Simon McBride is one of the most exciting electric guitarists performing today. His style fuses timeless elements of Classic Rock and high-energy Blues guitar within a modern power trio continuing the tradition of world-class Irish rockers like Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore and Thin Lizzy.
Northern Ireland native, Simon McBride is currently on the road with Deep Purple filling in for Steve Morse and has released his new album The Fighter via EarMusic.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with Simon McBride over zoom to chat about the creation of his new album The Fighter
Belfast, is a place that resonates of the best music traditions like Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher as well as bands such as Thin Lizzy, Stiff Little Fingers, and obviously U2.
Ian Gillan from Deep Purple thinks Simon is one of the best guitar players in the world! He has also played a full tour as a member of Ian Gillan´s band and has played together with all-time greats like Don Airey in the Don Airey band and ex members of Whitesnake in the band Snakecharmer.
“The Fighter” is a fantastic, impressive, and multi-layered album. It is indebted to the blues and rock tradition, but never anachronistic, always modern, but never concerned about trends.
Songs like the great “Show Me How To Love”, the straight rocker “Kingdoms” and the new high-energy single “High Stakes” prove exactly that: McBride’s music is all about the songs, the soul.
It’s an autobiographical journey, stories of a life on the road, of dreams, opportunities, and struggles. “We can do it, but it just takes time”, he sings in “Just Takes Time”, one of the many highlights on the record.
McBride proves himself a true master of hooklines, from the vocal lines to the riffs and adorning licks, everything is utterly catchy and (even the guitar lines!) truly singable.
Whenever this guitar maestro starts a solo on the six-string, it is rousing and impressive, but never a mere means to an end in itself. It’s the work of a musician who has not only deeply mastered his instrument, but also knows how to write songs with substance… and how to sing them! McBride’s raspy, versatile voice is that of a storyteller. One who has seen a lot… and did not call the album “THE FIGHTER” for nothing.
Check out the video for ‘Dont Dare’ off The Fighter
Simon also presents gear demo videos such as this one for the BOSS SY200