He has played, toured and recorded with many of the blues giants including John Lee Hooker, Memphis Slim, Jimmy Reed, Canned Heat, Jefferson Airplane and the Stones.
Since the 60’s McPhee’s talent as a blues guitarist has made him highly sought after in the business - at one point he refused offers to join the bands of Chris Barber, Alexis Korner and to replace Eric Clapton in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Instead, he preferred to go his own way experimenting with more progressive rock blues and very loud electric guitars, which led to the birth of the Groundhogs.
Throughout the early 70’s the Groundhogs produced massive selling rock albums including Thank Christ for the Bomb, Split and Who Will Save the World. These albums were written and fronted by McPhee, who dazzled audiences with his awesome electric guitar solos, earning him the accolade of fourth best British guitarist in 1971. The albums were massive chart hits and prompted appearances on Top of the Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test.
Following the break up of the Groundhogs in 2004, Tony is now back to his roots playing raw acoustic blues, reflecting the early bluesmen such as Robert Johnson and Howlin’ Wolf. He is presently touring an acoustic set featuring material from a new album, blues classics and solo versions of Groundhogs favourites.
The set is a vibrant mix of acoustic and electric styles, solo and duets with his partner Joanna Deacon, interspersed with anecdotes and chat.
Processed Pea organiser Martin Peirson said: “We jumped at the chance to bring in Tony - he was very much part of the 70’s underground music scene. It will be great to experience his music ‘stripped down’ without the mega-watts to hide behind!”.
Tony McPhee and Joanne Deacon will be supported by The Blackhearts.
Tickets at (£10) are available in advance from Beverley Tourist Information Centre and Cherry Burton Stores. For telephone reservations or more information, please telephone (01430) 810669.
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