Aynsley Lister returns to Faversham on Thursday 16 September 2027, bringing his blazing contemporary blues-rock to The Old Brewery Store. Widely regarded as one of the finest British blues guitarists of his generation, Lister has sold over 100,000 albums, toured relentlessly across the UK and Europe for more than three decades, and built a live reputation that few in the genre can match.
Aynsley Lister picked up a guitar aged eight, teaching himself by playing along to his father’s records — Hendrix, Cream, Fleetwood Mac — and modelling his early playing on the styles of Peter Green, Albert King, Eric Clapton and Paul Kossoff. By thirteen he was performing in bars. By eighteen he had his first band. By the time he signed to Ruf Records at the turn of the millennium — recording his debut with Jim Gaines, the producer behind Stevie Ray Vaughan — it was already clear that here was a talent operating on a different level.
Over seven albums and two DVDs for Ruf, and a series of critically acclaimed releases on his own Straight Talkin’ Records label since 2013, Lister has built a body of work that combines genuine emotional depth with formidable technical ability. In 2007, Classic Rock magazine named him the only British artist in their prestigious ‘Top 10 Contemporary Blues Artists’ — alongside John Mayer, Derek Trucks and Joe Bonamassa. His 2013 album Home earned him Songwriter of the Year at the British Blues Awards. His 2022 record Along For The Ride drew some of the strongest notices of his career.
Aynsley Lister has always been, first and foremost, a live artist. His studio recordings are accomplished and carefully crafted, but it’s on stage — with his band locked in tight behind him — that everything catches fire. Expect to hear the slow-burn tension of Hurricane, the driving swagger of Soundman, the knowing vulnerability of Home, and covers that surprise you with how inevitable they sound in his hands.
“His guitar playing is a fire hazard.” — MOJO
“Superb.” — The Times
“A quite marvellous guitarist of passion and strength.” — Blues in Britain
“Masterful and measured songwriting.” — Blues Matters
“A well-seasoned guitarist who’s been releasing albums for over two decades — Lister’s songwriting remains as inspired as ever.” — Blues Rock Review
“One of the UK’s most exciting contemporary Blues guitarists.” — Ruf Records
Located within the historic site of Shepherd Neame — Britain’s oldest operational brewery, founded in 1698 — The Old Brewery Store carries more than three centuries of history in its walls. With its industrial charm, vaulted ceilings, and a character that no purpose-built venue can replicate, it provides the perfect atmospheric backdrop for a night like this.
With a capacity of 250, the room strikes that rare balance between grand and intimate — big enough to create real atmosphere, small enough that you’re never far from the stage. Whether you’re at the front of the room or grabbing a pint of locally brewed Shepherd Neame at the bar, you’re guaranteed an immersive experience in one of Kent’s most unique live music spaces.
