After 5 years spent ‘paying his dues’ on the college and folk club circuits, Roy Apps first emerged on the international music scene in 1970, with the release - to much critical acclaim - of the debut album by his (soon to be legendary) band Heron.

Journalist and DJ Bob Harris wrote of Roy that he was ‘One of the most talented songwriters that England has so far produced’, and his opinions were frequently echoed by the BBC’s (now, sadly, late) John Peel - who was later to offer Roy a solo recording contract with his ill-fated ‘Dandelion’ label.

Heron continued to record and tour for another two years until, in 1972, they decided to separate for a time to pursue their own musical interests.

Roy spent the next few years working as a solo artist, while writing songs for several other artists, including Joan Baez, the late Shusha Guppy, and legendary African band ‘Jabula’. He also wrote for, and performed in, childrens’ programmes for ITV.

In more recent times, Roy spent many years working closely, on various projects, with legendary record producers Gus Dudgeon and Martin Rushent and has co-written and co-produced a considerable body of so-far unreleased work with his close friend ‘Legs’ Larry Smith, of Bonzo Dog Band fame.

In 2010, following the success of the release of a compilation album, by Sanctuary Records, of their early work 3 years before, Heron decided to re-form, with their original line-up, and have recorded a new album - ‘As Simple As 1-2-3’ - which has already been released in Japan, where they have a considerable following, and is planned for release in the UK sometime in the Spring.

Roy has also recently been spending a considerable amount of time in Los Angeles, where he is working on a solo album for release sometime next year.

Although much of his work has received considerable critical praise, Roy, of whom one friend - the late George Harrison - once said ‘Dear old Roy - so much talent, so little luck!’, has yet to receive mainstream commercial success . . . . . although he willingly admits that he has ‘Never allowed ambition to interfere with a quiet life!’

Roy Apps solo gigs are, therefore, something of a rarity - so we recommend that you try to catch one of his sets at this year’s festival. We can guarantee that you will hear some of the most beautiful songs you’ve never heard before!

(Saturday afternoon Cross Keys Garden Stage, Saturday evening Coachmakers Arms)