When Fairport Convention re-formed in 1985 after a six-year absence, Mattacks was recruited as drummer. He had already been playing with them again during annual reunions at the fledgling Cropredy Festival. Mattacks remained with Fairport until 1997. He has rejoined them on occasion, such as at Cropredy in 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of Liege & Lief.
when fairport convention re-formed in 1985 after a six-year absence mattacks was recruited as drummer he had already been playing with them again during annual reunions at the fledgling cropredy festival mattacks remained with fairport until 1997 he has rejoined them on occasion such as at cropredy in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of liege & lief