Umberto Porcaro
7. April 2026
Marco Cinelli
14. October 2026
Can Bayoglu
Young hands. An old blues soul.
Born in Ankara, Türkiye, in 2004, Can Bayoglu grew up surrounded by blues and rock ’n’ roll. His first taste of live blues? An Efes Pilsen Blues concert — before he was even born, listening from his mother’s womb.
He picked up his first electric guitar at 11, taught himself to play and stepped onto the stage at 15. Since then, the guitarist, singer and songwriter has shared stages with established artists across Türkiye and beyond.
His first international online appearance came through Turn Up For Recovery, the music initiative supporting the work of Crossroads Centre Antigua. In 2023, he became the first Turkish blues guitarist invited to Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in Los Angeles.
That November, Can also performed alongside D.K. Harrell, Mitch Woods, Jason Lee Moeller and Tom Holland at the 28th Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland.
An official Fender Artist in Türkiye, Can is also supported by Fandango Guitars, Tune-L Music and Zuhal Music.
He released his debut single, I Got You Deep In My Head, at 19, followed by his first album, I Belong To The Blues, at just 20. In September 2025, he performed at Cremona Musica in Italy.
Today, Can balances performing with his band and university studies in Political Science and International Relations— with his heart firmly rooted in the blues.
Collaboration
A young bluesman with a soulful voice and fire in his fingers — Can Bayoglu was always going to catch my attention.
We followed each other on Instagram, sharing a love of Albert, B.B., Freddie, Stevie and Chuck. Sooner or later, we were bound to connect. Vintage guitars, old amps and good music — plenty to talk about!
In November 2023, while in Switzerland for the Lucerne Blues Festival, Can spontaneously dropped by to spend an afternoon exploring my collection. Guitars out, amps on — you can catch some of the action in the last reel below.
What an afternoon! Still in his teens, yet already playing with such taste, confidence and burning Texas spirit. This young gentleman could seriously make those strings talk.
I had just started working with Jeff Maccaglia of RFO Electronics, and something told me the elMo’ Overdrive would be right up Can’s street. A little extra crunch, plenty of soul. He tried it, loved it and took it home that day.
Since then, the elMo’ has become part of his signature sound, and Can has become an RFO Electronics ambassador. The Rocket Boost also joins his setup from time to time, giving things an extra kick.
For me, Can is one of the most exciting players of the new blues generation. His live performances are on fire, and I follow his journey with real enthusiasm. His September 2025 appearance at Cremona Musica’s Electric Sound Villagewas another reminder — this guy means business!
The future is yours, my friend. Thanks for the music, the trust and the good times — keep that blues fire burning!
Adrian Egli
