MORE than 50 years on from his debut album Veteran singer-songwriter Steve Tilston is on tour in the UK.

The tour will take him around the country from May to July with two concerts locally at Chew Magna and Tetbury next month.

The BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner and inspiration for the Hollywood movie Danny Collins starring Al Pacino, he will be sharing songs from his latest album release ‘Last Call’ and older favourites from his vast back-catalogue.

Born in Liverpool, raised in the Midlands, now based in Yorkshire, Steve Tilston is one of the UK’s most celebrated songsmiths.

In a career spanning more than fifty years he has become widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music; the words, arrangements and subtle but quite superb guitar playing could be no one else.

He took a turn in the spotlight a decade ago when the story of his “lost” letter from John Lennon inspired the Hollywood movie Danny Collins featuring Al Pacino.

The writer of the classics The Slipjigs and Reels, Here’s to Tom Paine and the award-winning The Reckoning, Steve Tilston continues to surprise with his song-writing prowess.

Steve is also a dazzling guitarist drawing from folk, blues, jazz and classical to create a sound that is recognisably Tilston.

Joined by regular Yorkshire sideman Hugh Bradley on double bass, plus Bristol music scene stalwarts and long-time collaborator, harmonica maestro Keith Warmington and ace jazz drummer Tony Orrell on percussion, you can expect something very special indeed.

He will be playing Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre on Friday, May 15, with tickets available from: tetburygoodsshed.co.uk/events/steve-tilston-friends

On Saturday, May 16, it’s Chew Magna’s turn at Valley Arts at The Old School Room in Chew Magna.

Tickets can be purchased at: www.valley-arts.co.uk/Events/steve-tilston-16-may