The Shires

The Shires bring their British take on country to York Barbican in York on 6 November 2026. Formed in 2013, the duo of Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes blends Nashville-shaped storytelling with a grounded English sensibility. At the core are Rhodes’s lead vocals and Earle’s close harmonies, carried by melodic hooks and guitar work that leans pop-country without losing warmth.

Their catalogue traces a clear path: Brave (2015), My Universe (2016), Accidentally on Purpose (2018), Good Years (2020) and 10 Year Plan (2022). The songs circle relationships, everyday snapshots and small-town pull, written with an ear for choruses made to echo in the room. Early support from BBC Radio 2 and the C2C: Country to Country stage pushed them forward, and they became the first British country act to sign with a major label in Nashville. On the road, they’ve shared bills with Little Big Town, The Corrs, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Tom Jones and Tears for Fears.

Live, The Shires lean into tight harmonies, clear storytelling and an easy back-and-forth, drawing across their five albums to thread UK country with its US roots.