“One of England’s greatest singer songwriters” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2

On Friday 10 October Steve Knightley, Show of Hands' acclaimed front man and BBC award winning singer-songwriter, will be making a welcome return to his roots and bringing his solo show to The George Hotel, South Molton.

Steve is a folk music legend who was once described by The Times as the “Gravel voiced spokesman for the rural poor”. Having filled the Royal Albert Hall on four occasions Steve is now looking forward to his ten month tour which aims to encourage music lovers to attend live events locally, bringing his songs and stories to smaller and more intimate locations. He says:

“With so many songs written for and about people who actually live and work in the countryside I’m really looking forward to playing them in their spiritual homes!”

This Exeter-based singer-songwriter writes the majority of material for Show Of Hands, which also features multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer.  But Steve also enjoys success as a solo artist. He is renowned for his strong, trademark narrative songs which reflect the escapades, hopes and fears not only of people in his native West Country.  And beyond he pulls no punches when writing highly literate songs about bigger, global issues.

Away from Show of Hands, Steve has guested on Mick Jagger’s solo album Goddess in the Doorway and performed as the “folk” element of the striking band Faith, Folk and Anarchy, which also featured songwriters Martyn Joseph and Tom Robinson. He created the band Western Approaches in 2004 – a unique collaboration of West Country songwriters that also included young North Devon artist Jenna and former Mercury nominee, Seth Lakeman.

Steve moved to Devon with his family at the age of five. Attracted to acoustic music by the likes of Dylan and Baez, he started performing whilst still at school and was playing both guitar and mandocello at the age of 14. He learnt his trade playing folk clubs and bars in the Exeter area, joining forces with Phil Beer.  Then in 1991 the phenomenally successful Show of Hands was formed. The excellent reviews it garnered for the new band helped them break into the festival circuit and tour with Ralph McTell.

In the early part of their career, Show of Hands worked with exiled Chilean musicians in the band Alianza. This triggered what many consider to be some of Steve’s finest songs – Santiago, Armadas and Columbus (Didn’t Find America).
Cathy Doel, proprietor of The George says:

“We always welcome such folk world royalty as Steve, but believe that this performance will be something very special as his tour is designed particularly for intimate venues such as ours. We are very fortunate to be able to have him perform Live@The George and already the majority of tickets for this gig are sold!  But with a few still remaining, if you want to be part of this, book now!”

Tickets £16.00

www.wegottickets.com/event/266361

MAKE IT AN EVENING TO REMEMBER...

Pre Show Dinner Specials are also available for event nights.  At £14.95 for two or £16.95 for three courses, these are exceptionally good value. 
Stay over for the night (great if you are travelling some distance or just want to make it a really special occasion) and receive a 25% accommodation discount.  Take up this offer in combination with the Pre Show Dinner, and we'll reserve great seats for the performance, and organise interval drinks too!

Book online at www.wegottickets.com/event/263041, or visit The George at 1 Broad Street, South Molton, EX36 3AB or ring 01769 572514.