Sheffield music legend Richard Hawley made a surprise appearance at Tramlines Festival on Sunday, joining local band Reverend & The Makers on stage for their final song. The acclaimed singer-songwriter performed 'Silence Is Talking' with Jon McClure's band, much to the delight of the crowd gathered at the Sarah Nulty Main Stage in Hillsborough Park. The impromptu collaboration marked a significant moment at the annual Sheffield festival, celebrating the city's rich musical heritage.
The set by Reverend & The Makers was particularly poignant, with frontman Jon McClure dedicating an emotional tribute to his late father, John McClure Snr., who was a regular attendee of Tramlines. McClure also acknowledged his mother and brother, who were present backstage, during the performance. The band's set included popular tracks such as 'Heavyweight Champion of The World', 'Haircut', and 'Heatwave in the Cold North', culminating in Hawley's guest appearance.
Following the festival slot, McClure took to Instagram to express his gratitude, describing the moment as "special" and thanking fans for their positive comments. He also extended a shoutout to his "Sheffield brothers" Hawley and K Dot, who also joined them on stage. The unexpected collaboration quickly became a talking point on social media, with many attendees highlighting the quintessentially Sheffield nature of the performance.
Reverend & The Makers recently released their eighth studio album, 'Is This How Happiness Feels?', which frontman Jon McClure has described as a "joyous triumph" and their best work to date. The album follows their top 10 success with 'Heatwave In The Cold North'. McClure has previously spoken openly about his diagnosis with ADHD and how it has influenced his creative process and personal growth, stating he now feels he can "do anything" with a better understanding of himself.
Beyond his musical endeavours, Jon McClure was also recently announced as the new club chairman for Sheffield FC, the world's oldest football club. This move further solidifies his deep roots and commitment to his hometown, extending his influence from the music scene into local sporting institutions. Fans of both artists will be keen to see if this Tramlines collaboration leads to further musical projects.