Folk-psychedelia fans, rejoice: the surviving founding members of the legendary Incredible String Band, Mike Heron and Robin Williamson, have announced a long-awaited reunion tour. This marks the first time the iconic duo will share the stage in years, reigniting the spark of one of the most adventurous and influential acts of the 1960s.
Formed in Edinburgh in 1965, The Incredible String Band (ISB) became known for their groundbreaking fusion of Celtic folk, Eastern instrumentation, and psychedelic experimentation. Albums such as The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion and The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter earned them a cult following and cemented their place in the countercultural movement. Though the band officially disbanded in 1974, Heron and Williamson briefly reunited between 1999 and 2006. Since then, live appearances have been rare—making this new tour announcement particularly significant.
While full tour dates and venues are still under wraps, early reports suggest a series of intimate performances across the UK and select international cities. Audiences can expect a thoughtfully curated setlist, featuring highlights from the band’s seminal albums alongside deep cuts and newly arranged classics.
Speaking to MOJO Magazine, Heron expressed his surprise and gratitude at the renewed interest in their work, which has been amplified by a forthcoming Rough Trade reissue box set covering their 1966–1969 catalog. “It’s touching to see a new generation discovering these songs,” he said. “Robin and I feel the time is right to bring them back to life on stage.”
The tour promises more than just nostalgia. Heron and Williamson are known for their genre-defying instrumentation—harps, sitars, gimbri, dulcimer, mandolins—and poetic lyricism that blends myth, mysticism, and humor. Longtime fans will welcome the return of their dynamic interplay, rich harmonies, and spoken-word interludes that once defined their multimedia performances during the band’s theatrical “U” era.
This reunion not only celebrates their musical legacy but also reaffirms the duo’s place in the broader tapestry of folk and psychedelic music. The Incredible String Band influenced countless artists, from Led Zeppelin and David Bowie to modern-day indie-folk acts, and their spirit of exploration still resonates in today’s musical landscape.
For fans old and new, this tour is a rare opportunity to witness two visionary artists revisit a body of work that helped redefine the boundaries of folk music. More details, including ticket information and dates, are expected soon.
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