Rob Wheeler

Event information

It is a welcome return to the fantastic Rob Wheeler after his sold-out show with us last year. Joining Rob to open for him is our old friend and virtuoso guitarist Ben Hughes (Hughzy).

** Please note we operate a no talking policy when acts are performing. If you can't manage this don't buy a tickets. Be a considerate gig goer and respect the artist and your fellow audience members **

** Please note our venue is located upstairs and has no lift so is not suitable for those using wheelchairs and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues **

Raised by a loving single mum, in a small North West town in the UK, Rob discovered music was a way of escaping the bullies and troubles that came with being the “poor kid in a council house” - playing Hank, Cash, Eagles & Beatles on his cheap guitar on the outhouse roof, overlooking the asbestos garages and uniformed blue doors of his neighbourhood, romanticising a life on the road like his heroes.

In 2012 Rob’s life changed forever. A medical diagnosis, leaving him as a self described “Nowhere Man”, led to depression, addiction and ultimately a breakdown. “I got help, and I learned to help myself, and I realised that life and music are gifts, so I poured my heart and soul into those instead of self destruction”.

A small legacy from his Grandfather gave him the opportunity to record and release his critically acclaimed debut album, which led to global publishing and label deals.

Next would be Nashville; Tennessee, where Rob’s reputation for songwriting, collaboration and hard work preceded him. Four months in The City Of Music, working with Jeff Trott, Steve Dorff & Frank Liddell amongst many others, resulted in the new record “Leave Tomorrow”; a true unification of UK and American country music.

“My heroes sang about cowboys and horses, desperados and drifters; but I write and sing about what I see and what I feel. And you know what, I believe that's the root of all great country music no matter where you’re from - sharing your true feelings in a song, so that somebody listening is just a little less lonely”.

"There are household names that wish they were as good as him" - Neil McCormick - The Daily Telegraph

"A strong sense of melody meets old fashioned song craft" - Paul Sexton - The Bob Harris Country Show

"Endearing humility, virtuoso guitar and passionate gritty vocals" - Georgette Brookes - Build Our Own Nashville

Tenderness, tragedy and bags of talent" - Chris Baxter - BBC Radio

Ben Hughes – better known by his stage moniker Hughzy (pronounced Hew-zee) – is a name that resonates throughout the music scene. Hailing from the celebrated city of Liverpool, UK, a place renowned for its rich musical heritage and The Beatles’ fame, Ben is widely regarded as one of the most gifted guitarists of his generation. His international touring experience with artists like Mel C, Albert Lee, RFM and Fleetwood Mac, Hughzy’s unparalleled musical prowess has taken him from the studio to the world stage, leaving an indelible mark wherever he goes. He is the director of Cherry Up Projects, an artist development program in the UK; the host of his music podcast, More In The Moni; and a TEDx speaker.

The late Brian Clifford, former Director of Corporate Promotions at the BBC, praised Hughes, stating: “He’s one of the most impressive and important men I’ve met in the last decade. I’m proud to call this man a friend; he’s an inspiration to us all.”

Since 2015, Hughzy has made significant contributions to multiple music projects as a writer, artist developer, and session musician, working with numerous touring bands and artists. He operated out of Parr Street Recording Studios (Coldplay, Paolo Nutini) and, more recently, the esteemed Kempston St Studios in Liverpool (Blossoms, The Coral). His dedication to nurturing emerging talent has allowed him to expand his international influence, leveraging a vast network to support the next generation of musicians across a variety of platforms. Dario Darnell, known as Youngr, remarked: “Making music with someone who has that kind of passion and enthusiasm is just easy and fun!”

The late Sir Ken Robinson said Ben was “one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever seen, and a wonderful human being”. Recognized as one of the industry’s most gifted guitarists, and having toured with Tommy Emmanuel CGP no less, Ben’s creativity and dynamic ideas have made him a sought-after collaborator. Annie Greene, Director of Programs at The We Are Family Foundation, noted: “I have met very few people as brilliant as Ben at cultivating relationships and creatively collaborating.”