The Lineup
All the best guitar events you need to put in the diary...
Brian Fallon 15 to 23 May
Three solo albums in after the Gaslight Anthem’s recording hiatus, Brian Fallon is about to release his most intimate album yet with Local Honey. But the eight-track album wouldn’t have been possible without the work he’s put in as a guitarist looking to push himself further in the last five years. “Had I not had all those lessons, I wouldn’t have been able to play and write the songs,” he admits to us. But rather than a grandiose showcase of his chops, it’s the nuance and care to the mood of these songs with producer Peter Katis (The National, The War On Drugs). “We did so much work on adding things, taking away and moving things,” adds Fallon. A couple of friends helped out, too: “My Martin 00-42 and my National Resonator – they’re all over the record.” www.facebook.com/thebrianfallon
Joanne Shaw Taylor 2 to 28 March
Various UK venues
The blues-rock guitarist/vocalist is calling this tour her most personal yet: she’s choosing the most popular songs fans vote for via her website and adding them to the setlist on this tour. She’ll also be playing the whole of latest album, RecklessHeart, in track order. www.joanneshawtaylor.com
TORA 19 to 24 April
Various UK venues
This is the first UK tour from the Norwegian blues-rock band fronted by 25-year-old Chapman Guitars endorsee Tora Dahle Aagård, an emotively expressive player you can hear more of on her Instagram account (www.instagram.com/ toradaa) and on her debut album, Tora, which was released last year on Touchdown Music. www.facebook.com/tora.aagard
Chon 23 to 30 April
Various UK venues
Alongside fellow Ibanez signature artists Covet and Polyphia, these Californians are lights in a new generation of progressive players. Cleaner tones, layered lines and inventive tunings are hallmarks for guitarists Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel – who were both given Ibanez signature models in 2019 as part of the company’s AZ Series. www.thisischon.com
Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets 23 April to 16 May
Various UK venues
An extensive run due to demand for the band led by drummer Nick Mason (the only Floyd member to be on every release), who pays tribute to the band’s early material. This Echoes tour finds their setlist expanding up to 1972’s ObscuredByClouds. www.thesaucerfulofsecrets.com
Van Der Graaf Generator 3 to 8 May
Various UK venues
This five-date tour taking in Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Bath and London is the English progrock band’s first in seven years and a whole half a century on from their debut album. Original members Peter Hammill (vocals, guitar, keyboard) Hugh Banton (bass, organ) and drummer Guy Evans will all perform. www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk
Guns N’ Roses May 29 & 30
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Axl, Slash, Duff and co are in the UK for two nights before returning again in late June to play Glasgow and Ireland. While we await concrete plans for releasing new material, Slash has been busy lifting the lid on his new J-45 and Les Paul signatures. www.gunsnroses.com
Download Festival 12 to 14 June
Donington Park
KISS, Iron Maiden and System Of A Down will headline over the three days this year, but there’s plenty to admire on the rest of the line-up, too. Alter Bridge are a recent addition to the bill, while The Darkness, Gojira, Mastodon, Deftones and The Wildhearts are other highlights. www.downloadfestival.co.uk
UK Jazz Guitar Getaway 16 to 21 August
St George’s Centre, Canterbury
Kurt Rosenwinkel heads up a team of teachers who will host five days of workshops, jamming and tuition. Other tutors include Howard Alden, Sid Jacobs and Christian Miller. Each day will have a theme and evenings will offer the chance for onstage performances. All-inclusive and two commuter packages are available. www.ukjazzguitar.com