Extended Theatre Seated Grammy-winning guitarist Albert Lee, one of the most respected musicians in the country-rock music scene, will be joined on stage this year by his young UK band, with Ali Petrie on Keys, Iain Petrie on Bass and Tim Hillsdon on drums. Albert made his name touring with the likes of Eric Clapton, The Crickets, The Everly Brothers, Joe Cocker and Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band through the 70s and 80s, and is widely regarded by his contemporaries as one of the greatest guitarists in the world - described as “the ultimate virtuoso” by Eric Clapton and “one of my all-time guitar gods” by US country sensation Brad Paisley. Albert received a Grammy Award in 2002 for his contribution to “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” featured on “Earl Scruggs and Friends”, and won a Grammy for his performance on Brad Paisley’s instrumental “Cluster Pluck” in 2009. Lauded for his unparalleled picking style and versatility, Albert was joined by a massive list of over 50 special guests at his 70th Birthday Celebration concerts at Cadogan Hall in 2014, including Bill Wyman, Shakin’ Stevens, Chas & Dave, Gary Brooker, The Shadows and Ralph McTell (now available as a digital download). In 2024, Albert celebrated his 80th birthday - again at Cadogan Hall with another huge line up of his favourite musician friends. Albert received the Trailblazer Award in 2017 at the Americana Awards - accepted on his behalf by his great friend Andy Fairweather Low. “Highwayman”, Albert’s highly-acclaimed solo album, is a 12-track collection of acoustic covers. Recorded live and captured in a moment of true inspiration, this raw and emotional record pays tribute to many of Albert’s musical influences - the classic rock ’n’ roll of the Everly Brothers’ “Bye Bye Love”, the deep feeling of Rodney Crowell’s ballad “Till I Can Gain Control Again”, and the centrepiece of the album in Jimmy Webb’s “The Highwayman” - a powerful and dramatic, and most probably definitive, version of a true musical masterpiece.