Yardbirds co-founder Jim McCarty continues to lead this groundbreaking British Rock Invasion band, a crucial link between blues, British R&B, psychedelic rock and heavy metal. He was also a pioneer in the use of innovations such as fuzztone, feedback, and distortion. This drummer, singer, songwriter, and producer is considered one of the driving forces behind the band's mesmerizing sound. From the band's inception in 1963 to its induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, The Yardbirds have been revered for the legendary guitarists who have shaped their history, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page—all ranked among Rolling Stone magazine's 100 greatest guitarists of all time (#35, #5, and #3, respectively). Originally a blues-based band known for their distinctive "rave-up" instrumental jams on blues classics such as Howlin’ Wolf’s Smokestack Lightning and Bo Diddley’s I'm a Man, The Yardbirds later expanded into pop, pioneered psychedelic rock and early hard rock/heavy metal, and contributed to many electric guitar innovations that defined these musical genres. The band even gave rise to Led Zeppelin. During the mid-1960s, they had a string of hits, including For Your Love, Heart Full of Soul, Shapes of Things, and Over Under Sideways Down. Celebrating his 30th year as a Yardbird, vocalist John Idan has lent his distinctive voice to the band's sound since its reformation, as showcased in the classic 2003 album Birdland, which features guest appearances by Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, and Brian May. The current lineup of top-tier musicians includes guitarist Godfrey Townsend (who has worked with John Entwistle, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson of Heart, Christopher Cross, and Dave Mason, and served as musical director of The Turtles’ Happy Together Tour) and bassist Kenny Aaronson (who has played with Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Rick Derringer, Brian Setzer, Dave Edmunds, and Joan Jett). The band is further enriched by percussionist, harmonica player, and backing vocalist Myke Scavone (The Doughboys, Ram Jam). The current lineup has recently completed work on a forthcoming live album, Mind the Gap.

The Hus-Band was founded in 2023 in Lugano from an idea by Matteo Bertini. Alongside him, once again, is guitarist Mattia Mantello. The two, longtime bromance partners on the most prestigious local stages, enlist the rhythm section of brothers Federico and Riccardo Sicilia from Val di Blenio. Together, the four musicians bring to life a sincere and straightforward project, a light-hearted and fun classic rock, with no pretensions of measuring up to big names or movements. Mad Mantello's guitar, historically infused with solid blues tones, and Sicilia's genetically groovy patterns are complemented by Matt Bertini's riffs and signature raspy vocals. No flashy or schizophrenic ambitions – just the self-awareness of being “only” neighborhood rockstars. Their debut single, featuring the tracks “Wanderer” and “L.S.D.”, offers a first taste of their music: dynamic yet catchy, psychedelic yet edgy, mature yet youthful. More singles followed, including the semi-ballad “You Won't Be the First,” whose video clip was released shortly thereafter. The stage debut took place at the Rotonda in Locarno on August 1, 2023 as the opening act for the Blues Brothers.. Concluding 2023 was “A Hundred Times,” a mature classic rock track enriched by a great sax solo by Mirko Roccato. Their album Cheap Rock was released on April 6, 2024. A true concept album that, like in the old days, unveils its full potential when listened to in its entirety, no track is less important or predictable, and the sounds...are so many.