The Story of Show of Hands: A Decade of Collaboration with Firebrand Music
Show of Hands is one of the most celebrated and enduring acts in the British folk scene. Their journey, spanning over three decades, has seen them rise from grassroots performers to a band whose music resonates far beyond the folk world. At the heart of this journey was their long-standing partnership with Firebrand Music, which acted as their management and promotional agency for over ten years. This collaboration helped shape Show of Hands’ career, introducing their music to a broader audience and supporting them through some of their most ambitious projects.
Early Beginnings and the Folk Roots
Formed in the late 1980s, Show of Hands began with two founding members, Steve Knightley and Phil Beer. Both had deep roots in the folk tradition but brought a fresh, innovative approach to their music. Combining traditional folk with contemporary influences, they created a unique sound that quickly set them apart. Beer’s instrumental prowess—on violin, guitar, and mandolin—combined with Knightley’s rich, storytelling song writing, made for a compelling duo.
Throughout the 1990s, Show of Hands built a loyal fanbase through relentless touring and releasing music that spoke to the heart of the English experience. Their albums Lie of the Land (1995) and Dark Fields (1997) were early markers of their ability to blend the old and new, creating music that was socially conscious and deeply rooted in tradition.
The Firebrand Music Years
In the mid-2000s, Show of Hands joined forces with Firebrand Music, a pivotal moment in their career. Firebrand, with its strong reputation for artist development and promotion, took the reins in managing the band’s increasingly complex tour schedules, album releases, and promotional efforts. This collaboration enabled Show of Hands to expand their reach, performing at major venues, securing television and radio appearances, and connecting with a broader audience.
One of the major successes during the Firebrand years was the band’s legendary performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2007, a venue they had always aspired to play. Firebrand’s strategic management and promotion helped make this milestone a reality, marking a high point in the band’s career. This performance was captured on the album Show of Hands – Live at the Royal Albert Hall, which remains a fan favourite.
During this period, the band continued to release critically acclaimed albums such as Arrogance Ignorance and Greed (2009), which won “Best Original Song” at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and Wake the Union (2012), an album that further solidified their place as leading voices in modern folk.
Expanding Horizons
With Firebrand’s backing, Show of Hands took their music to new places, embarking on international tours, including appearances at festivals in Australia, Canada, and Europe. They also began to experiment more with their sound, collaborating with other musicians and incorporating broader influences into their music, as heard on albums like The Long Way Home (2016). Firebrand played a key role in facilitating these collaborations and ensuring that their releases reached new audiences.
In addition to their studio work, Show of Hands became known for their powerful live performances, where their chemistry and musicianship shone brightest. Under Firebrand’s guidance, the band was able to expand their touring footprint, from intimate folk clubs to large festival stages, becoming a staple act at the likes of Cambridge Folk Festival and Celtic Connections.
The Legacy
The partnership between Show of Hands and Firebrand Music was an instrumental part of the band’s success. Firebrand’s expert management helped Show of Hands navigate the challenges of the music industry, allowing them to focus on what they do best—creating music that speaks to the human experience. The band’s enduring popularity and influence can be traced in part to this decade-long collaboration.
Today, Show of Hands continues to tour and record, with their legacy firmly established as one of the UK’s most important folk acts. Their music, which ranges from political anthems to personal ballads, remains as relevant as ever. And while the collaboration with Firebrand Music has concluded, the years they spent together were some of the most formative and fruitful in the band’s history.
For more on their story, visit The Show of Hands Story.
