Larry Miller

Larry Miller is a blues rock and hard rock guitarist and singer from Louisiana, associated with The Sundown Playboys. He is a Louisiana steel guitarist, and his work is also described through tags including classic rock, blues, and hard-n-blues.

Background and musical direction

He begins playing after picking up his brother’s guitar and writing his first song, and he decides early on to focus on rock music. He first concentrates on blues rock, shaping his approach around writing, singing, producing, playing, and leading under his own name with a band. His style develops quickly and continues to shift, with his later material moving away from pure blues rock towards a heavier rock sound.

Band and recording line-up

At the point described, Miller works with Simon Baker on drums and Derek White on bass. Baker also plays on Miller’s first album, Right Chaps, leaves when he starts a family during a period of heavy touring, and later rejoins the band. White is described as an experienced musician who joins the group more recently and brings a calm approach under pressure.

Albums, touring and live reputation

Miller is preparing the album Unfinished Business, which is presented as following Right Chaps. A European tour is planned alongside the album. He has a large following across the UK and Europe and tours regularly. His live performances are associated with a high level of guitar skill, strong audience interaction, and a relaxed, humorous manner with fans before and after shows.

Influences and comparisons

His main inspiration is Rory Gallagher, whose live performance style strongly shapes his own sense of musical direction. His influences also include The Beatles, Taste, Thin Lizzy, Jimi Hendrix, Roy Buchanan, Johnny Winter, B.B. King, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Les Miserables, the musical. He is also compared in different descriptions with Rory Gallagher, Alvin Lee, The White Stripes, The Black Crowes, the Raconteurs, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Critical reception and festival recognition

Miller receives strong praise for his guitar playing from music press and other commentators, with descriptions focusing on his tone, feel, riffs, and stage presence. At the Cambridge Rock Festival, he receives seven standing ovations and a declaration of a “National Larry Miller day”.