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February 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 39South African guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Ross Harding has announced new band name Ross Harding & The Dark Hearts for his latest tour. If you%u2019re already a fan, he%u2019s playing a gig on Valentines Day.Dark Hearts, Dark Blues this Valentine%u2019sRoss Harding hit the ground running in 2024 performing across the UK in Newcastle, Glasgow, Bracknell, London, Southampton, Woking and Kingsbridge in various formats including Solo Acoustic, Unplugged Band and Full Electric Band. No Ross Harding live show is alike, with his musical skills and versatility being showcased in three unique formats: Solo Acoustic, Acoustic %u201cUnplugged Band%u201d and Electric Band. Much like John Mayer%u2019s 2008 release %u2018Where The Light Is: Live In Los Angeles%u2019, this approach allows people to fully experience Ross Harding%u2019s songwriting, guitar talents and captivating stage presence. Ross hails from Johannesburg, South Africa and is currently based in the UK. As a songwriter and performing artist, he personifi es rich, powerful vocal abilities with mesmerizing guitar skills, gaining international industry recognition for his commanding blend of blues and rock music, reminiscent of the classic rock, grunge & blues artists of the past. A prolifi c performing artist, his versatile stage performances range from a deeply soulful solo acoustic artist to a high energy blues rocker, whose experience is that of an artist much older. He%u2019s also a seasoned touring musician, and has played hundreds of shows in clubs, festivals, and notable venues in his decade-long professional career. Speaking about the 2025 live dates, Ross Harding explains: %u201c2025 is going to be a very honest and authentic musical journey, as I share my brand of dark blues rock with the UK. We%u2019ve already done lots of groundwork and started building a community, and I am really looking forward to connecting with fans all over the UK and expanding that%u201d. In 2025, the full electric band performances will now be under the banner of %u201cRoss Harding & The Dark Hearts%u201d but the fi rst-class musicianship, captivating songs and the dark blues rock sound remain. %u2018The Blood & The Blues%u2019 Chapter 1 2025 leg of the tour started in January with special guest singer-songwriter Lola Rose. Lola is an independent Americana musician, heavily infl uenced by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks and Bonnie Raitt. Ross Harding & The Dark Hearts are playing a co-headline show on Friday 14th February at The Old Brewery Store in Faversham, Kent (Britain%u2019s oldest brewery) presented by Rock Roots Events. The Outlaw Orchestra, a ThunderGrooving Americana trio from the deep South UK, with a love of Dirty Hard Rock & Outlaw Country will also be on the bill.%u2018The Blood & The Blues%u2019 Chapter 1 2025 leg wraps up in May, with the Chapter 2 leg of the tour beginning in June 2025. The band stops at O%u2019Riley%u2019s in Hull on 11th September and then The Foundry in Brecon, North Wales on 13th September 2025 with more dates to be announced.Website: https://rosshardingmusic.com/