the lineup
All the best guitar events you need to put in the diary...
Ariel Posen 16 to 28 February Various UK dates
One year after The Bros Landreth guitarist last visited the UK in a solo capacity, there’s now a big difference: he will have finally released his debut solo album. Due out this month, How Long is a showcase of a singer, songwriter and the sublime slide work of a modern Americana player stepping fully into the spotlight. And he can’t wait to share it all with us. “I am counting the days for this February UK tour,” he tells Guitarist. “I had such a great time last February and now that I finally have some music for you guys to take home, I’m even more excited. This album has been a big part of my life for the past two years and I can’t wait to bring it with me. Hope to see everybody out there!” www.arielposen.com
John Paul White 24 to 30 January Various UK and Ireland dates
The former member of The Civil Wars is over on a rare visit to these shores ahead of his as-yet-untitled third solo album. A single entitled My Dreams Have All Come True surfaced in November, a country waltz that, according to White, is “a complex song about a complex situation”. www.johnpaulwhite.com
Hendrix Talks 26 January Handel & Hendrix, Mayfair, London
Where better to learn about Jimi than in his former Mayfair flat? This is part of an interactive series on the man’s music presented by guitarist and Hendrix guru Nigel Jones. ‘Crosstown Rhythms’ focuses on Hendrix’s sometimes overlooked rhythm playing, with later sessions exploring Jimi’s riffs, his music outside of the Experience and recording techniques. www.handelhendrix.org
Haken 15 to 17 February Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol
The UK progressive rock six-piece, featuring eight-string guitarists Richard Henshall and Charlie Griffiths, have created an impressive body of work over the past 11 years, with fifth album, Vector, taking them far and wide around the world – from South America to Australia, this time including a brief stop on their home turf for three dates. www.hakenmusic.com
Blue Oyster Cult 21 February to 1 March Various UK venues
It’s always a bonus when you go to see an iconic band and get one of the finest up-and-coming acts as the support. To be fair, The Temperance Movement are probably past that status three albums in, but their live prowess makes an earlier entrance all the more attractive. www.blueoystercult.com
Bernie Marsden 1 March Fulham, London
Guitarist’s former columnist hits the capital’s Under The Bridge venue (at Chelsea Football Club) for a headline set reflecting his latest solo album, Shine, all the way back to his Whitesnake days with hits including Fool For Your Loving, Here I Go Again, Lovehunter and Trouble. www.berniemarsden.com
Tommy Emmanuel /JD Simo 7 to 11 March Perth, Coventry, Shrewsbury, Salisbury
Following his US dates late last year with Jerry Douglas, Tommy is teaming up with another American for this short UK run, and it’s a welcome surprise. Singer/guitarist JD Simo can usually be heard wrenching blues emotion from his 335, so it’ll be interesting to hear his acoustic side. www.tommyemmanuel.com
Newton Faulkner 22 April to 6 May Various UK venues
Time flies and it’s hard to believe that acoustic singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner is already six albums into a recording career that began in 2007. He’s marking the occasion with a ‘greatest hits’ collection, The Very Best Of Newton Faulkner…So Far, and a 10-date tour. www.newtonfaulkner.com
Devin Townsend 24 to 30 April Various UK venues
Maverick, raconteur… Canadian, Devin Townsend’s multi-faceted musical career has gone to fascinating places since his days as the vocalist with Steve Vai’s band. After disbanding his Devin Townsend Project band, it’s time for a new chapter and he’s keeping things intimate with this series of ‘An Evening With…’ acoustic shows. www.hevydevy.com