Robert J Hunter
Robert J Hunter at The Oast House, Gillingham
About the show
Robert J Hunter brings his band to The Oast, Rainham on Saturday 12th December 2026, with special guest Eddy Smith opening the night.
Armed with a gruff, powerful voice and the wild thud of an overdriven, foot-stomping guitar, Hunter delivers a raw and soulful blues and Americana sound that is unmistakably his own — songs that take emotional, deeply personal journeys, echoing the spirit of Springsteen, Free, Rory Gallagher, The Band and Tom Petty, while the voice and the storytelling stay pure Hunter.
Born and raised on the Channel Island of Alderney, he has spent the last decade on the UK and European touring circuit, and the miles show. His band has become road-worn and well-oiled — super-tight, fiercely dynamic, impossible to ignore.
New album Here to Stay lands in 2026, following Loser, Stir All Night, Suitcase Blues and Good People, records that secured national play on BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing and Planet Rock. "An incredibly exciting act on the blues scene," said Whispering Bob Harris. "You're going to really love them."
Opening is Eddy Smith, one of the UK's most distinctive Country Soul and Blues voices, drawing comparisons to Joe Cocker, JJ Grey and Marcus King. With his band Eddy Smith & The 507 he has played the Isle of Wight Festival, Black Deer and Cambridge Folk, opened for George Thorogood at Birmingham Symphony Hall, and sold out London's Jazz Cafe.
The Oast sits beside Rainham station. Parking at the rear.
Doors 7pm.
Featuring - Robert J Hunter
Alderney born Robert J. Hunter combines his gruff and powerful voice with the wild thud of overdriven guitars to create a truly unique sound.
His powerful debut album, ’Songs for the Weary’ received blues chart success and critical acclaim and the single release, ‘Demons’ reached number one in the UK iTunes Blues Chart.
His new album, ‘Before the Dawn’ was released on 27th November 2015 and shows that Robert has matured as a singer, songwriter and instrumentalist. The album combines Robert’s talents with those of his band and showcases the versatility of his playing and songwriting, creating a sound greater than the sum of its parts.
Robert has previously supported acts including Wilko Johnson, The Animals, Eddie & the Hotrods and HeyMoonShaker, giving him experience in different genres. He has played many top venues around the country including Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club and The Spiritual Caiprihina Bar in London. He is a regular performer at the London blues jams and clubs as well as performing in Europe and on the UK festival circuit.
Robert J. Hunter deserves to be heard and his energetic live show is not to be missed.
‘’This is a road worn, dirty blues band that’s been honed to super tight perfection by sheer hard work and volume of shows.’’