'Dave McCabe (The Zutons) with very Special Guest James Jay Lewis'

Dave McCabe of The Zutons Brings Iconic Songbook to a Raw, Intimate Acoustic Show

Dave McCabe — songwriter, frontman, and founding force behind The Zutons — is set to deliver a powerful acoustic performance that strips one of Britain's most distinctive songbooks down to its raw emotional core.

Raised in Liverpool and forged on its famously uncompromising music scene, McCabe's path into music was driven by instinct, grit, and a deep connection to soul, rock 'n' roll, and classic songwriting. Long before chart success, he was honing his craft in local bands, building a reputation for fearless vocals and lyrics that cut straight to the bone. That foundation would soon fuel something bigger.

In the early 2000s, McCabe formed The Zutons, a band that refused to follow trends and instead carved out their own sound — a sharp, swaggering blend of indie rock, funk, and soul. At a time when guitars dominated the UK charts, The Zutons stood apart, earning critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal following.

Their debut album Who Killed…… The Zutons? announced them as a major new force, while Tired of Hanging Around cemented their status. Songs like "Pressure Point," "Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?" and "Valerie" didn't just define an era — they endured. "Valerie" would go on to become a modern classic, achieving global recognition and securing McCabe's place as one of the great British songwriters of his generation.

But beyond the hits, McCabe's work has always been about honesty, heart, and human connection. His solo material pushed deeper, revealing a songwriter unafraid to expose vulnerability and evolve beyond expectations.

This acoustic show is McCabe at his most direct and uncompromising. No full band. No filters. Just guitar, voice, and songs that have lived real lives. Expect stripped-back versions of classic Zutons tracks, deep cuts, and solo material delivered with intensity, warmth, and grit — along with the stories and moments that shaped them.

This is not nostalgia. It's reinvention. A chance to hear iconic songs as they were first written — raw, emotional, and immediate.

For fans of The Zutons, lovers of great songwriting, and anyone who believes the best music doesn't need to shout to hit hard, this is an unmissable live experience.

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Special Guest - James Jay Lewis (The Zutons / CAST / The La's)

James 'Jay' Lewis is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist whose career places him at the heart of three of Liverpool's most significant modern bands. From performing with 1990s legends The La's, to his current role as bass player in CAST alongside long-time friend and musical collaborator John Power, and as lead guitarist in The Zutons, Lewis has spent decades on the world's biggest stages, quietly shaping the sound of British guitar music.

Lewis picked up his first guitar at the age of eight and committed early to a life in music. Teaching himself through obsessive listening and relentless practice, he absorbed the influence of artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Nick Drake, developing a style rooted in feel, tone, and musical instinct rather than flash. That grounding would define a career built on consistency, trust, and musical integrity.

His time performing with The La's placed him directly inside Liverpool's most revered musical lineage. That connection evolved into a lasting creative partnership with John Power, first within CAST and continuing through Lewis's current role as the band's bass player. CAST became one of the UK's defining post-Britpop bands, playing major tours and festivals, and Lewis remains a key part of their live and recording line-up.

As lead guitarist in The Zutons, Lewis helped shape the band's distinctive groove-driven sound. His playing is an essential part of the band's identity, contributing to songs that have gone on to define an era. He was also integrally involved in the band's most recent album, reaffirming his central role in their ongoing creative evolution.

Alongside his band work, Lewis has built a compelling solo catalogue, releasing two albums that reveal the full scope of his musicianship. Both records were written and produced entirely by Lewis. Back to the Fountain is a fully acoustic album — a detailed, atmospheric journey where every sound serves the song. In contrast, Waiting for the World is a raw, lo-fi garage-blues record, with Lewis playing all instruments himself. His live shows reflect this duality, typically delivered as split sets that showcase both sides of his writing.

Lewis's career has also seen him work with Nile Rodgers at Abbey Road Studios, a testament to the depth and respect his musicianship commands. Later this year, he will perform with CAST as support on the Oasis reunion stadium shows, placing him once again on the largest stages in the country.

This very personal acoustic show strips everything back to its core. Alone with guitar and voice, Lewis presents songs from across his career in their most direct form — honest, exposed, and uncompromising. No production, no distractions — just the songs, the stories, and the lifetime that shaped them.

This is not nostalgia. It is a living body of work, delivered by an artist whose influence has been earned through decades of commitment to the music.