Krissy Matthews – Britisk-norsk guitar-fænomen

Eksplosiv blues-rockoplevelse venter i Frederikshavn

Når Blues Heaven atter forvandler Arena Nord til et mekka for verdensklasse blues og soul i, bliver det med en af Europas mest karismatiske og virtuose guitarister på programmet: Krissy Matthews og hans band, The Blue Vikings, er klar til at give publikum en uforglemmelig oplevelse fyldt med energi, sjæl og guitarer i flammer.

Krissy Matthews – med britisk far og norsk mor – har siden sine teenageår imponeret både publikum og musikbranche med sit tekniske overskud, sin rå vokal og sin evne til at skabe intense og medrivende liveoptrædener. Allerede som 12-årig stod han på scenen med John Mayalls guitarist John Slaughter, og hans tidlige talent blev hurtigt opdaget af både BBC, Norwegian NRK og musiklegender som Jeff Healey og Walter Trout.

I dag – godt inde i 30’erne – har Krissy for længst cementeret sin plads som en af Europas stærkeste blues-rock profiler. Han har optrådt på Montreux Jazz Festival, Bospop, Cognac Blues Passions,  og har turneret i over 20 lande. Han har udgivet en række roste albums, herunder Scenes from a Moving Window (2015), Monster In Me (2019) og senest det fremragende Krissy Matthews & Friends (2023), hvor han samarbejder med flere internationale stjernenavne.

Krissy’s spillestil er en eksplosiv blanding af blues, rock og psykedeliske elementer – med tydelige referencer til legender som Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher og Gary Moore, men altid med sin helt egen kant og moderne attitude. Han er kendt for at gå all-in på scenen, ofte med improviserede soloer, hvor publikum føres ud på en rejse gennem det bluesede, det brutale og det smukke.

Med sit band The Blue Vikings, som tæller nogle af Skandinaviens mest rutinerede og sammenspillede musikere, leverer han en liveoplevelse, der balancerer rå kraft og raffineret musikalitet. Bandet har opbygget et ry for at levere 100 % ægte, håndspillet musik, hvor hvert nummer lever og ånder i nuet.
“Det bliver en kæmpe ære at spille på Blues Heaven. Det er en festival med et kæmpe ry blandt både publikum og musikere, og vi er klar til at give Frederikshavn en koncert, de ikke vil glemme,” siger Krissy Matthews.

Krissy Matthews afholdt en stor koncert på Parkteatret i Oslo den 1. december 2024, som blev annonceret som “The World’s Best Blues Party” .

Koncerten var en fejring af bluesmusikken og samlede et imponerende hold af norske bluesmusikere, herunder Knut Reiersrud, Reidar Larsen, Amund Maarud, Stina Stenerud, Heidi Solheim (Pristine), Tora Daa, Tommy Kristiansen, JT Lauritsen, Pablo van de Poel (DeWolff), Baard Torstensen (Clawfinger) og Tor Vidar Rennestraum . De fleste af disse kunstnere blev akkompagneret af Krissy Matthews og hans band, The Viking Blues Band, bestående af Trond Hansen og Kåre Amundsen.

Arrangementet blev en stor succes og blev beskrevet som en festkveld for norske bluesinteresserede fans ((bluesnews.no)

Optrædenen på Blues Heaven Festival 2025 bliver bandets første koncert på dansk jord, og fans kan se frem til både nyt materiale og energiske udgaver af Krissys mest populære numre. For alle elskere af guitarer, blues med kant og intens live-energi, er dette et navn, du ikke må gå glip af.

British-Norwegian Guitar Phenom

 An Explosive Blues-Rock Experience Awaits

When Blues Heaven Festival once again transforms Arena Nord into a mecca for world-class blues and soul in November 2025, it will feature one of Europe’s most charismatic and virtuosic guitarists: Krissy Matthews and his band, The Blue Vikings, are set to deliver an unforgettable performance filled with energy, soul, and fiery guitar work.

Krissy Matthews – with a British father and Norwegian mother – has been turning heads since his teenage years with his technical prowess, raw vocals, and ability to create intense and captivating live shows. At just 12 years old, he performed alongside John Mayall’s guitarist, John Slaughter, and music legends such as Jeff Healey and Walter Trout quickly recognized his early talent.

Now in his 30s, Krissy has firmly established himself as one of the leading blues-rock figures in Europe. He has performed at top festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival, Bospop, and Cognac Blues Passions, and has toured across more than 20 countries. His discography includes several acclaimed albums, including Scenes from a Moving Window (2015), Monster In Me (2019), and his latest, Krissy Matthews & Friends (2023), which features collaborations with international stars.

Krissy’s playing style is an explosive blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic influences, with clear nods to legends like Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, and Gary Moore, but always with his own modern twist and distinct identity. Known for giving everything on stage, his performances often include spontaneous solos that take audiences on a journey through the raw, the beautiful, and the blues-drenched.

With his band, The Blue Vikings – featuring some of Scandinavia’s most seasoned and skilled musicians – Matthews delivers a live experience that balances raw power with refined musicianship. The band has built a reputation for 100% authentic, hand-played music, where every note is alive and breathing in the moment.

“It’s a huge honor to play Blues Heaven. It’s a festival with a massive reputation among both fans and musicians, and we’re ready to give Frederikshavn a concert they won’t forget,” says Krissy Matthews.

Krissy Matthews held a major concert at Parkteatret in Oslo on December 1, 2024, promoted as “The World’s Best Blues Party”.

The concert was a celebration of blues music and brought together an impressive lineup of Norwegian blues artists, including Knut Reiersrud, Reidar Larsen, Amund Maarud, Stina Stenerud, Heidi Solheim (from Pristine), Tora Daa, Tommy Kristiansen, JT Lauritsen, Pablo van de Poel (DeWolff), Baard Torstensen (Clawfinger), and Tor Vidar Rennestraum.

Most of these artists were accompanied by Krissy Matthews and his band, The Viking Blues Band, consisting of Trond Hansen and Kåre Amundsen.

The event was a significant success, described as a festive evening for blues fans from all over Norway (bluesnews.no).

The performance at Blues Heaven marks the band’s first Danish appearance, and fans can expect a mix of fresh material and powerful live versions of Krissy’s most beloved songs. For lovers of guitar-driven blues with an edge and electrifying stage energy, this is a must-see act.