Dave Mattacks has been on-and-off with the group. He only recently re-joined for the spring tours after the death of drummer Gerry Conway.
“It’s a little difficult emotionally because me and the rest of the chaps absolutely loved Gerry,” Dave said.
“He was one of my heroes very early on.
“I’m trying to fit in and put my stamp on it, but respect his parts at the same time.”
When he isn’t on tour, Dave is located in the USA, where he has lived for more than 25 years.
It was work opportunities that drew him towards Boston, Massachusetts.
“If you build up a resume with some substance to it, it prevents some people from even calling you as they think you’re not going to be too interested or want $10,000 a day.
“I was working [in the US] a lot more.
“I had no issue doing local gigs as that’s how you get your name around.
“I’ve made a lot of great musical friends.”
After the Fairport Convention tour, Dave will go back to America, but will return to England for Fairport's celebrated Cropredy Festival in August.
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