Martin Kielty

Contributing writer

Martin Kielty is an established music journalist who has written for The Daily Record, The Sun, The Herald, The Scotsman, Classic Rock, Prog, Loudersound.com and many other outlets. He’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a group he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. He’s appeared on TV, and when not delving intro all things music can be found traveling along the U.K.’s vast canal network.

Latest articles by Martin Kielty

Phoebe Bridgers performs on the John Peel stage during day three of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 24, 2022 in Glastonbury, England.
Phoebe Bridgers forced to cancel Lost Weekend tour dates after requiring urgent surgery

By Martin Kielty Published

She spent her 32nd birthday in a hospital bed but aims to be back on the road in September after calling off a run of low-key U.K. shows

Guitarists
LEFT: Ritchie Blackmore onstage with Rainbow perform, April 18, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. RIGHT: Simon McBride of Deep Purple performs at RBC Amphitheatre on August 18, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
Simon McBride defends Ritchie Blackmore after Deep Purple jam

By Martin Kielty Published

McBride shared his pride over being icon’s rhythm guitarist on his historic “Smoke on the Water” jam with Blackmore

Guitarists
Johnny Marr, Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow 4th April 2024
“It’s such a brilliant answer.” Johnny Marr reveals how Paul McCartney helped him come to terms with the Smiths’ breakup

By Martin Kielty Published

After leaving the band amid an increasingly bitter communication breakdown with Morrissey, Marr found an unexpected source of perspective from the former Beatle

Guitarists
LEFT: Brian May of Queen attends the "We Will Rock You" musical premiere at Stage Palladium Theater on October 17, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany. RIGHT: An AI rendering of the Queen album cover for The Game from May's IG account
Brian May proves “We actually don’t need AI” with appallingly bad Meta attempt at Queen album cover

By Martin Kielty Published

In related news, Spotify says non-human music will be badged and not fed to personal recommendations

Music
Don Felder of Don Felder Band performs during The Brotherhood Of Rock Tour at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre on July 06, 2025, in Alpharetta, Georgia.
“You can’t all play Gibson Les Pauls at the same time.” Don Felder on why the Eagles never stuck to just one guitar

By Martin Kielty Published

There’s more than Gear Acquisition Syndrome behind the former Eagle’s studio arsenal of 19 guitars and 15 amps

Guitarists
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