Artist Biography
“Out of this world… you’re going to love him.” - Jools Holland
“A future superstar of the blues.” - Joe Bonamassa
Toby’s debut all-original album ‘House On Fire’ received serious praise on its release in October 2024 after his 2021 debut ‘Aquarius’ which spent two weeks at #1 on the UK Jazz & Blues Album Chart. As you’d expect from someone that The Times hailed as, “One of the best guitarists in Britain,” his six-string talents dazzle throughout with a rich tapestry of scorching leads, evocative melodies and swaggering grooves’ & Mojo ‘Impressive, well-rounded collection highlighting Toby Lee's versatility as well as virtuosity”.
Toby Lee’s talents have been recognised by an array of legends. When he was 10, a get well soon video that he made for BB King went viral, leading to an invitation from the blues legend’s family to play at his club in Memphis, while the late Bernie Marsden was an early mentor and champion. He subsequently shared the stage with the likes of Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Slash, Billy Gibbons and Peter Frampton, while enjoying other high-profile moments, such as starring in a West End production of ‘School of Rock’, performing with McFly on ‘Tonight at the London Palladium’ and being a guest on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’. Toby has now exceeded 500 million views on social media.
His ability has been recognised with numerous endorsements. He has been a Gibson artist since the age of 10, and a recent highlight came when he helped launch Gibson’s custom Jeff Beck ‘YardBurst’ 1959 Les Paul Standard alongside fellow guests including Jimmy Page, Johnny Depp and Graham Coxon. Blackstar Amplification issued his own signature amp, the St James Toby Lee 50 6L6 head and cab, and he is also endorsed by D’Addario Strings.
2024 live highlights included electrifying the acoustic stage at Glastonbury, headlining the Thrill Blues Festival in Croatia, and playing France’s guitar all-star Guitare en Scène festival. But the biggest moment came with his connection to Jools Holland with whom he played 66 shows over the year in the UK and internationally as Jools’s youngest ever featured artist joining him on-stage to play ‘House On Fire’ alongside other selections.
2025 sees him signed to the iconic Decca Records working on his next album. He continues to be a great live attraction selling out his 16 date UK tour in April/May as well as appearing at over 15 UK Festivals including Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, Love Supreme, Splendour, Belladrum and Feastival.
