Matt Deighton rose to fame as guitarist and lead vocalist with Acid Jazz band Mother Earth in the early 1990s. Recent places in Paul Weller’s band and deputising for Noel Gallagher in Oasis have seen Matt prove that he is as versatile and eclectic as ever.
Biography:
Matt released 3 albums with Mother Earth between 1991 and 1996, releasing his debut solo album ‘Villager’ in 1995. The album received huge critical acclaim, despite Matt being unable to promote the album live due to his commitments with Mother Earth. Matt joined Paul Weller’s band for the Heavy Soul tour and remained as lead guitarist until late 1999.
‘You are the Healer’, Matt’s second solo album, was released on Barley Wheel in March 2000. Once again a very enthusiastic press surrounded the album, which again was not promoted live, as suddenly Matt found himself thrust into the limelight in an unexpected way! After the well-publicised rift between Oasis brothers, Noel and Liam Gallagher, led to Noel pulling out of the band’s European tour, Matt Deighton was invited to take his place on guitar. Reviews for the Oasis tour were extremely complementary about Matt’s musical contribution to the band, and the end of the year saw ‘You Are The Healer’ voted into the top 20 albums of the year in RECORD COLLECTOR.
In 2003 Matt performed a few select gigs whilst finishing the new album and working on several collaboration projects with other artists, including studio work with Squeeze man Chris Difford.
As well as top-flight live and session work, Matt also runs Barley Wheel acoustic nights in London, featuring well-known folk artists.
As diverse as his skills, Matt’s guitar arsenal includes his first choice Yamaha Bamboo acoustic, and AES820 Drop6 (not for metal, mind you) and a Pacifica 1511MS.