June 2020

Just two of many stars of the “Play It Loud” exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jimi Hendrix’s “Love Drops” Flying V and Rory Gallagher’s ’61 Strat are waiting and ready to inspire awe in guitarheads. We examine both in an exclusive look, and visit with producer Daniel Gallagher (Rory’s nephew) about the guitars and amps you’ll hear on the new live album, Check Shirt Wizard Live in ’77.

We also interview Dean and Robert DeLeo to learn why now is the time for Stone Temple Pilots to explore an acoustic-type thing. Enjoy an amazing Vox double shot with Peter Kohman’s look at the JMI/Vox Mark Series “teardrop” guitars and Dave Hunter’s archaeology of the AC10 Super Reverb. Wolf Marshall reminds us of Brad Whitford’s understated role with Aerosmith in “Fretprints,” and “Pop ’N Hiss” goes Americana with Lucinda Williams’ Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. We chat about new music with Tinsley Ellis, Will Sexton, Paul Rodgers, Frank Hannon, Andy Powell, and John Moreland.

In “Approved Gear,” we offer honest opinions of the Heather Brown Electronicals Blessed Mother, Keeley ECCOS Delay Looper, Tyler Morris Designs Turbo Booster, Guild X-175 Manhattan Special, Reverend Airwave 12, Singleton Cool Bop Archtop, Novo Serus T, and the PRS 35th Anniversary Custom 24.

When it’s time to freshen your playlists, you can trust our “Hit List” music-review staff to find great stuff, like the latest from Al Di Meola, Cream, ZZ Top, Gary Moore, the Nick Moss Band, Lamb of God, and many others.