Acclaimed guitarist Miguel Montalban is gearing up for his much-anticipated 2025 UK tour, kicking off at the legendary Cart & Horses – the birthplace of Iron Maiden. From his viral Sultans of Swing performance to sharing stages with rock icons, Montalban has carved out a unique space in the music world. In this exclusive interview, he discusses his tour, musical influences, and what it takes to keep rock’s rebellious spirit alive.
Get ready for electrifying performances, fresh new music, and behind-the-scenes insights into one of rock’s rising stars!
Miguel Montalban on His 2025 UK Tour
Monica: You’re kicking off your UK tour at Cart & Horses, the birthplace of Iron Maiden – a legendary venue. Have Iron Maiden influenced your music?
Miguel Montalban: Iron Maiden’s music feels like it’s woven into the very DNA of anyone who loves rock. Performing at such a legendary venue for the first time just made sense – it’s the perfect way to make this tour unforgettable. The vibe there is incredible, the staff is amazing, and I know the great people of East London will truly appreciate us finally playing closer to home. We really look forward to our debut this Saturday.
Tour Expectations and Challenges
Monica: What can fans expect from this tour? What’s your favourite part about touring, and what’s the biggest challenge?
Miguel Montalban: I’m thrilled to share new songs that trace back to my beginning – the time when I went viral on YouTube and my unforgettable busking days. On top of that, I’m introducing my power trio band, delivering a massive stereo sound, made possible through my partnership with Tone King Amplification and SoloDallas. This makes every performance truly special. To add to the excitement, we’ll be presenting a fresh set with new songs for each concert across the UK and Europe.
Stage Energy and Preparation
Monica: Your performances are known for their electrifying energy. How do you prepare before stepping on stage?
Miguel: Thanks! I’d say that’s a hallmark of all our shows – high energy combined with technical precision. Before each performance, I spend at least an hour warming up, stretching my fingers, and doing a bit of physical exercise to ensure I’m giving 100%. We take every single show incredibly seriously, and preparation is a big part of that. It means putting in a lot of hard work beforehand: arriving early, having a calm and focused soundcheck, and making sure everything is perfectly set for the best experience.
UK vs. Global Audiences
Monica: You’ve played in many different countries. How does the UK audience compare to others?
Miguel: The UK will always hold a special place for us, and London feels like home for me and the band. My career truly began here – literally from performing on the streets to playing on stages. It’s been an incredible journey, and London has been the gateway that connected me to the world. Social media and YouTube played a huge role in amplifying my reach, helping me grow a fan base and opening countless opportunities.
The crowd here is something else – wild, passionate, and deeply appreciative of rock music. Fans here take it to heart; they are true, loyal supporters who go the extra mile, even travelling across the country just to see us and support their favourite artists. What I love most is how well they understand the industry – buying merchandise and attending shows feels like second nature to them. We absolutely love performing here!
Going Viral and Industry Recognition
Monica: You first gained global attention with your viral performance of Sultans of Swing. You’ve been praised by legends like Mark Knopfler, Rod Stewart, and Zakk Wylde. How did that moment impact your career?
Miguel Montalban: That was undoubtedly a pivotal moment in my career. I was honoured to be invited to perform at the Victoria and Albert Museum, thanks to Roger Daltrey and Alistair Morrison’s unveiling of their photography project featuring legends like Alice Cooper, The Who, Peter Frampton, Rod Stewart, and many more. Naturally, I was incredibly nervous playing in front of such icons who have shaped the music industry and culture.
Later, I had a memorable conversation with Mark Knopfler outside Wembley, during a meeting set up by Gibson Brands. My cover version of Sultans of Swing got nearly 30 million views—everyone has seen it! And one unforgettable summer while busking, I literally met Zakk Wylde — he was standing right in front of me as I played. We had a long chat, and moments like these have profoundly impacted my career, reinforcing my belief in what I do.
Growing up with their music, it’s impossible to describe how inspirational these experiences have been. They’ve not only fuelled my passion but also made me believe in my journey even more.
Musical Influences and Style
Monica: Your sound is a fusion of rock and blues — who were your biggest influences in shaping your style?
Miguel: Over the years, listening to a wide range of music and different styles has shaped me immensely. I’ve always been searching for something new, consuming more and more records, and playing for over 10 hours a day when I was a kid. My time studying jazz at the conservatory also had a significant impact on my playing.
Growing up, my family always had rock music and records playing daily — it was a constant part of our lives. I started playing when I was just seven years old, so as I developed as a person, my playing evolved alongside me. I think what people often call ‘style’ is really about personality for me. It’s the individuality and character in your playing that truly make the difference.
Music as a Movement
Monica: Rock music has always had a rebellious spirit. Do you think musicians today should still be rebels and carry messages in their music?
Miguel: Absolutely, especially in these chaotic times where everything feels politically charged, people are craving an escape. Music feels more vital than ever – there are so many artists now creating incredible content. A message in music is so important, not necessarily through literal words describing what we see, but through new sounds that evoke emotions and remind us we’re not alone. Music has the power to heal and bring a sense of connection – it’s nourishment for the soul.
Monica: If you could collaborate with any rock ‘n’ roll rebel from history, who would it be and why?
Miguel: I would love to collaborate with so many, but one in particular would be David Gilmour—his music has been a soundtrack to my life for so many years and has influenced my playing immensely. But I’d also add Jack White, Slash, Santana, or Steve Vai—honestly, just to name a few!
Future Plans
Monica: After this tour, what’s next for Miguel Montalban & The Southern Vultures? Any new music in the works? Can fans expect a new album soon?
Miguel: I’m currently in the studio, and I’m excited to share that a new single will be out very soon! There are some changes in the band’s process as we prepare for the upcoming tour, but in the meantime, I’m working on about 20 new songs that will shape the next album. Fingers crossed, it’ll be ready by the end of this year!
Monica: What’s a dream venue or festival you’d love to play one day?
Miguel: I’d love to play Download, Glastonbury, Rock am Ring, Blue Ridge Rock Fest — Summerfest in Milwaukee looks fun too!
Miguel Montalban at the Half Moon Putney
Looking Back and Advice for Aspiring Musicians
Monica: Looking back at your career so far, what’s been the most defining moment?
Miguel: One defining moment was performing in Miami at the New World Symphony. It was my first time professionally gigging in the US at such a significant venue, and everything surrounding that tour felt monumental. However, I don’t have a single standout moment, as every tour is a new challenge. Each one brings its own excitement, lessons, and growth. I always let the music speak to me, approaching it with a fresh perspective every time. That’s what truly defines these experiences for me—they keep pushing me forward in new and inspiring ways.
Monica: Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to aspiring guitarists and musicians, what would it be?
Miguel: Stay true to yourself — don’t let money be the focus, as that will come naturally. There are no mistakes, only growth through our experiences. And above all — practice, practice, and practice!
