Steeleye Span formed in 1969 from members of Fairport Convention and out of the ashes of Sweeney's Men creating a distinctive fusion of both British folk with electric rock music. The resulting first version of the band was formed by ex-Fairport bassist Ashley Hutchings and built around two pairs of vocalists, one English, one Irish, Tim Hart and Maddy Prior and Terry and Gay Woods. Rhythm was to be supplied largely by Hutchings' bass, and without drums.