Jesus Knievel Release New Single “The Bee in the Middle”

Manchester based psychedelic, alt rock trio Jesus Knievel triumphantly return with a brand new single!

A typical genre smashing groove, with ska-tinged verses and a singalong chorus, sitting comfortably next to psychedelic instrumental breaks and intriguing timing changes, “The Bee in the Middle” showcases a band at the very height of their eclectic, eccentric powers.

Available on all major streaming platforms from November 8th, the song is to be accompanied by an exciting new self-produced music video, that is not to be missed. The B(ee) side is an unexpectedly concise post punk, surf rock explosion of noise. It’s over in two joyously exuberant minutes, that are as spiky and pointed as its name - “Cactus”.

The two songs on this single represent another sonic milestone on the aural roadmap of one of Manchester’s most consistently exciting and inventive bands.

Jesus Knievel - The Story So Far…

Formed in 2007, Jesus Knievel have spent over 15 years building a loyal and loving fan base, via their unpredictable and explosive live shows, and the release of four eclectic, exuberant studio albums. 

Encompassing everything from psychedelia, punk, pop, country and funk, Jesus Knievel take great pride in creating a joyous, genre smashing sonic legacy that defies easy categorisation.

2024 saw the band release their long awaited fourth studio album ‘The Plural of Hiatus’ and promote it with a plethora of live shows up and down the country. 

With a touring schedule that shows no sign of slowing down and new material out before the end of the year,  promoters, venue owners and festival organisers are encouraged to reach out if they wish to secure one of Manchester’s most dynamic and in demand live acts.

The Band

Richie Gradwell (drums) - Combining the different styles learnt playing in a myriad of disparate groups Richie is the literal and figurative beating heart of Jesus Knievel.  From indie stalwarts ‘The Slides’, noise rockers ‘Drink & Drive’, improvisational post punk poets ‘Tax Drone Debt Slave’ and the joyously surreal alternative fun house that is ‘Sugar Crease’ Richie has an unending well of percussive practice to draw from. 

Richie’s grooves, timing changes and ability to effortlessly shift style is a huge part of what makes Jesus Knievel’s music so instantly recognisable.

Ste Morris (Guitar/Vox) -

If ‘Clapton is God’, then JK fans know that Ste is ‘Moses’! In possession of a unique and distinctive guitar style, Ste is the musical driving force of the band, propelling songs to the abstracted places they arrive. As pianist and singer for Manchester’s greatest alt rock, anti folk, jazz improv quartet Perspex Leslie, and founding member of the legendary hip hop, rock fusionists People in the Bassment, Ste brings a plethora of experience and influences to the band.

As a singer, his voice is as big as you’d expect from a man who shares a pharmacist with Tom Jones!

Pete Smyth (bass) - 

The anchor that tethers the ship, Pete’s assured baselines keep the good ship Jesus Knievel afloat on a sea of lukewarm water and fuzz pedal effects. As a founder member of Manchester’s underground drone rock monolith Delphin, Pete brings a healthy dose of anti-musicality, noise rock and lo-fi sensibilities to temper the virtuosity of other members.

He has also been described by some as ‘low’, something he believes to be a good thing for a bassist.