I don’t think there is an artist who has had such an effect on so many over so many generations, you can also include me in that list in amongst my punk, new romantics even classical albums I have a reasonable collection of Elvis records.

Maybe it is the range and styles of music he produced over the years or the countless number of films or was it his pointless death that has meant his title of the King still be relevant to day, in fact one cannot see anyone ever taking on that mantle.

This continued passion to each generation I would assume is the reason behind so many tribute singers of Elvis and the memories that they conjure when we were younger.

So one can be sure that when the best tribute Elvis artists including the greatest of these Shawn Klush, almost a ironic statement, will be performing in Manchester at the Apollo on Saturday 29th August 2009 – 7.30pm

Tickets will be available from here.

And if you need a reminder on how good they are then enjoy the video below

George Thorogood is now a name which is synonymous with classic blues riffs, which is amazing when you consider his original career was as a semi professional baseball player, who says you cannot have more than one career!

Still after almost 40 years and over 20 albums, it’s no surprise that he was able to span the gap and to be respected as a singer in his native country America. In America he is probably better know as part of the Delaware Destroyers

So with a title like that you can be sure of a few fireworks when George comes to the Apollo in Manchester on Thursday 28th May 2009 – 7.30pm

Tickets for George are available from here

Gary More another legend of rock, although blues is more his style these days, but the rock and almost roll comes out, certainly with the track “Bad for you baby”, which is not surprising when you consider his influences from the 60´s onwards.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he has played with artists including Thin Lizzy, Colosseum II, Greg Lake and the Blues-rock band Skid Row so you can be sure of an interesting mix, but above all you will get his legendary guitar playing.

Gary will be performing in Manchester at the Apollo on Friday 1st May 2009 – 7.30pm and tickets are available from here.

McFly a pop & rock band had a major influence and huge young following in the UK. There debut album “Room on the 3rd Floor” went to no 1 in the UK and made them the youngest band to ever have a debut album go to number 1, a title taken from the Beetles.

The tour follows there recent release of “Radio:ACTIVE” album the first under their own record label Super Records, so one has to say best of luck to them, I am always impressed when people have the confidence and the ability to take control of their own destiny.

They will be at the Manchester Apollo on Friday 8th May 2009 – 7.30pm and tickets are available from here.

Jeff Beck originally with The Yardbirds is when it comes to guitar legends fits comfortably with Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Hendrix and he was ranked 14th on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”, just to give you some idea of his standing, although I am sure you need no telling!

Although most of Jeff´s work is instrumental, it covers many genres ranging from blues-rock, heavy metal, jazz fusion and a blend of guitar-rock and electronica.

Jeff will be at the Manchester Apollo on Saturday 27th June 2009 – 7.30pm and tickets are available from here.

So just to give you an idea what Jeff can do with a guitar, watch the video below.

Puressence are one of the best and most original bands to emerge from the Manchester scene having sung about feelings for a while now, with an extraordinary passion.

The band are from Failsworth, so it is always great to see a local band make there mark. The music is Soul-baring, panoramic rock, a scorching swell of haunting melody and enormous conviction. Still if you are not sure how good they are I suggest you watch the video below, haunting melody hits the nail on the head.

The will be at the Manchester Apollo on Saturday 14th November 2009 – 7.30pm and you can get tickets from here

Status Quo one of Britain’s most enduring bands, and an obsession of a good friend of mine. Still who cannot forget “Rockin’ All Over the World” and “Whatever You Want” back in the late seventies.

They have released over 50 hit singles in their long career over 35 years. Their enthusiasm for touring has never waned and they continue to perform live across Europe.

They will be preforming in Manchester at the Apollo Theatre on Tues 8th & Wed 9th December 2009 – 7.30pm and tickets are available from here.

Eric Patrick Clapton CBE probably for me one of the greatest guitar players of all time will be here in Manchester in May and as a blues-rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and composer, you can be sure it will be a great evening of entertainment. He is probably most famous for his mesmerising skills on the Stratocaster guitar. And has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame not just once but uniquely 3 times as a member of the Yardbirds, of Cream, and as a solo performer.

Eric Clapton’s solo career has seen him become, arguably, the UK’s most influential and commercially successful guitarist after his formative years as a member of classic groups The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream and Blind Faith. His touring band always includes some of the most highly respected and sought after musicians in the world. His hit singles include original songs such as Tears in Heaven (for which he won six Grammies), Wonderful Tonight and Layla together with classic versions of tracks such as, I Shot the Sheriff, Knockin on Heaven’s Door and Cocaine.
Eric will be preforming at the MEN Arena on Thursday 14th May 2009 – 7.30pm and tickets are available from here.

Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) are a folk rock/rock supergroup made up of David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash They are noted for their intricate vocal harmonies, often tumultuous interpersonal relationships, political activism, and lasting influence on music and culture.

The musical partnership was not only one of the most successful touring and recording acts of the late ’60s, ’70s, and early ’80s, with the colourful, contrasting nature of the members’ characters and their connection to the political and cultural upheavals of the time. It was the only American-based band to approach the overall societal impact of the Beatles.

The group was a second marriage for all the participants when it came together in 1968: Crosby had been a member of the Byrds, Nash was in the Hollies, and Stills had been part of Buffalo Springfield. The resulting trio, however, sounded like none of its predecessors and was characterized by a unique vocal blend and a musical approach that ranged from acoustic folk to melodic pop to hard rock

So with that back drop it will be fasinating to watch their proformance in Manchester at the MEN Arena on the  Friday 10th July 2009 – 7.30pm and tickets are available from here.

James Taylor a Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter and guitarist, sings sensitive and introspective songs.

He will be preforming in Manchester at the MEN Arena on the 30th June and tickets will be available here. Again I do not know too much about James Taylor, but thank heavens for Youtube, just to enable you to get a feel of his music.

I am sure I will enjoy, partly because I am learning to play the guitar and there is nothing more enjoyable watching someone pluck the guitar with such sensitivity.