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Interview with
ERIC GALES:
“The second coming of
HENDRIX”
and still turning it up

(14th May 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Watch the full interview below

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When you mention Eric Gales, the first comparison that often rolls off the tongue is “the second coming of Jimi Hendrix.” But spend five minutes speaking with him, and you realise there’s so much more behind the fretboard wizardry. I caught up with Eric ahead of his upcoming performance at Blues on Broadbeach, and we took a deep dive into his 46-year journey in music, life’s ups and downs, and what keeps him creatively hungry after all this time.

“It just kind of happened, man.”

When asked how it all began, Gales speaks with a laid-back sincerity. “I stumbled upon this passion really young — like four years old,” he says. Music was everywhere in the Gales household in Memphis, Tennessee. With older brothers already playing, guitars were always lying around. So when he picked one up at just four, it wasn’t a toy — it was the real thing.

“I actually was playing a real guitar,” he laughs. “My brothers were already into it, so they started coaching me pretty quickly when they saw I was serious.”

Eric plays left-handed but writes right-handed, much like Hendrix — a coincidence that’s hard to ignore. “To say Jimi was an inspiration would be an understatement,” he smiles.

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46 Years, 18 Albums, and Still Evolving

Eric signed his first record deal at 15. Since then, he’s released 18 albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in blues, rock, and beyond. “Joe Bonamassa, Derek Trucks, Robert Randolph, John Mayer… every single one of those moments has meant something special to me,” he says. “I consider it a blessing every day to be part of this thing called music.”

After growing up in Memphis, he’s called North Carolina home for the past 14 years — a move he says was “more laid back, which I like.”

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Gear, Tone, and the Power of Feel

In a world where digital technology has transformed the music industry, Gales’ approach to the guitar remains refreshingly human. “The effects and gear help, but 95% of the sound comes from the human being,” he explains. “I just put the guitar in my hands and whatever happens, happens.”

Describing his style, he avoids putting it in a box: “If I had to call it something, I’d call it feel-good music.”

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A New Album and a Tribute from the Heart

While Gales recently featured on the track “Whipping Post,” he clarifies it’s not his own release — but there is a new solo record on the way. “It’s done — we’re at the mixing stage,” he reveals. “It’s a tribute to my late brother, Little Jimmy King. He was a phenomenal blues player. I wanted to honour him in a way that felt grand and meaningful.”

Look out for the album this August — Eric promises it’s one that will “blow people away.”

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Advice for the Next Generation

Having weathered the ever-changing music industry, Eric’s advice to young artists is grounded and real: “Whatever’s working for you — keep going. Don’t give up. You might be right at the door when you decide to quit. See it through.”

He also encourages artists to stay unique, to get in front of real people, and to perform live. “COVID taught us — you can’t replace the energy of a live audience. So get out there and play.”

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Blues on Broadbeach — His First Time

Although a regular at Bluesfest Byron Bay, this year marks his first appearance at Blues on Broadbeach. “I’m looking forward to the vibes, man,” he says. “Hanging with the people, making the whole area move. That energy is everything.”

The Essentials — Eric in His Own Words
Favourite Album: Band of Gypsys
Favourite Artist: Eric Johnson
Favourite Place: Brazil – “It’s beautiful… and mental.”
Favourite Food: Spaghetti — “Whatever kind my wife makes.”
Favourite Drink: Shirley Temple (yes, really!)
Favourite Person in History: My dad
Biggest Asset: My determination
Topic He Can Talk About for Hours: Music, of course.
Tattoos? “Yes… in obscure places!”

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Final Thoughts

When you talk to Eric Gales, you don’t just hear a seasoned blues rock guitarist — you hear a survivor. Someone who’s battled, risen, and remained fiercely committed to the music and message that shaped his life. His journey is far from over, and with a new album on the horizon, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

If you’re heading to Blues on Broadbeach, don’t miss this chance to witness a true master at work. And if you haven’t yet, grab his last album “Crown” — and keep an eye out for that tribute album in August.

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Follow BLUES ON BROADBEACH
WEBSITE – FACEBOOK

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Follow ERIC GALES
Website – Instagram – Facebook – YouTube

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Watch the full interview below

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Press Release 4th April 2025 (below) HERE

Gerrard Allman Events Presents
ERIC GALES
Blues Virtuoso returns for
National Tour this November

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AMNPLIFY – DB