Steve Knightley

Jerry Moynihans, Clonmel.

Friday 17th April 2026

 

We are delighted to present one of England’s finest folk musicians and singers, following our Sold Out show in 2024, for his second visit to Clonmel.

After a memorable and much-praised run of Irish shows in 2024, acclaimed folk musician Steve Knightley returns to Ireland in April 2026 for a small and intimate tour. These concerts come on the heels of a large-scale, full-band UK tour, making this a unique opportunity to catch Steve in a more stripped-back, personal setting. Expect masterful songwriting, wry humour and powerful storytelling from the co-founder of Show of Hands, as he revisits classic material alongside newer work shaped by recent touring experiences. A rare chance to see a true folk original at close quarters.

Steve Knightley is renowned as one of England’s finest songwriters – in any genre. His body of work, infused with a profound love of English traditional folk music, the songs of Bob Dylan and the poetry of Ted Hughes showcases a unique ability to craft compositions that authentically bridge historical narratives with contemporary themes.

Steve’s latest work is some of his best ever, with his albums The Winter Yards and Positively Folk Street: Dylan, Carthy & Me garnering critical acclaim. After extensive solo touring in 2023 and 2024, Steve will be unveiling his new group Steve Knightley & The Winter Yards Band on an extensive tour in autumn 2025, and at festivals in 2026.

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.

Steve Knightley, a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter and founding member of ‘Show of Hands,’ is a prominent figure in English Folk/Acoustic music. Celebrated for his deep connection to the West Country, his extensive body of work, uniquely blends historical narratives with contemporary themes. In 1994 with multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer he formed ‘Show of Hands,’ praised by Peter Gabriel as one of the ‘Great English Bands.’ Knightley was born in Southampton in 1954 of English, Irish and Scottish descent.

Knightley’s prowess as a songwriter garnered significant recognition, earning him the title of Tom Robinson’s Songwriter of the 90s. With three BBC Folk Awards and six performances at the Royal Albert Hall, including his most recent in 2023, Knightley has firmly established his place in the music industry. Beyond the realm of music, he ventured into visual arts, serving as the artistic director of the ‘Shrouds of the Somme’ installation in 2016, a poignant commemoration of soldiers lost during the Battle of the Somme.

Knightley’s commitment to addressing social issues is evident in songs like ‘Country Life’ and ‘Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed,’ earning recognition at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. His impact extends beyond accolades, with compositions like ‘The Galway Farmer’ recognised as a ‘traditional’ Irish folk song, and ‘Cousin Jack’ now taught in Cornish schools. In 2014 he began the ground-breaking ‘Grow your Own Gig’ tour empowering local communities to host concerts without financial risk.

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.

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.”

The Winter Yards turns the page on the remarkable career of a ground-breaking singer, songwriter and musician who has invigorated the folk roots world for three decades – and, with this spellbinding solo album, the story continues.

With more than 4,000 performances and over fifty appearances at Glastonbury, Knightley leaves an enduring impact on audiences worldwide.

REVIEWS:

“Steve Knightley is a good, honest, thought provoking songwriter known for combating the prevailing forces of evil and idiocy. I strongly advise you to catch him on his forthcoming Irish tour.” Andy Irvine

“Steve Knightly is a powerhouse of a musician, singer, songwriter and entertainer, if you’re lucky enough to have him come to a venue near you, do the right thing, GO!“– Kathy Jordan, Dervish

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

‘A craftsman at the peak of his powers’ – Tony Hall former director general of the BBC

‘Some of the best songs written in the last twenty years’ – Mark Radcliffe

‘My favourite frontman’ – Fran Malyan former head of Sony Music Publishing

‘The gravel voiced spokesman of the rural poor’ – Robin Denselow The Guardian