The Lineup
All the best guitar events you need to put in the diary...
Eric Gales
25 May to 3 June
Various UK venues
Miss this your at your peril, because all signs suggest this is going to be Eric Gales’ year. “I love what I do,” he says. “The hardest thing about it is all the travelling, and the easiest thing is the playing.” It’s not been an easy ride for the bluesman, but the road to redemption is part of what makes Gales’ such a compelling blues story. “Things have happened gradually for me,” he says of his journey, “so I feel like life is my biggest breakthrough. I managed to finally get clean… that was the biggest breakthrough in many ways.”
An album produced by Joe Bonamassa is set to follow later in 2020, but, for now, fans can expect the usual high standards on stage. “I can’t wait to come back to the UK and spread all the energy, passion and emotion around.” www.ericgalesband.com
Ravi Shankar Centenary tribute 7 April
Royal Festival Hall, London
The late musician’s daughters, Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones, lead this special retrospective of Ravi Shankar’s work to celebrate 100 years since his birth. Nitin Sawhney is a special guest alongside celebrated musicians, including sitar players Kartik Seshadri, Shubhendra Rao and Gaurav Mazumdar. www.ravishankar.org
HRH Blues VI 11 to 12 April
O2 Academy Sheffield
The annual blues event never fails to attract a wealth of talent and this year has Bernie Marsden, Wilko Johnson and The Quireboys playing a blues-focused set. Mike Zito travels from the US and homegrown guitar talent Danny Bryant and Ben Poole feature, too. www.hrhblues.com
Simple Minds 14 to 25 April
Various UK & Ireland venues
It’s a given that this particular 40th anniversary has to be marked and the Scottish band will be celebrating through Europe this spring. Even though they actually formed 43 years ago, this is the celebration of 40 Years Of Hits from founder members Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (guitars). www.simpleminds.com
Jeff Beck 17 to 27 May
Various UK venues
The maestro returns for nine UK shows, including two nights at the Royal Albert Hall. His band will feature drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Rhonda Smith and cellist Vanessa Freebairn-Smith. The follow-up to 2016’s Loud Hailer is also in the works for release later this year. Watch this space! www.jeffbeck.com
Yes 26 May to 7 June
Various UK & Ireland venues
The Howe-White-Downes-DavisonSherwood line-up continues its series of tours playing albums in their entirety with 1974’s Relayer. Their seventh record and first after Rick Wakeman’s departure found Steve Howe switching from his ES-175 to a 1955 Telecaster in the studio. www.yesworld.com
Whitesnake/ Foreigner/Europe 31 May to 10 June
Various UK dates
Between these titans of rock, there’s a lot of road miles, hairspray and hits on the clock, and you’re guaranteed an extended guitar solo section – and a drum one, too, if you’re lucky. With Reb Beach, Joel Hoekstra, Mick Jones and John Norum involved, quality is assured. Prepare yourself for one hell of a show. www.whitesnake.com
George Benson 21 June to 2 July
Various UK venues
The jazz-guitar icon will visit Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Birmingham and Southend before ending his tour in London’s Royal Albert Hall on 2 July. He’s also playing as part of the Hampton Court Palace Festival series of gigs on 19 June. www.georgebenson.com
Ramblin’ Man Festival 17 to 19 July
Maidstone, Kent
This year’s festival at Maidstone’s Mote Park sees some special firsts: Clutch will play three sets across the weekend (favourites, semi-acoustic and a funk/blues set), while Rival Sons step up to festival headliner status, and Lynyrd Skynyrd play their only 2020 UK show as part of a farewell run. www.ramblinmanfair.com