Paul Rose Guitar : Masterclass and Performance : Barrow Music Weekender 2026

Newcastle born Paul Rose is without doubt one of the most unique and talented guitarists in the world today. Fundamentally a rock guitarist, his extraordinary playing style touches on blues, country, jazz and folk, blended together into a style that is entirely his own.

Voted ‘Guitarist of the Year’ in Guitarist Magazine 1995, Paul has worked as a producer/artist/session guitarist with Ted McKenna (drummer with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Rory Gallagher, Micheal Schenker, Bobby Womack), Gerry McAvoy (bassist with Rory Gallagher for 25 years), Randy Brecker (The Brecker Brothers), Bill Evans (tenor sax Miles Davis, Mick Jagger, Herbie Hancock, Derek Trucks) & John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick (Free, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jon Martyn, Pete Townsend and 30 years with The Who) amongst others.

His last album ‘Double Life’ was recorded at the Steakhouse, Hollywood, CA which Paul co produced with multi Grammy award winner John Wooler (Gary Moore, Johnny Winter, john Lee Hooker, Albert Collins). The album featured Terry Evans on vocals (35 years with Ry Cooder), Richie Morales on drums (Al Demeola, The Brecker Brothers, Mike Stern), Randy Jacobs on rhythm guitar (Elton John, Kris Kristofferson, Was Not Was), Bernard Fowler lead vocals (backing vocals with the Rolling Stones for 25 years) & Sweat Pea Atkinson on vocals (Was Not Was, Lyle Lovett). The album received 5 star reviews across the board, and gig of the month for London during the album tour.

Paul then spent 18 months in the New York area playing with his US version of the Paul Rose Trio, featuring Richie Morales (Spyra Gyra, Al Demeola, The Brecker Brothers) and Mark Egan (Pat Metheny Group, David Sanborn, Gil Evans). With a weekly residency at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village and gigs at the Iridium and B. B. Kings.

Most recently, back on home ground Paul has been lead guitarist with Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends headlining many major festivals in the UK and Europe. As well as continuing to work as a producer and performing live performances of his own music both on the road and on his global YouTube platform.

We are thrilled to welcome Paul to north West Music Academy for Barrow Music Weekender 2026!