WITH The Smiths and The Stone Roses already in the DNA of the town, Athy now extends its musical background to include a Queen-recommended guitarist, when Gordon Giltrap brings “an intimate evening” to the Community Arts Centre next week (29 March).

“Gordon Giltrap is one of the elite few who truly have become legendary in their field in their own lifetime, and I am proud to call him my friend,” said Brian May, yes, THAT Brian May, co-creator of Bohemian Rhapsody and a few other well-known ditties from the 1970s.

In what is quite a coup for the Arts Community Centre, the gig is actually cover free, and Gordon will play free at the Woodstock Street venue from 8pm.

“We are now taking bookings for this amazing event in The Athy Community Arts Centre with no cover charge,” said a spokesperson.

“As the venue is not large and the gig will be quite intimate, availability will be limited, so please pick up the phone or email to secure your tickets,” they suggested.

“This is a call out to all you guitarists, guitar fans, guitar students or music fans in general….we here in The Athy Community Arts Centre are privileged and excited to host an evening with legendary guitarist Gordon Giltrap,” said the spokesperson.

“Gordon Giltrap MBE is a guitarist and composer whose music crosses several genres.” He said.

“He has been described as one of the most revered guitarists of his generation, and has drawn praise from fellow musicians, not just Brian May.

“Anyone who asks me knows, that I think that Gordon Giltrap is one of the best acoustic guitar players in the world,” said Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple.

“He gave me lots of hints as how to approach the acoustic guitar, as opposed to the electric guitar, and he was always way ahead of his time.

“A wonderful guitarist! I just wish he would slow down so that I could copy ( play) with him!” said Scottish guitar legend Bert Janch.

“People would tell me about American guitarist Sandy Bull and I’d say….I don’t know about Sandy Bull, but you would want to start listening to some of those people over here….Bert Jansch, Davey Graham and Gordon Giltrap,” said Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin.

Booking can be secured on either 087 0576713 or email athyarts@gmail.com