About

I first picked up a guitar (with an actual intent to learn how to play it) in my late teens, and pretty much learned by ear (with very primitive internet resources and books!) playing along to Oasis, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Radiohead and the Red Hot Chili Peppers during the early 90s. Very little formal tuition, and certainly no ‘classical’ guitar skills!

Fast forward a few years and I end up playing in an improvisational funk band and turning professional, which led to some pretty crazy experiences across UK, Europe and the Middle-East. Playing lead guitar for Jimi Hendrix’s brother is a highlight, along with the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix show in 2009.

After many years teaching guitar, session work and performing, I now manage the UK Support team for RØDE Microphones and play a dozen or so weddings/private events a year as a solo guitarist. For weddings and events, I have developed a curious style which could be viewed as a kind of ‘pseudo-classical’ approach where I fingerpick one layer, before sampling this with a ‘looper’ pedal and using a plectrum to effectively sound like to separate guitars. It’s very versatile, and allows me to heavily improvise and keep things fresh.

I often get asked these questions, so:

Q: First musical influence
A: Probably Dire Straits, Chris Rea and Hendrix. I specifically recall the first time I heard Purple Haze, and Money For Nothing., and Chris Rea: The Road to Hell!!

Q: First song learned
A: Various Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Radiohead and Oasis

Q: Favourite guitarists
A: Tom Morello, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Johnny Greenwood. Matt Bellamy (Muse) is an insane talent, and while the Red Hot Chili Peppers achieved far greater success much later, John Frusciante circa 1992 Blood Sugar Sex Magic was very special and never the same after his addiction issues, sadly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I make a booking?
A: Send me an email with date, venue event type and approximate timings – I’ll then get back to you with a quote. Should you wish to confirm, I’ll issue a brief contract requesting 25% deposit.


Q: How do you structure your prices?
A: Prices are based on three main factors a) time required playing, b) distance/travel cost and c) day/time of year. Ceremonies naturally cost more because they require greater preparation and invariably more time onsite. Saturdays (and public holidays) during peak season are very much in demand, and quoted accordingly. Song requests take time to learn and are normally subject to a small supplementary charge. Bookings within London can be easier in terms of transport as I can hop on a tube/bus.

As a benchmark, a Wedding Ceremony + Reception on a Saturday in July, within ~50 mile radius (about 1hr drive) of HP6 (not. inc London) would be in the region of £360 total. Bookings range from £220-£400.


Q: Is the quoted price inclusive of travel costs?
A: Yes, prices are calculated based on travel from HP6 Buckinghamshire and are inclusive of all travel, PLI* and equipment costs. For particularly long journeys and international bookings the quote may be inclusive of overnight accommodation.
*certificate available on request


Q: Can I request songs not on your existing repertoire?
A: Yes, but be aware that this will incur a small extra charge of £30 per request in most cases (it takes a fair amount of time to learn and rehearse it to the point where I feel it’s ready for your event).


Q: How and when do I pay?
A: I ask for 25% deposit BACS payment or cheque on confirmation of date (w/contract), with the balance being paid in cash on the day or BACS beforehand in most cases. Invoices can be issued on request, BACS payments are preferred as it saves dealing with cash/cheques on the day.


Q: What are your cancellation terms and guarantees?
A: Should you be issued a contract, you note terms that require 50% of the full amount to be paid if cancellation occurs within 30 days of the performance date, but honestly, I’m very reasonable about this kind of thing and it’s merely there to protect me against loss of earnings (and frankly, time wasters!). If in the extremely unfortunate and unlikely scenario I cannot fulfil the booking for any reason, I’ll simply refund the full amount through bank transfer. NB. I have full breakdown and roadside relay cover to mitigate risk and always, always leave early to accommodate for complications.


Q: What do we need to provide on the day?
A: Very low maintenance really; an armless chair/short stool (not a tall stool, as I need to access my foot pedal), and parking space nearby if outside of London (for city bookings I’ll likely come by public transport where possible).

A friendly note about food/refreshments: for the vast majority of bookings, I humbly ask that a reasonably substantial hot meal be provided, please. Certainly for weddings, it can be a very long day especially if it’s included substantial travel. While a treat is welcomed of course (!), I certainly am not insisting on a full three-course dinner and silver service (I know, weddings are an expensive business!) but when you treat quality, professional suppliers as you would hope to be treated yourself, it makes for happier bookings. £20-£30 or so tab at the bar/restaurant or a main meal (not a plate of canapés; I can’t eat and play) and a glass of something good from the caterers makes all the difference (can you tell I’ve had my frustrations with this in the past? No?! 🤪). I don’t mind at all waiting until guests have been served, so no need to worry about that. If you can’t provide food, do let me know beforehand so I can plan ahead.


Q: How long do you usually play for?
A: Typically 90-120 mins in total is recommended, and is usually enough to cover ceremony/drinks reception although I can cover up to 3hrs if necessary. More than 2hrs is quite enough in almost all cases.


Q: Do you need mains power?
A: No – I work entirely on (rechargeable) batteries. It’s always nice to play outside if the weather allows!
NB. Some venues are restricted by a live music license/PAT – however because I don’t use mains power this should not be a problem. If in doubt, refer the venue directly to me prior to booking (to avoid major issues on the day!).


Q: Are you available for international bookings?
A: Absolutely! I am close to Heathrow and Luton airports. I’ll quote as reasonably as possible and include travel as part of my cost (will need special luggage and/or on-location equipment hire but can travel light in most cases). Ready to go when you are!


Q: What are your favourite songs to play?
A: Definitely the film themes – Top Gun, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park, Take 5 is always a hit and I do enjoy the comedy factor of Taylor Swift and George Michael.! John Martyn, Radiohead, Supergrass, Rolling Stones, Hendrix and Pink Floyd are all pillars of my personal collection, while Lianne la Lavas is a truly special talent. I enjoy a bit of classical, and am really a rocker at heart; very open to any music that has been put together with real thought, passion and skill. This could be anything from Carole King, AC/DC, The Mamas and Papas to some Dua Lipa tracks (!), Lauryn Hill and Beyonce. Blank Space by Taylor Swift is pop perfection. Pyramid Song by Radiohead is my all time favourite, and will never be included in my setlist 🙃


Q: How would you describe your style and why is it unique?
A: Perhaps best described as classical/blues crossover, I am not from a classical background nor am I ‘classically trained’. What sets me apart from other performers in my category is that I incorporate a lot of live improvisation into my performance and am able to adapt each piece according to the circumstances. Classical fingerstyle with jazz-blues soloing makes for a unique combination!


Q: What songs do you recommend for ceremonies?
A: I have played all sorts from Sting and Pachelbel to Huey Lewis and Star Wars, so there’s a real range and song choices are ultimately tailored specifically for each couple. Having said that, I would typically choose slow songs for the entrance register signing, followed by something more upbeat for the exit. The traditional Bridal Chorus still holds up really well, as it sounds particularly nice on the guitar. Here are some popular ones for the aisle walk/register: Is this Love?, Let’s Stay Together, Thinking Out Loud, Can’t Help Falling in Love. For the recessional: Your Love (Keeps Lifting me Higher), I’m Yours, Move on Up and Isn’t She Lovely are ideal. AC/DC Highway to Hell works too if you’re that way inclined!


Q: Which songs, and how many do I need to choose for a wedding ceremony?
A: As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need to specify the below at least a couple of weeks beforehand:

– aisle walk music (one piece, generally slow paced)
– signing of the register music (one song, with another as backup if needed for extra time)
– recessional/exit (more upbeat for the big exit, confetti, applause etc)
– at most 2-3 songs you’d like me to include from my existing setlist for the reception (and any specific ones to avoid)

You can also choose songs to be played prior to the ceremony, as guests arrive and take their seats, but equally, you can just leave this to me. While I encourage clients to give me a heads up on music tastes, leave the majority of the setlist to me and I’ll be sure to cater to a wide variety of tastes (outside the critical periods during the ceremony, of course).

Q: I have my own recording of a song that I’d like to play for parts of the ceremony; will you be offended?
A: Hell, no! A chance to figuratively put my feet up for a few moments is most welcome!


Q: Do you play hymns and such for religious ceremonies?
A: I have done, yes, but honestly, can be quite stressful as there are so many variables out of my control including dozens of people singing and precious little time to prepare! Best to have the organist play these, if available. I’ve done some beautiful church ceremonies, but generally I’m better suited to Civil Ceremonies and such like.


Q: Do you play in a band as well?
A: Yes – I played in a funk-soul jam band called Bijoumiyo with Myles Sanko for many years, and have produced/featured on various singer-songwriter releases such as Ian Jeffs’ Last Days at the Farm. I do very little band work these days.
NB. If you are looking for a band for your evening entertainment then please ask, as I can offer a variety of duo/trio/full-band options. Keys/guitar duo available also.


Q: Do you have any favourite venues?
A: I’ve played at some truly spectacular places; many a 5* hotel, castle and country estate, on a London bus and on various boats… one of the perks of the job! River Cottage, the Dorchester, Emirates Stadium and the Ageas Bowl are highlights, and there are several local venues I am strongly linked with including being a recommended supplier at (the beautiful) Chippenham Park in Cambridgeshire.


Q: Can you provide background music during your breaks?
A: Yes – either via my iTunes library, or alternatively I’m happy to put an iPod through my amp if you have your own music. Usually though, venues have their own in-house PA system.


Q: Do you play wedding ceremonies as well as receptions?
A: Yes – absolutely – although in most cases I play during the post-ceremony drinks reception leading up to the wedding breakfast.


Q: How many bookings a year to you take?
A: I used to book about 50-60 events annually with the majority being during the peak wedding season June-September, but nowadays this has scaled down significantly as I’m busy with my day job managing the UK Support team for RØDE microphones. Most bookings are confirmed many months beforehand (especially during peak season) so book early to avoid disappointment!


Q: I’ve seen your profile on Alive Network as Andy Cherry – can I book you independently?
A: Yes, absolutely if you come to me first! (and it’ll be cheaper). I highly recommend Alive Network though; they are my main booking agent (since 2010, 90+ 5* reviews). I also work with Last Minute Musicians and Book Entertainment UK


Q: Are you LGBTQ Friendly?
A: Hell, yes!


Q: What equipment do you use?
A: Perez 630CE electro-classical guitar, D’Addario strings, Dunlop Tortex ‘jazz’ style picks, Roland AC-33 amp (2x 15w, battery powered), Boss RC-500 loop pedal (also battery powered), Cleartone cables and Eneloop Pro rechargeable AA batteries. I try to be as eco-friendly as possible!


Q: How can you play without having the music in front of you?
A: I’ve had very little formal musical training and don’t read music – it’s all done ‘by ear’ and memory. I’ve become an expert improviser; this is a key feature of my performance style, and helps keep things fresh and expressive, as well as flexible to the requirements of any event.