A SPONTANEOUS tribute to American singer Pete Seeger, who died last year, by Lancashire folk band Merry Hell at the Grand Theatre, Clitheroe, has sparked a folk super group.

Now the Armistice Pals collective have raised thousands of pounds with their charity single, Where have all the Flowers Gone? one of the greatest protest tunes ever written – and also featuring Seeger’s half sister Peggy.

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“Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that when we jumped on stage with the support acts, Deadwood Dog and Panjenix, for a ramshackle encore a few days after Pete Seeger’s death would there be this huge response,” said Merry Hell manager Damian Liptrot.

“When Peggy heard about the song, she asked to be on the single and that was just so special because the project is now very dear to her heart.”

The Armistice Pals also features contributions from Steeleye Span’s Peter Knight, Attila The Stockbroker, Merry Hell, BBC Folk Award winner Lucy Ward, and many others, concluding with a moving recording of Seeger’s voice.

“When we did Pete Seeger’s song at Clitheroe, we all felt something special – a togetherness recalling a great man’s life,” added Liptrot.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

All the artists were inspired by the events to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Liptrot added: “Most of all this was a grassroots movement that has involved the whole of the world’s folk community.”

The proceeds from the song celebrating Seeger’s life, work, ideas and commitment to the cause of peace have been donated to The British Red Cross, Malala’s Fund and the Foundation for Peace through Folk.

“From this tiny seed, The Armistice Pals have kicked open a lot of doors, with the song getting picked up all over the world on the web,” said Liptrot.

“We even got inside The House of Commons and the MP Kevin Brennan played guitar on Where Have all the Flowers Gone?

“We seem to have managed to unite the politicians, however briefly.”

Expect a rabble-rousing set when Merry Hell return to the Grand next Saturday, for a live recording of their show to be released on DVD later this year.

Liptrot said: “When we played at the Grand a year ago – and that moment came along with the song – we thought what better place to go and record a live show.

“From what has happened since, it will be a very poignant night.”

The band promise a crowd-pleasing set, including old favourites and some fresh material.

“Lyrically what we’ve done with Merry Hell is more powerful than The Tansads”, said John Kettle, who played in the Tansads with his brother Bob, Merry Hell’s mandolin and harmonica player.

“Also because we are older and more mature the songs are a bit more nuanced and the writing more polished, but without losing any of the soul and energy that drove The Tansads.”

  • Merry Hell, Clitheroe Grand Theatre, Saturday, February 28. Details from 01200 421599.