Americana icon Bob Cheevers to break retirement for exclusive UK performance at Country On The Eye

The organisers of the Country On The Eye Festival, 12th to 13th June, have confirmed that Emmy-winning songwriter Bob Cheevers will return to the stage this summer for an exclusive, one-off European appearance.

The performance marks Cheevers’ first time stepping out of retirement since he concluded his international touring career, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his debut performance in the United Kingdom.

The Texas-based artist, perhaps best known to the wider public for opening for Johnny Cash on his final tour, is returning to the UK specifically to accept the inaugural John Montague Legend Award.

The award is named in honour of the late John Montague, a pivotal figure in the UK Americana scene who was responsible for first introducing Cheevers’ work to British audiences. In a significant tribute to this long-standing professional and personal connection, the award will be presented on the festival main stage by Montague’s daughter.

“John Montague brought Bob into the studio for my very first radio interview in 2008,” said Ben Atkinson, Artistic Director of Country On The Eye. “When we established this award to recognise lifetime contributions to the genre, Bob was the only artist we considered. He represents the grit and narrative soul of Americana. Having John’s daughter present the award completes a circle that began a quarter-century ago.”

Cheevers’ career spans over five decades, during which he has become a fixture of the Austin, Texas music scene and a perennial “Singer/Songwriter of the Year” recipient. His return offers a final opportunity for European audiences to experience the storyteller often cited as a primary link in the “Austin-to-UK” music pipeline.

Festival attendees will have two distinct opportunities to see Cheevers. On Friday evening, there will be an intimate Songwriter Showcase. This acoustic session will feature Cheevers alongside Nashville-based songwriters, focusing on the craft and history behind the compositions. Following that, on Saturday, on the main stage will be the official ceremony for the John Montague Legend Award, followed by a headline appearance.

Country On The Eye takes place in Melton Mowbray on June 12th and 13th, 2026.