Guðmundur Pétursson

Guðmundur Pétursson, known affectionately as "Gummi P," was born in 1972 in the Kleppsholt neighborhood of Reykjavík. He began with piano lessons at age ten, switched to guitar, and by fourteen was performing on national television at Músíktilraunir, Iceland's battle of the bands.

Between 1989 and 1993, he established himself in the Icelandic blues scene with groups like Vinir Dóra, Tregasveitin, and Blúsmenn Andreu. During this period, he had the rare opportunity to play alongside visiting Chicago bluesmen including Pinetop Perkins and Billy Boy Arnold.

Pétursson was named Guitarist of the Year at the Icelandic Music Awards for three consecutive years (1993–1995). His artistry spans far beyond blues — he has composed a concerto for electric guitar and orchestra, performed contemporary works with the Kammersveit Reykjavíkur, and collaborated with artists like Bubbi Morthens, Megas, Erlend Øye, and John Grant.

His solo albums include Muzac (1997), Ologies (2008), Sensus (2015), and the award-winning Wandering Beings (2024), which won Album of the Year in the open category at the Icelandic Music Awards. In 2026, he received "The Guitar Nail" award for his contributions to guitar music in Iceland.

He serves as the Artistic Director of the Reykjavík Blues Festival, making him a central figure in keeping the blues alive in Iceland.