A blues harmonica player once described as 'the best on the planet' is set to perform in Newbury.
Will Wilde will take to the stage at Arlington Arts Centre on Thursday, May 7.
Mr Wilde has gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of the harmonica and reimagining the traditional blues-rock format.
He said: "I’m always looking to make new sounds with the harmonica, pushing its boundaries, trying to change people’s perception of it."
Read more
Former Thames Valley police officer jailed for raping woman
Man arrested after climbing on altar at Reading church
All candidates announced for Reading Borough Council elections this year
His original 'Wilde Tuned' harmonicas allow him to perform licks that rival any blues-rock guitarist.
Online, Mr Wilde’s harmonica covers of rock guitar solos have amassed huge audiences, including more than 3.8 million views on his rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird.
His growing popularity caught the attention of blues-rock guitarist Walter Trout, who invited him to appear on his album Broken, which topped the Billboard Blues Album Chart.
Mr Trout said: "It was my great honor to be part of this music with the incredible Will Wilde.
"He's the best!"
In return, Mr Trout contributed guitar to the title track and lead single from Mr Wilde’s latest album The Blues Is Still Alive.
Mr Wilde first discovered the harmonica at a party when he was 16, describing it as a 'cheap plastic Guinness harmonica just lying around amongst the drink bottles and cigarette butts'.
His passion quickly took hold, as he played along to Muddy Waters records for hours and sometimes played until his lips bled.
Music runs in the family, with his grandfather a wartime jazz and blues pianist and his sister Dani Wilde an established blues singer and guitarist.
His discography includes four studio albums and a live recording: Unleashed (2010), Raw Blues (2013), Live In Hamburg (2015), Bring It On Home (2018), and Bad Luck Friday (2022).
He has also recorded with artists including Toby Lee, Brave Rival, Earl Thomas, and Krissy Matthews.
While his early music reflected Chicago blues influences, his style has evolved into a more intense blend of classic rock and blues.
Mr Wilde is currently nominated for both Instrumentalist of the Year and Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year in the UK Blues Awards 2025.
Doors to the venue open at 7pm, with the auditorium opening at 7.30pm.
Tickets are priced at £18 (£16 concessions) plus a £1 booking fee.
They are available from arlington-arts.com or by calling the box office on 01635 244 246.
For access or carer seats, visitors are advised to contact the box office directly by phone or email at boxoffice@arlingtonarts.co.uk.
The Arlington Arts Centre is located at Mary Hare, Snelsmore Common.
Share