Tweke's rendition of Smells Like Teen Spirit thanks to Marko Ibarra,

Tweke Lewis

Guitarist

Alan "Tweke" Lewis is a Swansea-born guitarist whose fretwork has quietly shaped some of the most respected names in British blues-rock. He was discovered playing live in Swansea by the American blues-rock outfit Wild Turkey, formed by former Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick after he left Tull in 1971 - the band approached him on the spot and he became their guitarist, appearing on the albums Battle Hymn (1971) and Turkey (1972).

In 1973, the pioneering Welsh rock band Man - then recording their seventh album, Back into the Future - decided a four-piece line-up needed an additional guitarist for the final studio sessions, and turned to Tweke Lewis. His contribution helped the double LP become Man's highest-charting album, reaching number 23 in the UK album charts.

Lewis went on to play with the Blues Bunch and contributed session work for numerous other artists, before forming the Micky Jones Band as guitarist in 1978. He now lives in the Canary Islands, remembered by fans and fellow musicians as one of Wales' finest and most versatile blues guitarists.

Top

Swansea-born blues guitarist who played with Wild Turkey and helped Welsh rock band Man reach their highest-ever UK chart position

Lewis's work with Wild Turkey put him at the heart of the early-1970s British blues-rock scene alongside former members of Jethro Tull, before his session with Man on Back into the Future placed him in the ranks of one of Wales' most enduring rock bands. Recorded across Rockfield Studios, Chipping Norton Recording Studios and Olympic Studios in London during 1973, the album spent three weeks in the UK chart and remains Man's highest-charting release.

He continued to work as an in-demand session and touring guitarist through the Blues Bunch and other projects, before forming his own outfit, the Micky Jones Band, in 1978. Now based in the Canary Islands, he remains fondly remembered within the Welsh rock community as a formidable and versatile player.

Career Highlights

Discovered playing live in Swansea and recruited on the spot by Wild Turkey
Guitarist on Wild Turkey albums Battle Hymn (1971) and Turkey (1972)
Joined Welsh rock band Man for final studio sessions on Back into the Future (1973), their highest-charting album (UK No.23)
Played with the Blues Bunch and contributed session work for numerous other artists
Formed the Micky Jones Band as guitarist in 1978