SPAIN 2015
VIRGIL McMAHON, GUITARIST, as VIRGIL & THE ACCELERATORS
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Since the early age of nine, Virgil McMahon has known what his motivation and purpose is; to play…to create… to make other people feel what he felt when he heard inspirational Blues-Rock music from initially his father-performer Hendry McMahon to such Stellar Artists as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, and Billy Gibbons.
All crying out for The Blues.
By the age of 12, Virgil’s proficiency in playing Blues-Rock began to soar; he was invited to jam with the great elder Bluesman Otis Grand, earning him his first standing ovation.
After nailing his skills down like a fine craftsman, at the age of 17 along with his brother Gabriel, on drums, Virgil formed a young and vibrant band, then started playing gigs and Showcases around Wales before enveloping the United Kingdom.
The year 2009 would turn out to be a momentous year for Virgil; while performing at The Anchor, in London, Virgil & the Accelerators or VATA were scouted by a well known Artist Agency which would provided Direction.
Among the highlights for VATA during the early years, were enjoying main stage performances at major Festivals around the United Kingdom, not at least of which was joining Joanne Shaw-Taylor & Oli Brown on the sell out New Generation Blues Tour.
Virgil Talking About Amps
Indeed, his most prestigious award came when he hooked up with Joe Bonamassa who signalled this new generation in Blues-Rock. They supported Joe and his new Super Group Black Country Communion at London’s Shepherd Bush Empire and The Midlands Wolverhampton Civic Hall to Killer reviews.
At the age of 18, Virgil McMahon became the youngest Artist short listed in the 2010 British Blues Awards
Opening onto the post-millennial Blues-Rock scene, Virgil is effortless on all styles of guitar, with volume and speed backed with a cool mix from all that can breathe with his tone. A master at tremolo picking and hybrid styles, Virgil’s gift is beyond all the other Stars.
Virgil & The Accelerators First Album, The Radium, was voted number two Blues-Rock Album of 2011 by Classic Rock magazine. Then in 2013 Virgil & The Accelerators were Showcased by the BBC on their program, BBC Introducing Session. Then came the second Album “Army Of Three” and received stunning reviews.
Rightfully and with good judgement, Virgil & The Accelerators have been booked to open or share the Stage with again Stellar Blues Artists such as; Joe Bonamassa, Johnny Winter, Uriah Heep, Mick Ralphs as well as perform together with Otis Grand, Stuart Cable (Stereophonics), Joanne Shaw-Taylor, Oli Brown and Aynsley Lister. Ladies and Gentlemen of America may we present to you, Virgil McMahon & The Accelerators.
Research & written by Michael Smith with John Brott & JP Sargent
March 10th 2016
London, UK
