Steve Harley to play Burnley Mechanics

A prolific songwriter and renowned lyricist, Steve’s set list is packed with all his big songs; “Judy Teen”, “Mr Soft”, “Here Comes The Sun”, “Mr Raffles (Man, It Was Mean)”, “Sebastian”, and of course the smash hit, “Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)”, which still guarantees a feel-good highlight at every show.

And yes, you’ve already guessed it, that lot at Burnley Mechanics have snapped him up to play at the Manchester Road venue. What a coup!

Steve began his singing career in London folk clubs in 1971 singing for free at Les Cousins, Bunjie’s and The Troubadour on nights featuring John Martin, Ralph McTell, Martin Carthy and Julie Felix, all leading lights of the London folk movement at the time.

He later joined folk band Odin as rhythm guitarist and co-singer, which was where he met the fellow Cockney Rebel violinist, John Crocker.

Cockney Rebel signed to EMI and in 1972 released “The Human Menagerie”. More albums followed including “The Psychomodo”, “Poetic Justice” and “The Quality Of Mercy” plus two other live acoustic CDs, “Stripped To The Bare Bones” and “Anytime”! Steve has written lyrics for several other artists, including his old friend Rod Stewart who has called him “one of the finest lyricists the UK has ever produced”.

Today Steve still loves to play live. “I love it more now than ever,” he said. “I cannot imagine stopping it. It’s what I do, play and sing.”

Tickets for the show on Wednesday, February 16th are £20 and are available from the Mechanics box office on 01282 664400 or via the theatre website at www.burnleymechanics.co.uk.