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Promoter: Magic Teapot Presents
There are few artists in the British music canon as genuinely beloved and idiosyncratic as Martin Stephenson. For over 40 years, the Durham-born songwriter has bypassed the cynicism of the “industry” to create a world of his own—one built on a “glorious collision” of folk, ragtime, jazz, and rockabilly.
On Friday, April 10, Stephenson brings his stripped-back acoustic trio to the intimate surroundings of Firebug in Leicester, a setting that perfectly suits his storytelling style.
This tour isn’t just another run of dates; it’s a celebration of a milestone. 2026 marks 40 years since the release of the Daintees’ seminal debut album, Boat to Bolivia. While the full band shows are legendary for their energy, the acoustic trio format allows Stephenson’s songwriting—and his legendary stage presence—to truly breathe.
Expect a setlist that spans the Daintees’ “big four” albums:
- Boat to Bolivia (1986)
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Gladsome, Humour and Blue (1987)
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Salutation Road (1989)
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The Boys Heart (1992)
Stephenson is famously “un-categorisable.” One moment you’re hearing a delicate finger-picked folk ballad, and the next, he’s launching into a sun-drenched piece of rootsy pop or a gritty punk-tinged rocker.
Beyond the music, it’s the connection that makes a Martin Stephenson gig special. Known for his warm, self-deprecating humour and “heart-in-your-mouth” intimacy, his shows often feel less like a formal concert and more like a gathering of old friends.
- Tickets: General Admission is approximately £22.00 (click here)
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Atmosphere: Firebug offers a relaxed, up-close environment that is ideal for this kind of “unplugged” storytelling.
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Age Restriction: This venue is typically 18+ for evening music events.
Martin Stephenson began his career as a busker aged 15. He then spent three years plying his trade as the guitar player in various bands in the North East of England . But Martin wanted more, he wanted to tell stories of his own and he was quickly developing ways of doing just that.
He developed his song-writing technique by firstly learning a few licks from a Spanish guitar book and repeated the process with Jazz, Blues, Country, SkifFle, Reggae etc. Eventually, this glorious collision of styles would become the trademark which Martin has carried through his career of almost 40 years. Martin formed his band The Daintees, who became busking sensations and were signed by Kitchenware at around the same time as Prefab Sprout and Hurrah! The band, and indeed Martin, have always been known for their incredible range of styles, each album covering a multitude of genres, tempos and moods.
The Daintees went on to release four critically acclaimed albums between 1986 & 1992; Boat To Bolivia, Gladsome Humour and Blue, Salutation Road, and The Boys Heart. Martin has since supported himself through a combination of extensive live work and a multitude of self financed solo albums. 2000 saw the reformation of theDaintees, and to this day Martin splits his time between solo and small collaborative projects with band albums and annual celebratory Daintees UK tours.
We are delighted to represent Martin in all configurations, be it his solo shows, with Rupert Hughes (acoustic guitar) & Niles Kreiger(fiddle and mandolin) as The Good Will Trio, with his full band Martin Stephenson & The Daintees, or as a stripped back Daintees show with Gary Dunn (guitar) and Finn McArdle (percussion) as The Daintees Trio.
A prolific and immensely popular performer, no show being the same, Martin is generally available for solo shows, and festivals throughout the summer in all guises. “… they [The Daintees] exude so much warmth and charm that you walk away wishing good to all mankind and wanting to hug everyone you encounter.” – Rockshot Magazine
Click here to see the Martin Stephenson showreel.