Mike Dirnt Is Selling Green Day’s Most Iconic Tour-Worn Gear! 🔥🎸

Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt is selling a collection of iconic guitars, basses, amps, clothing, and stage-worn gear through his official Reverb shop — and some of these pieces have serious Green Day history behind them!

🎸 Highlights from Mike Dirnt’s Collection:

🔥 Basses that were actually burned on stage during Green Day’s Nimrod and Warning tours

🎸 American Idiot-era Fender Mike Dirnt Signature Precision basses

💥 An “unintentionally smashed” Gibson Grabber bass

🎶 A signed Fender bass used on the Nimrod album

🔊 One of the first Ampeg SVT-810 cabinets Dirnt bought with his first Green Day paycheck — and used on the Dookie tour

🎛️ Mesa/Boogie amps and speaker cabinets with thousands of touring miles

🎸 A 1962 Fender P-Bass in Fiesta Red from Dirnt’s personal studio collection

📺 Clothing worn in Green Day videos including “Wake Me Up When September Ends” and “Oh Yeah”

👕 Tour outfits from the American Idiot, 21st Century Breakdown and ¡UNO! eras

Dirnt says he’s collected countless guitars, basses and amps over the years because each instrument can inspire a song. Now, after years of recording and touring, he’s ready to pass some of that history on to the next generation of players and Green Day fans.

🔥 The Mike Dirnt Reverb shop goes live September 9!

Would you buy a Green Day bass that was actually burned on stage? 🎸🔥

#GreenDay #MikeDirnt #BassGuitar #GuitarCollecting

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at Charvel’s brand-new Pro Plus Dinky DK24 models—four metal-focused guitars loaded with serious firepower, including Seymour Duncan Nazgul pickups, Floyd Rose tremolos, stainless-steel frets, and killer new finishes like Zombie Fade.

Charvel has expanded the Pro Plus Dinky DK24 lineup with four new models designed for speed, precision, and heavy music. While these guitars are built for shredders, the pickup and hardware combinations make them especially interesting for modern metal players.

🔥 What’s New?

🎸 Three HH models feature Seymour Duncan Nazgul bridge and Sentient neck humbuckers.

⚡ The HSS model uses a Seymour Duncan Full Shred TB-10 at the bridge with Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 single-coils.

🤘 Two HH models come equipped with Floyd Rose 1500 Series double-locking tremolos for dive bombs and extreme whammy-bar work.

🎯 The HH HT model features a Charvel HT6 string-through hardtail bridge.

🌳 The hardtail is the only model with an Ash Dinky body; the others use Basswood.

🏁 All four guitars feature 24 stainless-steel jumbo frets.

💀 New finishes include the seriously metal Zombie Fade, along with Amber Tiger Eye, Crimson Eclipse, black, white, and other options.

💰 Prices range from approximately $1,199 to $1,399, putting these models in an attractive mid-price range.

These are also significant as the first new Charvel models released since the death of company founder Wayne Charvel. His influence on the Superstrat and modern custom-guitar movement continues to be evident in guitars like these.

Which one would you choose—the Nazgul-loaded HH with a Floyd Rose, the hardtail, or the HSS model? And would YOU take the Zombie Fade finish? 👇

#Charvel #GuitarGear #MetalGuitar

Brad Gillis Recalls the Bizarre Scorpion Incident With ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into one of the strangest backstage stories from Night Ranger’s early days on the road with ZZ Top.

After briefly joining Ozzy Osbourne’s band following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads, guitarist Brad Gillis returned to Night Ranger and immediately found himself touring with some of rock’s biggest names, including KISS and ZZ Top.

Gillis remembers how warmly both legendary bands treated Night Ranger—but one ZZ Top tour produced an unforgettable backstage incident involving bassist Jack Blades and a tiny scorpion.

🦂 The Scorpion Incident

Night Ranger was touring with ZZ Top during the band’s early years.

Billy Gibbons frequently hung out backstage with the younger band.

During one show, reportedly in New Mexico, Jack Blades left his coat or shirt on a chair.

A baby scorpion apparently crawled inside the clothing.

After the show, Blades put the garment back on—and was stung by the scorpion.

When Gibbons heard what happened, he reportedly asked if it was a small scorpion.

When Blades said yes, Gibbons warned: “Those are the most poisonous.”

Blades was taken to the hospital and successfully treated.

The scorpion was captured and eventually preserved in a glass display.

Billy Gibbons reportedly turned it into a bizarre souvenir for Blades, complete with a message wishing him mercy!

🎸 From Backstage Pranks to Rock History

What makes the story even more memorable is the friendship between the bands. Gillis says ZZ Top essentially took Night Ranger under their wing when they were still a new group riding the success of “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me.”

More than 40 years later, Night Ranger and ZZ Top are still sharing stages, making Gillis’s memories of the band—and especially the late Frank Beard—even more meaningful.

It’s one of those incredible rock-and-roll stories that sounds completely made up… until you hear it from someone who was actually there.

What would YOU do if you put on your jacket and got stung by a scorpion backstage? 🦂😂

#TalkingGuitars #JohnnyBeaneTV #BradGillis #NightRanger #ZZTop #BillyGibbons #JackBlades #FrankBeard #ElectricGuitar #GuitarPlayers #RockAndRoll #ClassicRock #GuitarHistory #RockHistory #OzzyOsbourne #RandyRhoads #KISS

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at an incredible Van Halen moment from the Guitar Center Drum-Off finale at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles!

On Thursday, August 20, Michael Anthony, legendary bassist of Van Halen, joined powerhouse guitarist Phil X and drummer Kenny Aronoff for a live performance of Van Halen material. The chemistry between these three musicians was absolutely electric—and hearing Michael Anthony back on stage delivering that unmistakable Van Halen sound is something fans won’t want to miss!

🔥 Michael Anthony + Phil X + Kenny Aronoff

🎸 Van Halen material LIVE

📍 Fonda Theatre — Los Angeles

🥁 Guitar Center Drum-Off Finale — August 20, 2026

Watch the performance, share your thoughts, and let us know: Would you have wanted to see this lineup perform a full Van Halen set?

#VanHalen #MichaelAnthony #PhilX #KennyAronoff

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into the incredible story of how Eddie Van Halen encouraged Lita Ford to get back to work and launch her solo career after The Runaways.

After The Runaways broke up in 1979, Ford stepped away from the rock world and even took a job at a department store. But Eddie wasn’t about to let her stay there for long!

🔥 Here’s what happened:

Lita Ford started her professional career at just 16 years old with The Runaways.

After the band split, she went through a period of isolation and stepped away from music.

Ford eventually began working at a department store while wearing her old Runaways gear.

Eddie Van Halen came over and called her out for not doing anything!

Eddie’s encouragement helped push Ford back into rehearsing and pursuing music again.

After struggling to find the right singer, Lita decided to sing herself—despite not considering herself a vocalist.

Her 1983 debut album, Out for Blood, wasn't the production she wanted, but she refused to give up.

Ford went on to become one of rock's most respected female guitarists and performers.

Lita Ford's story is a great reminder of how much Eddie Van Halen encouraged and inspired other musicians—sometimes simply by pushing them to believe in themselves.

🎸 Did you know Eddie Van Halen played a role in getting Lita Ford back into music?

#VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #LitaFord #TheRunaways

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about a very cool tribute to one of rock’s most legendary albums!

🔥 Billy Sheehan is celebrating the 40th anniversary of David Lee Roth’s Eat ’Em and Smile in a unique way:

🎸 Sheehan has reunited with Ray Luzier of Korn and other musicians to record 4–5 songs that were considered for the original album but never recorded.

🎶 The project is nearly finished and could be released within about a month.

🤘 Sheehan is also re-recording a couple of songs that appeared on the original Eat ’Em and Smile.

⭐ The original lineup featured David Lee Roth, Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan and Gregg Bissonette.

❤️ Sheehan describes his time with Roth as “the most amazing time of my life” and says the Eat ’Em and Smile tour was beyond anything they imagined.

Released in July 1986, Eat ’Em and Smile was Roth’s first solo album following his split from Van Halen—and it remains a landmark record for fans of guitar, bass and ’80s rock.

🎤 Would you like to hear Billy Sheehan’s new recordings of the unreleased Eat ’Em and Smile songs? Let us know!

#VanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #BillySheehan #EatEmAndSmile

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about Jacob Deraps, the Van Halen-obsessed guitarist who has become the face of the latest EVH Wolfgang Special guitars—and his uncanny ability to capture the spirit of Eddie Van Halen.

🎸 Why is Jacob Deraps getting so much attention?

🔥 Eddie’s influence is everywhere — Deraps has spent years obsessing over Eddie Van Halen’s playing, tone, feel, and technique.

⚡ The Eddie factor is REAL — His playing has impressed countless Van Halen fans, with some calling him one of the closest players they’ve ever heard to Eddie.

🎥 The new EVH Wolfgang Special promo — Deraps wrote, recorded, and performed the track featured in the guitar’s promotional video.

🤘 A dream come true — Deraps was flown to California to work with EVH Gear on the video and called the experience an absolute honor.

🎶 More than an Eddie clone — While you’ll hear unmistakable Van Halen-inspired touches—including tapping and Floyd Rose tremolo work—Deraps brings his own modern sound and songwriting into the spotlight.

🎸 The new Wolfgang Special — The guitar features a basswood body, arched top, quartersawn baked maple neck, Floyd Rose tremolo with EVH D-Tuna technology, and Alnico 2 humbuckers.

💥 Price: $1,499.

What makes Jacob Deraps especially interesting is that he isn’t simply trying to recreate Eddie Van Halen. He’s taking the influence of one of the greatest guitarists ever and using it as a foundation for his own identity and style.

And when it comes to honoring Eddie while still moving forward, that's a pretty impressive combination.

Is Jacob Deraps the closest guitarist you’ve ever heard to Eddie Van Halen? 🎸🔥

Let us know what you think in the comments!

#VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #EVHGear #JacobDeraps

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we pay tribute to Frank Beard, the legendary drummer and longtime backbone of ZZ Top, who has passed away at 77.

🥁 Frank Beard: The Beat Behind ZZ Top

Beard joined ZZ Top in the early 1970s and became an essential part of the band’s signature sound.

His rock-solid Texas shuffle helped drive classics like “La Grange,” “Tush,” and “Cheap Sunglasses.”

He was instrumental in bringing Dusty Hill into the band, completing the classic ZZ Top lineup with Billy Gibbons.

ZZ Top’s breakthrough came with albums like Tres Hombres, Fandango!, and later the massive Eliminator.

Beard remained behind the kit through more than five decades of recording, touring, and rock ’n’ roll history.

ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

After Dusty Hill’s passing in 2021, Beard and Billy Gibbons continued carrying the ZZ Top legacy forward.

Frank Beard may not have had the famous beard—but his drumming was every bit as recognizable as the band’s riffs, guitars, and Texas boogie.

🎸 RIP Frank Beard. Thank you for the groove, the music, and more than 50 years of ZZ Top history.

#ZZTop #FrankBeard #RockMusic #TalkingGuitars

Ritchie Blackmore’s Emotional Deep Purple Reunion: “Smoke on the Water” Brings It All Back!

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into an incredible rock history moment: Ritchie Blackmore’s emotional reunion with Deep Purple! 🎸🔥

After more than 33 years, Blackmore stepped back onstage with his former bandmates to perform the legendary “Smoke on the Water” at Jones Beach near New York.

🎸 Why This Reunion Was So Special:

Ritchie Blackmore hadn’t performed with Deep Purple since 1993!

Blackmore says the idea was his, because he wanted to show fans that there were no hard feelings.

He told Guitar Player that he felt it could be the last time the band members might see each other.

His wife, Candice Night, helped connect him with Ian Gillan, who reportedly responded, “It made me smile.”

Blackmore returned to the stage with Ian Gillan, Roger Glover and Ian Paice.

He brought out a Stratocaster he had used in the 1980s and played through a 50-watt amp.

Blackmore admitted he hadn’t properly played a Strat in about 30 years!

He kept his playing simple, letting Simon McBride handle much of the main riff before Blackmore stepped in for his own fills and solo.

Blackmore described the moment as incredibly emotional, comparing it to old soldiers from the same army getting back together.

🤘 And Then There Was That Moment…

During the performance, Gillan put his hand on Blackmore’s shoulder while singing, and later Blackmore grabbed Gillan’s wrist and placed his hand on the guitar.

Afterward, Gillan welcomed Blackmore back, calling him “the founding member, the great legend, the immortal Ritchie Blackmore.”

That’s rock history.

From the classic Mark II lineup to decades of separation, clashes, reunions and everything in between, seeing Blackmore and Deep Purple sharing the stage again was something nobody knew if they would ever witness.

Was this the greatest Deep Purple reunion moment in decades? Would you like to see Ritchie Blackmore perform with Deep Purple again? Let us know in the comments!

🎸 Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV — guitars, rock history, gear, interviews and the stories behind the music!

#RitchieBlackmore #DeepPurple #SmokeOnTheWater #GuitarNews

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking guitar strings, legendary guitars, and one very cool piece of Night Ranger history!

🎸 Guitar Center’s Top 5 Best-Selling Electric Guitar Strings

Guitar Center analyzed sales data from more than 300 stores across the U.S., along with its online business, to reveal the electric guitar strings players are buying the most.

🥇 Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 10–46 — The longtime industry standard takes the top spot.

🥈 GHS GBL Boomers Light 10–46 — A surprising second-place finish with their bright, snappy tone and pronounced attack.

🥉 D’Addario NYXL Light 10–46 — The premium NYXL set beats D’Addario’s more affordable EXL series.

4️⃣ DR Strings PHR10 Pure Blues Medium — A wildcard pick featuring a vintage-style round core for a warm, punchy tone.

5️⃣ Elixir NANOWEB Light — The only coated strings in the top five, offering longer life while maintaining a traditional feel.

And there’s one interesting thing they all have in common: 10–46 gauge.

Ernie Ball may still be king, but the GHS Boomers taking the silver medal is definitely one of the biggest surprises on the list!

Then, we take a trip back to 1989 and the famous Guitar World cover featuring Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis and his custom 1985 Hamer S-style.

Gillis was famously devoted to his 1962 Fender Stratocaster, “Bubba,” so it took a special guitar to get him to put it down. Paul Hamer built the custom Hamer for Gillis, and it featured similarities to Bubba, including PJ Marx pickups and a wireless switching system developed by Gillis’ brother.

So why did Brad choose the Hamer for that famous Guitar World cover?

His answer says it all:

“I was just stroking Hamer, to be honest!” 😂

We also look at the interesting story behind the guitar, the magazine’s original identification mistake, Gillis’ Hamer Scepter, and what eventually happened to the famous 1985 Hamer.

What strings are YOU putting on your guitar—and which guitar would you rather own: Brad Gillis’ Hamer or “Bubba”?

#GuitarStrings #GuitarCenter #ElectricGuitar #TalkingGuitars