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Steve Tilston

Part of Folk & Roots

This event has passed.

Folk legend Steve Tilston belatedly celebrates his half-century career milestone. Celebrations were dramatically curtailed by the pandemic, but are finally possible, in the city that has played a major part in Steve’s creative life.

It was here that Steve recorded his first album An Acoustic Confusion on the fledgling Village Thing label (which coincidentally also reached its 50th anniversary last year); he wrote some of his best-loved songs whilst living in the city and it’s 15th century Bristol that provides much of the backdrop for his novel All for Poor Jack.

Steve is one of our most celebrated songsmiths, widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music; the words, arrangements and subtle, superb guitar playing could be no one else.

“The more you listen, the more there is to discover.” Bob Harris

“A great narrator on top form.” The Observer ****

 “Classy, thoughtful, folk… I suspect Lennon would have approved.” The Guardian ****

He’s the writer of the classic The Slipjigs and Reels, The Naked Highwayman and Here’s to Tom Paine and his songs have been covered by a who’s who of the folk scene. As well as a hugely successful solo career, he’s toured with John Renbourn’s Ship of Fools, traditional singer Maggie Boyle, in WAZ!, with Maartin Allcock and Pete Zorn, the Ballet Rambert, with daughter Martha and most recently as Tilston & Lowe with Jez Lowe. And has produced an enviable catalogue of eclectic work.

Accolades include, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Best Original Song for The Reckoning; the subject of which is still sadly relevant today. Fatea Male Vocalist of the Year 2015. Numerous radio and TV appearances, notably Later with Jools Holland, BBC Four’s Songwriters’ Circle. He also gained further notoriety when the story of a long-lost letter from John Lennon hit the headlines internationally; inspiring the Hollywood movie Danny Collins starring Al Pacino.

Come and celebrate the landmark anniversary of this iconic and greatly admired artist. Joined by Bristol music scene stalwart and old mate, harmonica maestro Keith Warmington and regular accompanist, Yorkshire pal Hugh Bradley on double bass plus other special guests still to be announced; including daughter Martha, a well-known performer in her own right. You can expect something very special indeed.

Steve says: “Please join me as I celebrate getting away with it, more than 50 years now, for an evening of music at the beautiful St Georges. I’ll be covering songs from the last five-decades plus some brand-new ones too. I’m looking forward to finally celebrating with you all live-in-person!”

Pre-event Food & Drink

Enjoy delicious drinks and light bites from our Café Bar ahead of the event.

Available to pre-order when booking your tickets, you can choose from a selection of house drinks on arrival, accompanied by a board of bread, olives and dips (all Vegetarian). Just select which option – for one or two people – you would like, before checkout.

Your pre-ordered food and drink will be available to collect from the Café Bar from 60 minutes before the event. It’s the perfect way to begin your event experience at St George’s!