Latest articles by Mark McStea
Steve Vai Names His Top Five Career-Defining Tracks
From freight trains to wild horses, Vai reveals the influences behind some of his most significant cuts
“I Remember Hearing ‘Heroes’ for the First Time… 18 Months Later, I Was Playing It Live With David”: Adrian Belew, Todd Rundgren and Scrote Salute David Bowie
The guitarists discuss their epic ‘Celebrating David Bowie’ show
This Surreal Flaming Lips Performance Is One of the Most Tripped-Out Gigs on the Internet
Video The neo-psychedelia stalwarts have remained unwaveringly true to their original artistic vision
“It Took Us to a Whole Other Level in the States”: Phil Collen Reveals the Short, Sweet Creation of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me”
Find out what went on in the studio as the British band crafted their 1987 hit
Vince Gill Picks Five Landmark Tracks From His Celebrated Career
With 22 Grammys, 20 studio albums and more than 40 charting singles under his belt, the country music legend says, “I’ve always wanted to be moved by music rather than impressed by it”
"Your Recorded Music Is Your Legacy": Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Reveal the Guitar Secrets Behind ‘I Am the Moon’
Their expansive quadruple album project explodes with joy, power and positivity
“It’s Our Career-Best Album”: Def Leppard Return With the Glam-Inspired ‘Diamond Star Halos’
Following a seven-year absence, Phil Collen explains how the band got it on like the old days.
Phil Collen Names His Top Five Career-Defining Tracks
The guitarist reveals the tales behind his deepest cuts, from the U.K. glam-metal scene to Def Leppard’s blockbuster hits.
Derek Trucks’ Top 10 Slide Tips For Beginners
The slide master shares the secrets to heavenly tone and technique
Watch Don McLean’s Iconic “Vincent” Performance at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit and Read This Insightful Interview on the Making of the Song
Video Recorded in 30 takes with his Martin 00-21, this 1972 hit has delivered mixed blessings
Joe Bonamassa: My Career in Five Songs
The blues superstar reveals his “survival rig” as he tells the tales behind a handful of favorites from his catalog.
“The Key to Finding Who You Are is to Compose”: Lee Ritenour Reveals His Top Five Career-Defining Tracks
With thousands of sessions to his name the guitarist talks definitive solo records and collaborations from his multi-genre catalog.
Lee Ritenour on Completing the Most Cathartic of Comebacks with His Breathtaking New Album, ’Dreamcatcher’
First came the house fire. Then heart surgery. Now Ritenour bounces back with his first ever solo guitar record.
Steve Morse: My Career in Five Songs
Bach transcriptions, power chords and grasshoppers. Steve Morse reflects on inspired tracks from his long career.
Brian Setzer: My Career in Five Songs
Rockabilly's most effectual top cat takes a trip down memory alley and discusses his discography's most significant cuts.
"A Lot of Times I’ll Write a Song Instead of Going to a Therapist. It’s Cheaper – and More Efficient": Joe Ely on the Five Songs That Have Defined His Career
From the greatest song Jerry Lee Lewis never wrote to a powerful tune that features Bruce Springsteen, these are some of the legendary singer/songwriter's finest recordings.
Steven Wilson: "If You Play Something Really Fast, it Doesn’t Really Convey Emotion; it Just Reduces Guitar Playing to an Olympic Sport"
The Porcupine Tree frontman and guitarist discusses his complicated relationship with the prog-rock genre, and the band's ferocious comeback album, 'Closure/Continuation.'
From Hair Metal to a Sgt. Pepper’s Tribute, Andy Timmons Reveals the Five Songs that Have Defined His Career
The guitar great reflects on his time with Danger Danger, tackling the Fab Four's magnum opus, and how some kind words from Steve Vai made him re-think his recording approach.
Watch Blackberry Smoke Guitarist Charlie Starr's "Mesmerizing" Performance with Guitar Legend Leslie West
Video The friends jam out in this epic rendition of the Mountain classic “Mississippi Queen.”
Here’s Why Leslie West is a Guitar Legend Like No Other
With fans that ranged from Pete Townshend to Eddie Van Halen and Yngwie Malmsteen, the Mountain guitarist inspired players across the genres.
After 20 Years in the Wilderness, Larry McCray Returns in Style With 'Blues Without You'
Thanks to a restart and a new album his future looks brighter than ever.
“We Try to Swoop In and Help Where We Can”: Joe Bonamassa on Keeping the Blues Alive
How the KTBA label is continuing its mission to promote music and help working musicians.
From Unviable to Vaiable: Steve Vai Talks Making the Impossible Possible On His New Album, 'Inviolate'
Between a pair of shoulder surgeries and armed with the triple-necked Hydra, the guitar wizard delivers a work of artistic purity.
