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Guitar Shorty Tour Dates & Tickets

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The live experience

What reaches the room

Guitar Shorty—born David William Kearney (September 8, 1934 – April 20, 2022)—was a towering figure in the blues guitar scene. Renowned for his explosive live shows and dramatic guitar theatrics, Shorty left an indelible mark on the genre and inspired generations of players, including legends like Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy. His career spanned decades of relentless blues exploration, characterized by fearless soloing, fiery riffs, and a commitment to keeping the blues loud and honest.

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

On stage and in the studio, Shorty fused raw rhythm with expressive lead work, a combination that earned him respect from critics and fans alike. He continued to tour and record well into later years, cementing his place in blues history as a performer who could translate deep emotion into electric energy. While his touring era effectively paused with his passing in 2022, his legacy continues to influence contemporary blues players and fans around the world.

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

Below you’ll find a concise biography, highlights from his discography, and notes on the Late Blues Guitar Icon’s enduring influence. Whether you’re revisiting classic records or exploring his most energetic live performances, we’ve got you covered with reliable, no-nonsense information and direct access to artist pages and official resources.

The live experience

What reaches the room

Guitar Shorty’s career is marked by notable chart success and a string of essential recordings. His album Watch Your Back peaked at No. 11 and We the People reached No. 12 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart, marking him as a fixture of the modern blues landscape. His 1991 release My Way or the Highway earned the Blues Music Award for Contemporary Foreign Blues Album of the Year, highlighting his international appeal and artistic vitality. Shorty’s discography spans from On the Rampage (1989) through later works like Bare Knuckle (2010) and Trying To Find My Way Back (2019). Although no 2025 tour dates are listed due to his passing in 2022, fans continue to celebrate his legacy through recordings, archival footage, and ongoing recognition in blues communities. For fans seeking authentic, high-energy blues guitar, Guitar Shorty remains a touchstone—the guy you can count on for powerful performances and honest, unpretentious blues.

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

Follow official channels to stay connected with Guitar Shorty’s legacy and learn more about his work, tours, and musical influence.

The essentials

Quick Facts About Guitar Shorty

  • Birth/death: David William Kearney (September 8, 1934 – April 20, 2022).
  • Influenced Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy; renowned for explosive live shows and guitar theatrics.
  • Blues Music Award for Contemporary Foreign Blues Album of the Year (My Way or the Highway, 1991).
  • Billboard Top Blues Albums chart peaks: Watch Your Back (11), We the People (12).
  • Complete discography spans On the Rampage (1989) through Trying To Find My Way Back (2019) and Bare Knuckle (2010).

The records

Guitar Shorty Discography

  • Trying To Find My Way Back
    2019 · S.D.E.G./Essential Media Group
  • Bare Knuckle
    2010 · Alligator Records
  • How Blue Can You Get
    2010 · Janblues
  • We the People
    2006 · Alligator
  • The Best of Guitar Shorty: The Long and Short of It
    2006 · Shout! Factory
  • Watch Your Back
    2004 · Alligator
  • I Go Wild!
    2001 · Evidence
  • Roll Over, Baby
    1998 · Black Top
  • Blues Is All Right
    1996 · Collectables
  • Billie Jean Blues
    1996 · Collectables
  • Get Wise to Yourself
    1995 · Black Top
  • Topsy Turvy
    1993 · Black Top
  • My Way or the Highway
    1991 · JSP
  • On the Rampage
    1989 · Olive Branch

The hits

Top Guitar Shorty Songs

  • Purple Haze / Hey Joe
    2020 · N/A
  • Hey Joe
    1996 · N/A

Guitar Shorty’s career is marked by notable chart success and a string of essential recordings. His album Watch Your Back peaked at No. 11 and We the People reached No. 12 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart, marking him as a fixture of the modern blues landscape. His 1991 release My Way or the Highway earned the Blues Music Award for Contemporary Foreign Blues Album of the Year, highlighting his international appeal and artistic vitality. Shorty’s discography spans from On the Rampage (1989) through later works like Bare Knuckle (2010) and Trying To Find My Way Back (2019). Although no 2025 tour dates are listed due to his passing in 2022, fans continue to celebrate his legacy through recordings, archival footage, and ongoing recognition in blues communities. For fans seeking authentic, high-energy blues guitar, Guitar Shorty remains a touchstone—the guy you can count on for powerful performances and honest, unpretentious blues.

Follow official channels to stay connected with Guitar Shorty’s legacy and learn more about his work, tours, and musical influence.

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