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| Show of Hands | |
|---|---|
| Name | Show of Hands |
| Background | group_or_band |
| Origin | Exeter, Devon |
| Genres | Folk music, English folk, British folk rock |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Labels | Talking Elephant, Hannibal Records, Chrysalis Records |
| Associated acts | Steve Knightley, Phil Beer, The Albion Band, Seth Lakeman, Kate Rusby |
Show of Hands
Show of Hands are an English folk duo formed in Exeter in 1986 by singer-guitarist Steve Knightley and multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer. Over several decades they have released numerous studio and live albums, toured internationally, and collaborated with artists and institutions across the British folk scene. Their work intersects with regional traditions, contemporary songcraft, and media projects involving broadcasters such as BBC Radio 2 and venues including Royal Albert Hall.
Formed after careers with acts tied to The Albion Band and regional Devon scenes, the duo’s early recordings drew attention from independent labels like Chrysalis Records and Hannibal Records. In the 1990s they expanded visibility through festival appearances at Cambridge Folk Festival, Sidmouth FolkWeek, and Glastonbury Festival, aligning with contemporaries such as Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson, Eliza Carthy, and Show of Hands-adjacent collaborators. Landmark projects included concept albums and commissions tied to regional institutions, partnerships with broadcasters like BBC Radio 4 and BBC Two, and critical recognition from publications such as fRoots and The Guardian. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s they navigated the changing music industry via independent label releases, direct-to-fan distribution strategies used by artists such as Mark Knopfler and Billy Bragg, and festival curations alongside Seth Lakeman and Bellowhead.
Their sound blends elements of English folk tradition, contemporary songwriting, and instrumental arrangements informed by Celtic music, Americana, and world music touches. Influences cited include songwriters and performers such as Ewan MacColl, Martin Carthy, Bert Jansch, Nick Drake, Paul Simon, and Donovan. Instrumentation features acoustic and electric guitars, fiddle, mandolin, and percussion, with arrangements that draw on techniques associated with John Martyn, Lindisfarne, Sandy Denny, and June Tabor. Narrative songwriting in their repertoire often references British cultural touchstones like Exeter Cathedral, Dartmoor, and maritime histories linked to Devonport and Plymouth.
The core partnership is Steve Knightley (vocals, guitar, concertina) and Phil Beer (vocals, fiddle, mandolin, guitar). For recordings and tours they have frequently augmented the duo with musicians including Matt Clifford (keyboards, orchestration), Paul Downes (guitar), Rod Clements (bass), and session players associated with acts like The Oyster Band and The Levellers. Special projects have involved orchestral arrangements featuring ensembles tied to institutions such as Royal Albert Hall residencies and collaborations with choirs from conservatoires like Royal College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Their discography spans studio albums, live recordings, and compilations released on labels including Talking Elephant and independent imprint releases. Notable studio albums include works with thematic or regional focus that placed them alongside catalogue items from Fairport Convention and Richard Thompson. Live albums document performances at venues such as Royal Albert Hall and festival stages like Cambridge Folk Festival and Sidmouth FolkWeek. Compilation appearances include tribute projects alongside artists like Kate Rusby, Johnny Marr, and Martin Simpson.
Known for dynamic live shows, they have headlined festivals including Cambridge Folk Festival, Cropredy Festival, and Glastonbury Festival, and undertaken tours across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. Collaborative appearances feature shared bills with Emmylou Harris, Lindsey Buckingham, Sinead O'Connor, and British folk revivals including Bellowhead. Their concert programming has ranged from stripped-back duo sets to expanded ensembles and special commission nights at venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre, and regional theatres in Devon and Cornwall.
They have received nominations and awards from institutions and ceremonies linked to the folk industry, including acknowledgements from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, endorsement from critics at The Guardian and Mojo, and features in radio programming on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 3. Their recordings have charted on specialist listings alongside releases by Fairport Convention, Seth Lakeman, Eliza Carthy, and Kate Rusby. Industry recognition also includes invitations to contribute to national cultural events and commissions from arts bodies connected to Arts Council England and regional cultural trusts.
Their longevity and catalogue have influenced a generation of British folk artists, songwriters, and festival curators, cited by performers such as Seth Lakeman, Lucy Ward, Bellowhead, and Sam Carter. They contributed to the mainstreaming of contemporary English folk songwriting and helped shape programming at festivals like Sidmouth FolkWeek and Cambridge Folk Festival. Academic and journalistic treatments of modern British folk traditions reference their role alongside movements involving Fairport Convention, The Albion Band, and singer-songwriters from the South West England scene. Their model of independent touring, community engagement, and collaborative projects continues to inform artists negotiating careers in the 21st-century music industry.
Category:English folk music groups