Steve Hill, One-Man Band Casts A Spell At Academy Islington

Being an opening act is always tricky. You never know what to expect or how many people will turn up early in the hope of some good music. And then there are venues like O2 Academy Islington, where I’ve seen great opening bands playing to an almost empty room. So if challenges are your kind of thing, top of the list would be a one-man band opening for rock veterans Wishbone Ash.

But young Canadian one-man blues-rock machine Steve Hill is totally up for the challenge.

Far from the mainstream, Hill does things his own way and, in a world where most people try to follow others, we need those who take the road less travelled. His innovative approach to music lets him do and be whatever he wants on stage. He’s a singer, lead guitarist, rhythm guitarist, drummer, magician. Singing and playing guitar, he also plays bass drum, snare drum, and the audience (as they are clearly another one of his instruments).

A short, seven-song set offered a mixture of all of his released albums, called simply Volume 1, 2, and 3. Volume 3 was released just a few weeks ago on 6th of October. This performance, along with multiple dates through October and November, are part of an extensive UK promo tour.

One of the best parts of being a music photographer is being able to discover a new band and fall in love with them. That’s exactly what happened to me on that magic night. Somewhere between The Ballad Of Johny Wabo and the latest single Dangerous, I fell in love entirely with the music created by the one man standing in the blinding lights of O2 Academy Islington. When the last song of the set, a brilliant cover of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love, sounded from the stage, I looked around at the amazed audience. It was clear, that I wasn’t the only one to discover something that night. It was my all-time favourite song that once again gave me goosebumps, but this time played by just one man.

Steve Hill is currently touring as a support act for Wishbone Ash, and I strongly recommend you see him at one of his upcoming dates in a town near you. He’s one of my favourite discoveries of 2017.

Wishbone Ash – October 2017 UK Tour with special guest Steve Hill

Tuesday 31-Oct- 17 Princess Theatre, Hunstanton

Thursday 02-Nov- 17 Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, Wirral

Friday 03-Nov- 17 The Tivoli, Buckley

Saturday 04-Nov- 17 Whitby Pavilion Theatre, Whitby

Sunday 05-Nov- 17 The Lowry Manchester

Tuesday 07-Nov- 17 The Flowerpot, Derby

Wednesday 08-Nov- 17 The Irish Centre, Leeds

Thursday 09-Nov- 17 Bootleggers, Kendal

Friday 10-Nov- 17 The Jam House, Edinburgh

Saturday 11-Nov- 17 The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

Sunday 12-Nov- 17 The Ferry, Glasgow

Tuesday 14-Nov- 17 Riverside Lodge, Morpeth

Wednesday 15-Nov- 17 ARC, Stockton-on- Tees

Thursday 16-Nov- 17 The Layton, Blackpool

Friday 17-Nov- 17 The Picturedrome, Holmfirth

Saturday 18-Nov- 17 ASHCON, Clitheroe

Steve Hill was live at O2 Academy Islington, 19th October 2017

Photography & Words by Edyta K

Brontës Unveil Self-Titled Debut Album Packed With Pop Hooks And Raw Honesty

Glasgow’s rising indie outfit Brontës have officially released their long-awaited self-titled debut album, arriving today. A bold introduction to the band’s evolving sound, the record captures both their playful pop sensibilities and a newfound emotional depth.

Janet Devlin: Embracing The Chaos And Owning The Narrative

Sitting in a London studio amid the constant churn of filming, editing, releasing, and preparing for another run of live shows, Janet Devlin is exactly where you’d expect her to be: in motion. Even before the conversation properly begins, she’s laughing about the whirlwind surrounding her latest release.

Louise Aubrie Unveils ‘Midnight Calls’, Bridging London Grit With LA Glamour

London-born indie rocker Louise Aubrie returns with her striking new single Midnight Calls, a bold and cinematic introduction to her forthcoming sixth studio album LFA. The track not only marks the beginning of a new era for Aubrie, but also reflects the transatlantic life that has come to define her artistry.

Unpeople Return With Defiant New Single ‘Clouds’ Ahead Of Huge Festival Run

UK heavy risers unpeople have unleashed their ferocious new single clouds, marking a powerful return for the four-piece and further cementing their reputation as one of the most exciting emerging forces in modern heavy music. Out now, the track arrives alongside an equally striking visual, showcasing the band’s uncompromising vision.

Lastelle - Takedown Festival @ Portsmouth Guildhall (Rebecca Cairns)

Takedown Festival 2026 – Saturday: Atmosphere, Ambition And A Glimpse Into Heavy Music’s Future

If Friday had been centred heavily upon the good old-fashion riff, then Saturday very much favours a focus on...

Asovmel - Takedown Festival @ Portsmouth Guildhall (Rebecca Cairns)

Takedown Festival 2026 – Friday: Honouring Legacy, Fuelled By Riffs

Taking place over two days (Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April) and three stages at the Portsmouth Guildhall, Takedown...

Atlus Unveils Deeply Personal Debut Album ‘Art Of Letting Go’

Rising country crossover artist Atlus has officially released his label debut album Art Of Letting Go, a 15-track project that marks a defining moment in his rapidly ascending career. Out now, the record captures a raw and unfiltered look at the experiences that have shaped him both personally and artistically.

CQ Wrestling Share Reflective New Single ‘Finish Line’ And Detail UK Headline Tour

Brighton duo CQ Wrestling have unveiled their powerful new single Finish Line, the latest preview of their forthcoming second album Resistance, due for release on 22nd May.