With his slicked-back hair and his cherry-red, retro-style Gibson ES guitar, anyone watching Elliot James Reay perform on his latest tour could be forgiven for thinking they’ve fallen through a wormhole into 1957. However, the truth is that Elliot is a 23-year-old musician bringing a retro rock ‘n’ roll sound to modern audiences. Since the release of his first single, ‘I Think They Call This Love,’ he has amassed a passionate following, who flocked in their droves to see him play live on tour.
Music Man fans who watch the video of Elliot performing his first single live in Manchester will see that he is not just a wannabe playing retro-style rock, but a singer with true talent. As fans wrote in the comments, “I literally can’t believe how good he sounds, like that’s a real singer,” and “Damn, that boy can sing.” While his style is deeply rooted in a sound created 70 years ago, it is clear that he is not just a cosplayer, but the real deal, helping to keep the genre alive.
I fell in love with 50s and 60s rock’n’roll as a teen, and would spend my walks back from college soaking up playlists filled with Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Wanda Jackson, and Chuck Berry. While the roots of rock music have been celebrated by movements like psychobilly and neo-rockabilly, I’m thrilled to see Elliot returning to the genre’s original sound and hopefully opening up a new generation to a style of music that has had a huge impact on the world of music today.
It is clear that Elliot also has a strong appreciation for the pioneers of yesteryear. Not only does this shine in his original music, but Elliot first gained attention for his music when he began posting covers of the classics online. His cover of Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ charmed listeners, receiving 10M views from people who couldn’t believe that this young man and his crooning hadn’t fallen straight out of the original era of rock ’n’ roll and into the present day.
For Music Man fans who love musicians like Elvis, Roy Orbison, and the Everly Brothers, Elliott James Reay is absolutely not one to be missed as he breathes new life into the genre. With his first EP, ‘All This To Say I Love You’, having been released in June 2025, it is clear that there is a long and bright future in store for this musician. For fans of Elliott who are new to this style of music and have yet to dig into the classics – congratulations! You are on the precipice of a musical treasure trove that many wish they could go back and listen to for the first time all over again.
Elliot James Reay is breathing new life into retro rock ‘n’ roll, captivating audiences with his authentic sound and undeniable talent. His performances are a testament to his dedication to preserving a classic era of music while remaining relevant to today’s listeners. To delve deeper into Elliot’s journey and explore more of his work, you can find useful links below.