When Chris Taplin takes the stage, you’re in for a wild ride through the deep soul of the blues. Drawing inspiration from Muddy Waters, SRV, Howlin' Wolf, Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and more, Chris and his band deliver a powerhouse performance that resonates with every fan of gritty, heartfelt blues.
Known as a cornerstone of the Belfast blues scene, Chris has built a legacy with his weekly blues residency at The Belfast Empire—one of the longest-running blues shows in the city, a tradition set in motion by the late, great Rab McCullough (R.I.P.). But this isn’t just a band—it’s a community of blues lovers, and Chris is at the heart of it.
Teaming up with the incredibly talented Terry McHugh—a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who can bring the house down with his rich, powerful sound—the duo takes the stage with raw energy, pure authenticity, and a musical chemistry that transports you straight from the streets of Belfast to the heart of the Mississippi Delta and beyond.
For their Blues on the Bay return, Chris and Terry promise to take you on a journey through the rich tapestry of blues history, with explosive guitar riffs, soulful harmonica, and stories that span generations. Get ready for a blues experience that will move you, shake you, and leave you begging for more.
Catch them live, feel the magic, and dive deep into the heart of the blues.