A very enjoyable weekend at The Guitar Show 2025 at the Cranmore Business Park in Solihull. The event is the leading UK trade show for everyone involved in the manufacture, distribution and retail of electric and acoustic guitars. Plus the event now also features the Bass Guitar Show and ensures a wide offering of trade stands, equipment demonstrations and live performances.
I travelled up on Saturday and upon arrival quickly found the centrally positioned Musicians’ Union stand and was greeted by my former colleagues Ben Benson and Jenny Simpson. Having caught up on all things MU, I walked around the main exhibition floors and said hello to a number of old friends, including the ever-entertaining Alan Scally of Korg who was working on the Takamine stand.
Three hours passed swiftly and upon the show closing I walked to the Village Hotel, which gave a further opportunity to catch up with industry contacts in the large sports bar on the ground floor. It was a pleasure to have a drink with show organiser Jason Hunt and my special thanks to guitarist James Ford for taking the time to pass on his thanks for my help when at the MU.
Sunday meant I had a whole day to tour the stands in full plus appreciate the live stage on the second floor. Of particular note was the sublime playing of Man of the World: the music of Peter Green, and the bass showcase featuring Yolanda Charles (main photo).
MU Regional Organiser Stephen Brown and Committee Member Matt Davis were staffing the Union’s stand for the day, whilst I also said hello to the charming Wayne Lee (son of legendary guitarist Albert) who advised about the growing issue of counterfeit guitar strings online.
So, my thanks to everyone I met and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2026!
