Simon McBride (Page 1 of 2)

Quite a few years ago Simon & I went to the same guitar tutor he's a very talented musician and to be honest he's very under-rated.  I remember him as a young kid into Steve Vai and all the shredding stuff but his playing now is a lot more bluesier and more mature.  He also plays with Sweet Savage,  Vivian Campbells old band from Def leppard have seen them in the past and are worth checking out.  Looking forward to his album in October.

Usually a lot of the local artists/guitarists sell their albums through local independant music shops here in Northern Ireland.  If anyone wants a copy of Simons album and can't get one please get in touch with me and i will do my best to track one down.

Some years ago Simon was on a british TV programme hosted by Richard & Judy about talented young musicians.  He played the theme from the South Bank Show with a young Asian classical pianist and even then Simon was amazing.  That night they met Brian May if i remember correctly.

Really enjoyed this Michael thank you.
Does anyone know if any of his stuff is available in the States ?
                                                        Cheers  Paul

Really like this guy.wrote down a comment at the little wing video.

You got that right Michael.....thanks for the heads up.....

Simon has nothing to apologise for, we're all allowed opinions in the free world. He does, however, as he says in the Classic Rock interview, have a massive amount of respect for Joe and all he has done for the blues rock genre - see my signature below.

Simon is also right that "Nowadays, there are a million guitar players doing what I’m doing." Just check out the names of the great guitar players that are frequently mentioned on this forum. Some are instantly recognisable or have their own distinctive style, while others haven't yet developed something that separates them from the pack. But they are all good players and Simon agrees that Joe is a "great player".

One doesn't have to agree with Simon - I don't, but I do think his playing is amazing and he definitely deserves to have a bigger slice of the pie. He also has a superb voice and noawadays writes his own material that is well constructed and strong on individuality. I also have a massive respect for Simon that, just like Joe did in his early days, he's building his reputation the hard way by playing the clubs and building up a core of loyal fans.

I for one will be at Simon's gig (with Pete) at the Borderline next week and I know that he won't disappoint. If anyone in the UK is able to get to any of the gigs on the current tour, you'll be glad you made the effort. Don't just sit there, buy a ticket!

Check out any of Pete’s videos of Simon on youtube for a taster. Pete's youtube channel is Omegalast800, if you don't know already.

Tour Dates

Wed, 4 Dec 2013
NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom
The Cluny

Thu, 5 Dec 2013
GLOUCESTER, United Kingdom
Guildhall
support: Federal Charm

Fri, 6 Dec 2013
WINCHESTER, United Kingdom
The Railway

Sat, 7 Dec 2013
LONDON, United Kingdom
The Borderline

Sun, 8 Dec 2013
DEAL, Kent United Kingdom
Astor Theatre

Mon, 9 Dec 2013
OXFORD, United Kingdom
The Bullingdon

Tue, 10 Dec 2013
BILSTON, Wolverhampton United Kingdom
Robin2

Wed, 11 Dec 2013
GLASGOW, G2 8DL Scotland
The Arches
support: Federal Charm

For more info, http://www.simonmcbride.net/

I just saw the interview and the comparison to Joe. I remembered hearing his name and didn't realize it was 2008 when he opened for Joe. Classic Rock has a habit of throwing Joe's name to interviewees such as Gary Moore and others and checking for the response for whatever reason. I remember Gary had a few critiques that Joe was not offended by. Simon to me sounds influenced by Joe whether he would admit it or not. I think many players should be thanking Joe for showing the world or at least the UK that blues rock is a viable genre' today and many are being given a certain attention that may or may not of been there had Joe not broken ground.

I don't expect an apology from Simon I would hope he would show some respect. Saying that he hears Eric Johnson and Eric Clapton in Joe's playing just seems ironic. I hear Joe in his. I'm just saying.