On this day 1 May 2011; Dutch guitarist Jan Akkerman played The Globe, Cardiff.
He first found international commercial success with the band Focus, which he co-founded with Thijs van Leer. After leaving Focus, he continued as a solo musician, adding jazz fusion influences.
Focus explored progressive rock, an amalgam of classical, jazz, and rock music, and had hits in the seventies such as "Hocus Pocus" and "Sylvia".
The band's albums Focus II and Focus 3 were certified Gold.
In 1973 Akkerman was voted Best Guitarist in the World by readers of the UK magazine Melody Maker. With manufacturer Framus he helped produce one of the first signature guitar models.
In April 2011, Akkerman released his solo album Minor Details, receiving positive reviews.
