While the high-energy vocals of Steve Wall often grab the headlines, Derek Murray is the sonic architect behind the “twangy,” soulful guitar lines that defined the sound of The Stunning. As of 2026, Murray remains a vital force in the Irish music scene, with The Stunning experiencing a massive global resurgence following the inclusion of “Brewing Up a Storm” in the Netflix series House of Guinness. Whether he is playing to sold-out crowds at the Galway International Arts Festival or headlining the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Murray’s tasteful, blues-infused playing continues to be the band’s secret weapon.
The Soul Solution: A Diverse Influence
Derek Murray’s style is deeply rooted in his background as a renowned DJ and soul music aficionado. Before joining The Stunning in a Galway farmhouse in 1987, Murray ran the “Soul Solution” club, where he curated a vast collection of reggae, blues, and soul records. This “encyclopedic” knowledge of groove and phrasing is evident in his playing; he famously spent his early days soloing along to Johnny Guitar Watson records.
This blend of soulful lead work and rhythmic discipline has allowed him to transition seamlessly between genres, much like Stef Burns
. Murray doesn’t just play rock riffs; he weaves in elements of country, rockabilly, and R&B, creating the “twang” that made Paradise in the Picturehouse an instant classic. His ability to switch between lead guitar and keyboards further highlights his role as a versatile multi-instrumentalist.
The Gear: Chasing the Clean Breakup
Derek Murray has always favored a tone that sits right on the edge of “clean and grit.” His sound is primarily associated with the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, which provide the brightness and “snap” required for the band’s signature interlocking guitar parts.
To achieve his iconic tone, Murray often relies on the natural saturation of classic tube amps. In recent years, he has been seen using Fender Deluxe Reverb and Vox AC30 setups, which allow his subtle nuances and fingerstyle-influenced phrasing to shine through. His approach to gear is focused on clarity—ensuring that every note in his soulful, melodic solos is heard above the driving rhythm section. This philosophy of “tone over noise” is a recurring theme we’ve explored with players like Chris Buck: The Vocalist of the Fretboard.
3 Essential Tracks
To hear Derek Murray’s influence on the soundtrack of Irish rock, listen to these three career-defining songs:
1. “Brewing Up a Storm”
The ultimate Irish alternative anthem. While the driving beat is infectious, it is Murray’s rhythmic “stabs” and the soaring, melodic energy of the guitar work that propel the song. His playing here is a masterclass in how to support a vocal while still creating an iconic instrumental hook.
2. “Half Past Two”
This track highlights Murray’s ability to blend rock with a “twangy” country-rock influence. The guitar lines are clean, bright, and perfectly placed, demonstrating the rhythmic precision we also admire in Albert Hammond Jr.
3. “Romeo’s on Fire”
A showcase for Murray’s more aggressive, rock-and-roll side. The soloing is punchy and blues-based, reflecting his early days of studying the greats. It features the perfect balance of soul and grit that has kept The Stunning relevant for over three decades.
Derek Murray in 2026
In 2026, Derek Murray and The Stunning are enjoying a “second act” that most bands only dream of. With their music reaching millions of new international listeners through streaming and television, Murray’s playing is being discovered by a whole new generation. Whether he is performing their classic hits or their 2025 single “Stand Up in This Wicked World,” Murray remains a pillar of musicality and taste.
For the GuitarDoor community, Murray is a reminder that being a “guitar hero” isn’t always about the fastest solo—it’s about the soul, the groove, and the “twang” that makes a song unforgettable.
External Resources
The Stunning Official Website: 2026 Tour Dates
Hot Press: The History of The Stunning and the Soul Solution
