Simon McBride Band at The Borderline

Fast becoming the next Irish blues guitar hero in the footsteps of Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore, the Belfast-born guitarist has gained a pile of accolades. “Hugely accomplished.” MOJO. “McBride is among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world.” GUITARIST MAGAZINE

On hearing his latest album Crossing The Line, American magazine ‘Performer’ was prompted to say “The Holy Trinity of Belfast rock ‘n roll – Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher & Gary Moore – might just be on the verge of becoming a four-leaf clover.” Soon after, he was invited by Don Airey (Deep Purple, Gary Moore) to play guitar on his latest album, including a special medley of songs in tribute to the late Gary Moore. Don’s previous guest guitarist was none other than Joe Bonamassa.

Rewind to the early-’90s, and you didn’t have to squint to spot future greatness in the unassuming kid from Belfast, who picked up his first guitar at ten and eschewed formal lessons to bend his fingers around the music of Free, Jeff Beck and Hendrix. At 16, he turned pro, leaving education behind to wow the world as a hired gun in projects that ranged from filling Vivian Campbell’s shoes in Sweet Savage, to R&B and soul with ex-Commitments vocalist Andrew Strong.

Even by the lofty standards of Northern Ireland, where drinkers still raise a toast to the audacious talent of the late Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore, this young maestro’s name was soon starting to be dropped in the same reverential breath. He has supported such great names as Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck and Joe Bonamassa and played major festivals around Europe. Now it’s his turn. Step-forward a new world-class talent.

"Ireland has a knack of throwing up diamonds, of which McBride most definitely is one... this boy's going places." HIFI+