What’s Goin’ On
All the best guitar events happening over the next few weeks, in one place
Yes men Trevor Rabin, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman have already toured in the US, but will finally bring an evening of the band’s music to the UK. As fans will already be aware, Rabin was with the band from the early 80s, playing a key role with the album 90125, which had the No 1 US single Owner Of A Lonely Heart. The guitarist has spent the past 18 years focusing on studio work, and has at least 50 film scores under his belt, but this tour marks a return to celebrate all the eras of the Yes legacy with three key members, ahead of their induction into the 2017 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
ARW will be joined by Lee Pomeroy on bass (Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Steve Hackett) and Louis Molino III on drums. The UK leg of the tour starts in Cardiff, before going on to venues in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, and two dates at London’s Eventim Apollo.
www.arw-tour.com
Ana Popovic 17 to 18 January Robin 2, Wolverhampton & Under The Bridge, London
The Serbian blues rocker will follow this year’s Trilogy album with plenty of US activity with the Experience Hendrix tour in February and March alongside greats including Buddy Guy, Billy Cox and Chris Layton. But these are the only UK shows she has confirmed at time of going to press.
www.anapopovic.com
Popa Chubby 18 to 29 January Various UK venues
The Bronx bluesman returns to the UK in support of this year’s album, The Catfish. He’ll be performing at the Skegness Great British Rock & Blues Festival, after playing London’s 100 Club on 18 January, in addition to dates in Milton Keynes and Somerset’s Giants Of Rock Festival.
www.popachubby.com
The Great British Rock & Blues Festival 20 to 23 January Butlins Resort, Skegness
Feeling the winter blues? On-site accommodation, four venues and a whole weekend of homegrown and Stateside talent could be the cure. Classic and contemporary acts rub shoulders with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Paul Jones & Dave Kelly, Martin Harley and Top Topham’s Early Yardbirds.
www.bigweekends.com
Aynsley Lister 3 to 11 February Various UK venues
Following his full-band 13-date UK tour through the first half of December in support of new album Eyes Wide Open, Aynsley takes a different approach with these solo dates to prove he’s just as skilled at soulful restraint as he is blues power.
www.aynsleylister.co.uk
The Story Of Guitar Heroes 4 to 15 February Various UK theatres
This ‘rockumentary’-style theatre show features guitarist Phil Walker and takes audiences through music from the 50s to the modern day, covering the work and sounds of icons such as Hendrix, Clapton, May, Slash, Marvin and Beck, with over 20 guitars and a backing band.
www.storyofguitarheroes.com
Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders 17 February to 26 May Various UK venues
Andy became one of the great guitar sidemen, with Clapton and Roger Waters, after his time with Amen Corner, Fair Weather and as a solo act. But now he tours with his own band, The Low Riders – a great showcase for a wonderful player.
www.ents24.com
Monster Truck 13 to 22 March Various UK and Ireland venues
This year saw Monster Truck release their second album, Sittin’ Heavy, as well as support fellow Canadians Nickelback around Europe. This means the four-piece are well prepared for their long-awaited headline return, which takes in Belfast, Dublin and London stops.
www.ilovemonstertruck.com
Broken Witt Rebels/ Bad Touch 16 March to 8 April Various UK venues
These two Southern-rock-influenced British bands will team up for this co-headline run following key releases in 2016. Birmingham’s Broken Witt Rebels impressed with their Georgia Pine EP earlier this year, while Norfolk’s Bad Touch released second album, Truth Be Told, on 2 December.
www.thegigcartel.com