Phil Beer comes from a musical Methodist background in Teignmouth, Devon. He plays a range of stringed instruments, mainly in folk and folk-rock styles. He has been a professional musician since the age of 16, working with Paul Downes and also in the Arizona Smoke Revue and Johnny Coppin's band; he toured and recorded with Mike Oldfield, and was a member of the Albion Band from 1984 to 1991. In 1991 he and his long-time friend Steve Knightley formed Show of Hands, which became one of the foremost folk-rock duos. In between Show of Hands tours and recordings, Phil and Steve do their own thing - in Phil's case, the Phil Beer Band (consisting of Phil and various guests).
