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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
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
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Barbican Theatre
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on Thu 27 November 2025