Stephen Shears, a respected piano tuner and folk musician known for his traditional tuning by ear, has died at the age of 70. Based in West Pennard, Somerset, Shears gained renown across the United Kingdom for his expertise, frequently traveling long distances to service pianos in a variety of venues, from mobile trailers to historic sites such as the grotto at Stourhead in Wiltshire.

Born in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, Shears was the middle child of Cecelia (née Denton), a school secretary, and Trevor Shears, a draughtsman. His family relocated to Crewkerne, Somerset, during his childhood, where he developed an early passion for music. By the age of 10, he had joined the church choir and pursued lessons in cello and piano. His dedication to music was notable even in his youth; on one occasion, as a teenager, he reportedly ran the equivalent of a marathon to retrieve a forgotten instrument to attend band practice.

Shears’ formal training included a course in piano tuning and restoration at Newark College in Nottinghamshire, which laid the foundation for his freelance career. Over the years, he often collaborated with friends Roger Forsey, a carpenter, and Philip Ireland, a French polisher, in a workshop located in Bath. The trio specialized in repairing pianos, including those damaged by flooding. Shears also mentored his father in the craft, with whom he occasionally worked restoring instruments.

Beyond his tuning career, Shears was an active participant in the folk music community across Devon, Somerset, and Gloucestershire. He played keyboards and bass, leading the band Jigs for Gigs from the 1970s onward, maintaining many original band members over the years. He also performed alongside his younger sister, Alison, in a duo known as A Pair of Shears.

Among the instruments he restored, one grand piano gained particular recognition for its appearance in Bryan Adams’ music video for “Everything I Do.” Known for his gentle demeanor, humility, and kindness, Shears was also fond of cooking hearty meals for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Kellie Simpson, whom he married in 2000; his two children from a previous marriage, Adam and Lydia; Kellie’s daughter, Eden; six grandchildren; and siblings Alison and Jane.