Current Events

Steve Knightley: “The Winter Yards in Spring” Solo Tour

Thursday 6th March

7pm

“Knightley dares to tackle subjects other songwriters leave well alone – his best songs are bleak, witty and finely observed” – The Guardian

Let’s not beat about the bush. Steve Knightley is renowned as one of England’s finest songwriters – in any genre.

As the formidable frontman of folk roots legends Show of Hands he has steered the band through 30 years of wall-to-wall touring and six Royal Albert Hall sell-outs, landing three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards along the way (Best Live Act, Best Duo and the coveted Best Original Song gong for his biting attack on the banking ‘suits’ – Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed.

Applauded for the sheer diversity and impact of his songwriting Knightley’s tenure with Show of Hands brought about such classics as The Galway Farmer (often mistaken for a song from the folk tradition) and the BBC award-nominated Country Life and Roots with their cogent, unflinching lyrics.

Now with his well-loved partnership with multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer parked for ‘an indefinite break’ Devon-based Knightley has relished the chance to record his first solo studio album in 17 years – The Winter Yards.

Produced by ‘go to’ producer Mark Tucker (who also plays on the album) it will be released on October 4, 2024 just ahead of a bumper 32-date tour –taking in England, Wales and his first ever solo shows in Scotland and Ireland.

Knightley will launch this new chapter in his enviable career with the 12-track album, cementing his strength in composing captivating narrative songs, sometimes powerful and pertinent; sometimes wry and witty.

Says Steve: “I’ve spent much of my career weaving the West Country and English landscapes into my music, seeking to capture the essence of rural life and the stories that define it. But with Show of Hands now on sabbatical, I’ve found myself at a crossroads—a moment to pause, reflect, and consider new directions.

“This album marks a significant departure for me, both musically and personally. Inspired more by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits and Peter Gabriel, The Winter Yards reflects a fresh journey, venturing more into urban and transatlantic soundscapes. But while it explores uncharted territory I believe it stays true to the voice I’ve always had, finding new ways to tell stories that matter.”

In true Knightley style he pulls no punches in this collection’s lyrics or themes. Topics covered include the migration crisis and the Post Office scandal. Title track The Ride (The Winter Yards) is a lockdown lament inspired by a Devon-based father and son fairground business that was unable to leave its winter yards for two summers during the COVID pandemic. Here Knightley uses it as a metaphor for the need we all have for communal experience.

It contrasts with the end-of-summer love song Maria, the bluesy If You Come Back, a stripped-back revisit to his outstanding 1980s song Exile, the rousing singalong A Song for Wickham written especially for Hampshire’s Wickham Festival, catchy earworm The Mermaid and a stand-out co-write with Scottish songwriter Ross Wilson (aka Blue Rose Code), the widescreen ballad Remember This Kiss.