John Smith announces his Headlong Irish tour

Devon-born Smith dedicated Headlong to the memory of longtime friend John Renbourn, who once described the singer as “the future of folk music."

The album bears the loss of Smith's friend in many of its songs.

“His death really hit me hard” says Smith; “He was so much more to me than someone I’d played with, and who had encouraged me. He was a friend as well, so I wanted to reference him on this album- that’s why I’ve dedicated it to his memory."

The record is produced by Sam Lakeman and features Cara Dillon on backup vocals.

Smith has opened shows for artists as diverse as Iron and Wine, John Martyn, Tinariwen and Gil Scott-Heron. He has also played on sessions for Joan Baez, Cara Dillon and Joe Henry among others, with Lianne La Havas and Lisa Hannigan both recruiting him to play lead guitar in their bands.

His hardworking career has earned him a dedicated following as Smith sets out on tour this autumn.

The tour kicks off August 20 with an appearance at Wicklow's Groove Festival, and makes stops in Limerick, Galway, Belfast and more. Check out the dates below.

Sun. 20 August - Groove Festival, Killruddery House, Co. Wicklow
Thurs. 14 September - Dolan’s (upstairs), Limerick
Fri. 15 September - Roisin Dubh, Galway
Sun. 17 September - Whelans, Dublin
Mon. 18 September - Black Box, Belfast
Weds. 20 & Thurs. 21 September - Clonakilty International Guitar Festival
Sat. 30 September - Coughlan’s Live Music Festival, Cork (SOLD OUT)