Scott Matthews

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026 at 19:00:00

Ivor-Novello winner Scott Matthews celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Passing Stranger, at The Y Theatre in Leicester on September 25. Experience a mesmeric evening of poetic folk, rock, and blues as he performs evolved versions of his timeless songs and new live material.

Twenty years ago, Scott Matthews emerged from the Black Country, challenged the status quo and quickly established himself as one of the most revered singer-songwriters of a generation with his mesmeric and inimitable debut album, Passing Stranger. The album that fearlessly pushed generic boundaries with a unique tapestry of folk, rock, blues and ethnic song-writing, earned Matthews some of the highest accolades in the music industry and the respect of fellow artists including Robert Plant, Foo Fighters, Rufus Wainwright and Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien, who described Scott’s music as ‘timeless…existing outside any genre…a beautiful thing’. It is clear that Scott has left an indelible mark upon the world of music. To mark the beginning of the anniversary year, the Ivor-Novello award winning artist will be releasing a brand-new live album and performing a select number of shows across the UK. Matthews’ latest release will be the first volume in a series of exploratory live albums that document the transfiguration of songs that span an eight-studio-album career, dating back to 2006. Describing what live performance means to him, Scott says, ‘The lifeblood of these songs flow at their purest and headiest when connecting with a live audience. In all my adventures on the road, I feel most alive when the barriers are knocked down, exposed and leaving nothing behind.’ The effortless ability to evolve songs during his highly-anticipated live shows is palpable amongst audiences, proving the timelessness of masterful song-writing. Twenty-year-old songs organically metamorphosise with a maturity that carries the hallmark of a craftsman who has truly honed his skill. Old favourites grow to new and unexpected heights that can take even the artist himself by surprise at times. It is clear that Matthews belongs onstage. Through his poetic lyricism, soaring vocals and intricate guitar playing, he weaves a magic that beguiles audiences. It is no wonder that his shows have become globally renowned for their spiritual atmosphere, transcending the restraints of time.

Organizer: O2 Academy Leicester

Genres: POP, ROCK, METAL, JAZZ, CLASSICAL, INDIE, INDIE_ROCK, INDIE_POP, BLACK_METAL