AN EXPLOSIVE BLUES ROCK STORM

With his untamed guitar power, soulful vocals and the perfect blend of blues and hard rock, Eric Steckel returns to Z7 once again this year. His new album Sandstorm (release: April 2026) presents the musician more focused and explosive than ever before. Heavy riffs, intense solos and contemporary songwriting merge into a modern, powerful sound that excites both blues purists and hard rock fans alike.

Although only in his mid-thirties, Eric Steckel already enjoys cult status in the international guitar scene and boasts an impressive résumé. His debut album A Few Degrees Warmer was recorded live in April 2002 – when he was just eleven years old. It didn’t take long before Eric performed at the Sarasota Blues Festival, where his appearance quickly became the talk of the day. Before the night was over, the young newcomer was introduced by British blues rock legend John Mayall as the youngest guitarist ever to share the stage with his Bluesbreakers. Steckel is a gifted musician who occasionally records an album almost single-handedly, handling piano, organ, bass, guitars, vocals and production duties himself in the studio. With more than 20 years of experience on stage and in the studio, Eric consistently delivers his signature blend of rock, blues and blues metal to guitar lovers around the world.

In October 2025, Steckel performed at Z7 for the first time with his power trio. Anyone who witnessed that electrifying show won’t want to miss his return next September. With the track “When It Rains, It Pours,” the exceptional artist offered a first taste of the new album Sandstorm: emotional vocals meet dynamic arrangements and a guitar tone that is raw, modern and unmistakably Eric Steckel. The powerful production of the new songs was handled by Dan Malsch (Ghost, Gojira, Avenged Sevenfold, among others). Following the album’s release in April, Steckel will embark on his 2026 world tour, bringing the new material to stages worldwide. Fans can look forward to intense, high-energy performances in which Eric Steckel not only presents his brand-new songs but also performs selected highlights from his previous releases.