Bill Ryder-Jones at St Mary’s Church, Stockport, 20.03.2026

Have I written about Bill Ryder-Jones before? Only once I think, when he played with his friends in Swim Deep last March. However this was the 3rd BRJ solo gig I’ve shot in the last 16 months or so, each one an absolute delight. This was no different.

BRJ is hands down one of my favourite musicians. Without getting too soppy, his music genuinely means a lot to me and has quite an impact. It’s been a joy to be able to shoot his gigs, thanks in part to his lovely management.

This one came with an added bonus, though – it was 15 minutes from my house!

As part of the new Sidelines Festival , the venue for the gig was the iconic St Mary’s Church, next to Stockport market. A very apt setting for beautiful music, even if it was nigh impossible to see the stage depending where you stood. The photo pit was a first, too – some cushions on the floor directly in front of the first row of seats. Fair play.

Bill performed with a guitar, a piano, and a four-track, a different set-up to the last few tours. Plenty of old favourites got an airing, including ending on the beautiful Seabirds. The man’s a genius. And it took me 14 minutes to get home afterwards – bliss.

Bill Ryder-Jones at St Mary’s Church, Stockport, 20.03.2026