B.C.-born guitarist, keyboardist and singer-songwriter Murray Atkinson will be joining Bad Company for their 40th anniversary tour concert at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Sept. 14.
Atkinson will be opening for the iconic Canadian band with new music as he continues to define and develop his sound.
The musician grew up in Ladysmith in a musical family and became an accomplished classical pianist while simultaneously taking up the guitar.
He rose to local prominence in the mid-90s as a hard rock guitarist in his band Playground.
In 1998, Atkinson moved to Vancouver and began working with various artists as a session and live guitarist. That is when he met Chin Injeti from Bass is Base. Injeti mentored Atkinson in hip hop, R&B and funk styles.
During a tour, in which Injeti’s band opened for Canadian rock and R&B artist Colin James, Atkinson struck up a relationship with ex-members of the Canadian power pop band Odds, who were at that time members of James’ band.
When Odds decided to reunite in 2006 Atkinson was asked to help out on guitar and later became a full member of the band.
With an ability to perform acoustic, a full band with two drummers or as a duo with percussionist Pat Steward, Atkinson offers a unique live experience that is said not to be missed.
Tickets for the Bad Company 40th anniversary tour with special guest Atkinson at the South Okanagan Events Centre can be purchased at www.ValleyFirstTix.com, by phone at 1-877-763-2849 or in person at the Valley First Box Office (at the SOEC) and Wine Country Visitor Centre.