“For me, I’ve learned so much from blues music. It’s the foundation for everything that comes after it. It’s a “must have” in the ole knowledge bank. Knowing how to play blues has helped me navigate every other genre I’ve pursued and been interested in.”

Matthew Curry: On The Ride Again

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release), with the first show taking place at Knuckleheads Saloon, (Kansas City, MO) Thursday, May 21. This past February saw the release of One For The Ride, a dynamic and heartfelt collection that showcases the full range of Matthew Curry's musicianship -- from fiery, virtuosic guitar work to intimate, emotionally rich songwriting. The album explores life on the road, love celebration, personal reflection, and Americana storytelling, all delivered with Curry's signature depth and gritty authenticity. One For The Ride captures Curry's life on the road, his love for storytelling, and the musical influences that shaped him.

(Matthew Curry / Photo by Norbert Novak)

Dates of 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour: May 21 - Kansas City, MO - Knuckleheads Saloon / May 22 - Omaha, NB - The B. Bar / May 23 - Burlington, IA - The Washington / May 24 - Des Moines, IA - Spring Blues Fest/ May 27 - Grand Rapids, MI - Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill / May 28 - Rockford, IL - The Music Box / May 29 - Evansville, IN - Mojo's Boneyard / May 30 - Peoria, IL - Pour Brothers Courtyard Concerts / June 17 - Greenville, SC - Poe Mill Music / June 18 - Wilmington, NC - The Rusty Nail / June 19 - Kill Devil Hills, NC - Outer Banks Brewing Station / June 20 - Winchester, VA - Bright Box Theater / June 21 - Sellersville, PA - Sellersville Theater / June 25 - Elmsford, NY - Carmine's / June 26 - Asbury Park, NJ - Asbury Lanes  / June 27 - Shirley, MA - The Bull Run / June 28 - North Kingston, RI - Courthouse Center For The Arts / June 29 - Lima, NY - Fanatics Pub. 

Interview by Michael Limnios       Archive: Matthew Curry, February 2026 Interview

Special Thanks: Matthew Curry & Doug Deutsch

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

For me, I’ve learned so much from blues music. It’s the foundation for everything that comes after it. It’s a “must have” in the ole knowledge bank. Knowing how to play blues has helped me navigate every other genre I’ve pursued and been interested in.

What keeps a musician passionate over the years in rock,blues? How does your hometown that affect your music?

The thing that keeps me passionate about music is the fact that I’m still inspired. I can listen to someone else’s record and get inspired. Or sometimes just pick up the guitar and get instantly inspired. As long as that keeps happening, I think I’ll always be passionate about my music. I think being born and raised in the midwest certainly affects my sounds / writing style. There’s so many different genres to be found throughout the midwest. Blues, Rock n Roll, Country, Folk, etc. I’ve sponged in all of those sounds and tried to create my own style by utilizing all of them!

Are there any specific memories on the road (tour) that you would like to tell us about?!

I have tons of memories from the road! Some that are probably not “appropriate” to share.. hahaha! One that always stays withme is when we toured opening for Peter Frampton, and he asked me to join him on stage to play “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” It was one of the highlights of my career! Also, a lot of my memories are simply of me andmy band hanging out after a show in a hotel room.. Jamming on acoustics and joking around. Everyone in the band is like family to me. We’ve been fortunate to have some many great times together!

“The thing that keeps me passionate about music is the fact that I’m still inspired. I can listen to someone else’s record and get inspired. Or sometimes just pick up the guitar and get instantly inspired. As long as that keeps happening, I think I’ll always be passionate about my music.” (Matthew Curry, virtuosic guitar work to intimate, emotionally rich songwriting / Photo by Gernot Mangold)

What would you say characterizes you (your performances)on stage in comparison to studio sessions?

Well, in the studio.. we have the space and time to really polish everything and tweak things exactly how we want them. The live performance offers more of a “raw” and direct delivery of the songs and captures the musical energy right then and there between my fellow band members and myself. I love both forms of making music very much!

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Music does indeed consume about 95% of my life… And I wouldn’t have it any other way. That being said, I’m also an outdoorsmen. Music and the outdoors go hand and hand for me. I grew up submerged in both. I love fishing and canoeing / whitewater kayaking. Whenever I’ve got some free time and the weather is permitting.. you’ll probably find me on a river or lake somewhere.

As a new blues/rock musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?

To be honest, and maybe this is to my detriment, but I don’t really think about commercial appeal. I write / play / sing whatever feels natural to me. I don’t think too much about genres or needing to “sound a certain way.” All of my favorite artists who’ve had longevity seem to follow their hearts and stay true to what they do.. and let the success find them. And that’scertainly my hope for myself and my career in music.

Matthew Curry - Home

(Matthew Curry / Photo by Brandy Swartz)