Music

BluesFest is back for 2016 next weekend! Here’s all you need to know

For the second time, BluesFest takes over The O2 tent with shows across three venues across three days – blues galore! A star-studded line-up and incredible atmosphere will make for an unforgettable weekend.

There’s a lot going on in the O2 next weekend for BluesFest 2016, from big headline shows in the arena featuring Maxwell & Mary J Blige, to smaller intimate shows at the Indigo and Brooklyn Bowl.

There will also be a lot of free daytime acts like Catfish, Paddy Milner, Louise Golbey and more on various stages around the tent you can enjoy before the main shows in the evening. We’ve broken down the weekend for you so you can pick your ultimate blues line-up. A little warning though – it’s going to be hard to choose!

Friday 28 October 2016

BluesFest Friday

The O2: Maxwell & Mary J Blige

Mary J. Blige and Maxwell will tour together for the first time ever and will co-headline their King and Queen of Hearts World Tour. The UK leg of the tour begins on Friday 28 October as part of BluesFest in partnership with American Express at The O2. Support will come from American singer-songwriter Ro James

Indigo: Bill Wyman 80th Birthday Gala

What better way to start BluesFest 2016 than a good old blues birthday party for Bill Wyman. He’ll be headlining the show but he’s invited a cracker of a line-up to celebrate with him: Robert Plant, Bob Geldof, Mark Knopfler, Imelda May, Mick Hucknall and more. Bring your party hats!

Brooklyn Bowl: JD & The Straight Shout

JD & The Straight Shot have written some really thought provoking and gripping songs; and this passionate and delicate treatment really makes them memorable, to the extreme. Big Boy Bloater and Darrel Higham support.

Saturday 29 October 2016

BluesFest Saturday

The O2: Bad Company & Richie Sambora

Bad Company return to the UK for the first time in four years this October on their ‘Swan Song’ tour.  The tour will have original Bad Company members Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke hit The O2 on Saturday. And guess what? None other than ex-Bon Jovi guitarist extraordinaire Richie Sambora is going to tag along as well.

Indigo: Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul

Remember Bruce Springsteen’s crazy (and) talented guitarist Stevie Van Zandt? He’s bringing his band Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul back to London for the first show in 25 years! A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Van Zandt also co-founded Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Marcus King will be supporting Stevie on the night.

Brooklyn Bowl: Jo Harman

British singer-songwriter and band leader Jo Harman returns to Brooklyn Bowl for the fourth year in a row as part of Bluesfest. Jo’s 2013 debut album Dirt On My Tongue received remarkable critical acclaim making various of ‘best of’ lists and awards, internationally. Supporting Jo will be Lauren Housley with her blend of Blues and Americana and brilliant young singer-songwriter Hollie Stephenson.

Sunday 30 October 2016

BluesFest Sunday

The O2: Van Morrison & Jeff Beck

Guitar legend and British rock icon Jeff Beck joins sublime singer-songwriter Van Morrison for the final show at The O2 arena to perform their blues and folk hits in the 20,000-capacity venue. Van Morrison has recently released his latest studio album Keep Me Singing and Jeff Beck’s July release of Loud Hailer is sure to be a treat live.

Indigo: Walter Trout and the Temperance Movement

Walter Trout swaps New Jersey shores to be part of BluesFest 2016 alongside UK blues-rock outfit The Temperance movement. The former member of Canned Heat and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers  brings the festival to a close at the Indigo alongside the British Band. They are supported by The Marcus King Band.

Brooklyn Bowl: The Strypes

Four-piece rock band The Strypes from Ireland make their first appearance at BluesFest this year. With support from The Bay Rays, The Strypes take their second album Little Victories out for a spin.

With a line-up this good, we can’t decide who we’d like to see more. It’s BluesFeast! Don’t miss out on all the fun and head on down to North Greenwich next weekend to brighten up those autumn blues with a dose of rocking blues.

Tickets to BluesFest are still available via Ticketmaster.co.uk.