Brighton Bo Diddley Event

Rock 'n' roll, with its driving rhythms and energetic beats, is a genre that owes a great debt to Bo Diddley, a musician who helped shape its sound in the 1950s. Born Ellas Otha Bates in McComb, Mississippi, in 1928, Bo Diddley grew up on Chicago's South Side, where he was influenced by the music of Pentecostal and Sanctified churches.

Bo Diddley's music is characterised by its use of African and Latin rhythms, as well as the 'hambone' beat, which has become a cornerstone of hip-hop, rock, and pop music. His songs, such as "Who Do You Love" and "Say Man", are known for their rhythmic, boastful, and witty lyrics. With his self-designed rectangular guitars, including the 'Twang Machine', and his use of tremolo and amp reverb, Bo Diddley created a unique sound that has been widely influential.

On Friday, 20 November 2026, Bo Diddley's music will be celebrated at Resident Music in Brighton. Tickets are with the button beside the article. With a legacy that includes induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Bo Diddley's music is sure to continue inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.