Music & Theatre / Arts & Culture Martin Stephenson and the Daintees

Martin Stephenson & The Daintees will be touring their classic debut album in autumn 2025.

Martin and the band plan to tour 40 years since the inception of ‘Boat To Bolivia’ which saw its roots develop late 1985 in Liverpool. It was there that a determined and aspiring young songwriter started to scribble down the bones of what for many Daintees fans became instant classics, before the finished product was released in all its glory in 1986.

A seasoned raconteur, between performing the album in its entirety Martin will regale how the words and music began to come together, and the excitement of Kitchenware Records recognising its potential before releasing it to critical acclaim with legendary producer Gil Norton at the helm.

Martin Stephenson, inspired by early Cure and the Brighton scene, began busking at 15 and soon developed a unique style blending genres like jazz, blues, country, and reggae. Forming his band The Daintees, they gained popularity and signed with Kitchenware Records, alongside bands like Prefab Sprout. Known for their diverse albums, The Daintees toured with artists such as Aztec Camera and John Martyn.

After releasing four albums between 1986-1992, including Boat to Bolivia, Martin distanced himself from the mainstream industry, relocating to the Scottish Highlands. He focused on solo work and live performances, eventually reuniting The Daintees in 2000 for ongoing projects and tours.

In recent years, Martin reclaimed control of his back catalogue, re-recording the first four Daintees albums with great success.
A truly independent artist, Martin continues to produce eagerly anticipated albums and has gained recognition from fans like Billy Connolly, who featured his song "Rain" in a BBC documentary.

“…builds bridges between love and hate, between cradle and grave, between folk and pop, between the past and present…” ~ NME album review.