Encore
Classical Guitarist

Billy Watman

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About Billy

Award winning classically trained guitarist (Royal College of Music) - genre defying classical & flamenco style arrangements of pop & rock
Classical Guitarist
Princes Risborough
Public liability insurance of £10 million
Verified profile

Billy is an Anglo-Brazilian classical guitarist known for his innovative approach to blending classical technique with modern pop and rock music. His ability to make classical guitar “cool” lies in his distinctive ability to reimagine classic hits, arranging them for solo guitar in a way that captivates both classical enthusiasts and mainstream audiences alike. A former student of The Royal College of Music, Billy’s arrangements of iconic songs by artists including The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd and ABBA, transform familiar tunes into intricate pieces that retain the essence of the originals while showcasing the full expressive range of the classical and flamenco guitar. His technical mastery and unique style have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting guitarists of his generation. His performances are a masterclass in fluidity, precision, and emotion, with each note reflecting his deep understanding of both classical music and contemporary culture, alongside a wonderful sense of humour which helps take the audience on a genre defying musical journey. By bridging these two worlds, he has brought a fresh, modern twist to classical guitar, making it more accessible and relevant to a younger, diverse audience. As a full time professional musician Billy continues to redefine the boundaries of what classical guitar can achieve in today’s musical landscape. Officially endorsed by several major brands, including Ortega Guitars, who in 2022 released a signature model in his name and regularly performing at music trade shows and exhibitions, Billy is also available for TV and Session Work, Private Bookings, Weddings, Corporate events and Festival Performances.

Billy
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5 out of 5
29 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

Billy's Reviews

From Encore customers:

ES
Emily S
18 days ago
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5 out of 5

Billy was Fantastic! Our guests couldn't believe it was live guitar until they saw him. It was exactly what we were hoping for our wedding reception; sunny garden drinks and Spanish guitar! So many have commented to us how brilliant he was. We were so grateful as he arrived super early as we messaged that there was a road closure. Can't recommend him enough! Thanks Billy.

Reply from Billy
18 days ago

many thanks Emily :-)

AJ
Alison J
11 months ago
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5 out of 5

Billy was amazing and really made our event extra special.

BT
Ben T
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

Billy was a superb musician, very professional and a lovely bloke! I will definitely be recommending his services to others

Reply from Billy
1 year ago

thanks Ben, hope to work with you again soon!

AG
Amy G
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

We are so pleased we chose Billy to play for our wedding. He selected the most perfect music to suit the mood for each part of the afternoon and even learnt a few new pieces for us. To top it off he even accommodated my last minute request to sing with his accompaniment . This made our wedding a really personal and intimate event. Thank you Billy!

Read all 14 reviews

From other customers:

CC
Connor C
29 days ago, for a Wedding in Rickmansworth
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5 out of 5

We hired Billy for our wedding, and from the very first moment we met him, we loved his vibe! He completely understood our ideas and the atmosphere we wanted for our wedding, and he absolutely nailed it. As the bride, I honestly thought the DJ was playing music during our ceremony and cocktail hour because it sounded so perfectly placed and so beautiful. Then I looked out into the garden and realised it was Billy, doing what he knows best and creating the most incredible atmosphere with his music! Billy is so smiley, friendly, and full of incredible energy. He brought such a special vibe to our day, and we will remember forever how amazing he made our wedding feel. Our guests kept commenting on how beautiful and well-chosen the music was, especially during the ceremony and cocktail hour. If you’re reading this and considering booking Billy, this is your sign to BOOK HIM! You won’t regret it. He is incredibly talented, understands the vibe you want, and knows exactly how to make your day feel extra special. Thank you, Billy, for being such an important part of our wedding and for making our day even more magical! ❤️🎶

DJ
Danielle J
2 years ago, for a Wedding in Oxford
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5 out of 5

Billy was an amazing addition to my wedding reception! Very talented and a big hit with all our guests. Also a complete professional - his journey in was delayed through no fault of his own, but he had factored in contingency time so he still arrived on time and our guests were none the wiser. Would definitely recommend! 10/10!

Read all 21 reviews
Encore badges
3rd most booked musician of 2023!
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Has performed on television
25 gigs
Pro: 25 bookings through Encore
Saved the day!
Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
3rd Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 3 years
Member of the Encore community forum

Billy's Song list

Mas Que Nada (Jorge Ben Jor - Brazilian Samba)
Asturias (Lleyenda) 
Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics)
Cavatina (theme from Deer Hunter) (S.Myers)
Mr Crowley (Ozzy Osbourne)
Diablo Rojo (Rodrigo y Gabriela)
Rasputin (Boney M)
Tubular Bells Pt 1 (Mike Oldfield)
Rainbow In the Dark (Dio)
The Show Must Go On (Queen)
Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)
Don't Stop me Now (Queen)
The Spirit (Magnum)
Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen)
The Winner Takes it All (ABBA)
Love of My Life (Queen)
Money Money Money (ABBA)
Those Were The Days (Mary Hopkin)
Mamma Mia (ABBA)
Fear of the Dark (Iron Maiden)
Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin / Rodrigo y Gabriela)
Children (Robert Miles)
Nothing Else Matters (Metallica)
Isn't She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
Song of the Golden Dragon (Estas Tonne)
Get Lucky (Daftpunk)
Aerodynamic / Get Lucky / One More Time (Daftpunk)
Another Brick in the Wall (Pink Floyd)
Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton)
Wish you were Here (Pink Floyd)
Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton)
Shine on you Crazy Diamond (Pink Floyd)
Dream On (Aerosmith)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Beatles)
Classical Gas (Mason Williams)
Day Tripper / Lady Madonna (Beatles)
Riversong (original composition)
Yesterday (Beatles)
Queen of the Balkans (original composition)
Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles)
Beleza (original composition)
Brothers in Arms (Dire Straits)
Cryptic (original composition)
Pretender (Foo Fighters)
7 Nation Army (White Stripes)
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)
Fairytale of New York (The Pogues)
The Fields of Athenry (Pete St John)
Malaguena (Spanish traditional)
Spanish romance (Romanza)
Mediterranean Sundance (Al Di Miola)
Una limosna por amor de dios / El último trémolo (Barrios)
Bach Fugue BWV 1000 (JS Bach)
Spatter the Dew - Irish traditional
Verano Portaño (Buenos Aires Summer) - Piazzolla
Poison (Alice Cooper)
Hotel California (Eagles)
Your Song (Elton John)
Entre Dos Aguas (Paco De Lucia)
Back to Black (Amy Winehouse)
Blackbird (Beatles)
We are the Champions (Queen)
Gran Vals - Francisco Tarrega (aka Nokia Ringtone)
Pirates of the Caribbean - Hans Zimmer
Slipping Through My Fingers - ABBA
Someone Like You - Adele
Shape of my Heart - Sting
Moonlight Shadow - Mike Oldfield
House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
Jump - Van Halen
Tetris Theme
Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
Careless Whisper - George Michael
Message in a Bottle - The Police
Dancing Queen - ABBA
Somewhere over the Rainbow
Yellow - Coldplay
Sweet Child of Mine - Guns & Roses
Godfather Theme
Sound of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel
Our Last Summer - ABBA
Star Wars Theme
Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
Kiss from a Rose - Seal
Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana
Mas Que Nada (Jorge Ben Jor - Brazilian Samba)
Asturias (Lleyenda) 
Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics)
Cavatina (theme from Deer Hunter) (S.Myers)
Mr Crowley (Ozzy Osbourne)
Diablo Rojo (Rodrigo y Gabriela)
Rasputin (Boney M)
Tubular Bells Pt 1 (Mike Oldfield)
Rainbow In the Dark (Dio)
The Show Must Go On (Queen)
Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)
Don't Stop me Now (Queen)
The Spirit (Magnum)
Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen)
The Winner Takes it All (ABBA)
Love of My Life (Queen)
Money Money Money (ABBA)
Those Were The Days (Mary Hopkin)
Mamma Mia (ABBA)
Fear of the Dark (Iron Maiden)
Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin / Rodrigo y Gabriela)
Children (Robert Miles)
Nothing Else Matters (Metallica)
Isn't She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
Song of the Golden Dragon (Estas Tonne)
Get Lucky (Daftpunk)
Aerodynamic / Get Lucky / One More Time (Daftpunk)
Another Brick in the Wall (Pink Floyd)
Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton)
Wish you were Here (Pink Floyd)
Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton)
Shine on you Crazy Diamond (Pink Floyd)
Dream On (Aerosmith)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Beatles)
Classical Gas (Mason Williams)
Day Tripper / Lady Madonna (Beatles)
Riversong (original composition)
Yesterday (Beatles)
Queen of the Balkans (original composition)
Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles)
Beleza (original composition)
Brothers in Arms (Dire Straits)
Cryptic (original composition)
Pretender (Foo Fighters)
7 Nation Army (White Stripes)
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)
Fairytale of New York (The Pogues)
The Fields of Athenry (Pete St John)
Malaguena (Spanish traditional)
Spanish romance (Romanza)
Mediterranean Sundance (Al Di Miola)
Una limosna por amor de dios / El último trémolo (Barrios)
Bach Fugue BWV 1000 (JS Bach)
Spatter the Dew - Irish traditional
Verano Portaño (Buenos Aires Summer) - Piazzolla
Poison (Alice Cooper)
Hotel California (Eagles)
Your Song (Elton John)
Entre Dos Aguas (Paco De Lucia)
Back to Black (Amy Winehouse)
Blackbird (Beatles)
We are the Champions (Queen)
Gran Vals - Francisco Tarrega (aka Nokia Ringtone)
Pirates of the Caribbean - Hans Zimmer
Slipping Through My Fingers - ABBA
Someone Like You - Adele
Shape of my Heart - Sting
Moonlight Shadow - Mike Oldfield
House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
Jump - Van Halen
Tetris Theme
Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
Careless Whisper - George Michael
Message in a Bottle - The Police
Dancing Queen - ABBA
Somewhere over the Rainbow
Yellow - Coldplay
Sweet Child of Mine - Guns & Roses
Godfather Theme
Sound of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel
Our Last Summer - ABBA
Star Wars Theme
Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
Kiss from a Rose - Seal
Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana

Billy's Prices

Last updated: 2025

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£437.50
Up to 1 hour£437.50
Up to 2 hours£500
Up to 3 hours£618.75
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

I think the fact that I am a classical guitarist but I can perform a huge variety of genres, and I can read a crowd very well to create a fantastic atmosphere.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

so many! Latitude Festival, Abbey Road Studios, Cavern Club, Royal Festival Hall, Crescent Theatre Birmingham, The Stables Milton Keynes, KKs Steel Mill, many UK and European festivals, and many private gigs and weddings / corporate events too.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Mike Oldfield, Queen, Gipsy Kings, ABBA, Tommy Emmanuel, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Pink Floyd, Paco de Lucia, so many....

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Probably the final night of Jazz Sabbath tour 2022 where I was special guest along with Rick Wakeman!

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

no problem I am very flexible and will always try to accommodate

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

I can play background music between my performances yes

How much time do you need to set up?

15-30 minutes max - my setup is very simple and easy

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

yes

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

yes

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

this is usually possible at extra cost yes - please get in touch to discuss
Musicianship
Genres:
Classical crossover, Acoustic, Classical, Pop, Easy listening, Light music, Contemporary classical, Latin jazz, Jazz fusion, Rock, Classic rock, Latin, Brazilian music, Flamenco, Experimental, Originals, Ambient pop, Hard rock, Progressive rock, Pop rock, Spanish music
See all genres
Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Corporate event, Concert, Virtual event, Wedding proposal, Hotel / Restaurant event, Recording session, Private event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Funeral / Memorial service
See all event types
Other skills:
Arranger, Composer, Instrumental teaching
See all skills