About Steve
Steve Knightley's background provides all the ingredients for an itinerant West Country Celtic storyteller:
'I was born in Southhampton. My great-grandfather was a dockmaster and both my grandfathers worked in the docks. One of my grandmothers was Irish, the other Scottish. When I was five the family moved to Devon. I started playing the guitar and mandolin at fourteen and was soon performing in folk clubs and bars in and around Exeter'.
Knightley was first attracted to acoustic music after listening to early Baez and Dylan records. He began performing while still at school, eventually leaving to study politics and history in Coventry. Downes and Beer began using Steve's songs in their live shows and regularly stayed with him when they were in the midlands. Steve completed a postgraduate certificate in education at Sussex University and moved to London, where for six years he was involved in the mainstream music scene. He moved back to Dorset in the mid eighties and began supply teaching at a local school. It was here that he gave guitar lessons to Polly (PJ) Harvey. Steve worked with Phil from 1987 when Phil was still in the Albion Band, and later, in Show of Hands, Steve's own material was used more and more. He is a prolific and talented songwriter with an astounding voice ('...vast and windswept...' Q Magazine).
Steve’s first solo album in eight years, with a more stripped down, acoustic feel. New original songs and a rework of ‘Crooked Man’. Co-produced by Steve and Mark Tucker at the Presshouse Studio in Colyton.
Order Steve Knightley's Songbook 3 from the Show of Hands online store now click here
The combined Songbooks 1 & 2 are also still available
Steve's Cruel River Tour Part 2
With supporting guest Jenna
Dates for early next year:
January 2008
THUR 24/01/08 ROYAL SPA CENTRE, LEAMINGTON SPA 01926 334418
FRI 25/01/08 BRIDGEWATER ARTS CENTRE 01278 422700
SAT 26/01/08 SHINING FRIENDS, LICKEY HALLS, BROMSGROVE 0121 445 2342
THU 31/01/08 THE MET,BURY 0161 761 2216 February 2008
FRI 01/02/08 ST PETERS CHURCH, MARLBOROUGH 01672 512465
SUN 03/02/08 HITCHIN FOLK CLUB 01462 812391
FRI 08/02/08 FALMOUTH PRINCESS 01326 211222
SAT 09/02/08 HAVANT ARTS CENTRE 023 9247 2700
SUN 10/02/08 BARNFIELD EXETER 01392 270891
SAT 16/02/08 ASSEMBLY ROOMS, DERBY 01332 255800
SUN 17/02/08 BUNGAY, FISHER THEATRE, 01986 897130
MON 18/02/08 NETTLEBED VILLAGE CLUB 01628 636620
WED 27/02/08 PACIFIC ROAD ARTS CENTRE, BIRKENHEAN 0151 647 0752
FRI 29/02/08 THE ANVIL, BASINGSTOKE 01256 844244 March 2008
SAT 01/03/08 WEST CHILTINGTON 01798 812661
SUN 02/03/08 PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE, 01805 624624
Hello Steve, hope you are well? I was listening to Exile the other day. I thought I wold let you know that I think it is a beautiful song. Love Kelly xx
Thanks for your support Steve, much appreciated. We've just put up our first demo on MySpace. We'd love it if you & your fans would give it a listen & add a comment. Great respect for your work, cheers PR of Kiss the Rod.
Thanks for adding Rambles. NET to your friends' list!
Hey, if you would like your music to be considered for a feature on our site, be sure to send a couple of review CDs our way. (You can find the mailing address on our page.) We love to share new music with our readers!
Really enjoyable evening at the Stables back in January. Good to hear tracks from Cruel River and some old favourites like Track of Words and Hook of Love.
My fortnightly radio show, the Quiet Revolution, on HFM Radio continues to support your music and that of Show of Hands. The show is on-air Tuesdays 10pm-12 Midnight online at www. harboroughfm. co. uk and 102.3 FM in local area.
Hi Steve, An excellent show in Bridgwater last night. Highlights had to include 'The Dive' and 'All I'd ever lost' - so atmospheric!. Our thoughts continue to be with Jack, you and the rest of the family.
Excellent show tonight, the venue and crowd were a little staid for my liking but you and Jenna were fantastic. Sorry can't make it to Leamington Spa, would bring a flask and hamper if I could. I have put a plea out to the Mire to see if there is anyone in the area who can come to your aid ;-) Hope your drive back to Exeter passes smoothly and that Jack is making progress.
Had to stop by and wish you and your family a good Christmas and Happy New Year for 2008. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed for little Jack and hope for a better 2008 with good news.
I also ask that you show your support for the Bristol Arena Campaign. Something I am also involved with. To find out more please go to:
Thanks for adding me. I first saw SoH in 94, I think it was, at Felbrigg and have been a huge fan of both SoH and you and Phil ever since. I send my sincerest good wishes for you all, especially little Jack, and hope for a speedy recovery.
I was at the Colston Hall last night, Steve, and cannot let pass without comment such a great-hearted and admirable performance. Very many thanks. Sending love to you and your family XX
we are all thinking of jack and your family up here in lincolnshire if the power of good wishes can be a cure he would be well in no time not easy but stay strong and positive SNAK
I wont even pretend to know what you must be going through. Wish Jack a full and speedy recovery from us all here. Best wishes to you and the rest of your family.
Love to you, Clare and the family. Be strong and good times will return as Jack gets better. Take care and rest assured that everyone who knows you has you in their hearts. xxx Rob and (mum) Elsie
Steve and Clare, Having recently had the "it can't happen to our family" theory thrown in my face, I know what you are going through and can tell you that it is possible to persevere, not only because you have to, but also because the support of friends, families and strangers helps make it possible. Hang in there and keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel
Hey! Just wanted to let you kno that my parents are obsessed with your music! & show of hands! they always go and see u at hall for cornwall! Anyways thats all! x-x-x-x-x-x
Stopping by to say Hello and Thank You for adding Me. I Love Your Music Very Much and it is of Great Pleasure to Support You. Wishing You the Very Best and a Great Day and Week.
