Steve Harley: Acoustic Band dates 2023

Steve Harley has announced a set of Spring / Summer live dates with his acclaimed Acoustic Band [all dates below, some already Sold Out]. Having recently celebrated the 50^th anniversary of Cockney Rebel, Steve is widely considered one of the most charismatic performers and he continues to play to sold-out venues across the UK and Europe.   The Times wrote, in a profile marking this half century, that signature hit ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)’, “Remains one of the most beloved songs of the modern age”. For Steve, life on the road is more than just a job: it is almost his life’s blood.

The Acoustic Band for 2023 will find Steve supported by long-standing band-mate, violinist/guitarist Barry Wickens, with Oli Hayhurst on double bass, and Dave Delarre on lead guitar. Steve has been playing Live shows around the world for over 50 years and the thrill of another night in another place to another audience has not dimmed at all. “I still get a buzz when boarding the tour bus, like I did all those years ago. There’s still that magical feeling. It has not diminished at all.”

The acoustic sets will include songs taken from his last album ‘Uncovered’ [re-recordings of a couple of his own songs nine others he’s always wanted to perform] but of course a selection from the vast and eclectic Harley Songbook. ‘Mr Soft’, ‘Judy Teen’, ‘Sebastian’ and the legendary ‘Make Me Smile’ will all be reproduced in the unique acoustic style. Close-Up Culture stated of an Acoustic Band show: “It was an intimate night in the presence of a great musician. An individual whose passion for live performance and perfection (it shows in his face) remains undiminished.”

Rod Stewart, who covered Steve’s song ‘A Friend For Life’, describes him as “One of the finest lyricists Britain has produced.”

MOJO said simply, “Harley creates rock songs that are proud, lyrical and full of yearning.”  Steve has also been described as “A consummate performer at the top of his game,” and Record Collector said: “Harley’s eloquent, on-the-edge shows never fail to impress”.

Steve has previously received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acoustic Music from the Acoustic Festival of Britain, and a prestigious Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.