King Size Slim

King Size Slim is the stage name of Toby Barelli, an award-winning British roots musician known for his powerful vocals, road-worn resophonic guitar, and a sound he calls “Heavyweight Acoustic Roots.”

With over 1,500 live shows across five continents, he’s built a reputation as a dynamic solo performer and bandleader, blending blues, ska, soul, and global rhythms into a gritty, groove-driven style.

Based in Hastings, King Size Slim has released five studio albums and two live albums, earning praise from R2 Magazine for creating “a distinctive sound” and being named “the stand-out act of the weekend” by E-Festivals at the Acoustic Festival of Britain. His 2022 release Songs from the M/V Sea Witch received international radio play and was accompanied by a theatrical show that sold out venues across the UK.

Before launching his solo career, Barelli spent four years touring and recording with Two-Tone legends The Selecter and other ska and reggae icons. He’s since shared stages with artists like Dawn Penn, Skip “Little Axe” McDonald, Geno Washington, and Nine Below Zero, and was a hand-picked guest of Queen at the BBC’s “Queen Rock Big Ben” event.

Whether performing solo or with his full band, King Size Slim delivers raw, resonant performances rooted in tradition but driven by innovation. His music is as much about rhythm and soul as it is about storytelling, making him a standout figure in the UK’s contemporary roots scene.