the lineup
All the best guitar events you need to put in the diary...
Gary Clark Jr 17 & 18 June The Roundhouse, London & Albert Hall, Manchester
If the blues world wanted to claim him as their own, Gary Clark Jr had other ideas. Latest album, This Land, again finds a fearless artist exploring sonics far beyond his roots at Antone’s. But if his SG loaded with a trio of P-90s is a constant, then so is his fuzz.
“I got up on stage to do some shows with Jimmie Vaughan,” says Gary, “and he looked down at my pedalboard and said, ‘What the fuck you going to do with all that?’ I said, ‘I don’t know man, I guess nothing’ [laughs]… I mean, it really is kind of telling when someone who is basically just using their fingers can make a guitar sound like that. But you know what? I love you Jimmie Vaughan, but this is my life and I’m going to stomp on my fuzz!” www.garyclarkjr.com
Bearded Theory 23 to 26 May Catton Hall, Derbyshire
Situated in the heart of the National Forest, this family-orientated festival has something for everyone with a Children’s Village and Rogues Hideout for teens. Okay, there’s no death metal, but guitarists should be more than sated by Suede, The Cult, Little Steven, Doves, The Wildhearts and Stiff Little Fingers. www.beardedtheory.co.uk
Kelly Jones 1 June to 3 July Various UK dates
Although Stereophonics have recently completed tracking their 11th album, their songwriter has wasted no time in booking a rare solo outing. Old songs and new are promised – hopefully including tracks from Jones’s sole solo album, 2007’s hard-to-find Only The Names Have Been Changed. www.stereophonics.com
Rockin The Blues 4 June O2 Forum Kentish Town, London
After Eric Gales, Gary Hoey, Quinn Sullivan and Lance Lopez last year, the second celebration of the Provogue record label’s blues talent will see Jonny Lang make his longawaited return to the UK alongside the much-loved Walter Trout and fast-rising Brit Kris Barras. www.rockintheblues.com
Download Festival 14 to 16 June Donington Park Circuit, Derbyshire
Donington plays host to some comebacks and classic names with this year’s line-up. On the Friday, Def Leppard will play Hysteria in its entirety, with Slash and Whitesnake joining them on the bill. Slipknot are set to headline the Saturday, while Sunday sees the long-awaited return of Tool, 12 years since their last UK show, plus Slayer and Dream Theater. www.downloadfestival.co.uk
Black Deer Festival 21 to 23 June Eridge Park, Kent
Last year’s debut for the Americana and country festival was a huge success, so it’s back even brighter this time as it continues to “pay homage to the cultural heritage of America” with Band Of Horses, John Butler Trio, Kris Kristofferson and Ryan Bingham as potential highlights. We’d make a beeline for the blues power of the Marcus King Band, too. www.blackdeerfestival.com
Pixies 13 to 26 September Various UK & Ireland venues
Frank Black and co return with an asyet-untitled follow-up to 2016’s Head Carrier and an accompanying tour, including a run of dates across the UK and Ireland. Not only that, on 27 June the band will debut a 12-part podcast, Past Is Prologue, which details the new record’s creation. www.pixiesmusic.com
Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly 7 to 24 October Various UK and Ireland dates
No, your eyes do not deceive you: both legends will share the stage… in hologram form. Living musicians will accompany the performances on The Rock ’N’ Roll Dream Tour from production company BASE Hologram. In life, the two jammed together once and Holly even recorded two of Orbison’s songs. www.basehologram.com
John Mayer 13 to 18 October London, Dublin, Manchester
Following the last few years playing with Dead & Company, Mayer is in world tour mode again as a solo artist. Recent single, I Guess I Just Feel Like, finds him in fine form as an emotive player, and these dates will feature an extensive set without a support act. www.johnmayer.com