RIP, Hiram Bullock (1955-2008)

I just read that Hiram Bullock passed away… this is so sad. He was such a great player, I always enjoyed listening to his playing.

RIP, Hiram…

Quote: “Hiram Bullock, the original guitarist in Paul Shaffer’s “World’s Most Dangerous Band” for the Late Night With David Letterman show has passed away at the age of 52. Bullock had been battling a throat tumor since January. In addition to his numerous solo albums, the New York-based funk-fusion heavyweight had a prolific studio career that included recordings with Steely Dan, Jaco Pastorius, Paul Simon, Marcus Miller, and many others.”

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiram_Bullock

Pics from the Dean-clinic on the 26th

I got a few pictures from the show on Saturday, and figured I should share them here. it was a fun day, thanks to everyone involved!

Tuning up

On stage

Wah-ing away

Second song

Having fun on stage

I’ll post more either here or at my website once I get more pics… hopefully, there’ll be some video-footage too.

Music World Summer Fest

I just got back from Augsburg/Germany, where I played a showcase/clinic for Dean Guitars at the annual summer fest of Music World (a big music store there).

It really was a fun-event. The guys from M&T (german distributor for Dean) really made it easy (Thanks, Simon and Sebastian, I had a blast!), and it was fun to hang out and talk guitars. They had brought some really awesome guitars, and I picked some of them for my performance (I brought my pedalboard and just used the guitars that M&T brought).

Some of the Dean guitars on display

More Dean guitars

Even more Dean guitars

The US Razorback I used for the clinic

Both the US Razorback and the Soltero are amazing guitars. They are so much fun to play and sound awesome. I used the Soltero for the ballads, and the Razorback for the harder songs.

It was a lot of fun. I played some of my own songs, jammed over two jamtracks, and also played a cover-version of “All Along The Watchtower” (the Hendrix-arrangement). Thanks to everyone who came to watch and listen, I am glad you enjoyed it!
I also enjoyed to watch the Marshall showcase with Sören Jordan (of Umbra Et Imago), and the Errorhead-gig. It was fun to talk with the people stopping by to ask about Dean guitars, and thanks for all the kind feedback, it really means a lot.

I also got to hang out with Simon and Sebastian of M&T (thanks so much, guys, it was a blast!), and some of the editors of GUITAR magazine. Thanks also to the awesome staff at Music World, especially Frank Schüssler (it was fun to meet you again, and thanks for everything!).

Sebastian of M&T

Sebastian and Frank

Anyway, a fun day, and in case you were there, I hope you enjoyed it!

Oh, and to answer an email by Stefan:
The guitars I had on stage were: US Razorback with Union Jack flag on it (used for about half the songs), Razorback Explosion (backup), USA Soltero (for the ballads) and a Hardtail with EMG HZ pickups. Effects used were a Fulltone Clyde Deluxe Wah, Dunlop EVH Phaser, Keeley modded DS-1 (Ultra/All-Seeing Eye mod) and a Blues Driver by Boss with the Keeley Phat mod.

I hope to get some video footage and pics from the show soon, and will share them here or at my website then!

Full circle

One of the guitars that Dean sent me was one of the Michael Schenker V models. It was quite a special moment to unwrap it… after all, I became a HUGE Michael Schenker-fan in my teens… I remember listening to a “Best Of Michael Schenker” (with songs by UFO, Scorpions and MSG) for almost a whole summer every day, being amazed by Michaels phrasing, sense for great melodies, his emotional playing and the riffs.

I looked at pics of him with his old Flying V every day and him and Randy Rhoads (who technically didn’t really play an actual Flying V) were my main reasons to get me a V-type guitar back then (my second electric guitar).

So receiving this box with the Dean Michael Schenker Signature V felt quite special, and playing it gives me that “full circle” feel, since Michael still is an influence on me for sure!

Great guitars, they really rawk, and so do the new Michael Schenker signature pickups by Dean, too (which were used in the guitar). Check it out if you get a chance too, and make sure to play the riff of “Into The Arena” when you do! =)

LOTW: Picking Exercise #6

I know, I know, I am kinda slacking on the LOTW’s, and I was planning on publishing one of these six essential picking licks each week, but you know how it’s tough sometimes to manage to get everything done the way you initially plan it =)
However, here it is now, the last of the six, and by using the “topic links” in this blog, you can filter out the LOTWs and see them all. I hope they will help to get your picking technique going! Have fun!

Picking lick #6

Happy 4th of July

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy 4th of July. I hope you will enjoy the day, and be safe!
Eric

Belated happy birthday to…

Jeff Beck and Yngwie Malmsteen…

Yup, I am pretty late on that, but hey, it’s the thought that counts. Jeffs birthday was 06-24, Yngwies 06-30. Two pretty different players, but they’re both influences of mine, and they have some quite interesting parallels too:

- Both have been playing Strats and Marshall amps for quite some time
- Both have been quite successful doing their thing… Jeff’s albums really helped to get the instrumental rock scene started, especially the success of “Blow By Blow”, and his influence can still be felt among players of that genre (compare, i.e. Steve Vai’s “I’d Love To” and Jeff’s “Blue Wind”), while Yngwie was probably the most important trailblazer for the neoclassical rock genre… he started a big trend, was copied many times by countless players, but still pretty much does it best.
- Both have a very unique style
- Both have a great tone. I guess I don’t have to say anything about Jeffs tone, but Yngwie.. well, a lot of people focus too much on the speed-aspect of his playing and ignore that not only he has great control (check out his bendings and vibrato) but also a great tone… something a lot of the guys who copied his style lacked

I could go on, but the point is: happy belated birthday, Yngwie and Jeff, and thanks so much for all the awesome music! You guys rawk! =)