Browsing Category: 2016

NAMM 2021 Virtual Believe in Music Convention Highlights

Of the sessions viewed via the NAMM 2021 app over this week, these were among the best we saw (some aren’t available on YouTube yet, so there may be a part 2):

Thomas McRocklin/ Fishmam
Awesome player, great clinician and a great demonstration of the pickups he uses with incredible playing.

Greg Koch/ Koch Marshall Trio/ Fishman

Greg is another incredible guitar player with as much versatility as you could hope for in a guitarist with a wild sense of humor to boot. Whether he’s rocking out solo or with his trio, Greg is an amazing talent and one of the true guitar greats out there:

Jordan Rudess/ KORG
Great demo by the keyboard wizard of Dream Theater.

Kenny Aronoff/TAMA
Embracing Adversity with Action!
A very informative and entertaining video with one of the world’s most in-demand drummers.

Vaideology with Steve Vai/ Hal Leonard
Steve Vai guitar god livestream

Larry Mitchell/ Eventide
Guitar great Larry Mitchell doing a demo of the H9:

Doug Wimbish/ Rotosound
Doug also did a “Wimbash” video for Spector, but it doesnt appear to be on Youtube. Doug’s credits over the years are just incredible, as is his bass playing.

Les Claypool and EMG: Precious Metals
Filmed in Northern California:

Billy Sheehan EBS
Here’s bass wizard Billy Sheehan from The Winery Dogs/ Mr. Big/ Talas/ DLR demoing his EBS pedal and demobstratong his amazing style of bass playing:

Henrik Linder EBS
The Dirty Loops’ Henrik Linder performing with a live fusion trio using his EBS bass rig (EBS 802 amplifier with ProLine 410 cabinets)

Electric Guitars & Ribbon Mics, with Tim Pierce & Rick Beato/ Royer Labs

Gibson and Rock Icon Gene Simmons Enter Joint Venture to Launch G²

G² To Introduce New Electric Guitar and Bass Collections and Streaming Entertainment Content

You live and die by the instrument in your hands. You can stick your tongue out only so many times, but you have got to deliver the goods.” 

–Gene Simmons

Gibson, the iconic American guitar brand, has entered into a joint venture with Gene Simmons, international rock legend and co-founder of KISS, America’s #1 gold record award-winning group of all time, in all categories (RIAA), to create G². G², from Gene to Gibson, will introduce new collections of right and left-handed electric guitars and basses across Gibson’s Gibson, Epiphone and Kramer brands, and develop new entertainment content that will be streamed to millions of fans worldwide on multiple online and social platforms.

 

To kick off the collaboration, G² will release the new G² Thunderbird Bass later this year. The G² Thunderbird Bass, which will be available in ebony with silver appointments and ebony with blood red, made its worldwide debut on stage with Simmons recently during KISS’ epic New Year’s Eve concert in Dubai.

“I have been designing and trademarking bass guitars for decades, and when I heard Gibson’s vision and learned about their creative process, it just made sense for us to join forces to take things to the next level,” said Simmons. “Gibson is an outstanding company and has earned its place as a leading guitar brand with fans around the world. These guitars and basses will all be handmade, with a sound that is off the charts. The design is so beautiful and collectible that they are simply works of art.”

 

Following the launch of the G² Thunderbird Bass, G² has plans for a Flying V bass and Flying V guitar.

 

“Gene is not only one of the most celebrated musicians and rock stars of all time. He is also an entrepreneur, record producer, actor and overall creative person. His brain is always working, and I love that about him,” said Cesar Gueikian of Gibson Brands. “When we first connected, we immediately engaged in the most interesting conversations about guitars, entertainment, and business. Our shared vision compelled us to explore a partnership that would include developing instruments and creating a new platform to entertain and inspire new generations of Gibson and Gene Simmons fans to create music. Expect epic things.”

Above (L-R): G² Thunderbird Bass in Ebony with Silver and Ebony with Blood Red.photo credit: Gibson
Tune in to watch the interview with Gene Simmons and Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience, Gibson Brands, live, Monday, January 18 on Gibson TV, at 10:00am CT: Here.
Gene Simmons:
Gibson:
Epiphone:
Kramer:
About Gene Simmons:
International rock legend Gene Simmons is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and media mogul. Simmons has achieved success that reaches far beyond his music career, extending into television shows, films, publishing, merchandising, worldwide restaurants, consumer products and more. 
 
Simmons formed KISS in 1972 with Paul Stanley. Inspired by his love of comic books and horror films, he conceived the concept of face paint for the band, which combined with elaborate costumes, frenetic stage performances and ostentatious concert effects catapulted KISS to international stardom and a coveted position as one of the most recognized rock and roll bands in the world. 
Today, KISS has millions of fans around the world, known as the KISS Army. With over 100 million CDs and DVDs sold worldwide, KISS continues to sell out stadiums and arenas around the world, breaking box-office records set by Elvis and the Beatles. 
KISS was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. 
A merchandising giant, Simmons’ keen business acumen has expanded the KISS brand beyond the stage. With more than 5,000 licensed/merchandised items, KISS has generated more money from merchandising and trademark deals than any other band in music history. 
Simmons is renowned and sought after worldwide as a notable and opinionated media commentator on a diverse range of topics from politics to business.
About Gibson:
Gibson, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, with a premier acoustic facility in Bozeman, MT, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the number one guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger, MESA/Boogie and the Gibson Pro Audio Division, KRK Music. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at Gibson.com and fTwitter, Facebook, Gibson TV, and Instagram.

Gibson Announces Addition of Mesa/Boogie

Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Mesa/Boogie, one of the most respected and prestigious brands in sound and guitar amplification. Mesa/Boogie – the original “Boutique” amplifier company – was founded 51 years ago by Randy Smith, who is responsible for creating the ground-breaking circuits that drive some of the most influential sounds of our time. Randy will join Gibson as Master Designer and Pioneer of Mesa/Boogie and beyond. In his new role, Randy will continue his passion for tube technology and his vision for building hand-crafted, high performance amplifiers, that continue to redefine how we experience sound across Mesa/Boogie and Gibson.

Beginning in a converted dog kennel under the redwoods of Northern California, Randy Smith was wrenching amplifiers for all the great San Francisco area bands over 50 years ago when vintage gear was new. Being close to so many great guitar players, from Bloomfield to Santana and The Rolling Stones,Smith learned the virtues and shortcomings of the era’s gear and began a process of innovation that continues today. Mesa/Boogie, the company Smith founded, was the first boutique amplifier builder and revolutionized amplifier performance in ways that impacted rock music worldwide. Simultaneously respecting and improving the vintage classics he grew up with, Smith, through Mesa/Boogie pioneered the invention of High Gain.

“At Gibson we are all about leveraging our iconic past and leaning into the innovative future, a quest that started over 100 years ago with our founder Orville Gibson,” says James ‘’JC’ Curleigh, President & CEO of Gibson Brands. “Today this quest continues with the addition of Mesa Boogie into the Gibson Brands family, along with the visionary leadership of Randy Smith and his Team who, for the past 50 years, have created an iconic and innovative brand that has stood the test of time. This is a perfect partnership based on our collective professional experiences and passion for sound”.

“I’m 75 years-old and still at work every day,” says Randall Smith founder of Mesa/Boogie. “This is my art and many of our crew have worked along my side for 30 to 40 years. As we witnessed JC and Cesar transform Gibson, we saw kindred spirits sharing common values and a fierce dedication to quality. Today, Gibson’s guitars are the best-ever and when they asked if we’d like to become Gibson’s Custom Shop for Amplifiers, we envisioned a perfect collaboration that would expand our outreach while preserving our legacy beyond my time. Gibson realizes the unique value of what we’ve all built together and this next chapter in the Mesa/Boogie story is a continuation of that dream. I am so fortunate for this partnership with the new Gibson after 50 years of doing what I love. It’s been the ride of my life . . . and it ain’t over yet!”

“Mesa Boogie, led by Randy, has been in service to sound without compromises since the very beginning, and that’s a perfect fit for us,” adds Cesar Gueikian of Gibson Brands. “We are looking forward to being the best custodians of Mesa Boogie’s iconic heritage that we can be, and at the same time, be a steward of its future. We are honored that Randy and the Mesa Boogie team have trusted us to lead Mesa Boogie into the future. Together, we will continue to pursue our mutual quest of sound, quality and craftsmanship and to push the boundaries of how guitar sound is delivered and experienced.”

“This is very exciting, I can’t think of a better company to carry the Mesa Boogie torch, and I can’t wait to see what we can do together,” says Adam Jones, guitarist for the multi-platinum and multiple GRAMMY-Award winning band Tool. “I have been using Mesa Boogie amplifiers and cabinets for a long time. I use them at home, in the studio when I record and on stage when I play live; they go across all of my needs.”

“I’ve been using Gibson guitars together with Mesa/Boogie amps onstage with the Roots for well over a decade,” says Captain Kirk Douglas, guitarist for the legendary, multiple GRAMMY-Award winning hip-hop group The Roots. “Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of home recording with my Mesa Boogies; it’s exciting to see the two brands joining collaborative forces.”

Photo Credit: Gibson

ABOUT Mesa/Boogie

About Mesa/Boogie: One of the most respected and prestigious brands in the musical instrument industry, Mesa/Boogie – the original “Boutique” amplifier company – is an American company which manufactures amplifiers for guitars and basses. Founded by Randall Smith in 1969 in Petaluma, CA, Mesa/Boogie began as a small amplifier repair shop. Randy’s ear for tone, passion for tube technology, and innovative vision for building high performance amps has redefined what we think of as amplified guitar. Randall has been creating the iconic circuits that drive the most influential sounds of our time and his ground-breaking modifications gave small amps much more input gain, making them much louder, as well as creating an all new, high-gain, distorted guitar tone. Prominent early customers included Carlos Santana, and Ron Wood and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Exposure from these top players and more helped to establish Mesa/Boogie’s position on the market. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s a score of additional innovative and patented improvements saw MESA Engineering® emerge as the leader in tube amplifier technology. But none of these vital, now-commonplace improvements sparked the kind of attention Mesa received in 1991, when high gain was re-defined once more with the birth of the Dual Rectifier® Solo Head, which commanded the Rock airwaves for the next 20 years. Now, 51 one years later, Mesa/Boogie® Ltd. hand-builds the fifth generational offspring of that pivotal amplifier (and many more) now known around the globe as the MARK I Boogie®; the world’s first high gain, high power, compact 1×12 amplifier. This revolutionary combination is the “missing link” in amp design… the pivotal nexus between Vintage and Modern guitar amplifiers. Today, every product is still hand-built, and our artisans are tenured with an average of 15 years at their post, many for much longer. We still hold true to the simple but increasingly rare principles Randy used to catapult Mesa/Boogie onto the world stage: hand-building the very best instruments we can and treating each and every customer as we wish to be treated. Mesa/Boogie remains the first and premier manufacturer of boutique amplifiers to this day. For more information, visit: https://www.mesaboogie.com/about/our-story.html.

ABOUT GIBSON

Gibson Brands, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the number one guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone and the Gibson Pro Audio division. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at Gibson.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on Gibson, visit:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM |FACEBOOK | GIBSONTV

ABOUT EPIPHONE

For over 140 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design with models like the Casino, the Texan, and Masterbilt Century Archtop Collection. Epiphone began as the “House of Stathopoulo” family business in Sparta in the 1870s and rose to fame during the jazz age in Manhattan before joining Gibson brands in 1957. Today, Epiphone continues to make history from its headquarters in Nashville, TN. Epiphones have powered classic recordings by Les Paul, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones along with today’s top artists like Peter Frampton, Gary Clark Jr., Tommy Thayer of KISS, and Lzzy Hale. Epiphone offers innovation, history, and a lifetime guarantee. Whether you are learning your first song in your bedroom, or rocking an arena, Epiphone has always been there, for everyone, for every generation, for every stage. For more information, visit Epiphone.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

For more information on Epiphone, visit:

EPIPHONE.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM |FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

For more information on Kramer Guitars, visit:

KRAMERGUITARS.COM | TWITTER |INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

For more information on Steinberger, visit:

STEINBERGER.COM | TWITTER |INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

For more information on KRK, visit:

krkmusic.com | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM |FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

Radiant Echoes Collection By Joe Satriani

 

Radiant Echoes Collection

By Joe Satriani
 

http://www.joesatrianiart.com/echoes/

The latest art collection from guitar legend Joe Satriani, Radiant Echoes Collection features 2 new versions of his classic Time Shredder, as well as a new version of his classic piece The Stare.

[VIEW NOW]

NANCY WILSON TO BE HONORED AT THE 2021 SHE ROCKS AWARDS

Heart co-founder Nancy Wilson will be honored at this year’s She Rocks Awards! An icon in rock, Nancy is a true visionary and a singular talent. She joins the rest of our honoree lineup including The Go-Go’s, Cherie Currie; drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, Evanescence front woman Amy Lee, comedian Margaret Cho, and many other amazing female role models. Join us for this year’s fabulous online show hosted by Lzzy Hale(Halestorm), pre-show hosted by Lyndsey Parker(Yahoo Entertainment/SiriusXM) with opening act Magnolia Boulevard sponsored by PRS Guitars.
The She Rocks Awards will stream live on Friday January 22, 2021 at 6:30pm PT with pre-show starting at 6:00pm at Believeinmusic.tv.

Nancy Wilson of Heart

Nancy Wilson is celebrated as one of the seminal musicians in the history of rock n roll. A guitar virtuoso from the age of 9, Nancy (and her sister Ann) lead the multi-platinum rock group Heart, with 35 million records sold. Nancy is revered as an ingenious guitar player and as a gifted lead vocalist.  That’s Nancy singing on Heart’s first Number One hit, “These Dreams.”  As a songwriter, Nancy has co-written a collection of indelible songs that have earned their way into the classic rock canon including Magic Man. Crazy on You, Barracuda, and Straight On. During an era when females in rock n’ roll were scarce, Nancy helped carve out a place for women to front a band and dominate a rock stage. Her icon status was cemented when Heart was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.  That same year, she and her sister received a Star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Nancy has also built a successful career as a film composer, with credits including  scores for the Cameron Crowe films Say Anything…, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky and more. In 2020, Nancy turned her attention to recording the first solo album of her storied career, and signed with global label partner Carry On Music. Nancy plays guitar on and sings on all the songs on the entire album, which includes 9 new, original songs. The first single from the album is Nancy’s stunning rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “The Rising.”  “A life of making music is truly a blessed life” – words from Nancy Wilson that ring true, and she continues to be inspired year after year.

Bush Ventura Nov 21, 2020

311 11/14/2020 VENTURA FAIRGROUNDS

The Strange Journey Of Guns N’ Roses In Gaming


Guns N’ Roses have had a fascinating and ultimately epic history, complete with one of the more impressive revivals in rock history over the last few years. Throughout this history, we pay attention to the albums, the tours, the memorable quotes and disagreements, and again, recently, the comeback. But along the way, GNR has also established another bizarre legacy that separates it from most any other classic rock group: It has repeatedly tied itself to the video game industry.

This began, really, with something not so unusual. Guns N’ Roses featured heavily in Guitar Hero 3, which was characterized by SB Nation as the best music video game ever. Significantly better than its Rock Band counterpart, and a marked improvement on the first few Guitar Hero installments, this game was the pinnacle of the concept of playing a mock instrument along to real music. Naturally, the game featured a ton of hits from legendary rock groups. But “Welcome To The Jungle” is generally agreed upon as one of the most enjoyable songs to play on the game, and GNR guitar maestro Slash was more or less the unofficial face of the game.

Following Guitar Hero III and its success, GNR made additional gaming history through a strange story about a game that never actually came to fruition. Upset over the franchise’s decision to depict Slash playing “Welcome To The Jungle” (when the band’s leaders had parted ways) and angry that “Sweet Child O’ Mine” was used in the game’s promotions, frontman Axl Rose tried to sue Activision for $20 million. According to Eurogamer, Activision — the game’s distributor — attempted to appease Rose by offering him his own video game. Again, it never came to fruition, but as far as we can tell this would have likely been the biggest game ever relating to a single rock star. If only it had happened….

The next actual game to come about relating to Guns N’ Roses was an online slot reel, which actually came out right on the eve of the band’s thunderous comeback. The idea of a slot game based on a rock group may still sound strange to people who aren’t familiar with it, but in actuality it made perfect sense. Leading gaming portal Cheeky Bingo’s collection of slots feature a number of rock enthused titles in this category such as the Monsters of Rock game, which actually came out in 2019 as a sort of nod to rock ’n’ roll’s growing influence in the arena. So really, the GNR-based game that was designed for this category by NetEnt was a stroke of genius, and one that put some of the band’s biggest hits back on the map with countless gamers around the world.

On top of these various direct and indirect forays into gaming, we recently learned of the Guns N’ Roses pinball game, based on the band’s comeback “Not In This Lifetime” tour and made available around the world. It’s a delightfully old-school move by the band, which partnered with Jersey Jack Pinball to create the game — apparently in line with Slash’s obsession with pinball. Featuring new riffs, classic music, and a mind-blowing array of original artwork, it looks to be one of the cooler pinball machines we’ve seen… frankly ever. It won’t be played as widely as Guitar Hero III or the NetEnt slot game, but it might just be the most interesting Guns N’ Roses game yet.

It all just adds to the band’s fascinating history, and given the group’s powerful resurgence, one can’t help but wonder what sort of game they might produce next.

COSMOSQUAD Announce Pre-Halloween Live Stream Concert; Jeff Kollman Recalls Playing For Eddie Van Halen

Long running Los Angeles, CA all-instrumental prog metal/fusion triumvirate COSMOSQUAD have announced a live stream concert which is set to take place this Friday, October 30th at 7:00pm PST.
The band will be plugging in for a 2-hour set from the Baked Potato in Studio City, CA where the trio has been regulars for the past two decades. COSMOSQUAD foundersJeff Kollman (ALAN PARSONS, GLENN HUGHES) and Shane Gaalaas (DIESEL MACHINE, B’z) will be joined by Corey McCormick (CHRIS CORNELL, PETER FRAMPTON) who is subbing for Kevin Chown on bass. 
Live stream tickets can be purchased for $11.00 from the Baked Potato website at www.thebakedpotato.com/cosmosquad-livestream/. The purchase includes access to re-watch the concert for up to 24 hours starting at 9:00am the next morning. The post-live event video-on-demand option is priced at $13.00. Limited patio seating at the venue is available from 6:00pm for dinner and drinks.
In related news, guitarist Jeff Kollman recently took part in a tribute to the late Eddie Van Halen hosted by Craig Garber of Everyone Loves Guitar sharing thoughts and memories of the iconic guitar great. The podcast can be heard here: www.everyonelovesguitar.com/2020/10/17/eddie-van-halen-tribute/; the video version can be found on YouTube:
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States Kollman: “I always wondered, “when am I ever gonna run into King Edward“. It almost happened in 2008 when COSMOSQUAD was playing at his Frankenstein guitar unveiling but he was in no shape to hang, jam or anything. I finally did get to meet my hero when I played a private event held by Fender CEO Larry Thomas in 2013 where Tony Franklin (BLUE MURDER, THE FIRM), Chris Layton (STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN, ARC ANGELS) and I were the backing band for a number of stars. Edwardwas on the bill as well. It was great to play and have him standing there listening. He didn’t sit in with us and did more of one-on-one Q&A with Larry. He played fantastic, of course – very free flowing and showing off his tapping techniques. When he walked off the stage, he looked at me and showed me his hands as they were shaking. He said, “Can you believe I still get nervous even AFTER the gig?!” My jaw dropped thinking, “Wow, he must feel so much pressure to fill the shoes of the legend that he created.” At first, I was thinking I should be nervous for God’s sakes – I’m playing and, holy shit, Eddie is right there! That night, EVH charged my batteries once again. SO INSPIRING! I ended waiting 7 years before I finally received from the photographer the only pic of us together that day. It came the day after he passed away. Very bitter sweet.” 

Guns N’ Roses ‘Not In This Lifetime’ Pinball Game Available Worldwide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OscRgrh8G5A&feature=youtu.be

Photo credit for all images: Charles Acosta of Pinballphotos.com.

 Rock and roll legends Guns N’ Roses have teamed with Jersey Jack Pinball–the American-made, #1 industry leader in pinball–to design their very own groundbreaking Guns ‘N’ Roses ‘Not In This Lifetime’ pinball game. The new Guns N’ Roses pinball game elevates the beloved American pastime–which is going through a resurgence worldwide–with innovative new technology, design and sound. The new Guns N’ Roses ‘Not In This Lifetime’ pinball game is made for players, collectors, and newcomersto pinball and is available now, HERE. Watch and share the new Guns N’ Roses pinball game trailer, HERE.
An avid pinball collector and longtime player, SLASH worked hands-on with Jersey JackPinball designer Eric Meunier for over two years, to develop the Guns N’ Roses ‘Not In This Lifetime’ game. As co-designer, SLASH crafted specific game plays and actions, recorded guitar riffs, music, voice, and videofor the new game as well as, four unique guitar features for four playable modes in the game. Pinball designer Eric Meunier is widely known as the designer of one of the best-selling pinball games of all time, Pirates of The Caribbean, which currently sells for $5-7,000.00 over its original asking price. With the new game offering the greatest rock and roll experience under glass, super-fans will now have a chance to own a piece of highly collectible rock and roll memorabilia.
“To have this type of design work and participation from the game’s namesake creating the actual pinball game, has never, ever, been done before in the industry,” adds Jersey Jack Pinball designer Eric Meunier.
A playable work of art, the Guns N’ Roses pinball game merges the latest in sound, video, and design with groundbreaking new technology, elevating classic American Pinball to an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience. The kinetic game brings together the band’s powerhouse live performance, signature sound and wild stage elements, all from their colossal Not In This Lifetime world tour which is now the third highest-grossing concert outing of all time. The concert experience brings the game alive with hundreds of interactive LED lights and multiple LCD displays, players rock out while 21, full-length studio master tracks from Guns N’ Roses blast from the 120 Watt, 2.1 stereo sound system, giving fans a front row seat to custom animations and hours of Not In This Lifetime tour footage. It takes roughly 1.5 million dollars to conceptualize and create a pinball game, gathering engineers, artisans, sculptors, programmers, as well as vendors to create all the wood, steel, and glass parts for the game. The Guns N’ Roses pinball game can be purchased directly through Jersey Jack Pinballas well as, local distributors and authorized dealers for Jersey Jack worldwide.
The Guns N’ Roses “Not In This Lifetime” pinball game is available in three modelsincluding the Standard Edition HERE, a Limited Edition HERE, and the Collector’s Edition–which is limited to 500 units, is signed by Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan and has exclusive features–HERE.
Full features on every Guns N’ Roses pinball game include:
  • The game is designed around playing through the Guns N’ Roses entire 21-song setlist with a concert stage and moving spotlights. 
  • 1 Full-Length Studio Master Recordings of Guns N’ Roses songs are featured.
  • Players need to get fans to cheer and get more Pyrotechnics.
  • All video assets for the game are used in the actual Guns N’ Roses live concert.
  • Exclusive Original Pinball Music created and performed by Slash.
  • Exclusive Original Instrumentation and Sound Effect Recordings performed by Slash, Duff McKagan, and Richard Fortus.
  • Game Narration by Duff McKagan and Melissa Reese.
  • Additional Voice Recording by Axl Rose, Slash, Richard Fortus, Frank Ferrer, Dizzy Reed and GNR announcer MC Bob.
  • Direction-sensing Spinning Platinum Record.
  • Sculptures: Slash’s Iconic Top Hat, Screaming Axl Rose, Concert Speaker Stack.
  • Original Hand-Drawn, digitally printed Playfield, Cabinet, and Backglass Artwork.
  • Two Guitar Pick-shaped RGB Lit Spinners
  • 120-Watt 2.1 Stereo Sound System.
  • Live Footage and Concert Screen Animations from the Not In This Lifetime World Tour
  • Showcased on the 27” Backbox Display.
  • 7” Stage Display Showcasing Game Rules and Animations.
  • 30 RGB GNR Hexagonal Stage Lighting
  • All 21 Concert Songs playable as Multiball
  • 5 Additional Unique Mutliball Modes
  • Timed Play option for every song.
  • Jukebox Attract Mode Option.
  • Bluetooth Headphone and WIFI Connectivity.
  • New Jersey Jack Pinball Hotrails–Illuminable Non-Destructively Mountable Side Rails.
  • Selectable Content Settings: Family Friendly (default), Adult-Adds explicit songs, video content, and voice work.
  • Drumstick Ramp: Two Real Frank Ferrer Thunderchucker Vater Drumsticksinside game.
  • 75+ Mini-insert LED’s for World Map and Music Notes.
  • Not In This Lifetime Final Wizard Mode and much more.
For all things Guns N’ Roses, visit:
About Guns N’ Roses:
In 2016, Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKaganshocked and thrilled fans around the world after revealing they were reuniting Guns N’ Roses for their now historic Not In This Lifetime Tour. The band has brought endless energy to over 150 shows, playing for more than 5.5 million fans worldwide. The iconic rock heroes show off their vast catalogue of hits on the road including “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “November Rain.” The Not In This Lifetime Tour has been crowned the third highest-grossing outing of all time. The Guns N’ Roses 2020 North American tour dates have been rescheduled to Summer 2021. The trek will now begin onJuly 10th, 2021 in Milwaukee, WI atSummerfest and will make stops throughout the U.S. and Canada all summer, before wrapping in Los Angeles, California on August 19, 2021. For the latest Guns N’ Roses news, visit: https://www.gunsnroses.com/.
About Jersey Jack Pinball:
Jersey Jack Pinball is the industry leader in quality and technical advancements, reinventing the game by creating groundbreaking pinball machines for seasoned players, collectors, and newcomers alike. Designed and manufactured in Chicago, Illinois, JJP’s state-of-the-art games are conceived on a foundation of pinball’s rich history and engineered with an unflinching eye toward its future. Jersey Jack Pinball machines are built to last and continue to mark unique milestones in the history of pinball, providing owners an exceptional value from day one and for years to come. Jersey Jack Pinball gamesare available for purchase directly through Jersey Jack and through its network of authorized dealers worldwide. For more information, visit: https://www.jerseyjackpinball.com and http://store.jerseyjackpinball.com/.

NAMM Announces Believe in Music Week, January 18, 2021

NAMM Announces Believe in Music Week, January 18, 2021
Believe in Music Week is an online global gathering to unify and support people who bring music to the world. During the week of January 18, 2021, Believe in Music will celebrate music makers around the world, and offer educational events and product demos at the Marketplace. Sign up to receive updates and participate in monthly NAMM Foundation events that keep us all connected!

NEW THIS MONTH: NAMM Foundation September programming includes webinars for college faculty and students, music educators, music service organizations, music makers and more.

  • 9/17: Online Learning: It Can Be More than You Think
  • 9/23: Back to School Health, Wellness & Safety 
  • 9/25: Music and Social Justice: What Should We Be Doing? 
  • 9/29: Spark Joy by Learning Ukulele Basics with Peter Luongo 
  • 9/30: Back to School Access and Equity in Online Learning 

Believe in Music Week
Week of January 18, 2021 

Believe in Music Week is a new virtual event and global gathering to unify and support people who bring music to the world, taking place the week of January 18, 2021. 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, there is no path forward to safely hold  The NAMM Show this January in Southern California. While The NAMM Show cannot be replaced, we are excited about Believe in Music Week, which will offer: 

  • A robust marketplace to launch new products and connect buyers and sellers. 
  • Education and events for all segments of the industry. 
  • Live music and concerts to raise awareness and financial support for our NAMM family, especially those in the live event and touring industry.  
  • Participatory music making events. 

The week-long virtual event is open to members, industry professionals from across the music instrument, pro audio and event technology segments, along with music educators, college music students and faculty, nonprofit music organization leaders, media, artists and brand fans. 

PAS Honors Don Lombardi With 2020 President’s Industry Award

Drum Workshop Inc. (DW) is proud to announce founder and president, Don Lombardi has been honored by the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) with their prestigious 2020 President’s Industry Award. The Award recognizes individuals in the Percussion Industry who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their field and exceptional support of the Society.

From humble beginnings Lombardi became a respected professional drummer and drum teacher opening a school called ‘Drum Workshop’ in Santa Monica, California in 1972. Under his guidance, Drum Workshop evolved to become one of the largest and most influential drum designers and manufacturers in the world. Lombardi’s innovative and pioneering approach to product development has led to more than thirty patents being registered in his name and has proved to be one of the key ingredients in the growth of the brand. His stewardship has seen the DW brand portfolio expand to include the revitalized Gretsch Drums, Latin Percussion and Slingerland. In 2008 Lombardi returned to his educator roots when he established the award winning Drum Channel to share his passion for drumming, further develop drum education and grow the drumming community. More recently he has been instrumental in the founding of Drum Workshop Music Foundation a new charitable organization whose goal is to provide the gift of music to underserved communities worldwide.

The PAS President’s Industry Award acknowledges Don Lombardi’s unique contribution to the world of drums, his outstanding achievements as a music educator plus his fifty years of innovation and commitment to the improvement of drums, pedals and hardware.

Speaking about the award Lombardi said: “I’m honored to be presented with an award from the Percussive Arts Society. Though manufacturing and education may seem like two different endeavors, like PAS I’ve always had a passion for education, and in coming up with inventions my goal has always been to improve the quality of a drummer’s life by designing products that make it easier to play, while also providing new tools to create with.” 

Commenting on the award,  Juels Thomas, Education and Events Manager for Drum Workshop and PAS Board Director, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled for Don to receive this much-deserved recognition. Of course everyone at DW knows how important and influential Don is as a pioneer for drumming and education. It’s wonderful to see the whole community also celebrate him for all of his accomplishments so far.”

To find out more please go to dwdrums.com/. Drum Channel, the premier source of drum education on the internet, boasts content from the top names in drumming. To find out more please go to drumchannel.com/

ABOUT DRUM WORKSHOP INC.
Founded in 1972, Drum Workshop, Inc. is a family-owned and operated musical instrument company best known for designing and manufacturing award-winning drums, pedals, hardware and accessories under the DW® and PDP® banners. In 2014, the company expanded to include other iconic American instrument brands including Gretsch® Drums, Latin Percussion®, and Ovation® Guitars. DW’s wide range of products is endorsed by many of the world’s top artists including: Neil Peart, Phil Collins, Chad Smith, Sheila E., Melissa Etheridge, Richie Sambora, Mick Fleetwood, Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl among others. Drum Workshop, Inc. is headquartered in Oxnard, California. For more information visit dwdrums.com  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Watch “Riff Lords” Streaming Now On Gibson TV; Learn How To Play Iconic Riffs With Phil X Of Bon Jovi And Richie Faulkner Of Judas Priest

“RIFF LORDS”

–WHERE ARTISTS TEACH YOU HOW TO PLAY THEIR ICONIC RIFFS–

 

NEW EPISODES FEATURING:

PHIL X (BON JOVI) AND RICHIE FAULKNER (JUDAS PRIEST)

STREAMING NOW

(HERE)

NASHVILLE, TN (May 29, 2020) GIBSON TV, the iconic, American-made guitar maker’s first-ever all-original, worldwide online network–features original series from the world’s best storytellers.

 

GIBSON TV’s new series titled “RIFF LORDS” is a thoroughly epic and unique series which gives viewers the opportunity to learn their favorite riffs directly from the iconic artists who wrote them. Up close and personal, “RIFF LORDS” is a “how to” series that offers a once-in-a-lifetime guitar lesson.

 

All GIBSON TV original shows are streamed for free on Gibson.com (HERE); subscribe to GIBSON TV on YouTube and be notified when new episodes become available (HERE).

Watch and share the latest episodes of “RIFF LORDS” on GIBSON TV here:

 

PHIL X

(Bon Jovi, Phil X & the Drills)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ouyIwd8uWo

Phil X with his Gibson Custom Shop 1964 SG Standard Reissue w/ Maestro Vibrola.

In this episode of “Riff Lords,” guitarist Phil X breaks down how to play some of the most iconic Bon Jovi riffs as well as riffs from his band Phil X and The Drills. Phil X is a prolific session guitarist, having played on albums by Tommy Lee, Methods of Mayhem, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Orianthi, Rob Zombie, Chris Daughtry, Alice Cooper, and many others. In 2013, Phil X began touring with Bon Jovi and became an official member of the band in 2016. For more details on Phil X be sure to check out: https://philx.tv/.

Phil X “Riff Lords” Set List:

“Wanted Dead or Alive”

“Bad Medicine”

“You Give Love A Bad Name”

“Kiss My Troublemaker”

“Talk You Off The Ledge”

“No Woman Of Mine”

“Air Hockey Champion Of The World”

 

Guitars used by Phil X in this video: Gibson Custom Shop 60th Anniversary ‘59 Les Paul Standard: https://www.gibson.com/Guitar/CUSFXC951/60th-Anniversary-1959-Les-Paul-Standard/Cherry-Teaburst, Gibson Custom Shop 1964 SG Standard Reissue w/ Maestro Vibrola: https://www.gibson.com/Guitar/CUSFUM384/1964-SG-Standard-Reissue-w-Maestro-Vibrola/Cherry-Red. 

Richie Faulkner

(Judas Priest)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yK_yxI7AlU&t=2090s

Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest with his Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul.

In this new Gibson TV Original Series, “Riff Lords” gives viewers the chance to learn the riffs of their favorite songs directly from the guitarist who plays them. In Episode 1 of “Riff Lords,” Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner breaks down the riffs of iconic Judas Priest songs. For more details on Richie and for all things Judas Priest be sure to visit http://judaspriest.com.

 

Richie Faulkner “Riff Lords” Set List:

“Electric Eye”

Painkiller”

“Evil Never Dies”

“Hell Bent for Leather”

“Living After Midnight”

“Heading Out to The Highway”

“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”

 

Guitars used by Richie Faulkner in this video: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Flying V: https://www.epiphone.com/Guitars/Flying-V and a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul: https://www.gibson.com/Custom-Shop.

 

For all things Gibson: 

GIBSON.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | GIBSON TV

Tony MacAlpine at Universal Bar and Grill, Los Angeles, CA, USA The Electric Illusionist Tour 2020

Videos by Chuck Walker

Pics by The Faust

A Bowie Celebration at The Rose, Pasadena, CA, USA North America 2020 Diamond Dogs & Ziggy Stardust 3/6/2020

Photography by Manny Dominguez

A Bowie Celebration Setlist
at The Rose, Pasadena, CA, USA
Tour: North America 2020 -The Diamond Dogs & Ziggy Stardust Tour

A Bowie Celebration Setlist The Rose, Pasadena, CA, USA 2020, North America 2020 -The Diamond Dogs & Ziggy Stardust Tour

KISS Staples Center 3/4/2020

Photos by David Khorsandi

KISS Setlist Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA 2020, End of the Road World Tour
 
KISS Setlist Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA 2009, Alive/35

 

SOUNDCHECK LIVE NUNO DUG PINNICK PHIL X RICHIE KOTZEN LUCKY STRIKE FEBRUARY 2020 2/26/2020

GUEST CURATOR – dUg Pinnick
Legendary Kings X and KXM vocalist/bassist, Dug Pinnick steps in to the Guest Curator role this months to deliver 45 minutes of Jimi Hendrix classics with some notable friends. Dug’s set will start at 11pm

w Special Guests
Nuno Bettencourt- Extreme, Generation Axe, Rihanna
Richie Kotzen – Solo Artist, The Winery Dogs
TheRealPhilX – Bon Jovi, The Drills
Stephen Perkins – Jane’s Addiction, ThinkEXp
Hal Sparks –
Tracey Spacey T. Singleton – Sound Barrier, Praise the Dead
Jeff Marshall – Alan Parsons, Bo Bice, Bleeding Harp
Matt Kjorvestad – dUg Pinnick, Earl Slick, Mark Hudson
Scot Bihlman – Grinder Blues, dUg Pinnick
Ben Lerner – dUg Pinnick, Marco Minnemann
Erick Tatuaca – Poundhound, Hydrenalin, The Savages
Steve Ferlazzo

SOUNDCHECK LIVE RESIDENT BAND
Steve Ferlazzo – Avril Lavigne, Dramagods, Tribe of Judah
Glen Sobel – Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires
Carl Restivo – Tom Morello, Satellite Party, SSSC
Joe Augello – Robin Thicke, Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson
Julia Lage-Oficial – Richie Kotzen, Kicking Harold, Phoenix Rising

Special Guests:
Will Birckhead – Jennifer Lopez, Hanson, Booker T. Jones
John Bisaha – The Babys
Johnny Martin – LA GUNS, Adler, Chelsea Smiles, Frankie + the Studs
David Goodstein – Jackson Browne, Ricky Martin and Ivan Neville, Joe Perry
Katja Rieckermann – Rod Stewart, Lady Gaga, Nile Rogers, Dave Stewart

Meet the Cast:

August Zadra – Dennis DeYoung
Matt Fuller – Puddle of Mudd
Mick Scott – Villains in Vogue
Michael Odabashian – Kicking Harold, Zander Bleck
Eliza James Music Inc – Burt Bacharach, Paul Anka
Holly Bisaha – The Babys
Jay Gore – Michael McDonald, Eddie Money, Glenn Hughes
Barry Pointer Music – Hollywood Roses, The Anatomy, Owner/Producer/Mixer at Riott House Studios.
Pierce Akers – Slaves to Humanity
Aiden Amini – Slaves to Humanity
Victor Brodén – LeeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, Richard Marx,
Jennifer Jo Oberle – Vertical Horizon, Five for Fighting
Leanne Bowes – Hank Von Hell, Corey Feldman, Cyndi Lauper
Brittany Nicole Bowman – Melissa Bottlieb
Michael Martinsson – Shock G., Dilana
Alexander E. Gonzalez – Gonzophonic, Justin Hopkins
Sugarmill Slim – Harmonica
Annette Marie Frank – Mvps, LA ALLSTARS
Lisa Margaroli Music – Jeff Beck, Lou Gramm, Linda Perry

Hosted by the Mega-Host- Izzy Presley

dp

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT OPENER – KEELAN ELLIS

KEELAN ELLIS(lv)/ZAK ST.JOHN(d)/SAM HARMON(b)/MICHAEL O’GRADY(g1)

TEN CENT MILLIONAIRE

HEAVY CROWN

CHIP AWAY AT THE STONE

PIXEL LADY

GLITTER QUEEN

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT OPENER – WAYLAND

MITCH ARNOLD(lv)(g2)/HOSS WRIGHT(d)/DALLAS HALL(b)/PHIL VILENSKI(g1)

I’M NOT ALRIGHT

BE THE LION

THE WORST

HOW LONG

GETTING HIGHER

ACT I – SOUNDCHECK LIVE

WHEN DOVES CRY – Prince

CARL RESTIVO(lv)/GLEN SOBEL(d)/JOE AUGELLO(g1)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)/ELIZA JAMES(vln)/ANNETTE FRANK/LISA MARGAROLI/JULIA LAGE(bv)

NEW MISTAKE – Jellyfish

CARL RESTIVO(lv)/GLEN SOBEL(d)/JULIA LAGE(b)/JOE AUGELLO(g1)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)/LISA MARGAROLI/ANNETTE FRANK(bv)

COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN – Led Zeppelin

AIDEN AMINI(lv)/GLEN SOBEL(d)/JOHNNY MARTIN(b)/PIERCE AKERS(g1)/BARRY POINTER(g2)

COCHISE – Audioslave

AIDEN AMINI(lv)/GLEN SOBEL(d)/JOHNNY MARTIN(b)/PIERCE AKERS(g1)/BARRY POINTER(g2)

FOX ON THE RUN – Sweet

MICK SCOTT(lv)/BRITTANY BOWMAN(d)/WILL BIRCKHEAD(b)/MATT FULLER(g1)/MICHAEL “THE SWEDE” MARTINSSON(g2)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)/ACE VON JOHNSON/LISA MARGAROLI(bv)

ELO KIDDIES – Cheap Trick

MICK SCOTT(lv)/BRITTANY BOWMAN(d)/WILL BIRCKHEAD(b)/MATT FULLER(g1)/MICHAEL “THE SWEDE” MARTINSSON(g2)

BEST OF WHAT I GOT – Bad English

JOHN BISAHA(lv)/DAVID GOODSTEIN(d)/LEANNE BOWES(b)/AUGUST ZADRA(g1)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)/LISA MARGAROLI/HOLLY BISAHA(bv)

WHERE WERE YOU – Journey

JOHN BISAHA(lv)/DAVID GOODSTEIN(d)/LEANNE BOWES(b)/AUGUST ZADRA(g1)(bv)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)(bv)/HOLLY BISAHA(bv)

SHOCK THE MONKEY – Peter Gabriel

CARL RESTIVO(lv)/GLEN SOBEL(d)/JULIA LAGE(b)/JOE AUGELLO(g1)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)/ANNETTE FRANK/LISA MARGAROLI(bv)

ACT II – DUG PINNICK – GUEST CURATED SET

11:00 – ARE YOU EXPERIENCED – Jimi Hendrix

DUG PINNICK(lv)(b)/STEPHEN PERKINS(d)/SPACEY T.(g1)/BEN LERNER(g2)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)

PURPLE HAZE – Jimi Hendrix

DUG PINNICK(lv)(b)/STEPHEN PERKINS(d)/RICHIE KOTZEN(g1)

CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC – Jimi Hendrix

DUG PINNICK(lv)(b)/ERICK TATUACA(d)/JEFF MARSHALL(g1)/HAL SPARKS(bv)

FOXY LADY – Jimi Hendrix

DUG PINNICK(lv)(b)/MATT KJORVESTAD(d)/PHIL X(g1)

MANIC DEPRESSION – Jimi Hendrix

DUG PINNICK(lv)(b)/MATT KJORVESTAD(d)/PHIL X(g1)

FIRE- Jimi Hendrix

DUG PINNICK(lv)(b)/SOCT BIHLMAN(d)/NUNO BETTENCOURT(g1)/HAL SPARKS(bv)

VOODOO CHILD – Jimi Hendrix

DUG PINNICK(lv)(b)/SOCT BIHLMAN(d)/RICHIE KOTZEN(g2)/NUNO BETTENCOURT(g1)

ACT III – SOUNDCHECK LIVE

NOBODY’S FAULT – Led Zeppelin

CARL RESTIVO(lv)/GLEN SOBEL(d)/JULIA LAGE(b)/JOE AUGELLO(g1)/SUGARMILL SLIM(harmonica)

CRYSTAL BALL – Styx

AUGUST ZADRA(lv)(acou/gtr2)/MIKE ODABASHIAN(d)/JENN OBERLE(b)(bv)/JOE AUGELLO(g1)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)/ANNETTE FRANK/LISA MARGAROLI(bv)

WHEN IT’S OVER – Loverboy

AUGUST ZADRA(lv)(g1)/MIKE ODABASHIAN(d)/JENN OBERLE(b)/JAY GORE(g2)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)/ANNETTE FRANK/LISA MARGAROLI(bv)

CONTROL – Janet Jackson

ANNETTE FRANK(lv)/ALEX GONZALES(d)/VICTOR BRODÉN(b)/JAY GORE(g1)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)/LISA MARGAROLI/JENN(bv)

THE GLAMOROUS LIFE – Sheila E.

ANNETTE FRANK(lv)/ALEX GONZALES(d)/VICTOR BRODÉN(b)/JAY GORE(g1)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)/KATJA RIECKERMANN(sax)/LISA MARGAROLI/JENN(bv)

MIDLIFE CRISIS – Faith No More

CARL RESTIVO(lv)/GLEN SOBEL(d)/JULIA LAGE(b)/JOE AUGELLO(g1)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)

SO WHAT’CHA WANT – Beastie Boys

CARL RESTIVO(lv)/GLEN SOBEL(d)/JULIA LAGE(b)/JOE AUGELLO(g1)/STEVE FERLAZZO(k)

Eddie Money Tribute Saban Theatre Beverly Hills 2/20/2020

a8115ffe-5bd5-440f-972b-5bee89768383_1252171_TABLET_LANDSCAPE_16_9Star-Studded Tribute To Eddie Money:Hagar/Springfield/Thorogood & More

Various Artists Setlist Star-Studded Tribute to Eddie Money 2020 2020

NAMM Media Preview Day Anaheim 2020 Juanes Los Lobos

NAMM 2020

NAMM 2020 Anaheim

NAMM 2020

SANTA CLARITA BENEFIT CONCERT for SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL at THE CANYON 1/5/2020

81955197_3091604504202693_8374203057646338048_o

Gregg Bissonette, Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Richard Marx, Warren Ham, Mick Mahan, Jeff Babko, Cecilia Noel, Matt Scanell,

 

Steve Vai An Earth Dweller’s Return Fathom Gallery 12/14/2019

Photos by Chuck Walker

STEVE VAI: An Earth Dweller’s Return showcases the musician’s hand painted guitars and artwork, created often in airplanes, tour buses, hotel rooms, backstage, and his own home studio. Steve allows his unconscious to guide the process and because of this, he is able to create unique compositions, informed by his unique life experiences and the visual information he’s been absorbing since childhood.

Some of the work is freeform with an almost psychedelic residue and others, have a more hieroglyphic vibe that feels connected to the layout and mathematics of music charts. Steve Vai’s work has an unmistakable rhythm that comes from a creative process born in the recording studio and applied to the visual arts.

Blue Oyster Cult Canyon Montclair 12/6/2019

Photos by Manny Dominguez