the lineup
All the best guitar events you need to put in the diary...
Rockin’ The Blues 4 June
O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London Following last year’s debut showcase of Provogue Records’ blues rock talent featuring Eric Gales, Lance Lopez, Gary Hooey and Quinn Sullivan, the 2019 edition hits London next month and it doesn’t disappoint. Jonny Lang makes a welcome return to the UK alongside a more familiar face to our shores – the irrepressible Walter Trout. Rounding out the trio is rising British star Kris Barras for what should be a bill packed with blues power. Though Lang will be part of a fivepiece, he’s keeping it economical on the gear front. “I haven’t had a new pedal on my ’board in a long time,” he confesses. “I stick to the same stuff I’ve always used: my Les Paul or Telecaster with a couple of drive pedals and a wah-wah going into two Fender Deluxes.” www.rockintheblues.com
Devil At The Crossroads Now Netflix
Part of Netflix’s ReMastered series on legendary musicians, which also includes documentaries on Johnny Cash and Sam Cooke, this one focuses on the key events of Robert Johnson’s mysterious life. Interviews and performances from Keith Richards, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt and Keb’ Mo’ are featured. www.netflix.com
Stereophonics 13 to 23 June Various UK venues
In addition to Kelly Jones’s solo tour in June, his band are gearing up again following the completion of a new studio album with release date and title TBC. To keep things interesting, they’re playing forests and gardens including Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury and St Austell’s Eden Project. www.stereophonics.com
Metallica 18 & 20 June Twickenham & Manchester
The metal giants’ WorldWired tour is now well into its third year, having grossed $155 million and counting. Along the way the band has released a signature whiskey (Blackened) and pilsner (Enter Night), while recording every show they play for fans to purchase afterwards. www.metallica.com
Keb’ Mo’ 1 & 2 July Bristol & London
The four-time Grammy Awardwinning bluesman plays the former Georgian church St George’s in Bristol and London’s Union Chapel as part of a short European run. Both these atmospheric venues should prove to be the perfect setting for the Nashville-based player and his Gibson Bluesmaster signature acoustic. www.kebmo.com
Jonathan Wilson 13 to 18 July Various UK venues
The musician and producer plays a handful of UK headline dates before festival shows in mainland Europe. His last album, Rare Birds, blends psychedelic sonics into his Laurel Canyon folk, a scene he’s helped to revive in his work behind the desk and in front of the mic. www.songsofjonathanwilson.com
Underneath The Stars Festival 2 to 4 August Cinderhill Farm, Barnsley
Joining the great tradition of summer folk festivals this year is the sixth event from Kate Rusby’s family production team, who successfully run Pure Records with her locally. As well as Rusby herself headlining on the Sunday, The Proclaimers and Billy Bragg are set to top the bills on the Friday and Saturday. www.underthestarsfest.co.uk
Arctangent Festival 15 to 17 August Fernhill Farm, Mendip Hills
This three-dayer near Bristol is now established as a great showcase of inventive, underground, progressive guitar music. And there are more instrumental artists on the bill this time, including young talents Polyphia, Sithu Aye, Yvette Young, in addition to Mike Sullivan in Russian Circles and Toska’s Rabea Massaad. www.arctangent.co.uk
The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival 23 to 25 August Colne, Lancashire
Now in its 30th year, the 2019 edition is bringing more than 170 acts across 22 stages over its three days. Headliners include the Danny Bryant Big Band, Sari Schorr & The Engine Room, Geoff Achison, Mike Sanchez, and Anthony Gomes. www.bluesfestival.co.uk