Singing guitarist

Pete Gardiner

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About Pete

Northern Irish singer-songwriter based in Kent performing well known classics at weddings, private parties and venues across the southeast.
Singing guitarist
Dartford

Pete Gardiner is a rarity, a true songsmith who sets his stories to music. Growing up in Northern Ireland, there was no shortage of subject matter for Pete’s unique ability with words. Pete writes about love affairs, our celebrity obsessed culture, vanity, greed, violence and lust with a style and passion inspired by his songwriting heroes Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen, Before relocating to England, Pete's independently released Eps and singles gained substantial support from regional BBC Radio and since then he has won a big following both for his live performances and his inspiring lyrics which are always praised at his gigs. Pete and producer Pol Brennan of the band Clannad, co-wrote the title track for the movie 'Property of the State' which premiered at the Galway film Festival prior to going on general release. American song plugger Gil Grand discovered Pete online and, impressed by the storytelling aspect of the lyrics, is now helping Pete write for established artists in the States. Now living in Kent, Pete is recording and releasing his original material while also performing his crowd pleasing selection of well known classics at private parties, weddings and music events across the Southeast. Attending one of his recent gigs, Dave Pegg, of Fairport Convention, said this of Pete: “I was very impressed by his performance, his lyrics reminded me of Bob Dylan, Loudon Wainwright and Al Stewart’

Pete
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5 out of 5
1 verified review
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

Pete's Reviews

From Encore customers:

AP
Anne P
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

Pete was punctual, professional and communicated fantastically to all at our family event. Pete made my sister's birthday night a night to remember. His voice and choice of music was spot on for the party. All wanted him to stay. Would without doubt book him again. Tyou Pete for a memorable night.

From other customers:

GG
Gil ​
5 years ago

“His performance at the writers night wowed the audience. He presents himself as confident but kind. We all loved him here and would love to have him back anytime.”

OS
Oli S
5 years ago

"I really thought Pete had the songwriter's knack... every line seems to spark some new enticing imagery in the mind's eye; every word is beautifully clear so that you know precisely what he was saying (while being left with enough space to imagine your own take on the stories he sings)."

Read all 3 reviews
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Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
8th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 8 years

Pete's Song list

Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2
With Or Without You -U2
Where The Streets Have No Name – U2
Cats In The Cradle – Harry Chapin
Free Falling – Tom Petty
Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
All of Me- John Legend
Skinny Love – Bon Iver
Ironic – Alanis Morissette
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
Lucky Man - The Verve
Champagne Supernova - Oasis
Wonderwall - Oasis
Can't Always Get What You Want – Rolling Stones
Sympathy for the Devil – Rolling Stones
Wild Horses – Rolling Stones
Satisfaction – Rolling Stones
Romeo and Juliet – Dire Straits
Fast Car – Tracey Chapman
Breakfast at Tiffany's – Deep Blue Something
Save Tonight – Eagle Eye Cherry
Losing My Religion - REM
Use Somebody – Kings of Leon
Hey Ho – Lumineers
Time of Your Life – Greenday
Galway Girl – Steve Earle
Proud Mary – Tina Turner
Mrs Robinson – Simon and Garfunkel
Stand By Me – Ben E King
Cover of the Rolling Stone – Dr Hook
Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry
Whiskey in the Jar – Thin Lizzy
Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams
First Cut is the Deepest – Rod Stewart
Papa Was A Rolling Stone – The Temptations
Every Rose has its Thorn - Poison
Don't Stop Believing - Journey
Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynard
You Guvive Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi
Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Bed of Roses – Bon Jovi
It's My Life – Bon Jovi
Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
Valerie – Amy Winehouse
Sitting on the Dock of the Bay – Ottis Redding
Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
Whole of the moon – Waterboys
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
Jailhouse Rock – Elvis
Blue Suede Shoes – Elvis
That's Alright Mama - Elvis
Betty Davis Eyes – Kim Cairnes
Drops of Jupiter – Train
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cindi Lauper
Under The Bridge – Rd Hot Chilli Peppers
Zombie – The Cranberries
Mr Tambourine Man – Bob Dylan
All Along the Watchtower –Bob Dylan
I'm on Fire - Bruce Springsteen
Dancing in the Dark – Bruce Springsteen
The River – Bruce Springsteen
Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
Dirty Old Town – The Pogues
The Irish Rover – The Pogues/Dubliners
Mr Brightside – Killers
Rockstar – Nickelback
Your Love – The Outfield
Teenage Dirtbag – Wheatus
Jolene – Dolly Parton

Pete's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£70
Up to 1 hour£175
Up to 2 hours£280
Up to 3 hours£350
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

They seem to be drawn to my passion for the songs I'm singing. I've been a songwriter and performer for 20 years, It's all I've ever wanted to do and the only thing I've ever really excelled at, and when I perform I think the audience can see that it's not just a job for me. I'd be doing the same thing with my time whether I got paid for it or not.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I've been doing this a long time and have played countless venues at Weddings, Private Parties, Pubs and Clubs from when I started out in Belfast to when I moved to London then Essex and finally settled in Kent. The most famous venues I've played are probably The Sugar Club in Dublin and The Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

My original music is very lyrical and I am influenced by storytellers and poets like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon and Tom Waits. Melodically speaking I love a good upbeat chorus with a strong hook and I get that from my love of 80s rock music like Bon Jovi. Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac etc Too many bands to name.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

In 2015 I was on tour as a support act for Charlie Simpson during his solo career before he got back with Busted. Since then I have presumed live twice on BBC radio London on the Gaby Roslin Show and performed live at The Galway Film Festival after writing the song for a movie called Property of the State with Pol Brennan of the Irish band Clannad.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

That's usually fine, I am very flexible and I understand that plans change so I will do my best to work with you.

How much time do you need to set up?

Usually about 20 minutes, I have a system that's relatively easy to set up.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Yes and if you have one or two songs you'd like me to learn especially for the event I will provided I have a few weeks to do so.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Yes, provided I have enough time to learn and rehearse them (usually about 3 weeks) I can learn a couple of songs especially for the event.
Musicianship
Genres:
Acoustic, Folk, Folk rock, Americana, Originals, Rock 'n' Roll, Classic rock
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Bar / Club / Venue event, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
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Other skills:
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