Famous Guitarists from West Midlands
List of famous guitarists born who were born in West Midlands, listed alphabetically with photos when available. Many of these guitar players from West Midlands are legends in the music world, each with their own innovative styles of play. If you play guitar, whether acoustic or electric, then these famous West Midlands guitar players should be people you look up to. These are some of the best guitarists that have ever picked up the instrument, and whether they play rock, blues, metal or folk, these men and women are considered legends.
The list you're viewing is made up of a variety of different items, including Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi.
This list answers the questions, "What guitar players are from West Midlands?" and "Who are famous West Midlands guitarists?"- Photo:
Andy Cox (born Andrew Cox, 25 January 1956) is a British guitarist born in Birmingham, who along with Dave Wakeling, founded The Beat in 1978.The Beat achieved eight Top 40 singles and three hit albums in the UK before announcing their break up in 1983. Some of their notable hits included "Mirror in the Bathroom", "Hands Off She's Mine" and "Can't Get Used to Losing You". In 1985 he joined fellow Beat member David Steele and singer Roland Gift, to form Fine Young Cannibals. In 1988, while Fine Young Cannibals were on hiatus, Cox and Steele released the instrumental house music single, "Tired of Getting Pushed Around", under the name of Two Men, A Drum Machine and A Trumpet. It reached #18 in the UK Singles Chart. That same year, they also collaborated with Wee Papa Girl Rappers debut single Heat It Up which reached #21.In 2002, Cox formed Cribabi with Japanese vocalist, Yukari Fujiu, and released the album Volume on his own Fidela record label.- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Birthplace: Birmingham, England
- Photo:
- Metaweb (FB)
- Public domain
Robert Jackson (born 6 January 1949, Coventry, England) is an English rock musician most famous for being a member of Badfinger from 1974 to 1975 and 1981 to 1983, and of The Fortunes from 1995 to the present. He currently tours under the Badfinger name in the United Kingdom.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Coventry, United Kingdom
- Photo:
- David "Clem" Clempson (born 5 September 1949 in Tamworth, Staffordshire) is an English rock guitarist who has played as a member in a number of bands including Colosseum and Humble Pie.
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Birthplace: Tamworth, Staffordshire, England
- Photo:
David Thomas Mason (born 10 May 1946) is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist from Worcester, who first found fame with the rock band Traffic. Over the course of his career, Mason has played and recorded with many notable pop and rock musicians, including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steve Winwood, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie, Leon Russell and Cass Elliot. One of Mason's best known songs is "Feelin' Alright", recorded by Traffic in 1968 and later by many other performers, including Joe Cocker, whose version of the song was a hit in 1969. For Traffic, he also wrote "Hole in My Shoe", a psychedelic pop song that became a hit in its own right. "We Just Disagree", Mason's 1977 solo US hit, written by Jim Krueger, has become a staple of US classic hits and adult contemporary radio playlists.In 2004, Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of Traffic. Within the same year, Dave started a new electric guitars company with business partner and Industrial Designer Ravi Sawhney. RKS Guitars was showcased at the 2004 NAMM show in Anaheim, CA.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Worcester, England
- Photo:
David Wakeling (born 19 February 1956 in Birmingham, England) is an English ska musician, known for his work with the band the Beat (known in North America as the English Beat), and General Public.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Birmingham, England
- Photo:
David Hinds
David "Dread" Hinds (born 15 June 1956) is a British musician, the founding member, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist for the reggae band Steel Pulse. he's only the third male singer from the caribbean to be born in England after John King and Jamal Slocombe both of Barbados and the second singer to be born into the same family ( the Hinds Family) after Alison Hinds again of Barbados- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Handsworth, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Francis Healy
Francis Healy or variants may refer to: Francis Healy (baseball) (1910–1997), American baseball player Fran Healy (baseball) (born 1946), Francis Healy, former baseball player and former television announcer for the New York Mets Fran Healy (musician) (born 1973), Francis Healy, lead singer and songwriter of the band Travis Frank Healy (born 1962), Francis Healy, bass guitarist- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Birthplace: Stafford, United Kingdom
- Photo:
Glenn Raymond Tipton (born 25 October 1947) is an English Grammy Award-winning guitar player and songwriter. Often noted for his complex playing style and classically influenced solos, he is best known as one of the lead guitarists for heavy metal band Judas Priest.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Blackheath, United Kingdom
- Photo:
Jeff Lynne, an influential figure in the music industry, was born on December 30, 1947, in Birmingham, England. He is best known for his work as a songwriter, singer, and producer, particularly within the rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Lynne's musical journey started when he formed a band called "The Rockin' Hellcats" at the age of 17. His prowess as a musician grew over the years leading him to co-found ELO in 1970. The band went on to achieve significant international success with hits like "Evil Woman", "Livin' Thing", and "Mr. Blue Sky". Lynne's talent extends beyond his efforts with ELO. In addition to his work with the band, he has made substantial contributions as a solo artist and a music producer. He released his debut solo album, Armchair Theatre, in 1990, which showcased his ability to blend different musical styles effectively. As a producer, he has worked with some of the premier names in the music industry. Notably, Lynne produced albums for George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison, and was a part of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys alongside these artists and Bob Dylan. Despite the commercial and critical success, Lynne remained a down-to-earth individual, always prioritizing music over fame. His dedication to his craft resulted in his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 with ELO, solidifying his place in music history. Lynne continues to inspire new generations of musicians with his unique approach to songwriting and production. His career serves as a testament to his musical genius and influence in shaping the landscape of rock and pop music.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: England
- Photo:
Justin Karl Michael Broadrick (born 15 August 1969) is a British singer, songwriter, guitarist and drummer. He is best known as a founding member of the band Godflesh, one of the first bands to combine elements of extreme metal and industrial music. He was briefly in the English grindcore band Napalm Death when he was a teenager in the mid-1980s, writing and recording guitar for Side One of Napalm Death's debut album, Scum. Broadrick has also maintained a parallel career as a producer, producing records and remixes for groups such as Pantera, Isis, Mogwai and Hydra Head labelmates Pelican. Since 2012, he has been releasing hard techno music under the solo moniker JK Flesh. Broadrick has set up record labels such as HeadDirt, Avalanche Recordings, Post Mortem Productions (briefly renamed Uprising Productions), Lo Fibre and Heartache.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Photo:
Kenneth "K. K." Downing Jr. (born 27 October 1951) is a British musician, co-founder of the heavy metal band Judas Priest, and an author.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: West Bromwich, United Kingdom
- Kevin "Al" Archer (born 21 December 1958) is an English guitarist and songwriter.
- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Photo:
Luther James Grosvenor (born 23 December 1946 in Evesham, Worcestershire) is an English rock musician, who played guitar in Spooky Tooth, briefly in Stealers Wheel and, under the pseudonym Ariel Bender, in Mott the Hoople and Widowmaker. Grosvenor first began playing in local bands in his hometown of Evesham. He met Jim Capaldi, who later played with Traffic, with whom he formed a group called Deep Feelin. Later he joined a group called The V.I.P.'s, in which Keith Emerson played for some time. The V.I.P.'s were renamed Art and later became Spooky Tooth. After leaving Spooky Tooth, he released a solo album, Under Open Skies (Island Records, 1971). For contractual reasons, he changed his name to Ariel Bender at the suggestion of singer-songwriter Lynsey de Paul for his stint with the Mott the Hoople. According to Mott's lead singer Ian Hunter, interviewed in the documentary The Ballad of Mott the Hoople, the band were in Germany with Lynsey de Paul for the TV show, Hits-a-Go-Go in Germany on 24 June 1973 when lead guitarist Mick Ralphs walked down a street bending a succession of car aerials in frustration. De Paul came out with the phrase "aerial bender" which Hunter later suggested to Grosvenor as a stage name. Grosvenor joined the band in 1973, replacing Ralphs. Grosvenor toured with Mott in 1973 and 1974 and performed on the band's seventh album, The Hoople (1974). The years with Spooky Tooth (1967 to 1970), Stealers Wheel (1973) and Mott the Hoople (1973 to 1974) were the most successful years in Grosvenor's musical career. After leaving Mott in 1974 - he was replaced by Mick Ronson - Grosvenor published a few solo albums, and formed Widowmaker, releasing Widowmaker in 1976 and Too Late to Cry in 1977. In the 1990s, Grosvenor returned in a Spooky Tooth reunion. In 2005, he revived his pseudonym, forming the Ariel Bender Band. In 2007 and 2008 he performed under the name Ariel Bender's Mott The Hoople performing both Spooky Tooth and Mott The Hoople songs, as well as cover songs. In 2009, he worked with London act, The Winter Olympics, recording guitar parts for their song, "The Great Outdoors", which was released in August 2010. In June 2018, performing as Ariel Bender, Grosvenor played three Mott The Hoople reunion shows with Hunter and 1974 Mott pianist Morgan Fisher, backed by Hunter's Rant Band. The shows were at festivals in Spain and the United Kingdom and a concert in Norway.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Evesham, United Kingdom
- Martin Lancelot Barre (; born 17 November 1946) is an English rock musician best known for his work with progressive rock band Jethro Tull, with whom he recorded and toured from their second album in 1969 to the band's initial dissolution in 2012. In the early 1990s he went solo, and has recorded four studio albums and made several guest appearances. He has also played the flute and other instruments such as the mandolin, both on stage for Jethro Tull and in his own solo work.
- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: England
Mel Galley
Melville John "Mel" Galley (8 March 1948 – 1 July 2008) was an English guitarist and singer, best known for his work with Whitesnake, Trapeze, Finders Keepers and Phenomena. Galley was born in Cannock, Staffordshire, England. While a member of Whitesnake, he badly injured his arm in an accident at a fairground in Germany and had to leave the band, as he was unable to play the guitar because of nerve damage as a result of incompetent surgery. Later he became known for playing with "The Claw", a specially developed spring and wire device fitted to his hand which enabled him to play the guitar again. Together with his brother Tom Galley and Wilfried Rimensberger, he was a founding member of Phenomena where his songwriting and guitar playing skills had a major impact on its success. On 7 February 2008 Galley revealed that he was suffering from esophageal cancer, and had only a short time to live."I have been very lucky. I have seen some great bands, and played with many great musicians. And I have enjoyed some tremendous experiences. I am thankful that I can say a proper goodbye to all the friends I have made, who are now rallying round me".- Birthplace: Cannock, England
- Photo:
Nigel John Taylor (born 20 June 1960) is an English musician, singer, songwriter, producer and actor, who is best known as the bass guitarist and founding member of new wave band Duran Duran. Duran Duran was one of the most popular bands in the world during the 1980s due in part to their revolutionary music videos which played in heavy rotation in the early days of MTV. Taylor played with Duran Duran from its founding in 1978 until 1997, when he left to pursue a solo recording and film career. He recorded a dozen solo releases (albums, EPs, and video projects) through his private record label B5 Records over the next four years, had a lead role in the movie Sugar Town, and made appearances in a half dozen other film projects. He rejoined Duran Duran for a reunion of the original five members of the group in 2001 and has remained with the group since. The current permanent members of Duran Duran are Simon Le Bon (singer), John Taylor (bass guitar), Nick Rhodes (synthesizer) and Roger Taylor (drums). Taylor was also a member of two supergroups: The Power Station and Neurotic Outsiders.- Nationality: United States of America, England
- Birthplace: Solihull, United Kingdom
- Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, is a legendary figure in the world of rock music. Hailing from Birmingham, England, he started his journey of stardom as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath in 1968. With Black Sabbath, Osbourne helped pioneer a new genre of music. Despite struggles with substance abuse that led to his departure from the band in 1979, his impact was undeniable and would serve as a launching pad for his subsequent solo career. In the 1980s, Osbourne embarked on a highly successful solo journey, releasing numerous albums that achieved multi-platinum status. His first solo album, Blizzard of Ozz, debuted in 1980 and quickly gained recognition for hits like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley." However, it wasn't just his musical prowess that kept him in the spotlight. His unpredictable and often controversial behavior earned him the nickname "Prince of Darkness," furthering his mystique and appeal in the entertainment industry. Despite personal challenges and controversies, Osbourne has persisted in the music industry, solidifying his legacy as a rock icon. He's received several accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath and a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1994. Beyond music, Osbourne's life has also been chronicled in reality television, notably through the MTV series The Osbournes, which offered an intimate look at his family life. Ozzy Osbourne's influence and contributions to the music industry are irrefutable, making him a true living legend in the realm of rock and roll.
- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Aston, Birmingham, England, UK
Roderick James Byers
Roddy Radiation (born Roderick James Byers, 5 May 1955 in Keresley, Coventry, England) is an English musician who played lead guitar for The Specials, as well as many rockabilly bands such as the Bonediggers and the Tearjerkers. He wrote the Specials favourites "Concrete Jungle", "Rat Race" and "Hey, Little Rich Girl", later covered by Amy Winehouse. Currently, Byers leads The Skabilly Rebels, a band that mixes ska rhythms with rockabilly.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Keresley, United Kingdom
Ross Boss Friedman
Ross Friedman (born January 3, 1954, in the Bronx, New York), also known as Ross the Boss, is a guitarist, known as a founding member of both the punk band the Dictators, and the heavy metal band Manowar.- Nationality: United States of America
- Birthplace: Blackheath, United Kingdom
- Photo:
Simon Geoffrey Fowler (born 25 May 1965 in Meriden, Warwickshire) is an English singer and acoustic guitarist, best known as the frontman of Ocean Colour Scene.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Meriden, United Kingdom
- Stephen John "Steve" Cradock (born 22 August 1969 in Solihull) is an English guitarist, most notable for playing in the rock group Ocean Colour Scene. Cradock also plays the guitar in Paul Weller's band, having appeared on all of Weller's solo records following his self-titled debut solo album. Cradock began playing lead guitar for British Ska band The Specials in 2014. He is a distinctive guitarist, who has a retro, 1960s sound. Cradock's influences include The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Widely regarded (even by Ocean Colour Scene's critics) as one of the most talented British guitarists, Cradock also plays keyboards, bass guitar and drums.
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Birthplace: Solihull, United Kingdom
- Steve Winwood, a renowned English musician, was born on May 12, 1948, in Handsworth, Birmingham. His passion for music began at a tender age. With his older brother Muff, he explored various genres, including jazz and rhythm and blues, which significantly influenced his musical style. He received his first break when he joined the Spencer Davis Group, a rock band, at the age of 14. As a multi-instrumentalist, he played keyboards, guitar, and other instruments while also lending his distinctive vocals to the band. During his tenure with the group, they released several hit singles like "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "I'm a Man". In 1967, Winwood co-founded Traffic, a rock band that blended diverse genres including folk, psychedelic rock, and jazz, crafting a unique sound that was both innovative and influential. The band's albums, such as Mr. Fantasy and John Barleycorn Must Die, are often hailed as seminal works in the rock genre. After Traffic disbanded, Winwood pursued a solo career, releasing numerous albums that showcased his songwriting prowess and instrumental skill. His album Back in the High Life recorded massive success, winning two Grammy Awards. Throughout his career, Winwood collaborated with various artists, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and George Harrison, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and respected musician. In addition to his successful music career, Winwood is also known for his philanthropy. He has performed at multiple charity concerts, using his platform to support causes close to his heart. Despite the ebbs and flows of the music industry, Winwood has remained a constant, his music continuing to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. His contribution to music has not gone unnoticed; he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic in 2004, a well-deserved recognition of his enduring influence and talent.
- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: United Kingdom
- Photo:
David Alan "Ted" Turner (born 2 August 1950) is an English guitarist and vocalist best known for his work with the 1970s rock band Wishbone Ash, in which he was famed for his twin lead guitar instrumental arrangements with Andy Powell. Turner also contributed lap steel guitar to a variety of Wishbone Ash recordings.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Sheldon, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- Photo:
- Gracenote
Tony Iommi is an actor who appeared in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Black Sabbath: The End of the End," and "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus."- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Birmingham, England, UK
- Photo:
- Photo:
Trevor Burton (born Trevor Ireson; 9 March 1949 in Aston, Birmingham, England) is an English guitarist and is a founding member of The Move.- Nationality: England
- Birthplace: Birmingham, United Kingdom
