Known as one of the purest, most Rock & Roll bands of the ’70s, KISS, while controversial with critics, is often hailed as one of the most influential bands of the genre. Founded in 1973, the face-painted foursome remains at the top of American Rock to this day, shocking fans with adrenaline-infused spectacles and a …
A spearhead of fusion rock, Eric Johnson rose to fame in the late 80s, giving the world a never before seen concoction of Rock, Blues, Jazz, Soul, and even the ever so slight sprinkle of Country. Having been born into a musically inclined family, Johnson ventured into the world of guitars at the young age …
A guitarist that needs no introduction, Jimi Hendrix and his prolific career revolutionized Rock and Roll with an electric and soulful sound, one that for many, dethroned Eric Clapton as the “god” of the electric guitar. Undoubtedly influenced by the blues, Hendrix paid homage to his heroes and referential figures, Muddy Waters, B.B King, Robert …
A critical figure in the early days of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett co-founded the band and was its first real frontman, main songwriter, and lead guitar player. He’s credited for introducing his bandmates to his trademarked psychedelic tones and essence as well as a futuristic notion of guitar effects. Following his …
Aleksandar Zivojinovic, otherwise known by his stage name Alex Lifeson, is the lead guitarist for the legendary virtuosic rock trio, Rush. Along with his fellow Rush bandmates, Geddy Lee and Neil Peart, Lifeson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, and …
Rock and roll has come a long way since its inception back in the 1950s. Over the past seven decades or so, we’ve seen it evolve and go into some new and unexpected directions. In fact, when we look back and see how it all evolved, we begin to wonder whether there was some other-worldly …
As a guitarist, Mark Knopfler is truly a virtuoso of the instrument. But also as a singer-songwriter, his unique take on country and folk sparked the stratospheric rise of Dire Straits. A four-time Grammy winner, he maintained the band’s success even when his music taste shifted. His music transcends both new wave and pub rock, …
One of the few guitar-based bands to endure the 21st century’s cultural shift away from rock and toward rap and hip hop, the Arctic Monkeys have never been short of a catchy tune or ten. Although the band’s style has changed markedly over the years, the riffs, lyrics, and ear-turning melodies remained consistent. The Arctic …
The 90s were certainly nothing short of an entire decade of musical talents changing the way we know and enjoy the rock genre and in this decade, music lovers were gifted with the virtuoso John Frusciante from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Though his trajectory with the band has been neck-deep in turmoil throughout the …
Hall of Fame lead guitarist Mike McCready holds an odd place in the realm of rock and roll. Joined by his ever enigmatic band, Pearl Jam, McCready has been consistently productive, inventive, and admired for over 30 years. Yet too many people who are not guitarists nor passionate Pearl Jam fans barely hold the faintest …