British blues-rock guitarist and accomplished songwriter Mick McConnell with the incredibly talented band, Blue Thunder, is set to perform his debut headline London show on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, at the legendary 100 Club, presented by Solid Entertainments, as part of the UK tour.
While many recognise Mick McConnell as the lead guitarist of the globally popular band Smokie, he has been crafting and recording solo material for several years. In 2023, he took Blue Thunder on the road to public acclaim, resulting in repeat bookings from venues and promoters across the UK live circuit.
A seasoned musician, Mick McConnell was previously an in-house songwriter for music publishing giants Warner Chappell. In 2017, he released his second solo album, Under My Skin, produced by double Grammy winner Blue Miller (Bob Seger, India Arie, Grand Funk Railroad, Blackfoot). The album achieved a number 13 spot on the European Blues Chart. His debut album, My Kinda Heaven, is set for re-release in June 2024.
Mick has been featured in Blues Matters! and Blues In Britain magazines and received exceptional reviews from Elmore (USA) and Music Republic. His music is frequently played on blues podcasts and Spotify’s own Blues/Rock playlists.
In early 2023, Mick decided it was time to form a band to bring his blues-rock vision to life. While starting afresh is no small feat, Blue Thunder has quickly gained traction, especially in the North of England, and at every single gig so far, they have been rebooked.
Band Members:
- Mick McConnell – Lead Vocals/Guitar
- Tsutomu “Atom” Abe – Keyboards
- Lincoln Roth – Bass Guitar/Vocals
- Bob Pears – Drums
- Donna Thompson – Backing Vocals
Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder – Live and Unfiltered
Your upcoming headline gig at the 100 Club is a major milestone – what does this show mean to you personally and professionally?
It’s such an iconic venue with a boatload of history attached to it. It was important to me that Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder spread our wings a little, so doing a gig in London was crucial. I’m grateful to the promoters for giving us a shot.
With Blue Thunder gaining momentum, what’s been the most exciting or challenging part of starting fresh with a new band?
The band members have been amazing – their willingness to rehearse and take on the challenge for very little financial reward has been key. I have to give Bob, Lincoln, Atom, and Donna a shout-out. We’re a new band, so we’re at the bottom of the food chain. It’s been tough getting gigs booked and convincing venues to take a chance on us. But we’ve definitely gained momentum in just 12 months or so, and we’ve made a lot of new friends along the way.
You’ve worked with some incredible musicians – how does this current band compare to your past collaborations?
They’re lovely, easy-going people with no egos, which is a bonus. They’ve stuck to the task of learning parts from my album that were originally played by Nashville’s finest session musicians. I take my hat off to them!
Your upcoming live album was recorded at Tapestry Arts – can you share a moment from that show that really stood out for you?
A live album might be on the back burner now. I’ve written quite a few new songs recently, so another studio album might be more beneficial. I’ll decide soon. That said, the tracks we recorded have a great vibe – they highlight a band enjoying itself and playing from the heart.
You’ve said, “We don’t jam.” What’s the philosophy behind your structured approach to blues-rock?
Two things: I dislike loose, meandering endings that some blues bands do. I want our audience to leave feeling like we put real effort into crafting the songs and the set-list. It’s about presenting something polished and intentional.
Looking back, what was the moment you felt you’d truly “made it” in the music industry?
Joining Smokie in my mid-thirties was life-changing. I joined an already successful band still making and selling records. Touring the world, staying in five-star hotels, appearing on TV shows – it taught me how to tour professionally. Before Smokie, I’d toured Europe with cover bands and even played with a German rock band that opened for Bon Jovi. Music’s given me a standard of living I once only dreamed of.
Joining Smokie must have been a huge transition – was there a specific gig or song that made you feel truly part of the band?
Not many know this, but I’d played guitar on a couple of Smokie albums before officially joining. Seeing my face on the first album I recorded with them was the moment I thought, “Yes, I’m one of them now.”
You’ve been on major tours with legendary artists – what’s one backstage story you’ll never forget?
There are so many! With Smokie, we toured with Fleetwood Mac, Wet Wet Wet, Joe Cocker, and more. We often toured Scandinavia with Status Quo. Once, Rod Stewart snuck up behind me to check football scores on my phone – he’s as football-mad as I am. Another time, Tina Turner walked into catering alone, and our singer Mike asked her, “Can I get you a cuppa tea, luv?” in his Yorkshire accent. She was lovely.
What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learnt from a lifetime in rock & blues?
How long a career can last if everyone pulls together. Protect the brand, keep standards high, and treat everyone with respect. With common sense, you can sustain this life for decades.
If you had to pick one song – either your own or from Smokie – that defines your journey, which would it be and why?
It’s tough, but I’ll go with “All My Soul,” a song I wrote with producer Blue Miller in 10–15 minutes. Playing it live with Blue Thunder reminds me how far I’ve come – writing a song with strong lyrics and melody so quickly. Blue once said, “Wow, you nailed that one,” and I felt at the top of my song-writing game then.
Would you consider yourself a rock rebel? If so, in what way?
No, I’m a bit of a wimp! Though rebelling against a plumbing career for music was my big gamble – and it paid off.
Rock music has always had rebellion – how do you see that playing out in today’s industry?
The rebel spirit’s still there but expressed differently. Younger artists focus more on social issues – calling out governments on war, race, etc. – especially at award shows.
Who were your biggest influences starting out, and who carries that rebellious spirit today?
I loved guitar bands: Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, Journey, Foreigner. Today’s “rebellion” is less about drugs and more about activism. Artists use their platforms to challenge injustice.
You’ve worked with Grammy-winning producer Blue Miller – what’s the most valuable insight he gave you about music?
Blue became a dear friend in 1996. He stressed writing lyrics that listeners can grasp – don’t be too cryptic. He learnt that from Bob Seger, and it stuck with me.
Rock in the ’70s had raw energy – do you think that’s still alive today, or has the industry tamed it?
The industry’s shaped it into something more polished. The ’70s were about raw talent and breaking new ground. Bands today (even reality show acts) have talent, but the era’s wild, unfiltered energy is rare. Back then, labels made fortunes, but many artists blew their earnings – no financial savvy.
Music can be deeply emotional – has there ever been a moment on stage or in the studio that truly moved you?
At Smokie listening parties, I’d sit back and realise those studio moments – the sounds, emotions – could never be recreated. With Blue Thunder, we play “Old Time Rock & Roll” as a tribute to Blue Miller. Talking about him still gives me a lump in my throat.
Do you have a pre-show ritual that keeps you grounded before the lights hit?
With Smokie, I change an hour before and warm up 20 minutes pre-show. For Blue Thunder’s smaller gigs, it’s less formal. I also wear trinkets around my neck – if I forget them, I feel off!
Your songs are carefully crafted – when you write, do you draw more from personal experiences or musical inspiration?
I start with guitar riffs or a lyric that hooks me. My songs are very Americana-inspired, but some are personal.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d received at the start of your career?
I didn’t need advice – I carved my own path. Mistakes happened, but I learnt. It’s never felt like a slog; I’ve thrived on the ups and downs.
After decades in the business, what still excites you most about making music?
I love being a professional musician! I’m not the best guitarist, but sharing my songs live is a joy. After Blue Thunder gigs, I thank fans as they leave – it means a lot to them and costs me nothing.
Catch Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder Live
- Tuesday, 11th February 2025 – 100 Club, London
- Doors: 7:00 PM
- Tickets: £14.00 + fees
- Buy Tickets
- Venue Website
With a dynamic new band and a growing fanbase, Mick McConnell is proving that blues-rock is alive and well. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, this is a show you won’t want to miss.