JACK-AUSTIN DESPY is a talented young rising guitar player with a passion for Blues. Jack-Austin and his band deliver a performance that leaves audiences wanting more. His music is a blend of traditional blues with a modern twist which has captivated the hearts of music lovers everywhere.

His influences include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Robert Cray, BB King, Albert King and Zac Schulze.

Jack began his musical journey at the tender age of six when he wanted to learn to play harmonica. He quickly progressed to guitar and by the age of nine was jamming with veteran musicians. At the age of thirteen he played at the Rory Gallagher Festival UK in Nantwich where he amazed the audience with his skills on stage with Barry Barnes, Bri Chambers and Jonny Brutal.

In 2022 he was invited back to Nantwich to open the festival. Blues Magazine in Netherlands had this to say: “At half past six the festival kicked off with the 14 year old guitar prodigy Jack Austin Despy, supported by a rhythm section that sounds familiar to Rory fans, Dave Burns (Tony Dowlers Hellhounds) on bass and Jonny Brutal (Sinnerboy) on drums. All known Rory hits were played.

Playing flawlessly, the audience present embraced this young man. (Wijk aan Zee take advantage of this and get this boy to the Netherlands). Steve “Rory” Web would later say, ‘this kid is the future’.

2024 has proved to be a pivotal year. Jack began gigging regularly at pubs and clubs and many of them rebooking him several times throughout the year. Jack’s first “ticketed” event was a sell-out when the band played in Hatfield Peverel Village Hall.

He was fortunate to be invited to play at the birthplace of one of his guitar heroes at the Ballyshannon Rhythm and Blues Festival in October 2024. This was a fabulous experience and the people were so welcoming and appreciative – following him from gig to gig.

In December his band were invited to play at Tuesday Blues 100 Club in Oxford Street, London (supporting Big Dez – international

touring star from France) – definitely an iconic venue and a great crowd. At the end of the evening, Big Dez jumped off the stage in the

middle of his final song and handed Jack his vintage guitar to finish the night.

2025 began with a trip to the famous Blackpool Winter Gardens where Jack and his band played on the Introducing Stage at the UK Blues Rhythm and Rock Festival. The set was mostly made up from new original songs.