Brian Ray
Origins and early career
Brian Ray was born on October 11, 1955 in Glendale, California. A self-taught session guitarist and bassist, he built a strong reputation in the 1980s working with major artists such as Etta James, Smokey Robinson, Peter Frampton, and the Textones.
His exceptional versatility – mastering both lead guitar, bass, and keyboards – made him one of the most in-demand studio musicians on the Los Angeles music scene.
With Paul McCartney
In 2002, Paul McCartney recruited him for his Driving World Tour after a rigorous audition process. Brian Ray became a permanent member of McCartney’s touring band, playing both guitar and bass on songs from The Beatles, Wings, and McCartney’s solo catalogue.
He has performed in historic concerts with McCartney, including the Super Bowl XXXIX (2005) in front of more than 86 million viewers, the opening concert of the new Yankee Stadium (2009), and major shows at Glastonbury (2004, 2022). His ability to faithfully reproduce the guitar parts of George Harrison and John Lennon while adding his own touch has been widely praised by fans and critics.
Solo career
In parallel, Brian Ray has pursued a respected solo and session musician career in Los Angeles, releasing several solo albums including This Way Up and Mondo Magneto. He has collaborated with more than 100 artists throughout his career.
Signature guitars
Brian Ray primarily uses Epiphone Casino, Gibson Les Paul, and Fender Jazz Bass, matching Paul McCartney’s sonic universe. He also owns Rickenbacker, Gretsch, and rare vintage guitars.
