Best Electric Guitarists I’ve seen play live!

Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix still rates as number one. I’ve never seen anyone generate such excitement. I saw him three times including the Bath Festival, a small club (I think it was Klook’s Kleek) and the last concert at The Royal Albert Hall.

The small club and Bath were amazing. The Albert Hall was a bit disappointing but that was probably too high expectation.

Zoot Horn Rollo

Captain Beefheart just blew me away and Zoot was immense. One of my heroes! But then so were Alex St Claire, Denny Walley, Jeff Cotton and Gary Lucas.

Pete Green

I first saw Pete when he was playing with John Mayall. Loved his clear, crisp fluid style – better than Clapton. I used to see him quite regularly with Fleetwood Mac. They were a great band. I used to love the mixture of Pete’s incredible Blues, Jeremy Spencer’s Elmore James covers and then later with Danny Kirwin. I loved the way that he moved from the Blues into the stupendous progressive rock style.

Eric Clapton

Again, he was a guy I first saw with John Mayall, then it was Cream. He was stupendous with Cream, rivalling Hendrix for excitement. Then it all went wrong. Saw him with Blind Faith and I thought they were a big disappointment. Then it was Derek & the Dominoes, Delaney and Bonnie and cabaret.

Rory Gallagher

I was fortunate enough to catch Rory playing with Taste. A really powerful Hard Rock trio. His playing was so raw and earthy. Loved it.

Roy Harper

I know that Roy is normally thought of as an acoustic guitarist but I just love the sound he creates on an electric – check out ‘Hell’s Angels’ – it rocks.

Jimmy Page

As a session man he played on everything. I saw him at the Toby Jug with Zeppelin just after they returned from the USA. They were hot. I was lucky enough to be at the recording sessions with Roy Harper when he performed on ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ – amazing. I also caught him playing with Roy a few times. Superb.

Dave Gilmour

I used to see Dave playing with the early Pink Floyd. Loved that brilliant sharp sound he got out of the guitar – so clear, crystalline. He was another great guitarist that I was fortunate enough to meet through Roy. He played on a number of Roy Harper tracks. Really nice guy too.

Mick Taylor

Another of the greats that I first saw with John Mayall. Next time I saw him was with the Stones in Hyde Park. He brought real power to the Stones and gave them much more of an edge. You can hear that on ‘Exile On Mainstreet’. A real powerful blues player.

Ron Wood

I first saw Ron play with The Birds. They blew me away – first gig I ever went to. Then I caught him with the Stones a few times. Great guitarist.

Pete Townsend

He powered the Who, not only with his brilliant guitar – rhythm and lead, but with all those antics. So visual. Such a powerful performer.

Johnny Winter

I only saw Johnny play once. Seemed too flash to me. I wasn’t greatly impressed but I could certainly appreciate the technical skill and I loved his playing with Muddy Waters.

Keith Richards

I’m not sure about Keith. I love his riffs with the Stones but for me the really musician was Brian Jones.

Alvin Lee

Ten Years After were a good festival band and Alvin could certainly play. I just got a bit pissed off with all those protracted solos from every band member. Got a bit much.

Frank Zappa

I was disappointed with the Mothers when I saw them. They felt a bit mechanical and over-rehearsed. Perhaps I caught them on a bad day? Zappa could certainly wring notes out of that Guitar though.

The Ones That Got Away

Buddy Guy, Ry Cooder, JJ Cale, Elmore James (My hero),

Probably hundreds more that I can’t think of. But that’ll do for now. Over to you….