Chilean-born and London-based guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Miguel Montalban with his band The Southern Vultures have kicked off Uk 2025 tour last night, 22nd March 2025, at Cart & Horses, Stratford, London – famously known as the birthplace of Iron Maiden – and will continue with dates at Ropetackle Arts Centre (Shoreham), Y Muni Arts Centre (Pontypridd), Old Woollen (Leeds), Pontardawe Arts Centre, Red Lion (Gravesend), and Acapela Studio (Cardiff, Wales).
Reflecting on the tour, Miguel Montalban enthuses:
“I am absolutely thrilled to announce that during the Uk tour in 2025, I’ll be playing at some incredible, intimate venues that will make every moment unforgettable!”. And I can confirm that it is true based on the first gig. Read my full interview with Miguel here.
Glam Rock Aesthetics & 50 Shades of Rock ’n’ Roll
Reminiscent of glam rock’s golden era, The Southern Vultures might just be the sexiest musicians on the rock scene today. Their look – so carefully curated – perfectly matches their sound, which spans from heavy metal to blues, covering all the shades of rock ’n’ roll in between.
Miguel Montalban is the embodiment of rock ’n’ roll ecstasy, blending blues influences with soulful vocals and exceptional guitar virtuosity.
A former busker, his viral rendition of Sultans of Swing catapulted him to fame, earning praise from Rod Stewart – who called him “one of the finest guitarists in London”. Even Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) described him as a “totally excellent musician”.
I’d love to see them play at Jimi Hendrix’s house – his bedroom would be a fitting stage for such virtuoso guitar and bass skills. After the gig, I chatted with Miguel, and to my delight, he confirmed that he has indeed performed in that iconic bedroom before. That tells me just how clever the team at Handel & Hendrix House are when it comes to discovering true musical talent.
Virtuosity & Raw Energy
Miguel Montalban’s virtuoso style instantly brings to mind Yngwie Malmsteen, the Swedish guitarist known in the 1980s for his neoclassical heavy metal style – a blur of scales and technical precision.
I made the journey from South West London to Stratford, a one-and-a-half-hour trip involving a train, a tube, and a bit of walking – all to see a band I barely knew, apart from their viral busking cover of Sultans of Swing in front of Oxford Street station.
Yet, just two hours later, I left the legendary Cart & Horses with the biggest smile on my face and a newfound obsession. What a night! The energy was electric, the vibe overwhelmingly positive, and the intimacy of the venue only amplified the experience.
Front-Row Fire & A Trance-Inducing Blues-Metal Fusion
Some fans were clearly in a trance-like state during the band’s heavy metal-blues fusion pieces. Standing in the front row, I was close enough to feel the heat from the musicians, almost within reach of their sweat-drenched instruments – a raw, immersive rock ’n’ roll experience.
Despite the predominantly instrumental set – which isn’t usually my preference – the sheer melodic richness of Miguel’s guitar playing won me over. The bass lines weren’t just background noise either; they had a powerful, independent presence, adding depth to every track.
Bruno Pint: The Sexiest Bassist Alive?
One of the night’s highlights was a bass solo by Bruno Pint before the band launched back into their signature frenetic guitar work. After the gig, his beaming mother proudly told me, “That’s my son!” – a sentiment I wholeheartedly understood.
I told her, “You must be so proud – he’s the sexiest bass player in history!”
Bruno himself later revealed that he’s Brazilian, which explains both his irresistible charisma and impeccable stage presence. Dressed in a laced top, tight flared leather trousers, and pointed black boots, he flashed one of the most captivating smiles I’ve ever seen on stage.
Encore Magic: Hey Joe & Sultans of Swing
The encore was pure magic. First up, Jimi Hendrix’s Hey Joe – delivered with fiery passion – after playing Eric Clapton’s Cocaine. The second encore was, of course, the song that made Montalban famous – Sultans of Swing.
Miguel played it on a worn-in Fender Stratocaster, the kind of guitar that feels lived in, carrying the spirit of every note it has ever played.
Why You Need to See Them Live
Miguel Montalban & The Southern Vultures are phenomenal musicians. Their minimal use of vocals presents a challenge for audience engagement, yet they masterfully craft a set list that keeps the crowd hooked from start to finish.
This is the ultimate band for a sweaty, high-energy rock club experience. The connection between the The Southern Vultures and audience was something only an exceptional live show can achieve. Time flew by, leaving us all craving more.
Check them out. See them live.
This is a band that needs to be experienced in the flesh – a strictly live phenomenon.
I’ve been won over.
I’m completely hooked.
