
Phil Weller
A freelance writer with a penchant for music that gets weird, Phil is a regular contributor to Prog, Guitar World, and Total Guitar magazines and is especially keen on shining a light on unknown artists. Outside of the journalism realm, you can find him writing angular riffs in progressive metal band, Prognosis, in which he slings an 8-string Strandberg Boden Original, churning that low string through a variety of tunings. He's also a published author and is currently penning his debut novel which chucks fantasy, mythology and humanity into a great big melting pot.
Latest articles by Phil Weller

Did this novelty act inspire the greatest guitar riff of all time?
By Phil Weller last updated
Blackmore didn’t feel as connected to the blues as his peers. For him, this band made all the difference

Joe Bonamassa cancels gig after hearing injury, has low-volume jams with a guitar legend instead
By Phil Weller published
He’s now back on the road, but will be handling his volume dials with caution

George Harrison said he would have formed a new group with just one Beatle
By Phil Weller published
Although his solo career was going strong, the Quiet Beatle entertained the possibility of forming a new band with one of his former Fabs

Lindsey Buckingham teases new solo album after burying the hatchet with Mick Fleetwood
By Phil Weller published
It will be his first new music since 2021

The mystery behind Eric Clapton’s guitar session on the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
By Phil Weller published
The collaboration was a first in the Beatles’ history, but those involved in its recording all share the same strange experience

Joan Jett on battling the boys club to become a rock and roll guitar icon
By Phil Weller last updated
The trailblazing guitarist talks about breaking into the male-dominated rock scene

The late reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff on meeting Jimi Hendrix when both were struggling musicians in London
By Phil Weller published
The reggae icon who raised reggae's profile in England and America died November 24 at age 81

John Lennon said it was the worst. George Harrison called it one of his favorites. How a “throwaway” Beatles song made it onto 'Rubber Soul'
By Phil Weller published
Paul McCartney said the track revealed Lennon's insecurities about relationships, noting, "John was always on the run, running for his life"

George Harrison on the “greatest guitar solo” of all time — and the player who left a lasting impression on him
By Phil Weller published
As the Beatles return to the screen this week, we recall the guitarist whose gear choices, chord changes and lead lines inspired the Quiet Beatle most of all

Vince Gill offers thanks and jokes as he wins the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at last night's CMAs
By Phil Weller published
Brandi Carlisle and George Strait were among those who paid tribute to the music icon

Gene Simmons says he has one regret about how he treated the late Ace Frehley
By Phil Weller published
The bassist explains there were many reasons he avoided taking action when it might have done some good

Derek Trucks on the musician and instrument that made him a better slide player
By Phil Weller published
One player in particular had as much impact on his sound as Duane Allman and Elmore James

Actor Michael J. Fox jams with Jackson Browne at charity gala — but what’s that wild custom guitar he’s toting?
By Phil Weller published
The ‘Back to the Future’ star performed with an axe that boasts a unique silhouette, and was previously played by Sheryl Crow

Ritchie Blackmore cancels Blackmore’s Night tour as new health concerns arise
By Phil Weller published
The tour has been postponed for “medical reasons,” with five dates affected

David Gilmour on the genesis of a Pink Floyd classic now receiving a historic reissue
By Phil Weller published
The original nine-part track was split into two on 'Wish You Were Here,' but its new Dolby Atmos mix ties them together at last

Steve Morse reveals the secret to his wah-like tone knob technique. Now try it yourself
By Phil Weller published
Once you get this down, you can leave your wah pedal at home

Pete Townshend may borrow an idea from the Beatles as he looks for help polishing rough gems from the Who’s archive
By Phil Weller published
The guitarist has mentioned the creative possibilities of using AI before, but never as seriously as he does now

Joe Bonamassa says this one talent is what made B.B. King a guitar virtuoso
By Phil Weller published
Virtuosity comes in many shapes and forms, Bonamassa says, noting King's uncanny ability

Queen’s Brian May on the “fireball” guitarist who affected him like no other
By Phil Weller published
The guitarist blew May’s mind long before Jimi Hendrix changed the game forever

Test your guitar news knowledge with Guitar Player's "Week in Music" Quiz for November 14, 2025
By Phil Weller published
20 multiple choice questions about guitarists, gear and music, chosen from this week's top stories

Pete Townshend thought the Who would last two weeks. This was the moment that changed his mind
By Phil Weller published
In a new interview, the guitarist reveals his thoughts about the group's origins and the revelation that showed him the possibilities that lay ahead

How Jimi Hendrix helped the Alice Cooper Band score their first record deal
By Phil Weller published
Jimi's assistance kept a friend out of jail and introduced Cooper to the man who would help his group find fame

A veteran guitarist says Eddie Van Halen copied Ace Frehley. We dismantle the claim with one simple fact
By Phil Weller published
The guitarist sees too many similarities between Ed's magnum opus and Ace's “Shock Me” solo from 'Alive II.' But the timelines don't add up

Zakk Wylde says Ozzy was plotting a return to his ‘No More Tears’ style at the time of his death
By Phil Weller published
The album marked the height of Ozzy's solo years, when Wylde was both his guitarist and co-writer

Near death, Warren Zevon gave away his guitar. It stole the show at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction this past Sunday
By Phil Weller published
After inducting the late guitarist and songwriter, David Letterman handed the guitar to the Killers’ Dave Keuning for a rousing performance of Zevon's music
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