Daniele Gottardo is an Italian guitarist and composer known for his dazzling technique, innovative use of tapping, and sophisticated approach to composition. Born in 1983 in Rovigo, Italy, he began his musical journey at a young age, first inspired by classical and jazz traditions before immersing himself in rock and fusion. His unique style blends virtuosic guitar playing with orchestral sensibilities, making him stand out in the modern guitar community as more than just a shred player—he’s also a forward-thinking composer.Gottardo first rose to international recognition in 2009 when he won the prestigious Guitar Idol competition in London, a contest that helped launch the careers of several modern guitar virtuosos. This win showcased not only his technical abilities but also his originality, as he presented music that leaned heavily into compositional depth rather than just flash. Following this achievement, he released his debut album Frenzy of Ecstasy (2010), a record that immediately drew attention for its complex arrangements and innovative use of extended guitar techniques.In 2016, he followed up with his second album, Invent Your Future, which further cemented his reputation as a guitarist with a unique voice. Unlike many instrumental rock guitar albums that focus primarily on soloing, Gottardo’s work incorporates orchestral textures, cinematic arrangements, and advanced harmonic concepts. His pieces often sound as though they could be scored for film, balancing technical fireworks with strong melodic sensibilities. This compositional focus sets him apart from many of his contemporaries in the shred and progressive guitar scenes.Beyond his solo work, Gottardo has been active as a composer and educator. He has written concert pieces that blend electric guitar with orchestra, underscoring his passion for uniting rock guitar with classical traditions. He also contributes to guitar education through masterclasses, instructional material, and collaborations with music schools worldwide. His lessons often emphasize not only technique but also harmony, counterpoint, and creativity, encouraging players to see the guitar as a vehicle for broader musical expression.Today, Daniele Gottardo is considered one of the most forward-thinking guitarists of his generation. He is admired not only by fans of technical guitar playing but also by musicians who appreciate his commitment to composition and artistry. His career bridges the worlds of rock virtuosity and classical sophistication, making him a modern pioneer in instrumental music. As both a performer and composer, he continues to inspire a new generation of guitarists to look beyond speed and technique and embrace the broader possibilities of musical storytelling.

https://officialdanielegottardo.com/

In this series Dweezil and I sat down weekly to breakdown and deep dive into one his albums.This week in episode 1 Dweezil shares his first single and recording at his Frank Zappa"s studio with Eddie Van Halen. Each episode in loaded with stories and memories from that time period.New deep dive into his albums of his every week. Subscribe and hit bell not to miss!

The Cockney Rejects formed in East London in 1979, led by brothers Jeff and Mick Geggus. Coming straight out of the working-class neighborhood of East End, they were inspired by the raw energy of punk but added their own aggressive, football terrace–style chants. Their first records came out on EMI, with the 1980 debut Greatest Hits Vol. 1, followed quickly by Greatest Hits Vol. 2. Their loud, sing-along anthems such as “Oi! Oi! Oi!” made them one of the defining bands of the Oi! punk movement, even though the label “Oi!” was originally coined after a journalist described their music that way.The Rejects’ lyrics often reflected working-class life and their love of West Ham United F.C. This connection to football culture gave them a unique identity but also brought violence to many of their gigs, as rival football hooligans clashed at shows. Despite this, their music gained popularity across the UK and Europe, and they were seen as heroes of street-level punk. They stood apart from art-punk or politically heavy bands, preferring to sing about everyday struggles, loyalty, and pride in where they came from.As the 1980s progressed, the band experimented with a harder rock and heavy metal sound. Albums like The Wild Ones (1982) leaned more toward glam and hard rock than their early Oi! roots, but this stylistic shift alienated some of their punk audience. Still, the band refused to be boxed into one style, proving they could adapt and survive in a changing music scene. They continued to play live, earning a reputation for rowdy, unpredictable gigs that mirrored the chaos of the streets they came from.By the 1990s and 2000s, the Cockney Rejects had become respected as pioneers, with a loyal international fanbase. They toured widely, influencing later punk, hardcore, and even street rock bands. Their story is one of resilience—despite violence at shows, industry challenges, and lineup changes, Jeff Geggus kept the band alive. Today, they are recognized as both punk icons and cultural figures who captured the voice of London’s East End, leaving behind a legacy of defiant, working-class rock ’n’ roll.https://www.cockneyrejects.com/cockneyrejectshomepage

Amorphis has built a reputation as one of Finland’s most influential and enduring metal bands. With a career spanning more than three decades, they have consistently evolved while maintaining a deep connection to their cultural roots. In this special feature, we sit down with the band’s keyboardist Santeri Kallio for an exclusive interview about the release of their new album, Borderlands.Formed in Helsinki in 1990, Amorphis quickly made their mark with their debut album The Karelian Isthmus (1992). While it established them in the extreme metal underground, it was Tales from the Thousand Lakes (1994) that truly defined their early success. Inspired by Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala, the album introduced a bold blend of melody, atmosphere, and storytelling that set Amorphis apart from their contemporaries.As the years progressed, Amorphis moved beyond their early death metal roots. Albums such as Elegy (1996) and Tuonela (1999) reflected a willingness to experiment with progressive, folk, and rock influences. This creative spirit allowed the band to expand their sound and reach a wider audience while continuing to explore Finnish mythology and poetic themes within their music.A major turning point came with the arrival of vocalist Tomi Joutsen in 2005, whose versatile performance style reinvigorated the band. From Eclipse (2006) through Queen of Time (2018), Amorphis found renewed strength and critical acclaim, delivering records that balanced their trademark heaviness with rich, evocative themes. This era helped cement their standing as a leading force in modern metal.Now, with the release of Borderlands, Amorphis continues their tradition of pushing forward while honoring their past. In our interview, the band’s keyboardist reflects on the group’s journey, the making of the new album, and what this chapter means for both the band and its fans. Be sure to catch the full conversation and get a closer look at the legacy and future of Amorphis through the eyes of one of its longtime members.https://amorphis.net/

Gretchen Menn is an acclaimed American guitarist and composer known for blending technical rock guitar mastery with classical sophistication. A graduate in music from Smith College, she began her journey with classical guitar before a life-changing encounter with electric guitar legends inspired her to expand her style. Her early musical foundations gave her the versatility to move seamlessly between genres, combining precision with expressive flair.She is best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of Zepparella, an all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band formed in San Francisco. With Zepparella, Menn has earned international recognition for her faithful yet electrifying interpretations of Jimmy Page’s iconic work, bringing fresh energy and technical excellence to the band’s live performances. Her role in Zepparella cemented her as a standout figure in the rock tribute world.Outside of Zepparella, Menn’s solo career reflects her ambitious artistic vision. Her debut album, Hale Souls (2011), introduced her original compositions, while Abandon All Hope (2016) presented a cinematic, concept-driven work inspired by Dante’s Inferno. This ambitious project blended rock, classical, and orchestral elements, demonstrating her ability to create music that is both technically demanding and deeply atmospheric.Her artistry has been recognized by major publications and peers alike. Guitar Player magazine named her among the “50 Sensational Female Guitarists” and “50 Years of Extraordinary Players,” while Vintage Guitar magazine readers nominated her for “Artist of the Year” alongside guitar icons. Beyond performing, Menn is a dedicated educator, offering lessons through platforms like JamPlay and teaching at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camps, helping inspire the next generation of players.Before devoting herself fully to music, Menn worked as a commercial pilot, funding her musical pursuits until she could make them her sole career. Today, she continues to evolve as an artist, studying composition, collaborating with orchestras, and expanding her creative reach. Her career stands as a testament to the power of dedication, versatility, and a fearless commitment to following one’s passion.

https://gretchenmenn.com//

Mark Weiss is an acclaimed American rock ‘n’ roll photographer whose lens has captured some of the most iconic moments in music history. Rising to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s, Weiss became a go-to visual chronicler for the era’s biggest hard rock and heavy metal acts. His photographs—often featured in Circus, Hit Parader, and album covers—helped define the look and attitude of the glam metal scene.Weiss’s portfolio includes legendary artists such as Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, KISS, and Aerosmith, among many others. His ability to blend candid backstage shots with larger-than-life stage imagery made his work both intimate and epic, perfectly matching the excess and energy of the time.In addition to magazines and publicity shoots, Weiss created some of the most memorable album artwork and promotional images of the ’80s and ’90s. His career spans decades, and he has remained active, photographing modern acts while preserving the legacy of rock’s golden years.In 2020, he released The Decade That Rocked, a coffee-table book showcasing his extensive archive from the 1980s. The book received praise for its vivid storytelling and rare behind-the-scenes photos, cementing Weiss’s role as one of the premier visual historians of rock music.Today, Mark Weiss continues to share his work through exhibitions, books, and collaborations, keeping the spirit of rock alive for new generations while honoring the legends he helped immortalize. Continuing on now with Rocked magazine.https://www.rockedmag.comhttps://www.facebook.com/RockedMaghttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rockedmag/rocked-magazine?ref=projecthttps://www.instagram.com/RockedMag

Michael Kiske joins us to discuss Helloween’s powerful new album Giants and Monsters. In this exclusive interview, he breaks down the creative process behind the record, the band’s unique triple-vocal approach, and what fans can expect from the new material.Formed in Hamburg, Germany in the early 1980s, Helloween became one of the pioneering forces in European power metal. Their groundbreaking albums Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I & II set a new standard for the genre with their mix of speed, melody, and epic songwriting. Kiske’s soaring vocals quickly became a signature part of the band’s sound, influencing generations of metal singers.Over the years, Helloween went through numerous lineup changes but continued to push their sound forward. The return of both Michael Kiske and original guitarist Kai Hansen in 2016 reunited key members from the classic era with longtime frontman Andi Deris, creating a unique triple-vocal dynamic that reinvigorated the band.Since reuniting, the band has released a self-titled album (Helloween, 2021) and launched the successful United Forces world tour. Now with Giants and Monsters, Helloween continues to evolve without losing touch with their melodic roots. The new material delivers a blend of powerful riffs, anthemic choruses, and thoughtful lyrics that reflect both the band’s legacy and its forward momentum.This interview offers an honest, focused look at the band’s current creative state, straight from the voice that helped define it.https://www.helloween.org/

Jesse Hughes, best known as the wild frontman of Eagles of Death Metal, is a force of charisma, chaos, and crunchy desert rock riffs. Born September 24, 1972, in Greenville, South Carolina, Hughes was raised in Palm Desert, California, where his lifelong friendship with Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age) would set the stage for one of rock’s most energetic duos. While Homme often drums and co-produces, Hughes is the face and voice of the band, known for his mustachioed swagger, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and unfiltered stage persona.Eagles of Death Metal formed in 1998 and released their debut album, Peace, Love, Death Metal, in 2004. It was raw, groovy, and laced with tongue-in-cheek bravado. Songs like “I Only Want You” and “Speaking in Tongues” introduced the band’s hybrid of garage rock, boogie, and glam with Hughes’ playful vocals front and center. Over the years, Hughes’ stage name “The Devil” matched his onstage antics and preacher-like energy, combining a Southern preacher vibe with a rock showmanship.Follow-up albums like Death by Sexy (2006), Heart On (2008), and Zipper Down (2015) kept the party going, with Hughes’ sound maturing but never losing its rebellious humor or rock ’n’ roll heart. Despite their tongue-in-cheek image, the band survived tragedy: the 2015 Paris terrorist attack at the Bataclan Theatre during one of their concerts. Hughes emerged shaken but committed to peace and healing through music, later speaking out while continuing to tour with a defiant, loving spirit.Outside EODM, Hughes has released solo work under the name Boots Electric, notably the 2011 album Honkey Kong. It showed his flair for funk, dance rock, and unapologetic weirdness. Still, his love of music and dedication to performance remain undimmed.In the end, Jesse Hughes is a survivor, a showman, and a one-of-a-kind figure in the world of rock. Whether he’s cracking jokes, busting out a fuzzed-out riff, or leading a crowd in rock ’n’ roll salvation, he brings everything he’s got—and then some.

Callum Kerr is a rising Scottish actor and country singer making waves on both screen and stage. Born in Musselburgh, Scotland, on May 11, 1994, he originally had plans to pursue a career in finance before the acting bug bit. After a stint with the National Youth Theatre of Scotland, he trained in London and soon found himself swapping spreadsheets for scripts. His breakthrough role came as PC George Kiss in the British soap Hollyoaks, where he appeared from 2020 to 2021. That role set the stage for bigger opportunities, including a part in FOX’s country-music drama Monarch, and eventually a turn as young Everett in the hit Netflix series Virgin River.Callum’s acting career is on an impressive upward trajectory. In 2025, he’ll appear in not one but two major fantasy franchises. He’s set to play Smoker in Season 2 of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece and Galad Trakand in Amazon’s The Wheel of Time Season 3. These roles showcase not just his versatility but his ability to transition between genres—from gritty soap drama to epic high fantasy.In addition to acting, Kerr has found a second home in Nashville’s country music scene. He released his debut single “Tequila Therapy” in 2023, followed by “Tamed in Tennessee” (a duet with fellow artist Chris Andreucci) and “Cold Beer Cold,” which has garnered over 500,000 Spotify streams. His authentic country sound, mixed with a bit of Scottish soul, has earned him a growing fan base on both sides of the Atlantic.April 2025 marked another milestone as Callum signed his first major record deal with ONErpm Nashville and Huff Co., the production company helmed by country hitmaker Dann Huff. His debut EP, Roots Under Me, is set for release on July 25, 2025. The six-song collection reflects on themes of heartbreak, home, and growth, hand-picked from a pool of more than 50 demos. He also made his debut at CMA Fest and graced the legendary stage of the Grand Ole Opry, solidifying his credibility as a country artist to watchCallum Kerr’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless talent. Whether he’s portraying a cop, a cowboy, or a swordsman, or singing about love and loss on a country stage, he brings an honesty and heart that audiences connect with. With a major EP launch and high-profile acting roles ahead, Kerr is just getting started—and it’s clear he’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Primal Fear was formed in 1997 in Germany by vocalist Ralf Scheepers (formerly of Gamma Ray) and bassist/producer Mat Sinner (of Sinner). The band emerged after Scheepers was considered for the vocal slot in Judas Priest—a move that didn’t happen but fueled his desire to create a powerful new metal force. The result was Primal Fear, rooted in traditional heavy metal with a modern power metal edge.Their self-titled debut album, Primal Fear (1998), was released through Nuclear Blast and quickly gained attention for its aggressive riffing, thunderous rhythms, and Scheepers’ soaring vocals. Follow-ups like Jaws of Death (1999), Nuclear Fire (2001), and Black Sun (2002) cemented their reputation, especially across Europe and Japan, where their Judas Priest-influenced sound resonated with classic metal fans.Over the years, Primal Fear experienced various lineup changes but remained anchored by Scheepers and Sinner. Guitarists like Tom Naumann, Stefan Leibing, Henny Wolter, and Magnus Karlsson (still with the band) contributed to their evolving sound. Despite changes, the band kept releasing acclaimed albums like Seven Seals (2005), 16.6 (2009), Unbreakable (2012), and Delivering the Black (2014).In 2020, Primal Fear released Metal Commando, marking their first release with Nuclear Blast’s new offshoot, Atomic Fire Records. It debuted to strong reviews, showcasing their consistent energy and musical precision even decades in. The album was a statement that the band had no plans of slowing down.In 2023, they released Code Red, an album praised for its intensity and melodic power. With drummer Michael Ehré officially joining the lineup and Tom Naumann returning full-time, Primal Fear entered a new era of tight musicianship and renewed energy. After over 25 years, Primal Fear remains one of the strongest names in European heavy metal, known for powerful vocals, crushing riffs, and a commitment to keeping metal alive and loud.In a candid sit-down with legendary frontman Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear, the powerhouse vocalist opened up about the band’s latest chapter—welcoming new members, unleashing a hard-hitting new album, and gearing up for a global tour that promises to bring metal mayhem to every corner of the stage. Scheepers, known for his unmistakable vocal range and commanding presence, was energized and optimistic as he discussed what fans can expect from the current incarnation of Primal Fear.