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Artists: December 2006 Archives
Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of the best bass players in rock. Voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" five times by Guitar Player magazine (which places him alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van Halen), Sheehan has topped Japan’s Player Magazine’s reader’s poll an unprecedented 14 times.
Sheehan began his career in the ’80s with the prog metal band Talas and went on to unlikely commercial success with Mr. Big and the hit ballad, “To Be With You.” While Mr. Big was categorized as melodic hard rock, they were primarily technical shredders, featuring virtuoso Paul Gilbert on guitar.
By applying the two-handed tapping technique and chording to shape his trademark precision and mercurial speed, Sheehan reinvented the bass the way Eddie Van Halen reinvented the guitar. Further mind-boggling, his jazz-rock fusion band Niacin demonstrates what he can do at half the speed of light.
Billy’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-810E
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Van Halen holds the record for the most #1 hits on Billboard’s mainstream Rock list. The band’s 1978 self-titled debut — universally considered one of hard rock’s greatest albums — has a legacy that puts them in the larger list of Top Selling Artists of all time, and as one of seven rock groups that have had two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the US.
When one thinks of VH, it’s usually Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar innovation or ongoing singer drama. But Michael Anthony's bass playing on hard rock standards such as “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “And The Cradle Will Rock,” “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” and in particular, the air-raid intro/apocalyptic bass crunch of “Runnin’ With The Devil” indicate just how crucial Anthony’s bass heft and characteristic background vocals are to Van Halen’s overall sound. Michael Anthony now plays with Sammy Hagar.
Michael Anthony’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Since their debut in 1973, Aerosmith’s innovative mating of hard rock fused with gritty rhythm and blues has earned them twenty-one Top 40 hits (nine of which made it to number one), four Grammys and 140 million albums sold worldwide. No small wonder they’re called “America’s greatest rock and roll band.” From Motley Crüe to Guns ‘N Roses, countless bands have followed the Aerosmith template of sharpened Stones-styled riffing over timeless hip-shake rhythms.
Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer comprise the best bass and drums team in rock and roll. Hamilton’s underrated but never overstated bass lines drive Aero-classics such as the R&B kick of “Walk This Way,” “Dream On” (rock’s ultimate ballad), and the classic pulsing bass intro of “Sweet Emotion.” His deceptively effective structuring lends concrete sturdiness to Aerosmith’s wide range of blues-infused, kick ass rock ’n’ roll.
Tom Hamilton’s current rig: SVT-6PRO, SVT-5PRO, BXT410HL4, SVT-DI
Besides being the most recognizable band in the world (if not the most marketed), Kiss — dressed in Kabuki greasepaint and comic book leather costumes — has earned more gold records (29 and counting) in their 30+ year career than any American rock band in history.
Hundreds of thousands of musicians claim Kiss inspired them to pick up the guitar and form bands; their impact is that incalculable. This became the basis for a famous San Francisco magazine article in the ’90s that sought to examine who had more cultural influence: Bob Dylan or Kiss.
Beneath the seven-inch dragon boots, blood-spitting and fire-breathing, Gene Simmons is an accomplished bassist. Anthemic hard rock about rock ’n’ rolling all night and partying every day aside, Gene’s constantly rhythmic bass rumble and trademark slide accents beneath Paul Stanley’s stripped riffing gives Kiss a larger-than-life sound that matches their larger-than-life look.
Gene Simmons’ current rig: SVT-CL, SVT-810E
From their iconic logo and thundering rhythm section, to Angus Young’s high-voltage guitar and Brian Johnson’s endearing metal shriek, AC/DC is synonymous with hard rock, and in 2003 were rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
AC/DC hold the distinction of having the biggest selling rock album of all time (Back In Black) with 42 million copies sold worldwide. With over 150 million in total catalog album sales, AC/DC is one of the most successful rock groups ever.
Strip away the slash ’n’ burn riffing and full throttle vocals and you’ll find bassist Cliff Williams, part of a bass/drum tag team that pounds out AC/DC’s emblematic grooves. You won’t find Williams (who joined the band in 1978) playing fancy fills, but his proprietary tone and rock steady meter are central to the band’s instantly recognizable crunch.
Cliff Williams’ current rig: SVT-810AV, SVT-810E
For nearly 40 years Yes have been one of most renowned progressive rock groups in the world, having built an international following around transcendent melodies and intricately layered arrangements. Yes pioneered the use of synthesizers and was one of the first to incorporate classical music principles into its stylistic, sci-fi hybrid of sounds and effects.
Chris Squire, founding member and bassist, is instrumental in anchoring Yes’ sweeping artistry, maneuvering the band’s multifaceted chord and time signatures with master craftsman ease; his signature riff on the FM radio staple “Roundabout” is one of rock’s most distinctive bass lines.
Yes’ musical zenith culminated with the 1973 release of Close To the Edge, and an eventual two-disc set containing only four songs (at 20 minutes each) called Tales From the Topographic Ocean. The title track is a benchmark for Squire’s brilliant and melodic bass improvisation.
Chris Squire’s current rig: SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Bassist Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups is pictured above rockin' out at the Capitol Hill Block Party in July 2006, playing through an Ampeg SVT810AV and a SVTCL head.
The band recently toured with Australian rockers Wolfmother and will open for Snow Patrol on their 2007 Spring tour. In 2006, Silversun Pickups toured the States back and forth so many times, the band lost track of exactly where they played. This is one of the best live bands I've seen perform in a long time. If they come your way you gotta get out and see them!
Heading up the band is is Brian Aubert on guitar and vocals, Nikki on bass, Christopher Guanlao on drums and Joe Lester on keyboards. This L.A. band got their start playing clubs in SoCal and began to draw a strong following with the release of their Pikul EP in July of 2005. The amazing full length album Carnavas was released in July of 2006.
Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of the best bass players in rock. Voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" five times by Guitar Player magazine (which places him alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van Halen), Sheehan has topped Japan’s Player Magazine’s reader’s poll an unprecedented 14 times.
Sheehan began his career in the ’80s with the prog metal band Talas and went on to unlikely commercial success with Mr. Big and the hit ballad, “To Be With You.” While Mr. Big was categorized as melodic hard rock, they were primarily technical shredders, featuring virtuoso Paul Gilbert on guitar.
By applying the two-handed tapping technique and chording to shape his trademark precision and mercurial speed, Sheehan reinvented the bass the way Eddie Van Halen reinvented the guitar. Further mind-boggling, his jazz-rock fusion band Niacin demonstrates what he can do at half the speed of light.
Billy’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-810E
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Van Halen holds the record for the most #1 hits on Billboard’s mainstream Rock list. The band’s 1978 self-titled debut — universally considered one of hard rock’s greatest albums — has a legacy that puts them in the larger list of Top Selling Artists of all time, and as one of seven rock groups that have had two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the US.
When one thinks of VH, it’s usually Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar innovation or ongoing singer drama. But Michael Anthony's bass playing on hard rock standards such as “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “And The Cradle Will Rock,” “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” and in particular, the air-raid intro/apocalyptic bass crunch of “Runnin’ With The Devil” indicate just how crucial Anthony’s bass heft and characteristic background vocals are to Van Halen’s overall sound. Michael Anthony now plays with Sammy Hagar.
Michael Anthony’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Since their debut in 1973, Aerosmith’s innovative mating of hard rock fused with gritty rhythm and blues has earned them twenty-one Top 40 hits (nine of which made it to number one), four Grammys and 140 million albums sold worldwide. No small wonder they’re called “America’s greatest rock and roll band.” From Motley Crüe to Guns ‘N Roses, countless bands have followed the Aerosmith template of sharpened Stones-styled riffing over timeless hip-shake rhythms.
Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer comprise the best bass and drums team in rock and roll. Hamilton’s underrated but never overstated bass lines drive Aero-classics such as the R&B kick of “Walk This Way,” “Dream On” (rock’s ultimate ballad), and the classic pulsing bass intro of “Sweet Emotion.” His deceptively effective structuring lends concrete sturdiness to Aerosmith’s wide range of blues-infused, kick ass rock ’n’ roll.
Tom Hamilton’s current rig: SVT-6PRO, SVT-5PRO, BXT410HL4, SVT-DI
Besides being the most recognizable band in the world (if not the most marketed), Kiss — dressed in Kabuki greasepaint and comic book leather costumes — has earned more gold records (29 and counting) in their 30+ year career than any American rock band in history.
Hundreds of thousands of musicians claim Kiss inspired them to pick up the guitar and form bands; their impact is that incalculable. This became the basis for a famous San Francisco magazine article in the ’90s that sought to examine who had more cultural influence: Bob Dylan or Kiss.
Beneath the seven-inch dragon boots, blood-spitting and fire-breathing, Gene Simmons is an accomplished bassist. Anthemic hard rock about rock ’n’ rolling all night and partying every day aside, Gene’s constantly rhythmic bass rumble and trademark slide accents beneath Paul Stanley’s stripped riffing gives Kiss a larger-than-life sound that matches their larger-than-life look.
Gene Simmons’ current rig: SVT-CL, SVT-810E
From their iconic logo and thundering rhythm section, to Angus Young’s high-voltage guitar and Brian Johnson’s endearing metal shriek, AC/DC is synonymous with hard rock, and in 2003 were rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
AC/DC hold the distinction of having the biggest selling rock album of all time (Back In Black) with 42 million copies sold worldwide. With over 150 million in total catalog album sales, AC/DC is one of the most successful rock groups ever.
Strip away the slash ’n’ burn riffing and full throttle vocals and you’ll find bassist Cliff Williams, part of a bass/drum tag team that pounds out AC/DC’s emblematic grooves. You won’t find Williams (who joined the band in 1978) playing fancy fills, but his proprietary tone and rock steady meter are central to the band’s instantly recognizable crunch.
Cliff Williams’ current rig: SVT-810AV, SVT-810E
For nearly 40 years Yes have been one of most renowned progressive rock groups in the world, having built an international following around transcendent melodies and intricately layered arrangements. Yes pioneered the use of synthesizers and was one of the first to incorporate classical music principles into its stylistic, sci-fi hybrid of sounds and effects.
Chris Squire, founding member and bassist, is instrumental in anchoring Yes’ sweeping artistry, maneuvering the band’s multifaceted chord and time signatures with master craftsman ease; his signature riff on the FM radio staple “Roundabout” is one of rock’s most distinctive bass lines.
Yes’ musical zenith culminated with the 1973 release of Close To the Edge, and an eventual two-disc set containing only four songs (at 20 minutes each) called Tales From the Topographic Ocean. The title track is a benchmark for Squire’s brilliant and melodic bass improvisation.
Chris Squire’s current rig: SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Bassist Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups is pictured above rockin' out at the Capitol Hill Block Party in July 2006, playing through an Ampeg SVT810AV and a SVTCL head.
The band recently toured with Australian rockers Wolfmother and will open for Snow Patrol on their 2007 Spring tour. In 2006, Silversun Pickups toured the States back and forth so many times, the band lost track of exactly where they played. This is one of the best live bands I've seen perform in a long time. If they come your way you gotta get out and see them!
Heading up the band is is Brian Aubert on guitar and vocals, Nikki on bass, Christopher Guanlao on drums and Joe Lester on keyboards. This L.A. band got their start playing clubs in SoCal and began to draw a strong following with the release of their Pikul EP in July of 2005. The amazing full length album Carnavas was released in July of 2006.
Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of the best bass players in rock. Voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" five times by Guitar Player magazine (which places him alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van Halen), Sheehan has topped Japan’s Player Magazine’s reader’s poll an unprecedented 14 times.
Sheehan began his career in the ’80s with the prog metal band Talas and went on to unlikely commercial success with Mr. Big and the hit ballad, “To Be With You.” While Mr. Big was categorized as melodic hard rock, they were primarily technical shredders, featuring virtuoso Paul Gilbert on guitar.
By applying the two-handed tapping technique and chording to shape his trademark precision and mercurial speed, Sheehan reinvented the bass the way Eddie Van Halen reinvented the guitar. Further mind-boggling, his jazz-rock fusion band Niacin demonstrates what he can do at half the speed of light.
Billy’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-810E
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Van Halen holds the record for the most #1 hits on Billboard’s mainstream Rock list. The band’s 1978 self-titled debut — universally considered one of hard rock’s greatest albums — has a legacy that puts them in the larger list of Top Selling Artists of all time, and as one of seven rock groups that have had two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the US.
When one thinks of VH, it’s usually Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar innovation or ongoing singer drama. But Michael Anthony's bass playing on hard rock standards such as “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “And The Cradle Will Rock,” “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” and in particular, the air-raid intro/apocalyptic bass crunch of “Runnin’ With The Devil” indicate just how crucial Anthony’s bass heft and characteristic background vocals are to Van Halen’s overall sound. Michael Anthony now plays with Sammy Hagar.
Michael Anthony’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Since their debut in 1973, Aerosmith’s innovative mating of hard rock fused with gritty rhythm and blues has earned them twenty-one Top 40 hits (nine of which made it to number one), four Grammys and 140 million albums sold worldwide. No small wonder they’re called “America’s greatest rock and roll band.” From Motley Crüe to Guns ‘N Roses, countless bands have followed the Aerosmith template of sharpened Stones-styled riffing over timeless hip-shake rhythms.
Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer comprise the best bass and drums team in rock and roll. Hamilton’s underrated but never overstated bass lines drive Aero-classics such as the R&B kick of “Walk This Way,” “Dream On” (rock’s ultimate ballad), and the classic pulsing bass intro of “Sweet Emotion.” His deceptively effective structuring lends concrete sturdiness to Aerosmith’s wide range of blues-infused, kick ass rock ’n’ roll.
Tom Hamilton’s current rig: SVT-6PRO, SVT-5PRO, BXT410HL4, SVT-DI
Besides being the most recognizable band in the world (if not the most marketed), Kiss — dressed in Kabuki greasepaint and comic book leather costumes — has earned more gold records (29 and counting) in their 30+ year career than any American rock band in history.
Hundreds of thousands of musicians claim Kiss inspired them to pick up the guitar and form bands; their impact is that incalculable. This became the basis for a famous San Francisco magazine article in the ’90s that sought to examine who had more cultural influence: Bob Dylan or Kiss.
Beneath the seven-inch dragon boots, blood-spitting and fire-breathing, Gene Simmons is an accomplished bassist. Anthemic hard rock about rock ’n’ rolling all night and partying every day aside, Gene’s constantly rhythmic bass rumble and trademark slide accents beneath Paul Stanley’s stripped riffing gives Kiss a larger-than-life sound that matches their larger-than-life look.
Gene Simmons’ current rig: SVT-CL, SVT-810E
From their iconic logo and thundering rhythm section, to Angus Young’s high-voltage guitar and Brian Johnson’s endearing metal shriek, AC/DC is synonymous with hard rock, and in 2003 were rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
AC/DC hold the distinction of having the biggest selling rock album of all time (Back In Black) with 42 million copies sold worldwide. With over 150 million in total catalog album sales, AC/DC is one of the most successful rock groups ever.
Strip away the slash ’n’ burn riffing and full throttle vocals and you’ll find bassist Cliff Williams, part of a bass/drum tag team that pounds out AC/DC’s emblematic grooves. You won’t find Williams (who joined the band in 1978) playing fancy fills, but his proprietary tone and rock steady meter are central to the band’s instantly recognizable crunch.
Cliff Williams’ current rig: SVT-810AV, SVT-810E
For nearly 40 years Yes have been one of most renowned progressive rock groups in the world, having built an international following around transcendent melodies and intricately layered arrangements. Yes pioneered the use of synthesizers and was one of the first to incorporate classical music principles into its stylistic, sci-fi hybrid of sounds and effects.
Chris Squire, founding member and bassist, is instrumental in anchoring Yes’ sweeping artistry, maneuvering the band’s multifaceted chord and time signatures with master craftsman ease; his signature riff on the FM radio staple “Roundabout” is one of rock’s most distinctive bass lines.
Yes’ musical zenith culminated with the 1973 release of Close To the Edge, and an eventual two-disc set containing only four songs (at 20 minutes each) called Tales From the Topographic Ocean. The title track is a benchmark for Squire’s brilliant and melodic bass improvisation.
Chris Squire’s current rig: SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Bassist Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups is pictured above rockin' out at the Capitol Hill Block Party in July 2006, playing through an Ampeg SVT810AV and a SVTCL head.
The band recently toured with Australian rockers Wolfmother and will open for Snow Patrol on their 2007 Spring tour. In 2006, Silversun Pickups toured the States back and forth so many times, the band lost track of exactly where they played. This is one of the best live bands I've seen perform in a long time. If they come your way you gotta get out and see them!
Heading up the band is is Brian Aubert on guitar and vocals, Nikki on bass, Christopher Guanlao on drums and Joe Lester on keyboards. This L.A. band got their start playing clubs in SoCal and began to draw a strong following with the release of their Pikul EP in July of 2005. The amazing full length album Carnavas was released in July of 2006.
Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of the best bass players in rock. Voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" five times by Guitar Player magazine (which places him alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van Halen), Sheehan has topped Japan’s Player Magazine’s reader’s poll an unprecedented 14 times.
Sheehan began his career in the ’80s with the prog metal band Talas and went on to unlikely commercial success with Mr. Big and the hit ballad, “To Be With You.” While Mr. Big was categorized as melodic hard rock, they were primarily technical shredders, featuring virtuoso Paul Gilbert on guitar.
By applying the two-handed tapping technique and chording to shape his trademark precision and mercurial speed, Sheehan reinvented the bass the way Eddie Van Halen reinvented the guitar. Further mind-boggling, his jazz-rock fusion band Niacin demonstrates what he can do at half the speed of light.
Billy’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-810E
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Van Halen holds the record for the most #1 hits on Billboard’s mainstream Rock list. The band’s 1978 self-titled debut — universally considered one of hard rock’s greatest albums — has a legacy that puts them in the larger list of Top Selling Artists of all time, and as one of seven rock groups that have had two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the US.
When one thinks of VH, it’s usually Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar innovation or ongoing singer drama. But Michael Anthony's bass playing on hard rock standards such as “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “And The Cradle Will Rock,” “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” and in particular, the air-raid intro/apocalyptic bass crunch of “Runnin’ With The Devil” indicate just how crucial Anthony’s bass heft and characteristic background vocals are to Van Halen’s overall sound. Michael Anthony now plays with Sammy Hagar.
Michael Anthony’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Since their debut in 1973, Aerosmith’s innovative mating of hard rock fused with gritty rhythm and blues has earned them twenty-one Top 40 hits (nine of which made it to number one), four Grammys and 140 million albums sold worldwide. No small wonder they’re called “America’s greatest rock and roll band.” From Motley Crüe to Guns ‘N Roses, countless bands have followed the Aerosmith template of sharpened Stones-styled riffing over timeless hip-shake rhythms.
Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer comprise the best bass and drums team in rock and roll. Hamilton’s underrated but never overstated bass lines drive Aero-classics such as the R&B kick of “Walk This Way,” “Dream On” (rock’s ultimate ballad), and the classic pulsing bass intro of “Sweet Emotion.” His deceptively effective structuring lends concrete sturdiness to Aerosmith’s wide range of blues-infused, kick ass rock ’n’ roll.
Tom Hamilton’s current rig: SVT-6PRO, SVT-5PRO, BXT410HL4, SVT-DI
Besides being the most recognizable band in the world (if not the most marketed), Kiss — dressed in Kabuki greasepaint and comic book leather costumes — has earned more gold records (29 and counting) in their 30+ year career than any American rock band in history.
Hundreds of thousands of musicians claim Kiss inspired them to pick up the guitar and form bands; their impact is that incalculable. This became the basis for a famous San Francisco magazine article in the ’90s that sought to examine who had more cultural influence: Bob Dylan or Kiss.
Beneath the seven-inch dragon boots, blood-spitting and fire-breathing, Gene Simmons is an accomplished bassist. Anthemic hard rock about rock ’n’ rolling all night and partying every day aside, Gene’s constantly rhythmic bass rumble and trademark slide accents beneath Paul Stanley’s stripped riffing gives Kiss a larger-than-life sound that matches their larger-than-life look.
Gene Simmons’ current rig: SVT-CL, SVT-810E
From their iconic logo and thundering rhythm section, to Angus Young’s high-voltage guitar and Brian Johnson’s endearing metal shriek, AC/DC is synonymous with hard rock, and in 2003 were rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
AC/DC hold the distinction of having the biggest selling rock album of all time (Back In Black) with 42 million copies sold worldwide. With over 150 million in total catalog album sales, AC/DC is one of the most successful rock groups ever.
Strip away the slash ’n’ burn riffing and full throttle vocals and you’ll find bassist Cliff Williams, part of a bass/drum tag team that pounds out AC/DC’s emblematic grooves. You won’t find Williams (who joined the band in 1978) playing fancy fills, but his proprietary tone and rock steady meter are central to the band’s instantly recognizable crunch.
Cliff Williams’ current rig: SVT-810AV, SVT-810E
For nearly 40 years Yes have been one of most renowned progressive rock groups in the world, having built an international following around transcendent melodies and intricately layered arrangements. Yes pioneered the use of synthesizers and was one of the first to incorporate classical music principles into its stylistic, sci-fi hybrid of sounds and effects.
Chris Squire, founding member and bassist, is instrumental in anchoring Yes’ sweeping artistry, maneuvering the band’s multifaceted chord and time signatures with master craftsman ease; his signature riff on the FM radio staple “Roundabout” is one of rock’s most distinctive bass lines.
Yes’ musical zenith culminated with the 1973 release of Close To the Edge, and an eventual two-disc set containing only four songs (at 20 minutes each) called Tales From the Topographic Ocean. The title track is a benchmark for Squire’s brilliant and melodic bass improvisation.
Chris Squire’s current rig: SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Bassist Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups is pictured above rockin' out at the Capitol Hill Block Party in July 2006, playing through an Ampeg SVT810AV and a SVTCL head.
The band recently toured with Australian rockers Wolfmother and will open for Snow Patrol on their 2007 Spring tour. In 2006, Silversun Pickups toured the States back and forth so many times, the band lost track of exactly where they played. This is one of the best live bands I've seen perform in a long time. If they come your way you gotta get out and see them!
Heading up the band is is Brian Aubert on guitar and vocals, Nikki on bass, Christopher Guanlao on drums and Joe Lester on keyboards. This L.A. band got their start playing clubs in SoCal and began to draw a strong following with the release of their Pikul EP in July of 2005. The amazing full length album Carnavas was released in July of 2006.
Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of the best bass players in rock. Voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" five times by Guitar Player magazine (which places him alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van Halen), Sheehan has topped Japan’s Player Magazine’s reader’s poll an unprecedented 14 times.
Sheehan began his career in the ’80s with the prog metal band Talas and went on to unlikely commercial success with Mr. Big and the hit ballad, “To Be With You.” While Mr. Big was categorized as melodic hard rock, they were primarily technical shredders, featuring virtuoso Paul Gilbert on guitar.
By applying the two-handed tapping technique and chording to shape his trademark precision and mercurial speed, Sheehan reinvented the bass the way Eddie Van Halen reinvented the guitar. Further mind-boggling, his jazz-rock fusion band Niacin demonstrates what he can do at half the speed of light.
Billy’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-810E
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Van Halen holds the record for the most #1 hits on Billboard’s mainstream Rock list. The band’s 1978 self-titled debut — universally considered one of hard rock’s greatest albums — has a legacy that puts them in the larger list of Top Selling Artists of all time, and as one of seven rock groups that have had two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the US.
When one thinks of VH, it’s usually Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar innovation or ongoing singer drama. But Michael Anthony's bass playing on hard rock standards such as “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “And The Cradle Will Rock,” “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” and in particular, the air-raid intro/apocalyptic bass crunch of “Runnin’ With The Devil” indicate just how crucial Anthony’s bass heft and characteristic background vocals are to Van Halen’s overall sound. Michael Anthony now plays with Sammy Hagar.
Michael Anthony’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Since their debut in 1973, Aerosmith’s innovative mating of hard rock fused with gritty rhythm and blues has earned them twenty-one Top 40 hits (nine of which made it to number one), four Grammys and 140 million albums sold worldwide. No small wonder they’re called “America’s greatest rock and roll band.” From Motley Crüe to Guns ‘N Roses, countless bands have followed the Aerosmith template of sharpened Stones-styled riffing over timeless hip-shake rhythms.
Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer comprise the best bass and drums team in rock and roll. Hamilton’s underrated but never overstated bass lines drive Aero-classics such as the R&B kick of “Walk This Way,” “Dream On” (rock’s ultimate ballad), and the classic pulsing bass intro of “Sweet Emotion.” His deceptively effective structuring lends concrete sturdiness to Aerosmith’s wide range of blues-infused, kick ass rock ’n’ roll.
Tom Hamilton’s current rig: SVT-6PRO, SVT-5PRO, BXT410HL4, SVT-DI
Besides being the most recognizable band in the world (if not the most marketed), Kiss — dressed in Kabuki greasepaint and comic book leather costumes — has earned more gold records (29 and counting) in their 30+ year career than any American rock band in history.
Hundreds of thousands of musicians claim Kiss inspired them to pick up the guitar and form bands; their impact is that incalculable. This became the basis for a famous San Francisco magazine article in the ’90s that sought to examine who had more cultural influence: Bob Dylan or Kiss.
Beneath the seven-inch dragon boots, blood-spitting and fire-breathing, Gene Simmons is an accomplished bassist. Anthemic hard rock about rock ’n’ rolling all night and partying every day aside, Gene’s constantly rhythmic bass rumble and trademark slide accents beneath Paul Stanley’s stripped riffing gives Kiss a larger-than-life sound that matches their larger-than-life look.
Gene Simmons’ current rig: SVT-CL, SVT-810E
From their iconic logo and thundering rhythm section, to Angus Young’s high-voltage guitar and Brian Johnson’s endearing metal shriek, AC/DC is synonymous with hard rock, and in 2003 were rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
AC/DC hold the distinction of having the biggest selling rock album of all time (Back In Black) with 42 million copies sold worldwide. With over 150 million in total catalog album sales, AC/DC is one of the most successful rock groups ever.
Strip away the slash ’n’ burn riffing and full throttle vocals and you’ll find bassist Cliff Williams, part of a bass/drum tag team that pounds out AC/DC’s emblematic grooves. You won’t find Williams (who joined the band in 1978) playing fancy fills, but his proprietary tone and rock steady meter are central to the band’s instantly recognizable crunch.
Cliff Williams’ current rig: SVT-810AV, SVT-810E
For nearly 40 years Yes have been one of most renowned progressive rock groups in the world, having built an international following around transcendent melodies and intricately layered arrangements. Yes pioneered the use of synthesizers and was one of the first to incorporate classical music principles into its stylistic, sci-fi hybrid of sounds and effects.
Chris Squire, founding member and bassist, is instrumental in anchoring Yes’ sweeping artistry, maneuvering the band’s multifaceted chord and time signatures with master craftsman ease; his signature riff on the FM radio staple “Roundabout” is one of rock’s most distinctive bass lines.
Yes’ musical zenith culminated with the 1973 release of Close To the Edge, and an eventual two-disc set containing only four songs (at 20 minutes each) called Tales From the Topographic Ocean. The title track is a benchmark for Squire’s brilliant and melodic bass improvisation.
Chris Squire’s current rig: SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Bassist Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups is pictured above rockin' out at the Capitol Hill Block Party in July 2006, playing through an Ampeg SVT810AV and a SVTCL head.
The band recently toured with Australian rockers Wolfmother and will open for Snow Patrol on their 2007 Spring tour. In 2006, Silversun Pickups toured the States back and forth so many times, the band lost track of exactly where they played. This is one of the best live bands I've seen perform in a long time. If they come your way you gotta get out and see them!
Heading up the band is is Brian Aubert on guitar and vocals, Nikki on bass, Christopher Guanlao on drums and Joe Lester on keyboards. This L.A. band got their start playing clubs in SoCal and began to draw a strong following with the release of their Pikul EP in July of 2005. The amazing full length album Carnavas was released in July of 2006.
Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of the best bass players in rock. Voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" five times by Guitar Player magazine (which places him alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van Halen), Sheehan has topped Japan’s Player Magazine’s reader’s poll an unprecedented 14 times.
Sheehan began his career in the ’80s with the prog metal band Talas and went on to unlikely commercial success with Mr. Big and the hit ballad, “To Be With You.” While Mr. Big was categorized as melodic hard rock, they were primarily technical shredders, featuring virtuoso Paul Gilbert on guitar.
By applying the two-handed tapping technique and chording to shape his trademark precision and mercurial speed, Sheehan reinvented the bass the way Eddie Van Halen reinvented the guitar. Further mind-boggling, his jazz-rock fusion band Niacin demonstrates what he can do at half the speed of light.
Billy’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-810E
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Van Halen holds the record for the most #1 hits on Billboard’s mainstream Rock list. The band’s 1978 self-titled debut — universally considered one of hard rock’s greatest albums — has a legacy that puts them in the larger list of Top Selling Artists of all time, and as one of seven rock groups that have had two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the US.
When one thinks of VH, it’s usually Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar innovation or ongoing singer drama. But Michael Anthony's bass playing on hard rock standards such as “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “And The Cradle Will Rock,” “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” and in particular, the air-raid intro/apocalyptic bass crunch of “Runnin’ With The Devil” indicate just how crucial Anthony’s bass heft and characteristic background vocals are to Van Halen’s overall sound. Michael Anthony now plays with Sammy Hagar.
Michael Anthony’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Since their debut in 1973, Aerosmith’s innovative mating of hard rock fused with gritty rhythm and blues has earned them twenty-one Top 40 hits (nine of which made it to number one), four Grammys and 140 million albums sold worldwide. No small wonder they’re called “America’s greatest rock and roll band.” From Motley Crüe to Guns ‘N Roses, countless bands have followed the Aerosmith template of sharpened Stones-styled riffing over timeless hip-shake rhythms.
Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer comprise the best bass and drums team in rock and roll. Hamilton’s underrated but never overstated bass lines drive Aero-classics such as the R&B kick of “Walk This Way,” “Dream On” (rock’s ultimate ballad), and the classic pulsing bass intro of “Sweet Emotion.” His deceptively effective structuring lends concrete sturdiness to Aerosmith’s wide range of blues-infused, kick ass rock ’n’ roll.
Tom Hamilton’s current rig: SVT-6PRO, SVT-5PRO, BXT410HL4, SVT-DI
Besides being the most recognizable band in the world (if not the most marketed), Kiss — dressed in Kabuki greasepaint and comic book leather costumes — has earned more gold records (29 and counting) in their 30+ year career than any American rock band in history.
Hundreds of thousands of musicians claim Kiss inspired them to pick up the guitar and form bands; their impact is that incalculable. This became the basis for a famous San Francisco magazine article in the ’90s that sought to examine who had more cultural influence: Bob Dylan or Kiss.
Beneath the seven-inch dragon boots, blood-spitting and fire-breathing, Gene Simmons is an accomplished bassist. Anthemic hard rock about rock ’n’ rolling all night and partying every day aside, Gene’s constantly rhythmic bass rumble and trademark slide accents beneath Paul Stanley’s stripped riffing gives Kiss a larger-than-life sound that matches their larger-than-life look.
Gene Simmons’ current rig: SVT-CL, SVT-810E
From their iconic logo and thundering rhythm section, to Angus Young’s high-voltage guitar and Brian Johnson’s endearing metal shriek, AC/DC is synonymous with hard rock, and in 2003 were rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
AC/DC hold the distinction of having the biggest selling rock album of all time (Back In Black) with 42 million copies sold worldwide. With over 150 million in total catalog album sales, AC/DC is one of the most successful rock groups ever.
Strip away the slash ’n’ burn riffing and full throttle vocals and you’ll find bassist Cliff Williams, part of a bass/drum tag team that pounds out AC/DC’s emblematic grooves. You won’t find Williams (who joined the band in 1978) playing fancy fills, but his proprietary tone and rock steady meter are central to the band’s instantly recognizable crunch.
Cliff Williams’ current rig: SVT-810AV, SVT-810E
For nearly 40 years Yes have been one of most renowned progressive rock groups in the world, having built an international following around transcendent melodies and intricately layered arrangements. Yes pioneered the use of synthesizers and was one of the first to incorporate classical music principles into its stylistic, sci-fi hybrid of sounds and effects.
Chris Squire, founding member and bassist, is instrumental in anchoring Yes’ sweeping artistry, maneuvering the band’s multifaceted chord and time signatures with master craftsman ease; his signature riff on the FM radio staple “Roundabout” is one of rock’s most distinctive bass lines.
Yes’ musical zenith culminated with the 1973 release of Close To the Edge, and an eventual two-disc set containing only four songs (at 20 minutes each) called Tales From the Topographic Ocean. The title track is a benchmark for Squire’s brilliant and melodic bass improvisation.
Chris Squire’s current rig: SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Bassist Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups is pictured above rockin' out at the Capitol Hill Block Party in July 2006, playing through an Ampeg SVT810AV and a SVTCL head.
The band recently toured with Australian rockers Wolfmother and will open for Snow Patrol on their 2007 Spring tour. In 2006, Silversun Pickups toured the States back and forth so many times, the band lost track of exactly where they played. This is one of the best live bands I've seen perform in a long time. If they come your way you gotta get out and see them!
Heading up the band is is Brian Aubert on guitar and vocals, Nikki on bass, Christopher Guanlao on drums and Joe Lester on keyboards. This L.A. band got their start playing clubs in SoCal and began to draw a strong following with the release of their Pikul EP in July of 2005. The amazing full length album Carnavas was released in July of 2006.
Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of the best bass players in rock. Voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" five times by Guitar Player magazine (which places him alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van Halen), Sheehan has topped Japan’s Player Magazine’s reader’s poll an unprecedented 14 times.
Sheehan began his career in the ’80s with the prog metal band Talas and went on to unlikely commercial success with Mr. Big and the hit ballad, “To Be With You.” While Mr. Big was categorized as melodic hard rock, they were primarily technical shredders, featuring virtuoso Paul Gilbert on guitar.
By applying the two-handed tapping technique and chording to shape his trademark precision and mercurial speed, Sheehan reinvented the bass the way Eddie Van Halen reinvented the guitar. Further mind-boggling, his jazz-rock fusion band Niacin demonstrates what he can do at half the speed of light.
Billy’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-810E
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Van Halen holds the record for the most #1 hits on Billboard’s mainstream Rock list. The band’s 1978 self-titled debut — universally considered one of hard rock’s greatest albums — has a legacy that puts them in the larger list of Top Selling Artists of all time, and as one of seven rock groups that have had two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the US.
When one thinks of VH, it’s usually Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar innovation or ongoing singer drama. But Michael Anthony's bass playing on hard rock standards such as “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “And The Cradle Will Rock,” “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” and in particular, the air-raid intro/apocalyptic bass crunch of “Runnin’ With The Devil” indicate just how crucial Anthony’s bass heft and characteristic background vocals are to Van Halen’s overall sound. Michael Anthony now plays with Sammy Hagar.
Michael Anthony’s current rig: SVT-4PRO, SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Since their debut in 1973, Aerosmith’s innovative mating of hard rock fused with gritty rhythm and blues has earned them twenty-one Top 40 hits (nine of which made it to number one), four Grammys and 140 million albums sold worldwide. No small wonder they’re called “America’s greatest rock and roll band.” From Motley Crüe to Guns ‘N Roses, countless bands have followed the Aerosmith template of sharpened Stones-styled riffing over timeless hip-shake rhythms.
Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer comprise the best bass and drums team in rock and roll. Hamilton’s underrated but never overstated bass lines drive Aero-classics such as the R&B kick of “Walk This Way,” “Dream On” (rock’s ultimate ballad), and the classic pulsing bass intro of “Sweet Emotion.” His deceptively effective structuring lends concrete sturdiness to Aerosmith’s wide range of blues-infused, kick ass rock ’n’ roll.
Tom Hamilton’s current rig: SVT-6PRO, SVT-5PRO, BXT410HL4, SVT-DI
Besides being the most recognizable band in the world (if not the most marketed), Kiss — dressed in Kabuki greasepaint and comic book leather costumes — has earned more gold records (29 and counting) in their 30+ year career than any American rock band in history.
Hundreds of thousands of musicians claim Kiss inspired them to pick up the guitar and form bands; their impact is that incalculable. This became the basis for a famous San Francisco magazine article in the ’90s that sought to examine who had more cultural influence: Bob Dylan or Kiss.
Beneath the seven-inch dragon boots, blood-spitting and fire-breathing, Gene Simmons is an accomplished bassist. Anthemic hard rock about rock ’n’ rolling all night and partying every day aside, Gene’s constantly rhythmic bass rumble and trademark slide accents beneath Paul Stanley’s stripped riffing gives Kiss a larger-than-life sound that matches their larger-than-life look.
Gene Simmons’ current rig: SVT-CL, SVT-810E
From their iconic logo and thundering rhythm section, to Angus Young’s high-voltage guitar and Brian Johnson’s endearing metal shriek, AC/DC is synonymous with hard rock, and in 2003 were rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
AC/DC hold the distinction of having the biggest selling rock album of all time (Back In Black) with 42 million copies sold worldwide. With over 150 million in total catalog album sales, AC/DC is one of the most successful rock groups ever.
Strip away the slash ’n’ burn riffing and full throttle vocals and you’ll find bassist Cliff Williams, part of a bass/drum tag team that pounds out AC/DC’s emblematic grooves. You won’t find Williams (who joined the band in 1978) playing fancy fills, but his proprietary tone and rock steady meter are central to the band’s instantly recognizable crunch.
Cliff Williams’ current rig: SVT-810AV, SVT-810E
For nearly 40 years Yes have been one of most renowned progressive rock groups in the world, having built an international following around transcendent melodies and intricately layered arrangements. Yes pioneered the use of synthesizers and was one of the first to incorporate classical music principles into its stylistic, sci-fi hybrid of sounds and effects.
Chris Squire, founding member and bassist, is instrumental in anchoring Yes’ sweeping artistry, maneuvering the band’s multifaceted chord and time signatures with master craftsman ease; his signature riff on the FM radio staple “Roundabout” is one of rock’s most distinctive bass lines.
Yes’ musical zenith culminated with the 1973 release of Close To the Edge, and an eventual two-disc set containing only four songs (at 20 minutes each) called Tales From the Topographic Ocean. The title track is a benchmark for Squire’s brilliant and melodic bass improvisation.
Chris Squire’s current rig: SVT-2PRO, SVT-810E
Bassist Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups is pictured above rockin' out at the Capitol Hill Block Party in July 2006, playing through an Ampeg SVT810AV and a SVTCL head.
The band recently toured with Australian rockers Wolfmother and will open for Snow Patrol on their 2007 Spring tour. In 2006, Silversun Pickups toured the States back and forth so many times, the band lost track of exactly where they played. This is one of the best live bands I've seen perform in a long time. If they come your way you gotta get out and see them!
Heading up the band is is Brian Aubert on guitar and vocals, Nikki on bass, Christopher Guanlao on drums and Joe Lester on keyboards. This L.A. band got their start playing clubs in SoCal and began to draw a strong following with the release of their Pikul EP in July of 2005. The amazing full length album Carnavas was released in July of 2006.
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