October 2019

Its title may be absurd, but The Black Keys’ new album, “Let’s Rock”, strengthens their standing as the rare guitar-centric rock band that scores #1 albums and headlines festivals. We talk to Dan Auerbach about the music and his amazing guitar tones. We also speak to inner-circle guitar collector Robert Johnson, and talk new music with Don Felder, Duke Robillard, Zakk Wylde, John Petrucci, Alvin Lee, Jim Messina, and catch up with Mott the Hoople’s Ariel Bender and Butthole Surfers’ Paul Leary.

We dish up an Allman Brothers Band two-fer with “Fretprints” and “Pop ’N Hiss” delving deep into the uber-classic At Fillmore East. There’s also the story of singer/songwriter Billy Roberts, who battled to be rightfully recognized as the composer of “Hey Joe.” Dave Hunter examines a ’61 Fender Super Amp that just may have belonged to Barney Kessel, while Peter Kohman studies the mystique of the Galiano brand. As always, VG Approved Gear details the best new stuff, and the “Hit List” offers a slew of suggested listening. It’s all in the October issue, available now!