Think of STEVE HARLEY and instantly you’d go to that classic 1975 number one single, MAKE ME SMILE (COME UP AND SEE ME), and why wouldn’t you. It is regularly voted among the top singles in the history of the charts, which covers six decades of releases. The Performing Rights Society has also confirmed MAKE ME SMILE one of the most played records in British broadcasting.

More than that however, it’s just a great song, which really does make you smile every time you hear it.

For us though, it’s cSteve’s incredible catalogue of music which makes him such an endearing artist. Just take a look at his other classic hit songs – JUDY TEEN, MR SOFT, MR RAFFLES (MAN, IT WAS MEAN), HERE COMES THE SUN, LOVE’S A PRIMA DONNA, IRRESISTIBLE, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (with SARAH BRIGHTMAN) and A FRIEND FOR LIFE.

But it’s live where you really capture the true essence of what Steve does. Widely considered one of the most charismatic performers on stage, Steve continues to play to sold-out venues across the UK and Europe. 

For him, life on the road is more than just a job: it is almost his life’s blood. 

And with the February 2020 release of the all-acoustic CD, “UNCOVERED”, the original Cockney Rebel shows no sign of slowing down.

The Acoustic Band for this year will find Steve supported by long-standing violinist/guitarist Barry Wickens, and Oli Heyhurst on double bass, with Dave Delarre on lead acoustic guitar.

Steve has been playing Live shows around the world for over 45 years and the thrill of another night in another place to another audience has not dimmed at all. He told us……

“We have real adventures on tour. I’ve seen the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and dozens of wonderful galleries, museums and great cities, all on my down-time. I have a great life as a Wandering Minstrel!

I love it more now than ever. I cannot imagine stopping it. It’s what I do, play and sing.

“UNCOVERED” includes a re-recording of Steve’s popular song “Love, Compared With You” with a newly composed third verse, plus eleven other songs he’s always wanted to perform. The album features Barry Wickens on viola and acoustic guitar, Oli Hayhurst on double bass, Tom Hooper on percussion and the Roots Music Legend, Martin Simpson, on guitar. Steve also sings a duet with the amazing Scottish singer, Eddi Reader.

The acoustic sets for 2022 will include songs from the new CD, plus a selection from the vast and eclectic Harley Songbook. Mr Soft, Judy Teen, Sebastian and the legendary Make Me Smile will all be re-produced in the unique acoustic style.

Close-Up Culture stated……

“It was an intimate night in the presence of a great musician. An individual whose passion for live performance and perfection (it shows in his face) remains undiminished.”.

Rod Stewart, who covered Steve’s song “A Friend For Life”, describes him as “One of the finest lyricists Britain has produced.”

MOJO said simply……

“Harley creates rock songs that are proud, lyrical and full of yearning.” 

Steve has also been described as “A consummate performer at the top of his game,” and this show will bear that out.

Steve received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acoustic Music from the Acoustic Festival of Britain in 2018. 

So what does someone like Steve do to relax when he’s not on the road? Well, it’s horses. He has been involved in racehorse ownership since 1984 and racing is his main pastime.

“It’s my therapy. My hobby. I only wish I could have ridden a big, good steeplechaser over the Cheltenham course just once in my life.”

And that takes us back to where we started – Come Up And See me. The song has been covered MORE THAN 100 TIMES in seven languages and has been featured in several movies including THE FULL MONTY (whose soundtrack album went TRIPLE PLATINUM in the UK, and PLATINUM in the USA and Australia), VELVET GOLDMINE, BEST and SAVING GRACE. The song has also been used on more than twenty TV and radio advertising campaigns around the world.

We linked to the original at the top of the page but here’s the fantastic live acoustic version.

STEVE HARLEY is out on the road right now with his fantastic acoustic band. They have already played some dates around Wales with more here in South Wales tonight and tomorrow……….

• Monday 6th & Tuesday 7th June – CARDIFF – Acapela Studio

You can get tickets for the Cardiff dates HERE.