It was no surprise that we sold out of tickets for this event 10 days before it was held. So Steve played to a full house - and an audience of devotees. It was possibly quite a nostalgic gig for him. The Open House, or the Springfield as it used to be known, witnessed many performances in the seventies of people like him. But not many of them went on to become national folk heroes or to produce world-class music. It was a nostalgic evening for the audience as well. They knew the words when it was time to sing along and they lapped up any references to past times.

Steve always gives a great performance and this was one of his best. He has a collection of beautiful instruments and he produces an eclectic repertoire that includes ballads, contemporary folk songs, traditional numbers, with and without instruments, and the occasional very tasteful cover. He writes everything from haunting ballads to songs for the audience to join in with; he puts poetry to music and he brings tales of humour and hardship to those who come to listen. But what is most memorable when you walk away is his obvious passion for life and his ability to write that passion into his music. Many of his songs are stories and they make you sit up and think about who you are and where you come from - they get right to the soul.

So our second club night was everything we had hoped for and more. We’re very grateful to the bar staff, who looked after us all so well, and to Stuart Reed, Pete and Annie, and Chloe, who gave quality floor spots. But most of all, we give a very special vote of thanks to Steve Knightley.

Tags: Ness, Alan