Will Kirby Guitar Guitarist specialising in Rock Blues Soul and Funk

Enough space for guitar, pedals and small fender amp

I provide my own bluetooth speaker capable of being heard over my amp. Can bring my own simple lighting.

Directions to venue.
Is there a limiter?
What’s the crowd like?
Exciting and main part of the evening or subdued and atmospheric?
Local hotels
Concessions
Number of sets needed

Yes, am able to provide music related to my act between sets.

Ive been very lucky to play at the O2 arena, which was also my best gig. It was my own guitar solo over a rendition of “Movin on up”.

This came about through playing this tune for Danny Dyer on “The assembly”.

My biggest influence is Jimi Hendrix.

His melodic approach to rhythm guitar playing has assimilated somewhat into my play style.

For lead guitar, my biggest influence is Brian May. I choose groove and melody over flash and spotlight. I am here to serve the song and play what the moment needs.

My favourite tune is Bold As Love by Hendrix or Killer Queen by Queen. The harmonic choices and songwriting style (the rich metaphors and imagery) give me the same satisfaction of reading a good book. Nothing is spoon fed to you and everyone’s interpretation can be different, even your own interpretation as you grow older/wiser.

I have been gigging since I was eight years old. The opportunities came from a local charity which got underprivileged kids into bands and playing music live. I did this until I was 16.

I am formally educated in music, having studied from GCSE to degree level. I graduated BIMM university with a 2:1 in popular music performance.

I am well accustomed to theatre gigs having played shows like Annie, WWRY and Seussical etc. I have played in theatres across the country, from Bob Hope to Kings in Portsmouth.

After graduating, I joined a busy function group specialising in Funk Disco and pop medleys. Our repertoire spans from 70’s to 00’s.

I got my break playing on TV for The Assembly. The episode was a part of the 5 episode pilot. Further marketing of the show meant playing on stage at the O2 arena in fromt if a live audience of 12,000 and a TV audience of approximately 29,000,000.

I love all types of events but Theatre is when Im at my most eager. It blends technicality with feel and scratches all the intellectual itches I have.

Annie helped me develop theatre skill and instinct however WWRY was the most fun as Brian May is one if my biggest influences and to have that experience to play everything Brian May was just a surreal experience.

of course, nothing beats my experience playing at the O2 Arena, especially because the solo I played was my own, no one else’s.

Amp Modeller or Fender Blues Junior depending on if there’s a limiter.

Atmospheric lights with flashing option depending on set/audience

Pedal setup up from modeller.

I am happy to play outside but need easy access go water and loos plus shade.

It is a set setlist, though I do provide some spare songs people can choose from.

Fun, engaging, polished, professional, memorable, sensitive