The Songs Of Nick Drake: Celebrating His Artistry

We have a great night coming up next month for anyone who appreciates classic acoustic songwriting. On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Komedia Studio in Brighton is hosting The Songs Of Nick Drake: Celebrating His Artistry. Nick Drake is one of those figures in British music history—a songwriter who recorded three albums between 1969 and 1972, but was almost entirely unknown during his short life. His songs are often described as timeless, managing to pour all the tears of life into their fragile yet perfect lines. After his tragic death in 1974 at the age of 26, his music found a massive global audience and is now rightly considered a national treasure, experiencing a massive resurgence and worldwide re-evaluation. This show is dedicated to preserving that legacy in its purest form.

The artist leading the tribute is Keith James, who has spent two decades performing Drake's material. He was actually the first artist to bring these songs to theaters and arts venues across the UK in their original, pure acoustic style. James performs using voice and acoustic guitars, often employing the unusual tunings that defined Drake's sound, and he'll be joined by flautist Richie Cotterill. Keith James has a serious track record, having played over 1000 acclaimed concerts across Europe, including appearances at Glastonbury and even at Drake's former schools and universities. The show has earned high praise over the years; Bob Harris OBE called James one of the musicians brave enough to play the music they truly believe in, and The Independent described the performance as "some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear." Mark Radcliffe also weighed in, calling the performance "An absolute necessity."

If you're planning to go, the event is happening at the Komedia Studio, which operates with unreserved seating for this show. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the performance starts an hour later at 8:00 PM. It's worth noting that the event has an age restriction: it's for ages 14 and up, and anyone under 16 needs to be accompanied by an adult. If you are looking for an evening dedicated to one of the UK's most beloved and venerated acoustic songwriters, this tribute offers a chance to hear his work performed by an artist who truly understands the material.