Electric violinist, songwriter and composer Steve Wickham of The Waterboys fame makes his Kings Place debut accompanied by Ray Coen from No Crows, as part of London Roots Festival.

Steve Wickham is an award-winning Irish artist. He made his recording debut with U2 on ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ in 1982. His distinctive playing has been a contribution to The Waterboys sound for over 30 years and he has performed with Mike Scott on some of the world’s great stages like the Carnegie Hall in New York, Sydney Opera House and The Royal Albert Hall.

Writing songs and music has been his life since his early days. He continues to explore new musical territory. Whether it’s on film or theatre or live. From composing and performing a crossover with Sligo baroque orchestra and Congolese soukous band Tropicana Musica to his work with world music group NoCrows which incorporates gypsy jazz, classical and traditional Irish music, he’s always moving forward.

His solo work is a unique trip with a musician undefined and unfettered. Two solo albums Geronimo’ in 2006 and Beekeeper 2017. Beekeeper shows an artist in full flow. His live show is full of incandescent playing, sensitivity and wit.

Performance time approx. 2 hours including interval.

Jack Valero’s debut single Heaven Help Me made a big statement for a debut artist and his conversational lyricism, understated witty streak alongside spirited folk-rock instrumentation and a knack for timeless British pop songwriting proved to be a popular pick from new music champions and earning airplay from John Kennedy at Radio X and Chris Hawkins at 6 Music being moved to say ‘this is very impressive…..stand out new music from Jack Valero…with feels of classic Elvis Costello’.

Fresh from Summer sets at Avalon Cafe Stage and Strummerville at Glastonbury, a support tour with Will Varley and a first foray to the US as a solo artist Jack shared his second track Hollow Warmth to growing appreciation and follows in November with final debut EP track Form Over Function.

The Line Of Best Fit:  “with new track Hollow Warmth, both songs showcase Valero’s talent for classic songwriting, emotionally-driven storytelling, and a warm melody that hooks in your head and heart”

CLASH: “Rising songwriter Jack Valero has a deft yet assured touch, his folk-hewn acoustic hymnals carrying a lush, late summer feel”