REBECCA DOWNES & HER BAND

A STORM IS COMING – AND IT'S HEADING STRAIGHT FOR BARNOLDSWICK!

AWARD-WINNING BLUES-ROCK • SOUL-SOAKED VOCALS • SEARING GUITARS • THE POWER OF A GREAT BRITISH ROCK BAND

Special Afternoon Matinee | Doors 12.30pm | On Stage 1.30pm

"Whilst you have the likes of Joanne Shaw Taylor, Chantel McGregor and Rebecca Downes playing the Blues, then Blues in the UK is most definitely in a very good place." — Joe Bonamassa, as quoted by UK Music Reviews.

There are singers who perform the blues, and there are singers who seem to have lived every word, every heartbreak and every hard-won triumph. Rebecca Downes belongs firmly in the latter camp. Armed with one of the most commanding voices in contemporary British blues-rock, a formidable band and a critically acclaimed new album, the Wolverhampton-born powerhouse returns to Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre in early 2027 for another electrifying afternoon of original music, raw emotion and serious rock 'n' roll.

For those who have witnessed Rebecca and her band in our intimate listening room before, you'll know exactly what to expect. This is no polite exercise in blues nostalgia. This is music with muscle, melody and attitude, delivered by musicians who understand that the finest blues-rock doesn't simply need to be loud — it needs to mean something.

Rebecca's musical journey began in the West Midlands, where she was performing live by the age of thirteen. Her career took a decisive turn when she joined forces with guitarist, songwriter and producer Steve Birkett, beginning a creative partnership that has since produced an impressive catalogue of fiercely independent original music. From Back To The Start (2013) and Believe (2016) through to More Sinner Than Saint (2019) and The Space Between Us (2022), Downes has steadily developed a sound that draws from traditional blues, classic British rock, American soul and contemporary hard rock without being confined by any of them. Along the way came major recognition, including Female Vocalist and Emerging Artist honours at the 2016 British Blues Awards and Female Blues Vocalist at the 2018 UK Blues Awards.

But if those earlier records established her credentials, her latest studio album, A Storm Is Coming, released on her own Mad Hat Records label on 31 October 2025, represents another significant leap forward. Ten original songs packed with muscular guitar riffs, swirling Hammond organ, huge choruses and some of the most emotionally charged vocal performances of her career. It's an album about confrontation, resilience, relationships and ultimately finding the strength to move forward. From the driving urgency of Never Gonna Take You Back and Hold The Reins to the smouldering intensity of Waiting For The Morning and the defiant optimism of Hit The Ground Running, this is blues-rock with a thoroughly modern pulse.

The critics have been paying attention. In January 2026, Classic Rock Magazine's Philip Wilding observed that the record moves further into hard rock territory, with powerful ballads and a sound capable of challenging the likes of Beth Hart and Black Stone Cherry. Glen Parkes of Jace Media Music called it "a thunderous, emotionally charged masterclass in modern blues-rock," while Planet Rock's Bernard Doherty awarded it a glowing five-star endorsement. American Blues Scene also praised the album's willingness to stretch the emotional and creative boundaries of the genre.

And the momentum has continued throughout 2026. Both Falling Into You and Waiting For The Morning have enjoyed Planet Rock playlist support, while live versions of Hit The Ground Running and Let You Down Slow have brought a fresh dimension to the new material. Far from resting on her reputation, Rebecca continues to develop as a songwriter, performer and independent recording artist, taking her music to an increasingly appreciative rock and blues audience.

Of course, great songs are only half the story. On stage, Rebecca is backed by a seriously accomplished band, with longtime musical partner Steve Birkett on guitar and vocals, Neil Ablard on drums, Nigel Darvill on keyboards and Hammond, and James Peterson on bass. Together they create a rich, powerful sound that can move effortlessly from smoky, late-night blues to full-throttle rock, providing the perfect backdrop for a singer whose voice can be tender and vulnerable one moment and absolutely explosive the next.

For Barnoldswick audiences, this promises to be another very special return visit. A remarkable British singer, a band at the top of its game and a collection of songs that deserve to be heard live, up close and without compromise. Rebecca Downes has never been interested in simply keeping the blues alive. She's far more concerned with pushing it forward.

The storm has already broken. Now it's heading back to Barnoldswick. And we can't wait.