Date/Time Sun 11 Feb 2024 8:00 PM

Price Online - £12 + £1.20 fees; On The Door - £15

Website: https://www.facebook.com/dave.kelly.393950

Dave Kelly is a true legend of British Blues, having been a leading light on the scene since becoming lead singer and guitarist with the John Dummer Blues Band in the late Sixties.

Dave’s professional career has scanned over 55 years and he has worked with many of his heros, as well as John Lee Hooker, Son House and Howlin Wolf he has played with Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Freddie King, Lowell Fulson, The Allman Brothers Band, Bill Payne, James Burton and Albert Lee. Probably one of the most auspicious pedigrees of any British Blues artist.

In 1979 Tom McGuinness told a mutual friend that he and Paul Jones were starting a blues band for fun. They had Hughie Flint lined up on drums, and possibly wanted a piano player and second singer. Hi friend replied, “Well you know who’s not doing much right now – Dave Kelly”. Tom mentioned it to Paul and they agreed slide guitar and an extra singer could work well. The rest as they say is history. 2022 saw the last shows by The Blues Band after 43 years. Over this period they released over 20 albums.

Dave continues to work with his own Dave Kelly Band when time permits. Also for about the last 25 years he and Paul Jones have made acoustic duo tours. He does similar tours with Scottish soul queen Maggie Bell.

Now 76 years old he shows now sign of slowing down nor any intention of retiring – he says, “Why should I retire? – I get paid for my hobby!”

Dave’s latest album, ‘The Sun on My Face’ was released in November 2023.

Tom Poslett is a London-based singer-songwriter.