Artists

There is simply not a single weak link in the newly-launched rock act, New Czars. Singer/guitarist Greg Hampton has worked with and/or produced some of rock’s most renowned acts over the years (Alice Cooper, Lita Ford, Bootsy Collins, Buckethead, Tommy Bolin’s ‘Whips and Roses’ releases), while the rhythm section of bassist Paul Ill and drummer David “Chilli” Moreno has compiled an equally impressive resume (Reeves Gabrels, Bruce Dickinson, Puddle of Mudd, Courtney Love, Pink, etc.). As a result, the trio’s debut album, ‘Doomsday Revolution’ (which also contains special guest Adrian Belew providing some additional guitar work), is one hellacious slice of tough hard rock. Recently, Mr. Hampton spoke with Guitarsite about his latest project, as well as the beauty of the six string.

Give Eric Clapton a guitar, and old slowhand has no fear. But it’s another thing entirely when the rock legend has to sing.

This interview with Dave Weiner comes courtesy of Paul Reed Smith

It's a somber day in the music world as the Father of the Electric Guitar, Les Paul, has passed away at the age of 94. Whether pioneering the earliest advances in solid-body guitar design (with his luminary Log), advancing the world of multi-track recording, winning multiple Grammies, hosting a wildly popular television series and radio series, or performing with friends and fans such as Keith Richards, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton twice a week in NYC's Iridium Jazz Club, Les Paul was a man of constant creativity and innovation. Les Paul even became the only person in history to gain entry into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Les Paul passed away on the 13th of August from complications of severe pneumonia at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, he was surrounded by family and loved ones. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the thoughts and prayers from his dear friends and fans. Les Paul was 94.

Marshall Amplification has announced that Joe Satriani will be using a Marshall backline for new group Chickenfoot. The super group, made up of four rock legends, started the European leg of their world tour on June 20th and will be heading back over to the States in August to continue.

With the release of his second solo album Poindexter and the Genius Sex Act, Pete Northcote continues to define himself as one of Australia’s most unique guitarists.

Rock 'n' roll pioneer Bo Diddley, has died at the age of 79. Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Florida, his management agency said in a statement. Diddley had suffered a heart attack in August 2007, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa.

Ten finalists battled for the international title of Guitar Hero at Guitar Player's Guitar Hero 2007 competition Friday, October 12 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. All ten tremendously talented players were roundly applauded by celebrity judges Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, Nuno Bettencourt, Elliot Easton, Greg Howe, and Mike Varney. In the end, they chose Ladd Smith from Nashville, Tennessee as the champion, Les Robot from Edmonton, Alberta as first runner-up and Danny B. Harvey from Canyon County, CA, as second runner-up.

The Very Best Of Mick Jagger, the first overview of his distinguished solo career, is set for release in the U.S. on October 2, on Atlantic/Rhino Records. It's a vivid reminder of the compelling gifts that brought Jagger fame in the first place. As an embodiment of all that rock 'n' roll can mean, he is virtually without peer and that is made plain on this compelling 17-track collection, which includes three previously unreleased performances.

Quicky News: Steven Van Zandt (Little Steven/Springsteen/The Sopranos) will Chair the MTV Rock Band video game's Music Advisory Board.

The restoration of Frank Zappa's vintage mic collection, begun in 2005, is now complete. The project began with a visit and evaluation by Telefunken USA CEO Toni Fishman and was completed by Charlie Bolois, the company’s West Coast service specialist. Zappa also took possession of a new Telefunken USA U47, one of a new line of line of microphones which faithfully recreate the legendary vintage Telefunken sound.

Ever watched a movie, heard a great little tune, and waited for the credits to roll to find out who performed it? Well I did just last night. The film was Copkiller (or Corrupt) from 1983 starring Harvey Keitel and Johnny Rotten in his first acting role. Throughout the movie a great country and western song was played, so I sat prepared to memorize the artist come credit time.

Soon to be released, Crazy, tells the story of legandary guitarist Hank Garland. A lot of folks aren't into biopics, but for those that are Crazy looks like some pretty good viewing.

Australian rock guitarist, Lobby Loyde, has passed away aged 66. Loyde was battling lung cancer but died as a result of brain tumours on Saturday April 21 in Boxhill, Melbourne.

Dimebag Darrell Abbott will be posthumously inducted into Hollywood's Rockwalk, the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock 'n' Roll.

Internationally known singer/songwriter and guitarist Janis Ian has been writing and recording music since the 1960s. As a teenager, she released her first hit single, the controversial "Society's Child." Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Janis Ian had several hit songs, both in the U.S. and abroad, including the Grammy Award-winning "At Seventeen."

Dallas punk rock band, GREYSKULL, is being featured across Asia as part of Nokia Nseries' You Make It Reel campaign to introduce the new Nokia N93i video phone. The band is the "face" of the phone marketing campaign and their image (and music) is plastered on television, print, online and mobile phone ads in Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Welcome to "Ax Facts & Stats", issue 32 Part 2 of our Sister Hazel focus. In part 2, I am thrilled to bring you Mr. Andrew "Drew" Copeland.

Welcome once again to another installment of "Ax Facts & Stats". We are thrilled to bring you Thomas Juliano from Seven Mary Three.

In my biz, I work with tons of national touring acts, Grammy winning artists and multi-million album sellers and I just so happened to stumble across Surviving August while working with the band Train.

As a music writer, I get to meet and interview numerous brilliant artists, but seldom do I get to interview an artist that has made such an impact in music pop culture as this month's "Ax Facts & Stats" featured artist John Oates, of Hall and Oates.

Hello once again. In this issue of "Ax Facts & Stats" I had the pleasure of interviewing, not only a great guitarist, but a fellow web programmer and dog lover. I especially enjoyed this interview because of Jaye's candidness, cool outlook on life and her awesome sense of humor. Read on!

Welcome again to Extreme Guitars' "Ax Facts & Stats". HAPPY NATIONAL GUITAR MONTH!! Welcome to "Ax Facts & Stats". This month I am very proud to have the very talented, the very spiritual and the very insightful Michael Sweet.

Hello everybody and welcome again to another installment of "AX Facts & Stats" featuring the powerful 12 STONES guitarist Eric Weaver. Thanks Eric for joining us, now let's get started.