Latest articles by Phil Weller
Judas Priest’s debut was recorded on a shoestring budget in the dead of night. 50 years later, it’s finally been revived
The guitarist says the new version helps the band reclaim the baby they'd left on the doorstep in ‘74
Slash recalls how a jam with Jeff Beck nearly ended his idol's career
After waiting years to play with his hero, Slash's cranked Marshall amps nearly deafened him
Paul Reed Smith explains why it doesn’t matter where guitars are made
Calling Carlos Santana and Jimmy Herring up as witnesses, the luthier continues his electric guitar myth-busting streak
Richie Sambora recalls the disastrous show that turned him into a pro
The crowd quickly turned on the young guitarist, but he and the band learned a tough lesson about survival
Jim Suhler talks about sneaking backstage to meet Stevie Ray Vaughan and the career-shaping advice he gave him
The George Thorogood guitarist has played with Joe Bonamassa and Billy Gibbons, but meeting SRV was a career highlight
Eric Clapton reveals the guitarist that inspired him to quit the Bluesbreakers and form Cream
Buddy Guy's 1965 show at the Marquee Club made Slowhand realize he needed to escape John Mayall's shackles
“I might have done better in the Bluesbreakers." Jeff Beck said he turned down John Mayall
The coveted role was offered to him on a plate, but Beck was looking for a different kind of musical identity
Scott Gorham tells how an offhand moment led to his favorite Thin Lizzy song, released 50 years ago
Gorham and Phil Lynott's partnership would grow into one of the most influential in rock music, and it started during a break in rehearsals
Peter Green recalled talking his way into Eric Clapton’s Bluesbreakers shoes. That's when his struggles began
The guitarist never liked comparisons to the man he replaced
Jim DeCola talks about modding Randy Rhaods’ polka-dot V backstage minutes before it was played live and the legacy it created
He was so busy working on the guitar that he missed the support band. But he finished in time to witness an iconic rock moment
Ernie Isley recalls how a surprise meeting with Paul McCartney led to the pair jamming "Twist and Shout"
Nearly 60 years after both groups found success with their hit cover versions, the pair united for a special impromptu performance of the track
Mike Campbell talks about replacing Lindsey Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac
The former Heartbreaker says his short time in Fleetwood Mac was an education and a challenge for one specific reason
How vintage gear is fuelling Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt in the studio and on the road
From a ‘90s Telecaster to Hank William’s 1940s Martin D-18, it’s been an interesting year of gear for the Swedish guitarist
Ritchie Blackmore tells how amp-maker Jim Marshall sold him the guitar he used to launch Deep Purple
He also talks of buying his first Strat from Eric Clapton
Scott Gorham on the making of Jailbreak – Thin Lizzy’s do-or-die fifth record, twin harmonies, and his relationship with Phil Lynott
After two failed albums, Vertigo Records was ready to drop the band, but their twin-guitar harmonies saved the day
Les Paul’s former guitar tech completes Klunker guitar replica to shine a light on the Les Paul guitar’s heritage
Paul's former tech put 60 years of experience into his re-creation to underline its cultural significance
Her Gibson Les Paul was worth four times what she thought
The one-of-a-kind custom guitar mysteriously disappeared years ago and resurfaced only recently
Mark Tremonti reveals how Dumble, Fender and Mesa amps factor into his Creed tour rig
The guitarist says, “I’m all about the big, straight-ahead meat-and-potatoes sound"
D’Addario unveils commemorative John Lennon’s collection – including a replica of his 1972 Madison Square Garden solo show strap
Replica straps from key moments in his career and picks celebrate the Beatles guitarist’s legacy
"You can't just 'be' a guy that can play Yngwie Malmsteen stuff. You have to do that for, like, 15 years just to play one of his songs.” Dweezil Zappa explains what most guitarists don't understand about shredding
The guitarist virtuoso adds that it's vital not to worry about how you're perceived if you really want to achieve shred-level talent
“The structural integrity is pretty amazing for cardboard. You can totally rock it.” Robby Krieger plays slide guitar on the world’s first cardboard Telecaster
Made by Fender’s Custom Shop in collaboration with snowboard and packaging firms, the oddball six-string is a faithful take on an old blues classic
The world’s first seven-string Fender Stratocaster is here
Chris Garza shows off the history-making extended-range Strat and says there may be more to come
Rory Gallagher’s Strat sells for $1.16 million at auction before being donated to the National Museum of Ireland
The iconic six-string was purchased by Live Nation Gaiety with the intent of keeping the guitar in Ireland
