The Jim Kirkpatrick Band - Double Bank Holiday Special Show

THE JIM KIRKPATRICK BAND – BLUES OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL SPECIAL

Matinee Doors 12.30pm finish 4.00pm

Evening Doors 7.00pm finish 10.30pm

Few guitarists in modern British blues and rock carry the weight, pedigree and sheer musical authority of Jim Kirkpatrick. With a career spanning over a quarter of a century, Kirkpatrick has quietly — and now not so quietly — carved out a reputation as one of the most powerful, versatile and expressive guitarists of his generation, earning comparisons to the very best in the business, with some boldly hailing him as "England's equivalent to Joe Bonamassa."

His story is one forged not in hype, but in hard miles, deep musicianship and the respect of those who truly know — fellow players, critics, and audiences alike.

Emerging from the UK blues and rock circuit, Kirkpatrick built his early reputation the traditional way: on the road, in the clubs, honing a style that fused fiery blues-rock attack with delicate fingerstyle nuance and slide guitar mastery. That versatility would become his calling card — a guitarist equally capable of explosive, arena-sized solos or intimate, emotionally charged phrasing.

It was this rare blend of feel and fire that led him into the orbit of one of Britain's true blues legends — Bernie Marsden. Serving as Marsden's trusted guitarist for over a decade, Kirkpatrick became an integral part of the former Whitesnake icon's touring and recording world, absorbing and contributing to a lineage that stretches back to the very roots of British blues-rock. Marsden himself confirmed Kirkpatrick's standing, noting his long-term role within his band — a position reserved only for players of the very highest calibre.

Alongside this, Kirkpatrick's reputation continued to grow through collaborations and touring work with a roll call of heavyweights, including John 'Rhino' Edwards of Status Quo, as well as performances connected to the celebrated Band of Friends — further cementing his deep connection to the blues tradition and its lineage.

But it is perhaps his role since 2008 as lead guitarist with the legendary British melodic rock band FM that brought him to a wider international audience. Joining a band with a rich legacy dating back to the 1980s, Kirkpatrick stepped into the spotlight and helped drive FM's modern resurgence, contributing to a string of acclaimed albums and global touring schedules . His guitar work — melodic, powerful and unmistakably rooted in the blues — became a defining feature of the band's contemporary sound.

Yet for all his work as a sideman and band player, Jim Kirkpatrick was always destined to step forward as an artist in his own right.

His solo career has been nothing short of a revelation.

With albums such as Ballad of a Prodigal Son and the monumental Dead Man Walking, Kirkpatrick announced himself as not just a guitarist of note, but a fully realised songwriter, vocalist and musical storyteller. His music stretches beyond traditional blues-rock, weaving in elements of Americana, gospel, country and soul, creating a rich, cinematic sound that is both rooted in tradition and fearlessly modern .

The response from the music press has been emphatic and unanimous:

"The most important British Blues-Rock album of recent years" — Life Music Media
"Album of the year, no question about it" — Blues Matters
"Quite simply a masterpiece" — Metal Planet Music

Critics and fans alike have begun to recognise what those within the industry have known for years — that Kirkpatrick is one of the UK's most accomplished and underrated blues-rock artists, often described as "the hardest working musician in the business" and "the biggest secret in the blues-rock world."

And yet, perhaps the most remarkable thing about Jim Kirkpatrick is not the list of names he's worked with, the albums he's released, or the accolades he's received…

…it's what happens when he steps onto a stage.

Because this is where it all comes together.

The fire. The finesse. The soul. The sheer, unrelenting power of British blues-rock played the way it was meant to be played — loud, honest and from the heart.

Now, as part of the Blues of the World Festival, that power arrives at Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre in its purest form — the Jim Kirkpatrick Band.

A rare chance to witness arena-level musicianship distilled into an intimate, up-close experience.

For this special Blues of the World Festival appearance, Kirkpatrick is joined by a formidable band drawn from the upper ranks of British rock and blues. On drums is Leon Cave of Status Quo, a powerhouse player whose precision, groove and relentless drive have underpinned one of Britain's most enduring rock institutions. His playing brings a solid, no-nonsense backbone to the Jim Kirkpatrick Band, locking everything into a tight, muscular groove that drives the music forward with authority. On keyboards is Jem Davis of FM, a master of tone and atmosphere whose Hammond textures and melodic sensibility add depth, warmth and cinematic sweep to the band's sound, shaping the sonic landscape with subtlety and class. Completing the line-up is bassist Chris Cliff, known for his work with blues powerhouse Sari Schorr, whose instinctive feel and deep groove provide the glue between rhythm and melody, delivering a foundation that is both fluid and formidable.

Together, this is not just a band but a collective of seasoned musicians operating at the highest level, bringing decades of touring, recording and stagecraft into one unified, electrifying live experience. From southern-tinged grooves and gospel-infused ballads to riff-heavy rockers and deep, driving blues, The Jim Kirkpatrick Band delivers a set that is as diverse as it is powerful.

Two shows. One day. No barriers. No distance.

Just the blues — raw, electric, and alive.