Author Archives: Lisa Sharken

Heaven and Hell – Vinny Appice, Dio, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi. Photo courtesy Rogers and Cowen. Heaven and Hell Neon Knights Reunite Lisa Sharken In 1979, Black Sabbath was at a crossroads after the departure of original frontman Ozzy Osbourne. Returning with former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio as its frontman, Sabbath took on [...]

All photos by Neil Zlozower. Paul Gilbert was a teenager when he appeared on the music industry’s radar after Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records introduced him in Guitar Player magazine’s “Spotlight” column. After attending Hollywood’s Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT), Gilbert unveiled Racer X to the mid-’80s shred generation and made his mark as a [...]

Moore with his mid-’60s Gibson ES-335 in early 2006. Photo: Harry Herd/Redferns. Whether playing rock or blues, Gary Moore has always possessed a distinct and identifiable style. While he is well-known for his contributions as a member of Thin Lizzy, Moore maintained a successful solo career which began before he was enlisted to play with [...]

Steve Vai photo: Lisa Sharken. Considered one of the most talented musicians on the planet, Steve Vai constantly strives to better himself as a player and musician. He enjoys experimenting with different sounds, instruments, and musical styles, always searching for ways to raise the bar and introduce something unique. VG spoke with Vai about creating [...]

When it comes to rock bass, few players command the instrument with as much finesse and showmanship as Billy Sheehan. Best known for his work with Talas, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Niacin, and Steve Vai, Sheehan debuted his solo offerings in 2001 with Compression. VG spoke with Sheehan about the creation of his second [...]

Eric Johnson has a reputation for being not only an amazing guitarist, but someone who cares deeply about every aspect of his music. Johnson constantly strives to strengthen his skills to grow as both a player and songwriter, and is dedicated to his tone. He recently spoke with VG about crafting his latest disc, Bloom [...]

Hailed as one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time, Tony Iommi thwarted the obstacles of what might have been a career-ending hand injury to develop a unique technique and distinct tone. With Black Sabbath, Iommi conjured up dark and heavy riffs in a style unlike other music of the time. As a [...]

By integrating traditional blues with heavier, more flamboyant rock styles, Eric Sardinas has carved a raw, fiery sound, favoring electric and acoustic resonator guitars to deliver the appropriate vibe. Growing up, Sardinas was exposed to everything from early Delta blues to Chicago blues to R&B, soul, and rock artists like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Chuck Berry, [...]

As one of the most fiery players on the planet, Yngwie Malmsteen developed an identifiable style and tone that blends classical music and heavy metal. VG sat with Malmsteen following his stint on the 2003 G3 tour with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, and Malmsteen filled us in on what made the tour so different [...]

Although Honkin’ on Bobo was labeled by some as a blues record, Aerosmith views its new release as being a true rock record – and perhaps the most rockin’ record they’ve made in years! Bobo marks a return to the high-energy blues-influenced rock sound that launched the group’s career over 30 years ago. Featuring covers [...]