Author Archives: Lisa Sharken

Marty Friedman made his mark as one of the foremost shredders of the ’80s when he teamed up with guitarist Jason Becker in Cacophony. He achieved greater celebrity after joining Megadeth in late 1990 as the group’s third lead guitarist. In 10 years with the band, he recorded three albums while continuing his solo work [...]

Bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan made his mark in the rock world as a member of Talas. He left the group in 1985 when he was courted by former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth for his solo band – a chops extravaganza that included guitarist Steve Vai and drummer Gregg Bissonette. In ’89 he joined [...]

Earl Slick landed his dream gig back in 1974, when a friend referred him for a gig with David Bowie, replacing Mick Ronson. During this period, Slick recorded three monumental albums – David Live At The Tower Philadelphia (1974), Young Americans (1975), and Station To Station (1976). He went on to collaborate with other major [...]

As one of the best-known instrumental rock artists to break through to the mainstream, Joe Satriani achieved guitar hero status in the mid 1980s, after the release of his self-titled EP in ’84 and his acclaimed Not Of This Earth in 1986. Recognized for his melodic style and flawless technique, Satriani secured several high-profile side [...]

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, [...]

Although Honkin’ On Bobo has been 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 [...]

In many ways, 2004 marks a return to the crossroads for Eric Clapton. With his latest disc, Me And Mr. Johnson, the guitarist pays homage to one of his principal influences – the incomparable Robert Johnson. For Clapton, Johnson is the true master of blues guitar, and completing this album was a mammoth achievement. Although [...]

Bruce Kulick gained his reputation as a top-notch axeman working with a variety of major artists such as Kiss, Meatloaf, Michael Bolton, Billy Squier, as well as his own band, Union. Most recently, Kulick signed on as a member of the revitalized Grand Funk Railroad. He has also released two impressive solo discs, Audio Dog [...]

Geddy Lee is a man who needs very little introduction. With just over three decades as the unmistakable lead vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist in Rush, Lee has forged a potent legacy in progressive rock. After creating 22 records with Rush, Lee decided to take a break and step out on his own with his first-ever [...]