by David Morgan

HE played Madonna's brother in the hit film Evita and worked with Gerry Rafferty at the time of Baker Street.

But nothing could prepare Steeleye Span lead guitarist Julian Littman for the fantastical world of Terry Pratchett.

Born from their friendship with the late author, Julian and the folk band were invited to write and record a concept album based on the Discworld novel, Wintersmith.

The record was released in October 2013 and was one of the best-selling writer's last collaborations before his battle with Alzheimer's disease ended last Thursday.

Julian, speaking before Terry's death, said: "Terry had been a fan of the band for a long time.

"It all started when his friend played him a song called Thomas the Rhymer. His mate sat him down and said: ‘You’ve got to listen to this’ and he was forever smitten.

"Since then it had been talked about doing something with Terry for ages.

"The band played at his 60th birthday party and then a few years later he told us about a book he’d written as part of a trilogy called Wintersmith which he thought would really suit Steeleye’s music.

"A couple of years ago, we finally got around to it. Some of it was taken from the book, other bits were inspired by the book.

"But basically the album sort of tells the story and gives you a feel of the book.

"The beautiful thing about it is we did a gig during the last tour when Terry came on stage and said: ‘If I’d known it was going to be that good I’d have written a better book’. It was really nice of him."

Julian, who was part of the cast for Queen’s We Will Rock You in the West End, wrote three songs for Wintersmith including the opening track, The Dark Morris Song.

"The thing that inspired me was the dance," he added.

"The main character Tiffany Aching does a dance called the dark morris which brings The Wintersmith forth...and possibly eternal winter!

"I wouldn’t say writing the songs was easy but it’s inspiring, especially with Terry’s writing because he’s fantastically robust and great with his imagery so there’s no problem getting ideas from it."

Julian last saw Terry about a year ago.

He said: "When he talked about writing and work he was very lucid but as soon as you mentioned ordinary things like a cup of tea there was confusion.

"If he talked about writing or developing his characters his brain seemed to go to another place.

"It was bittersweet but also joyous that we did the Wintersmith album while Terry was cognisant of it."

It is not the first time Steeleye Span have created a soundtrack to a novel. Back in 1977, they put music to Lord Dunsany's The King of Elfland's Daughter.

Julian, a former member of Dexy's Midnight Runners, added: "It’s ideal if you think about it because a lot of the traditional songs that we do follow a narrative anyway.

- Steeleye Span play at the Parr Hall in Warrington on Friday, March 20. The box office is on 01925 442345.