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Photo Credit: Thomas Henderson
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Davy Knowles isn’t just a guitarist—he’s a storyteller, a tone chaser, and a modern torchbearer of the blues. From his early beginnings on the Isle of Man with Back Door Slam to his critically acclaimed solo work, Davy has carved out a place among the greats through emotional depth, technical prowess, and a tone that sings with sincerity.
We sat down with Davy to talk about his journey, musical influences, gear obsessions, and the fire that continues to drive his creativity. Whether you’re a fellow guitarist, blues fan, or someone discovering his music for the first time—this is an inside look into the mind of a true modern guitar hero.
ABOUT DAVY KNOWLES
Davy Knowles is a dynamic blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter whose passion, precision, and soul-drenched playing have earned him global recognition. Hailing from the Isle of Man, Knowles first rose to prominence as the frontman for the band Back Door Slam, making waves with his emotionally charged performances and vintage tone that paid homage to the blues greats while forging a voice all his own.
Since launching his solo career, Knowles has continued to evolve, blending blues, folk, and rock with heartfelt storytelling and technical brilliance. His tone is often described as both raw and refined—channeling the spirit of legends like Rory Gallagher, Peter Green, and Eric Clapton, while remaining unmistakably modern and original.
A favorite among fans and critics alike, Knowles has toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe, shared stages with guitar icons like Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Beck, and Warren Haynes, and has released critically acclaimed albums including Coming Up for Air, The Outsider, What Happens Next, and The Invisible Man. His ability to connect deeply with audiences—whether through soaring solos or stripped-down acoustic moments—cements his status as one of the most compelling guitar voices of his generation.
Whether he's wielding a vintage Stratocaster or crafting thoughtful lyrics, Davy Knowles continues to inspire a new generation of guitarists with his dedication to the craft and fearless musical exploration.
INTERVIEW WITH DAVY KNOWLES AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: Davy, you’ve had such a unique journey coming from the Isle of Man. How did growing up there influence your musical roots?
Davy Knowles: The island is truly a unique place, and has a very strong Celtic culture. I was hearing traditional Manx music everywhere, and also seeing the community that it brought. That was certainly a huge early influence. Talking of community, no matter the style of music you were into, the scene as a whole was very welcoming, inclusive and supportive. A lot of folks over there encouraged and taught me so much, so I feel very bound to them and the place itself from that standpoint.
Guitar Thrills: When Back Door Slam hit the scene, people were struck by your guitar tone and maturity. Did you expect that kind of attention so early?
Davy Knowles: Not at all, with Back Door Slam everything moved pretty quickly. I remember some nice things were said, but I tend to just keep my head down on that stuff!
Guitar Thrills: Your tone has been described as both “vintage” and “modern.” How do you achieve that balance?
Davy Knowles: Well, that’s lovely to hear it described as such! Not a very interesting answer, but I guess I do the same thing most guitar players do - tweak things until they sound good to my ears. I’ve never loved a super harsh, piercing tone and I’ve never been a big fan of the polite big round sound either. It’s got to a have a bit of crash and assertiveness to it. I think I aim for somewhere in the middle!
Guitar Thrills: Which guitarists would you say shaped your playing the most?
Davy Knowles: Mark Knopfler was my first influence, he’s why I got into guitar playing at all! So melodic, and one of the greatest songwriters in rock music. When I discovered Rory Gallagher a couple of years later everything changed for me. I heard the Celtic inflections in his playing and immediately identified with it. Also Clapton. He seems to get a lot of flack these days, but I think people forget the context - what he did when he did it. He’s a master chameleon and yet somehow you always know it’s him. That’s a rare gift.
Guitar Thrills: Working with Satriani must have been intense. What did you take away from that experience?
Davy Knowles: Joe is such a lovely human being, and he was nothing but kind, encouraging and fun to work with. I’m nowhere near a good enough guitar player to live in the world that he inhabits, but it was wonderful to dip into it for a bit. He’s tremendously creative and always looks like he’s having the time of his life. I think more than anything I took that enthusiasm away from the experience. It was infectious.
Guitar Thrills: You’ve gone from full-band electric blues to stripped-back acoustic work. What inspires that dynamic range?
Davy Knowles: I think a love of all sorts of music! My Dad played acoustic guitar, and was a huge fan of the English folk scene - Pentangle with Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, Davy Graham, John Martyn. Also the 70’s acoustic singer songwriters like Cat Stevens, CSNY, James Taylor, Joni Mitchel etc. I was hearing all of that stuff growing up, and I’ve always tried to incorporate the acoustic guitar in what I do.
Guitar Thrills: Do you remember the first guitar you ever fell in love with?
Davy Knowles: I do! I was 11 and had just started playing. I asked my Dad “what’s the best guitar in the world?” He didn’t really know too much about electric guitars but told me “there are two, the Stratocaster and the Telecaster, and out of those the Telecaster is the most rare and best of all”. I got a made-in-mexico Telecaster for Christmas when I was 13 (still have and use it!), I had tremendously supportive parents. Those words from Dad have always stuck in my head, and it’s why the Telecaster is my main guitar. The one I’ve used forever now is a ’66.
Guitar Thrills: Gear talk—what's currently on your pedalboard?
Davy Knowles: I keep things pretty simple! Pete Cornish Treble boost, Budda Wah, FoxRox Octron pedal, an Xotic RC boost and an old Ibanez delay for a little slap. All of that runs into an old Vox AC30.
Guitar Thrills: Your latest album The Invisible Man showed a more introspective side. What was the inspiration behind it?
Davy Knowles: I learned a lesson with the acoustic album that came out before it, ‘If I Should Wander’. It was intensely personal, and I wanted to carry that over to my electric work. I feel like I do better work if what I am singing and writing about is something I have personally felt or dealt with. I’ve written songs where I put myself in someone else’s shoes, and that’s absolutely fine - but I feel more connected if it’s deeply personal.
Guitar Thrills: Touring seems to be a big part of your identity. What’s your relationship with the road like?
Davy Knowles: I’ve always felt a little nomadic. I love the feeling of being in-between places. I do have a young family and these days I don’t want to be away for too long at a time, but I do view it as a privilege to get to travel and play music - certainly not a hassle!
Guitar Thrills: What advice would you give to young guitarists looking to find their own sound?
Davy Knowles: Love what you do, all else will follow. Make your priority good work, rather than online adulation. The world these days is a noisy place. Pay no attention to it and if it feels right to you then that is all that matters.
Guitar Thrills: What’s next for you—more touring, new records?
Davy Knowles: I’m always writing, and always on the road! I have an album coming out in the Autumn that I’ve recorded with Rory Gallagher band alumni Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O’Neill that I’m really excited about. We’re also putting out new live recordings each month on the streaming platforms, and I’ve got a bunch of bluesy acoustic material I’d love to get recorded and out there. Never a dull moment!
OPEN – ENDED CONCLUSION
Davy Knowles reminds us that true guitar artistry isn't about speed or flash—it's about heart, history, and the stories you tell through six strings. With one foot planted in blues tradition and the other stepping boldly into modern expression, Knowles continues to shape a legacy all his own.
Stay tuned for what happens next—because with Davy Knowles, every note leads to something real.
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