Phil Beer (born 12 May 1953, Exminster, Devon) is a highly-respected stalwart of the English folk scene. Following seven years with the Albion Band, he is half of the English acoustic roots duo Show of Hands, alongside Steve Knightley. Beer is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist playing traditional English tunes and ballads with new arrangements. Beginning his music career in 1968, Beer worked with Paul Downes (as the duo Paul Downes & Phil Beer) from 1974 and also in the Arizona Smoke Revue. He was a key member of Johnny Coppin's band (ex-Decameron), and together they collaborated with Nigel Mazlyn Jones on his 1979 Sentinel album. Beer toured with Mike Oldfield in 1979 and also recorded some tracks at Oldfield's Througham studio. Beer joined the Albion Band in 1984 and stayed with them until 1991, touring extensively at home and abroad, and recording many albums. Show of Hands became a full-time partnership from 1991. Beer continues to do session work, appearing most notably on the Rolling Stones' Steel Wheels album, Steve Harley's Poetic Justice album, and countless other mainstream and less high-profile projects.
