Bands 2026

SAS Blues Band are a power trio from Wrexham, Wales, who channel the raw energy of classic blues rock. They pay homage to the legendary trios of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, delivering a hard-rocking, psychedelic twist on the music of icons like Rory Gallagher, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Known for their electrifying live shows, the band captures the spirit of these blues-rock giants, with soaring guitar solos, thumping bass lines, and powerful drumming. They don't just cover the songs; they infuse them with their own dynamic, high-octane style, making each performance a fresh and exhilarating experience for fans of classic rock and blues.

Dubbed “England’s equivalent to Joe Bonnamassa” by Blues Matters, Jim Kirkpatrick has built up over a quarter-century’s experience in Blues and Rock and earned a tonne of respect from his fans, peers and critics alike. Not only is he a gifted songwriter (who’s written numerous nationally UK playlisted songs) but he’s also a deft-fingered, multi-skilled, guitarist who’s famed for possessing both Bonnamassa-type energy and slide guitar and fingerstyle— worthy of the great Duane Allman — as well.

Jim is probably best-known as the lead guitarist of the legendary British melodic rock band FM, with whom he’s served since 2008. However, he’s also worked and toured with many other big hitters, worldwide, several of whom have collaborated with him on his solo material, such as Bernie Marsden and John ‘Rhino’ Edwards.

Striking out as a solo artist, Jim made a seismic and immediate impact, and earned well-deserved acclaim, as a songwriter, guitarist, vocalist (and live performer) with his critically acclaimed, 2020, 12-track solo album ‘Ballad of a Prodigal Son’. Life Music Media called it “The most important British Blues-Rock album of recent years,” and proclaimed, “Jim should be regarded as being right at the pinnacle of the world’s best Blues guitarist/vocalists.”

Now, Jim’s following up that triumphant solo outing with his forthcoming album of new material: ‘Dead Man Walking.’

“I think some of my strongest tracks ever are on this album. I’ve incorporated some country, Americana and gospel influences in with the usual blend of rock and blues. This is new territory for me.

“The tracks ‘Dead Man Walking’ and ‘Union Train’ are southern-tinged whilst ‘Promised Land’ is almost like a work song.

“There’s some out-and-out rockers like ‘Life On The Run’ and Heaven Above’, and some blues and soul with ‘Road of Bones’ and ‘The Journey Home’.

“There’s one cover on the album, which is Rory Gallagher’s ‘I Fall Apart’. It’s very different from his original version. There’s an epic orchestral score on it.

Jims current album ‘Dead Man Walking” has been called 'Quite simply a masterpiece’ by Metal Planet Music who gave it 10/10. Blues Matters Magazine said ‘This is the album of the year, no question about it’ and continued to say ‘If there is a better blues/rock guitarist within this sceptres isle of ours, I’ll eat my hat’! Blues In Britain exclaimed that the album is ‘Quite brilliant’!

Recently, Jim has been lauded as 'the hardest working musician in the business’, 'Britains most unsung blues/rock guitar hero’ and 'the biggest secret in the blues/rock world’. That is all about to change!

Ireland's newest Rory Gallagher tribute band bring their high intensity show back to the Rory Gallagher Festival UK after a much lauded debut here in early 2022. Crest of a Wave will take you on a journey through Rory's back catalogue with some Taste classics, deep cuts from the Irish Tour 1974 and some of Rory's marvellous acoustic styles. This is a high energy, electric blues/rock show that is not to be Missed! Known as on of the greatest blues rock guitarists of all times, Rory was born in Ballyshannon in Co. Donegal in 1948, Rory was originally part of the band Taste in the 1960's before going on to record many solo albums through the 1970's and 1980's.

Jed Thomas from Yorkshire (UK) plays a unique, unmistakable and great blues rock style which he has been celebrating live with Joe Bonamassa, Rory Gallagher Band, Buddy Guy and Nine Below Zero for many years. Stylistically, Jed can be located somewhere between Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Rory Gallagher, his show always has an immense 70s charm and plenty of room for improvisation.

Jed's blues guitar playing is a mix of classic Delta style, slide guitar and electric blues. Along with Paul Austwick on Hammond, Nibbsy Toase on bass and Fiete Blümel on the drums, the Jed Thomas Band impresses the audience and unfolds his magic live performance in the smallest club as well as at the biggest festival. Jed and his top-class band are always touring all over Europe.

„Really loved your slide playing“ (Joe Bonamassa)
“Keep playin’ the blues son…” (Buddy Guy)

„Watch out for this guy“ (Tony McPhee – Groundhogs)

“We really like the direction you are going in” (Rory Gallagher Band)

The three members of Cloak & Dagger—Chris, Adam, and Mongo—are a trio of Southampton-based musicians with a rich history in the local music scene. With a combined 25 years of experience playing in some of the area's most respected bands, they now come together to pay tribute to the legendary Irish blues guitarist, Rory Gallagher.

Cloak & Dagger are known for their passionate and authentic renditions of Gallagher's extensive catalog, from his early days with the band Taste to his prolific solo career. The band channels the raw energy and virtuosic guitar work that made Gallagher an icon, capturing the spirit of his live performances. Their deep musical roots and shared love for the blues make them a fitting homage to a man often regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Aiden Pryor is a musician known for his powerful and engaging performances. He is often compared to his hero, Rory Gallagher, due to his fierce passion and high-energy approach to the guitar. Aiden has performed throughout the UK, Europe, and Ireland, both as a solo artist and with his band, the Aiden Pryor Band. He is praised for his commitment to his craft, his commanding stage presence, and his ability to take the audience on a musical journey with every note. His music features "solid, meaty riffs," "intense lead," and "great lyrics."

Whiskey Flowers is a rock and blues band that formed in 2023 when Aiden Pryor and Steph Ashcroft met at a Harley Davidson International Rally. They initially began as an acoustic duo before expanding into a four-piece band. The current lineup includes Aiden Pryor on guitar and vocals, Steph Ashcroft on guitar and vocals, Elliot Clark on bass, and Ben Hart on drums. Their sound is a mix of blues, rock, Americana, and folk, with influences from artists like Larkin Poe and Rory Gallagher. They are known for their authentic sound and for refusing to be confined to a single genre. Whiskey Flowers has toured in Ireland and performed at festivals like the Belfast City Blues Festival and the Rory Gallagher International Tributes in Holland. Their debut EP, Broken Bones, was released in late 2024 on physical CD and became available for streaming in early 2025.

Blues, Slide, Ragtime Guitarist Chris Newman & Bluesy songstress Stella Hensley have toured extensively for many years and between them have recorded eight albums and guested on many others. Their live performances are regularly enhanced with the addition of some truly outstanding musicians.

Chris Newman has an extensive musical CV having worked with The Climax Blues Band and then going on to form The Mississippi Houndogs with Climax front man Colin Cooper. This band also featured Pick Withers (Dire Straits) and Roger Innis ( Chaka Khan) Terry Butters (Sutherland Bros)

Chart success came in the early nineties with The Soul Survivors.Their recording of ' Woolly Bully' featured the infamous Vinnie Jones leading onto various TV shows and appearances.
Later in the nineties Chris toured with Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep) on a Mapex Drum Clinic tour.
The recording of An Acoustic Tribute to Rory Gallagher went on to see him performing the length and breadth of Ireland, including the International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon.
He was then asked to perform at the Rory Gallagher Tribute Festival in Philadelphia PA.
Chris composes music for Film,TV and Radio and is the UK demonstrater for Collings Guitars and Kudos Mimesis pickups by Mike Vanden

Stella Hensley is a powerful singer songwriter. She is often compared to Stevie Nicks and Alison Moyet. She has a smoky , sultry, velvet voice which draws the audience in.
She trained at the Academy Of Live and Recorded Arts in Wandsworth, Studying Acting, Film and Radio. She has had a few cameo film parts and began singing professionally at 21.
She has worked with Mark Shaw ( Then Jericho) Ricki Wilde and worked as a session singer.
She was the opening artist for Uriah Heep at The Shepherds Bush Empire at the Magicians Birthday Party Tour.
Stella has been co writing songs for many years. Her words are heartfelt, personal and able to move even the coldest of hearts.
She also is a powerful front person for the blues/ rock groove band "The Barefoot Doctors"
Prescribing soulful remedies are just one of the many abilities that The Barefoot Doctors share as they travel Europe dispensing their wholesome brand of Rhythm and Blues music to all who seek therapeutic healing.
Comprising of the bluesy velvet vocals of Stella Hensley, the spiritual guitar of Chris Newman, the unstoppable grooves of bassist Jon Sykes ( The Pineapple Thief) and the shamanic trance of legendary drummer
Jeff Rich who has worked with Status Quo, Def Leppard, The Climax Blues Band, Judie Tzuke and many more.
Myke Clifford on sax, flute and vocals, the wizardry of Art Toper on keys.
The Barefoot Doctors know and understand how to bring a smile back to a forlorn face, a bounce back to tired feet and manifest a feeling of tranquility to man, woman and dog.
Centuries ago doctors, shamens or healers in the far east would walk barefoot from village to village dispensing healing to those in need.
Today, you can witness the same soulful healing courtesy of the Barefoot Doctors.
seven willing shamens steeped in the art of performing rhythm and blues that will reach all the way down to touch your very soul and lift you to a new awareness of what great music can do for the spirit. The Barefoot Doctors - Healing soles since 2010.

Jack-Austin Despy is a young, rising teenage star in the UK blues music scene. Hailing from the UK, he is a talented guitar player with a passion for soulful melodies and captivating performances. His music is a blend of traditional blues with a modern twist, and he also performs his own original material.

He is the frontman of the Jack-Austin Despy Blues Band, a three-piece group that includes Jack-Austin on lead guitar and vocals, Vincent Lilley on drums, and Leon Adams on bass. The band has been praised for their expertise, with blues veterans saying, "The future of Blues is safe in their hands." Their influences include blues and rock legends such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Rory Gallagher, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, and Cream.

Jack-Austin's musical journey began at the age of six when he started learning the harmonica, before quickly progressing to the guitar. By the age of nine, he was jamming with veteran musicians. He has played at various notable festivals and venues, including the Rory Gallagher Festival UK in Nantwich and London's legendary 100 Club. In 2024, he was a finalist for the UK Blues Federation's "Jules Fothergill Young Blues Artist of the Year" and "UK Blues Emerging Act of the Year" awards. Jack-Austin primarily uses Fender amps and Fender Stratocasters, customizing his guitars to suit his unique style and tone.

The Tony Edwards Band is a British power trio hailing from East Anglia. The band is defined by the explosive combination of extensive experience and a potent blend of power and virtuosity, a result of the members' long careers and diverse musical backgrounds.

At the heart of the band is frontman Tony Edwards, a gifted guitarist and vocalist. With a repertoire that spans rock, blues, and jazz, the Tony Edwards Band delivers a dynamic and multifaceted performance. Edwards himself is particularly renowned for his skills on the guitar, which he has honed over many years.

In addition to his work with the Tony Edwards Band, Edwards has a notable history as the frontman of a highly-respected Rory Gallagher tribute band called Secret Agent. This role, in which he celebrated the music and legacy of the iconic Irish blues-rock guitarist, has been a significant part of his musical journey, and has taken him to festivals and stages across the UK.

Dom Martin is a multi-award-winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has a captivating style that is inspired by but not confined to the blues, drawing on influences from a range of artists including Tom Waits, John Martyn, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Howlin' Wolf.

For Dom Martin, the influence of his fellow Belfast native, the legendary Rory Gallagher, is profound and deeply personal. He has been hailed by many as a modern successor to Gallagher, and the connection is more than just a musical comparison. As a child, Martin's father gave him a tape of Rory Gallagher's albums Live In Europe and Blueprint, which he listened to so obsessively that it eventually wore out. This formative experience instilled a passion for Gallagher's music that has remained a constant throughout his life and career.

This reverence for Gallagher is evident in Martin's work. While he is celebrated for his original songs, he almost never performs without including a Rory Gallagher song in his setlist, viewing it as a way to "keep Rory's music alive." This dedication has earned him invitations to perform at significant events, such as the 50th-anniversary launch of Gallagher's Deuce album.

Dom Martin performs both as a solo acoustic artist and with his power trio. The Dom Martin Band, featuring bassist Ben Graham and drummer Jonny McIlroy, is a formidable force on the blues-rock circuit, renowned for their high-energy performances. With multiple accolades, including being inducted into the UK Blues Hall of Fame, Dom Martin has established himself as a genuine, vital artist and a new guitar hero for a new generation.