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Talented country-pop duo renowned for their sublime vocal harmonies
With their hearts in the UK and their heads in Nashville, The Shires have combined the best of both musical worlds.
Formed in 2013, the duo are comprised of Bedfordshire native Crissie Rhodes and Hertfordshire bred Ben Earle. Both were former contestants on The X Factor who were brought together by a Facebook message Earle had posted seeking a partner.
As fans of vocal harmonies, blending their voices came naturally and they’ve drawn inspiration from acts like The Civil Wars and Lady A as well as country luminaries like Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Faith Hill and Alison Krauss. In addition to sharing vocal duties, they’re both songwriters, with Earle also playing piano and guitar.
After performing just a few shows together, The Shires were signed to Decca. When they released their debut album Brave in 2015, the pair became the first homegrown British country act to break into the top 10 on the UK albums chart.
The Shires follow-up album My Universe came out in 2016 and climbed to the No.3 spot. It was the fastest selling UK country album of all time, and helped secure them a contract with Dot Records, an imprint of the American label Big Machine.
In 2018, The Shires released Accidentally On Purpose, which was recorded in Nashville with producer Lindsay Rimes (Kylie Minogue, Thomas Rhett) and also charted at No.3.
They returned to Nashville to work with Rimes again on their fourth album Good Years. Arriving in 2020, it followed in the footsteps of its predecessors by reaching No.3 on the UK albums chart.
The Shires supported it with a livestream concert in 2021, during which they also played a plethora of music from their back catalogue.
In July 2021, the duo announced an intimate acoustic tour for October and November 2021 to perform their greatest hits and favourite tracks. The Shires also confirmed an extensive UK tour in April and May 2022.
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This ain't Texas... but there's plenty of great country music coming the UK this year
Such a great performance, I've thought for a long time that as good as they are with a full band they're even better when going full acoustic and last night was a testament to that. My only disappointment is that the new acoustic album is not available to buy on cd from any website currently
Brilliant show! Great vocals and audience interaction, really enjoyed the show, thank you 🤩
Absolutely amazing evening. Loved Outpost Drive as the support act. The Shires brilliant as ever. Fab!!
Amazing! Great singers, beautiful people, down to earth, humorous. Intimate gig, couldn't ask for more.
Such a lovely evening, which felt quite personal due to the venue and interaction between the performers and audience. Amazing harmonies and lovely to hear such a mix of their songs, and meaning behind them. They've come so far since I saw them when they first started out!!
These 2 were absolutely brilliant as they always have been when we have seen them , since they supported Jeff Lynne at Wembley Stadium a few years ago , They always seem to find great support acts to , Jeff Cohen great as were Outpst Drive all in all a great night
Shires were fantastic , quality performance and amazing songwriters and harmonies
Enjoyed every second! Sounded amazing. Really enjoyed listening to support act 'Outpost Drive' too, I thought they were both brilliant.
Awesome duo deliver a fantastic performance with amazing vocals singing their way through their amazing selection of songs. Worth every moment and great value for money
What a superb setting to hold a magical night of acoustic hits. Prior to the headline act the support was excellent which meant main act had to be on top form. Boy were they!!! Crisp clear harmonised - just totally brilliant & can't wait till their next visit to Scotland!
