Britain’s most ferocious roots guitarist since the heyday of the Yardbirds, 22-year-old Isle Of Man-born Davy Knowles returns to the UK with his band Back Door Slam for a special headline gig at The 100 Club on the 9th February and a performance at the Next Big Thing festival on 11th February.

His last London show at the Borderline in October 2009 saw the venue completely packed out with relatively little advance press. For a blues artist, one would expect a mature audience, but Davy’s crowd was completely mixed, with both young girls and blues experts standing in awe of his guitar wizardry. It’s not surprising considering he has spent two years wowing audiences in every state of the US and supporting legends such as Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynrd and Chickenfoot.

His debut UK album “Coming Up For Air” was released in November last year by Blixstreet Records and was met with critical acclaim at press, radio, and online. The album was produced by Grammy Award winning guitarist Peter Frampton and features the crème de la crème of musical talent on it such as Fritz Lewak (drums) and Kevin McCormick on bass (Jackson Browne’s rhythm section), respected British singer and Richard Thompson band member Christine Collister on backing vocals, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ Benmont Tench on keyboards. The album features 11 brand new studio tracks and one cover of “Hear Me Lord” by George Harrison.

The Isle of Man native is proving that blues/rock guitar could very well be the next big thing with a style that unites young and old blues followers. The ever-expanding army of Davy Knowles fans will surely agree!

London Dates

9th February – 100 Club, London
11th February – Next Big Thing Festival @ Upstairs at The Relentless Garage