John McKay (guitarist)
John McKay | |
|---|---|
McKay in 1979 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 6 June 1958 |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Post-punk |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, saxophone |
| Label | Tiny Global Productions |
| Formerly of |
|
| Website | The John McKay Bandcamp -Official Website |
John McKay (born 6 June 1958) is an English musician, songwriter and singer. He was the guitarist of Siouxsie and the Banshees, playing with the group from July 1977 until September 1979. He played a "jagged unorthodox chording", and created a "metal-shard roar" with his guitar. Q magazine included McKay's work on "Hong Kong Garden" in its list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Tracks Ever". He recorded two studio albums with the band, their debut album The Scream in 1978 and Join Hands in 1979.
McKay has been cited as an influence by guitarists such as Geordie Walker of Killing Joke, Robert Smith of the Cure, The Edge of U2, Steve Albini of Big Black, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Johnny Marr of the Smiths, Jim Reid of the Jesus and Mary Chain and Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine. He has been qualified as the "innovator" by producer Steve Lillywhite.
In 2025, he released his first solo album Sixes and Sevens which received critical acclaim. He will be in tour in June and July 2026 in the UK with his band.