Jan Akkerman, recognized as the world’s best rock guitarist and who last performed at Viljandi Guitar Festival in 2016, had his international breakthrough with the progressive rock band Focus in the early 70s. As a solo artist, he has released 30 albums and still tours extensively with his own band.

Focus were one of the great progressive rock bands of the 1970s. Their mix of classical music, rock and jazz entered the charts on both sides of the Atlantic with songs like “Hocus Pocus” and “Sylvia” from the album called “Moving Waves”. For the Viljandi concert Jan Akkerman brings his regular band consisting of Marijn van den Berg (drums), David de Marez Oyens (bass) and Will Mass (keyboards).

Jan Akkerman’s dazzling technique and unmistakable tone have made him named by the British rock magazine Melody Maker one of the best and most influential guitarists in the world. As a solo artist, he has released records within a wide musical spectrum and collaborated with musicians such as B. B. King, Alan Price, Peter Banks, Jack Bruce, Charlie Byrd, Phil Collins, Paco de Lucía and Ice-T.