The Shires

Frontier Touring is thrilled to announce that The Shires will bring their ground-breaking country style to Sydney and Melbourne this March. These will be the duo’s first ever headline shows in Australia, coinciding with their appearance at the CMC Rocks Festival in Ipswich.

‘Musically, lyrically and vocally there is little else you could ask for in a country album.’ – Get To The Front (UK)

‘They’ve certainly brought youthful glamour and an appealing crossover sound to the genre’ - Stereoboard (UK)

‘These are big tunes delivered with real passion’ - Express (UK)

Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, from Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire in England, are the United Kingdom’s biggest-selling country act. Shortly after forming they were signed to Decca Records in the United Kingdom and Universal Music Group Nashville in the United States, making them the first ever English country act to be signed to a major Nashville record label.

They released their debut album Brave in March 2015, with it becoming the first ever British Country album to enter the UK top ten. It was certified gold by the end of the year, making it one of just four debut UK albums to sell more than 100,000 copies that year.

Last September, they released their second album My Universe, recorded partly at Soundstage Studios in Nashville and featuring some of Nashville’s greatest session players. Combining some of Britain and Nashville’s best songwriters, the album quickly became the fastest-selling UK country album in history and is about to become their second gold album in consecutive years.

The album features ‘Beats To Your Rhythm’ and title track ‘My Universe’, both singles that pushed the boundaries of country with a pop crossover. They were also awarded their first headline slot at Glastonbury last year.

The Shires will be supported on tour by Aleyce Simmonds. Born in Tamworth, New South Wales, Aleyce was awarded the Australian Independent Country Artist of the Year in 2015. She is a six time Golden Guitar Award nominee and has just released a new album More Than Meets The Eye.

The Shires’ popularity is increasing rapidly with a busy past 18 months cementing them as an act to watch. These Sydney and Melbourne headline performances may be one of your only opportunities to see The Shires in such an intimate setting. Make sure you don’t miss out!