Latest news with #guitarist
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Robin George: Remembering the 'most overlooked' rock guitar great
Once heralded as the next greatest rock guitarist and touted as a member of Duran Duran and Thin Lizzy, but due "cruel twists of fate", fame always eluded Robin George. The artist, who died last year, is remembered by a dedicated group of fans and a new book which charts his career highs, as well as the catalogue of bad breaks that plagued it. Featured on the front cover of Kerrang! magazine, described as "The Axe of Tomorrow" with a lauded debut album and collaborations with Phil Lynott and Robert Plant, George had all the ingredients to be a huge star. But it was never to be. The Wolverhampton-born musician was one of the most "insanely" talented guitarists ever, said author Martin Tracey, "but also one of the most overlooked". He suffered so many bad breaks, he added, "including studio thefts, industry collapses, the tragic loss of key collaborators"."Which all conspired to keep true global fame agonisingly just out of reach," Mr Tracey said. George's musical career started at the Smithy studios in Worcester, where he worked as a session guitarist as well as producer and engineer. It was there he would meet musicians such as Roy Wood, founder member of The Move and ELO, as well as members of the rock band Magnum. He was the "full package," Mr Tracey added, "including the chiselled good looks"."But there came a point where he wanted to make his own mark."A first album, released in 1985, Dangerous Music, and single Heartline was seemingly shortly after its release his record label Bronze Records collapsed, hampering the album's distribution."That was his first bit of bad luck." George was then courted by Birmingham band Duran Duran as a possible replacement for John Taylor, with headlines in the Sun newspaper to that effect, Mr Tracey said. "There were journalists camping in his garden from the tabloids in his little cottage in Wolverhampton."But I think he was too true to his own sound and his own principles around rock music, so didn't go for it." His next collaboration was with Phil Lynott in star was at the time a solo artist but had wanted to reform Thin Lizzy, eyeing a spot for George. The pair performed together on TV in a Razamatazz Christmas Special on 18 also wrote and recorded an album's worth of songs together, the author said."It was coming up to Christmas and Phil said he wanted to take the tape home to make some changes, but then, in January, Robin takes a phone call telling him Phil had sadly passed away, which devastated him." Lynott died in January 1986 from heart failure aged only 36, after years of alcohol and drug addiction."The one and only tape, which was in Phil's possession, went with him," Mr Tracey an interview years later, George claimed he had tracked the tape down, although the owner refused to part with it. Another collaboration, with Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, also ended in disaster. "There was a lot of songs written and recorded, but there was a theft in the studio, and the tapes got stolen, along with some instruments," said Mr Tracey."He thinks the tapes were just binned."Both artists were massive in Wolverhampton at the time. One fan recalled seeing them together in a local pub, the author said."He told me he and his mate walked into the Hollybush and they were sitting together, and his mate went, 'there's Robin George, there's Robin George', and they never even thought 'oh, he's sitting next to Robert Plant.'" His fans "meant the world to him," added the author. One, Richard Jennings, described seeing the George play at Newcastle Polytechnic's students union "We were part of the poly's Rock Soc (society), and someone came up with the idea of asking him to be the club's president," he the gig "we went and knocked on the door of what would be classed as the green room, and he was just such a nice guy, very accommodating, and nothing was too much trouble. "And he accepted, it was a bit of a buzz for us to have such a cool guy rock guitarist as an honorary president."Years later Mr Jennings reconnected with the musician via social media, describing him as a "cracking guy" who was always happy to Earl had also seen a live show in the 1980s, again reconnecting with the artist on Facebook 10 years ago. "It was just a delightful relationship really, you asked him a question and he would get back to you immediately with an honest answer," he said. George continued making music after moving with his wife Debbie to Spain, where he died in April 2024 aged 68."He faced his illness like he faced the knock backs in his career, where he would just dust himself down, and get back up," added Mr Tracey."He was such a resilient man, I've never known anyone with that sort of drive to just keep going again."Announcing his death, his family said: "He was devastated when he was no longer able to play his beloved guitars but he continued to write songs, do interviews, make videos and tell his story here on Facebook and through his biography."He desperately wanted his music to live on because music was in his heart and soul. Robin leaves behind his adored wife, four beloved children, two beautiful sisters, nine lovely grandchildren, many dear friends and the animal family that he rescued over the years." Heartline: The Authorised Biography of Robin George is available as a paperback and e book via the author. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
CTV News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Jazz guitar legend Bill Frisell returns to Halifax for jazz festival performance
Grammy-winning guitarist Bill Frisell returned to Halifax this week to headline a performance at the TD Halifax Jazz Festival. Frisell spent more than four decades carving out a space in the world of modern jazz, earning critical acclaim for both his solo work and collaborations. Though it's been almost 20 years since he last played in Halifax, Frisell says returning stirred up memories – especially of longtime friend and musical collaborator Jerry Granelli – the late drummer and jazz icon who lived in the city for many years. 'I think I first met him in the late '80s, and we became friends and played a lot,' said Frisell in an interview with CTV Atlantic's Katie Kelly. 'We made two albums together. He was just such a beautiful spirit… He inspired me, and I know he inspired folks around here.' Performing at the Lighthouse Arts Centre Friday night, Frisell will be joined by longtime bandmates Rudy Royston on drums and Thomas Morgan on bass. He says their connection on stage is built on decades of friendship and musical trust. 'These guys are like my teachers,' he said. 'Every time I play with them, they blow my mind. We don't play with a fixed setlist - the music is really happening in the moment.' Frisell is one of several high-profile acts featured at this year's jazz festival, which continues through the weekend with performances across the city. The guitarist says he's just grateful to still be exploring and connecting through music. 'Every day you pick up the guitar and there's something new to discover. That feeling of wonder - like when you're a kid and you find something amazing for the first time - I try to hang on to that.' For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman takes rest of the year off from tour to have hand surgery
The show must go on, but for Fall Out Boy, the band will be doing so without lead guitarist Joe Trohman for the remainder of 2025. In a statement posted to social media Monday, the musician said he would need the rest of the year off to undergo surgery on his right hand. "Hey everyone, after years of managing ongoing issues with my right hand, it's become clear that I need surgery to avoid permanent damage," Trohman wrote. "Unfortunately, this means I'll have to take the rest of the year off from playing with the band. The silver lining is that I'm on track for a full recovery." He continued, "The band will still be playing all scheduled shows. I'm looking forward to recovering so that I can get back out there with the guys. Thanks so much for the love and support." Trohman, who has served as guitarist for the band since its inception in 2001, previously took some time away from the group in January 2023. At the time, he said he'd be stepping away for an undetermined period to focus on his mental health, writing in a social media statement, "Neil Young once howled that it's better to burn out than to fade away. But I can tell you unequivocally that burning out is dreadful. Without divulging all the details, I must disclose that my mental health has rapidly deteriorated over the past several years. So, to avoid fading away and never returning, I will be taking a break from work which regrettably includes stepping away from Fall Out Boy for a spell." He added, "I must recover which means putting myself and my mental health first. Thank you to everyone, including my bandmates and family, for understanding and respecting this difficult, but necessary, decision." Trohman resumed playing with Fall Out Boy in May of that year. The band — which also includes lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, and drummer Andy Hurley — has not yet revealed who will be picking up Trohman's mantle in his absence, but the group has a busy slate over the next few months. Next up, they're expected to play Tuesday at the Cowboys Music Festival in Calgary, and later at the Minnesota Yacht Club festival on July 19 in St. Paul. From there, they have two shows as part of the Summer Sonic in Japan August 16-17. In late August, the band has a trio of shows in Brazil, and as of now, will end the summer at the Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, Md., on Sept. 28. Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
Irish Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Joe Bonamassa review: The musican pays homage to Rory Gallagher while showcasing his own abilities
Joe Bonamassa plays Rory Gallagher Live at the Marquee ★★★★★ Playing successful albums in their entirety is a wheeze popular with acts needing reasons to tour to pay their way when the record industry no longer works for most artists. Playing other people's albums in their entirety is a first. Rory Gallagher 's live album Irish Tour '74 inspired generations of guitarists with a passion which matched his technical ability. Among them was the American blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa (48), who wasn't even born when Gallagher was touring around Ireland doing his thing, but he was inspired by this record that he played to death as a guitar-mad kid. Bonamassa recalled that when he was asked by promoter Peter Aiken to play the Marquee, he responded 'f**k yeah', when he was asked if he would like to play an entire set of Rory Gallagher covers in Gallagher's hometown of Cork, he responded 'f*** yeah' but when he thought about what he had let himself in for he added a four letter expletive that begins with the word S. READ MORE Bonamassa's sartorial style is a world and a generation apart from Gallagher's check shirt and jeans – a blue collar uniform for a blue collar guy. Bonamassa neat attire with a waistcoat and matching shirt and trousers was like a waiter at a very expensive wedding, but appearance isn't everything. [ Bluesman Joe Bonamassa buys Fender guitar in same Cork shop his hero Rory Gallagher bought his Opens in new window ] Joe Bonamassa plays the music of Rory Gallagher. Photograph: Ronan McGreevy Joe Bonamassa plays the music of Rory Gallagher. Photograph: Ronan McGreevy Bonamassa's admiration for Gallagher is genuine as his passion as is their mutual love for the Fender Stratocaster. 'Where's the f***ing Stratocaster?' Bonamassa teased the audience. He is referring to Gallagher's battered and chipped 1961 Stratocaster, which sold for €1 million plus change last year and has been donated to the State . It will be in the National Museum of Ireland, but it was not with him on stage. Weeks of rehearsals paid off for Bonamassa as his band, with a couple of Irish musicians, were as tight as a submarine door. The set list from Gallagher's 74 tour live dominated beginning with Cradle Rock followed by Walk on Hot Coals and Tatto'd Lady, a song which exemplifies that Gallagher was much more than just a blues guitar player. He could write exceptional songs and lyrics. A fan favourite was the appearance of Gallagher's long-term bassist and friend Gerry McAvoy who bounded on stage with a blue bass that, like Gallagher's famous Stratocaster, was chipped and peeled and could tell many stories if it could talk. McAvoy looked so glad to be there and many of those with fading memories of Gallagher's heady days were glad to see him. The concerts were organised to mark 30 years since Gallagher's premature passing at the age of 47 in 1995. Had he lived, he would be 77 today, not young certainly, but Neil Young is 79 and he headlined Glastonbury. Like all musicians who died young, there will always be thoughts of what might have been, but Gallagher gave everything to his craft on and offstage and his legacy is secure. Bonamassa paid him due homage while also showcasing his own abilities. Truly imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Indie Rock Band Mourns Death of Beloved Guitarist, 46
Indie Rock Band Mourns Death of Beloved Guitarist, 46 originally appeared on Parade. Indie rock band Babyshambles is mourning the death of its beloved guitarist, Patrick Walden, at 46. On Friday, June 20, the alternative group from London took to Instagram to announce the heartbreaking news. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 "It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death," Babyshambles revealed in its update. "We feel very fortunate to have known/loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times." Babyshambles members Pete Doherty, Mick Whitnall, Drew McConnell and Adam Ficek signed the message. In the featured black-and-white image, Walden sat beside an electric keyboard with his hand folded and a thoughtful expression. No cause of death was provided. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Babyshambles (@babyshamblesuk) In the comments, Babyshambles fans posted tributes for Walden and expressed condolences for his surviving bandmates. One Instagram user shared, "💔💔💔 Sail into the sun Patrick." Another wrote in part, "Oh my god, this is terrible news. Patrick was such a sweet and loving soul who helped me get through some hard times recently. Always so willing to listen and give you a lift up." Someone else echoed, "THE best guitarist of his generation, such an exciting and original person to watch. RIP 😢." Meanwhile, a different follower commented, "Devastating 💔 A remarkable guitarist whose songwriting had a huge impact on my life. Thanks for everything, Pat. The music will live forever. Rest in peace x." Next: Beloved TV Personality Dead at 83 After Private Health Battle Indie Rock Band Mourns Death of Beloved Guitarist, 46 first appeared on Parade on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
