Show of Hands

FULL CIRCLE PART II 2024 - Show of Hands Duo Tour
In the spring of 2024, music enthusiasts and folk fans across the nation are in for a treat as Steve Knightley and Phil Beer prepare to embark on a journey back to where it all began. With a rich history spanning three decades the duo are renowned for their unique ‘hands-on' cottage industry approach to touring, and this upcoming tour promises to be a celebration of their enduring legacy. Village halls, folk clubs, small arts centres, and community venues are the very places where they honed their craft, building their following from the grassroots up.

Following this tour, Steve and Phil will be taking a well-deserved break from the limelight. They plan to pursue solo projects, explore new creative horizons, and recharge their artistic batteries. This indefinite hiatus marks the end of an era, but it also heralds exciting new beginnings for two of the folk world’s best loved musicians. Show of Hands' dedication to their roots, their music, and the communities that have supported them is a testament to their enduring legacy.

https://showofhands.co.uk/show-of-hands-tour-dates.

Show of Hands was formed by Steve Knightley, acclaimed as one of Britain’s greatest songwriters and Phil Beer, widely celebrated for his dazzling multi-instrumental virtuosity, after a chance meeting in 1986. Their songs whilst firmly rooted in folk tradition have timeless relevance. Nuanced, thoughtful and often witty, they can nail social issues whilst delivering beautiful harmonies and rousing sing-along choruses. Their track Arrogance Ignorance and Greed, voicing public outrage with the banking crisis lobbed them into the mainstream media including a feature on The Andrew Marr Show. Knightley had previously been labelled “The gravel voiced spokesman of the rural poor” for their album Country Life. Performing as a duo and since 2004 as a trio with Miranda Sykes, (double bass/vocals) they’ve sold-out London’s Royal Albert Hall five times, (unprecedented for a folk act) and draw audiences across the world.

Absorbing influences from their international tours and from collaborations with fellow musicians, their music is shot through by American, Latin, Celtic, Indian and Asian influences. Given its deep local roots they call it ‘world music from the West Country.’ Show of Hands have won several nominations and awards including honorary doctorates for services to music from Plymouth University and Best Duo, Best Original Song and Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk awards.

They continue to collaborate with and mentor other musicians (so far including Kate Rusby, Seth Lakeman, Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin, Kirsty Merryn, Jackie Oates and Megan Henwood). Exploring ever-new sonic possibilities Show of Hands continue to re-define the folk landscape.