Old Spot (Rowan Piggott & Joe Danks) burst onto the scene in 2023 with a critically acclaimed debut album and a whirlwind UK tour, quickly establishing themselves as a fresh force in old-time music. Praised for their raw energy and expressive musicianship, the duo lit up stages across UK/EU folk, bluegrass, and old-time festivals.

Now, in 2025/26, Old Spot continue to push the boundaries of string band tradition – digging deeper into the roots of old-time while crafting a live show that’s equal parts intimate and electrifying. Their new album Old Spot (II), recorded in the Scottish Borders, captures this evolving sound with fresh material and atmospheric arrangements. Whether trading close harmonies, ripping into a tune, or experimentally reworking a classic, Old Spot captivate audiences with a sound that’s both steeped in tradition and boldly original.

Joe (5-string Banjo, Gourd Banjo)

Joe Danks is a multi instrumentalist and singer from Nottingham. As well as being an accomplished songwriter Joe thrives on collaboration, and is currently touring regularly with experimental folk artists Jim Ghedi and Nick Jonah Davis.

Joe has played in a myriad of different genres, but grew up surrounded by the patchwork of American folk music played by his parents, and has taken a winding path home to these traditions. Five-string banjo became Joe's place of solace and is now the beating heart of Old Spot. His trademark rhythmic intensity and energy is more present than ever.

Rowan (5-string Fiddle, Viola)Rowan Piggott is a folk fiddler, traditional singer and tune collector who grew up in the foothills of the Burren on the west coast of Ireland, surrounded by traditional music.

Well-known for performing and writing with award-winning folk trio, The Wilderness Yet, Rowan is able to shift between different traditions and musical accents while retaining his signature sound. His inventive 5-string fiddling pulls in melodic elements of the Irish, English & Swedish traditions to ornament traditional Old-Time grooves.

Contact the host of Old Spot