martin simpson - Martin Taylor

Last Saturday saw Martin receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ards International Guitar Festival.

The award presentation, took place at the end of his solo set, to a standing ovation from the packed house at the Queen’s Hall, Newtonards, Northern Ireland, and to the surprise of Martin.

“I was totally stunned to receive this award, I didn’t know anything about it” said Martin “So many great players have been recipients in past years, and I feel so honored to join them and be part of this wonderful guitar festival”

Past recipients of the Ards International Guitar Festival Lifetime Achievement Award…

1999 Norman Watson
2000 Davey Graham
2001 Henry McCullough
2002 John Renbourn
2003 Louis Stewart
2004 John Martyn
2005 Arty McGlynn
2006 Martin Simpson
2007 Eric Bell
2008 Gordon Giltrap
2009 Pat McManus
2010 Gerry Donahue
2011 Carlos Bonell

After hitting the road together in April 2012 for a successful run of dates, award winning Jazz guitarist MARTIN TAYLOR will once again team up with acoustic and slide guitar virtuoso MARTIN SIMPSON for their biggest duo tour in recent years. The pair will share the stage throughout the performance – adding to each other’s songs and instrumental pieces and taking them to new levels. Dates will run from the 28th September until the 13th October 2013.

This is an unmissable evening with two guitar playing legends working in harmony.

“Martin Simpson’s performances elicit powerful emotions and subtle, understated beauty” Guitar Player

“Martin Taylor is one of the most awesome solo guitar players in the history of the instrument. He’s unbelievable” Pat Metheny.

If you are a UK promoter, venue or festival and are interested in booking a date as part of this tour please email

[email protected]

Martin receives Lifetime Achievement Awards

Martin Taylor and Martin Simpson 2013 Autumn UK Tour