Knight & Spiers

at Barbican Theatre, Plymouth
£20.00

Add to your event list

Please note: Info provided by the Event Organiser

Both Peter Knight and John Spiers have made long lasting and significant

contributions to the English folk scene via their work with Steeleye Span and

Bellowhead respectively, and each in their own way has changed the perception of

what traditional music can be, introducing it to much wider audiences. As members

of the Gigspanner Big Band, they have expanded those boundaries ever further.

'Folk A-Listers', 'Folk Royalty', 'Folk Icons' are terms frequently applied to them, but

what it means in reality is that they bring the best of traditional music to any stage

they play.


The exquisite explorations of the liminal space that exists between traditional and

classical music is what makes the music of Peter Knight and John Spiers so

compelling and beguiling, ultimately rendering genres irrelevant.

In the words of Tradfolk: As a duo, they have developed into thrilling exponents of

traditional tunes and songs, repurposing the material as jumping-off points into the

most enchanting exploration.

It’s largely through touring as a duo that they’ve been able to cultivate what has

become an extraordinary partnership, giving them the confidence to record their

latest studio album, Both in a Tune, chosen as one of the ‘10 Best New Albums from

Around the World’ by the influential music journal, SONGLINES.

Knight & Spiers

On a summer's day in 2016, the organisers of FolkEast Festival masterminded one of the most intriguing and exciting collaborations on today's folk scene. Peter Knight, legendary violinist and ex-member of folk-rock band Steeleye Span was paired with leading melodeon player and ex-Bellowhead member, John Spiers, for a special one-off performance which left audiences in awe. With no space to be found in the marquee, people stood five deep in the pouring rain in order to witness the bringing together of two of the most genuinely gifted musicians in their respective fields. With a standing ovation and roars for more, and much to the delight of folk fans everywhere, Knight and Spiers decided not to leave things there. The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something that should inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage. These uniquely gifted musicians make a sublime pairing, and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time.

See Knight & Spiers tour dates

Peter Knight

Formerly with Steeleye Span

See Peter Knight tour dates

John Spiers

John is undoubtedly one of the best melodeon players of his generation. Over the past decade or so he has straddled the line between the traditional and contemporary, performing under the guise of Spiers & Boden and with folk super group Bellowhead.

See John Spiers tour dates

Barbican Theatre

Castle Street
Plymouth
PL1 2NJ

Website:
barbicantheatre.co.uk

See all events at Barbican Theatre

Barbican Theatre

Castle Street
Plymouth
PL1 2NJ

Website:
barbicantheatre.co.uk

See all events at Barbican Theatre

Find places to stay near Barbican Theatre

on Thu 27 November 2025