Steve Stevens

Name: Steven Schneider
Born: 5th May, 1959 (Brooklyn, New York, USA)

Profile: He is an American guitarist and songwriter. He is best known for playing for other artists, most notably Billy Idol, Michael Jackson, and Vince Neil and less known for his critically acclaimed solo efforts in 'Atomic Playboys' and 'Flamenco A Go-Go', and as an in-demand session guitarist.

History: Steve attended New York City's prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts as a music major, studying the guitar, and graduating in 1977.

In 1979, Steve played in a band called "One Hand Clap" with lead singer Ray Melnik. They played Long Island clubs almost six nights a week for about a year. Steve and Ray eventually moved on to join the "Fine Malibus" in New York City. They caught the attention of Jimmy Miller (producer) and he arranged for them to record an album at Compass Point Studios, in Bahamas.

They spent 2 months there in 1981 and even played a local club at night. At Compass Point Studios is where Steve met singer Robert Palmer. Steve moved on when manager of Fine Malibus (Ric Aliberte) introduced him to Billy Idol, and made an agreement with Idol to signed Steve into his band.

His hit-making collaboration with Billy Idol began when Idol moved from the UK to the US. Stevens co-wrote and played on the albums 'Don't Stop' EP, 'Billy Idol' (1982), 'Rebel Yell' (1984), 'Whiplash Smile' (1986), and the remix collection 'Vital Idol' (1985). In 1987, Michael Jackson hired Stevens to back him on the 'Dirty Diana' track.

Following his departure from Billy Idol's band, Steve pursued a solo career, releasing his first album 'Atomic Playboys' in 1989 and receiving good comments from the critics and a moderate commercial response, then followed by his second solo album, 'Flamenco A Go-Go', in his home studio entirely by himself. This effort stemmed from the inspiration he received after attending a concert by Flamenco virtuoso Paco de Lucía.

In 1987, Steve along with Harold Faltermeyer won a Grammy for his performance on the Top Gun soundtrack and has worked with a host of other artists such as Thompson Twins, Joni Mitchell, Peter Criss, Steve Lukather, Ric Ocasek, Ben Watkins (Juno Reactor), Greg Bissonette, Pink, Jill Jones, Robert Palmer, Jizzy Pearl, Terry Bozzio and Tony Levin.

In 1999, after an extended hiatus, Steve and singer Billy Idol reunited for a series of tours across the USA and Australia. This era included a recording captured for the VH1 show Storytellers, which was subsequently released on CD and DVD. Such was the success of this renewed collaboration, in 2005, along with producer Keith Forsey, the duo released Billy Idol's 'Devil's Playground' album.

Steve has an additional following in Japan tied to his appearances with Japanese rock singer Kyosuke Himuro. Steve was first involved with Himuro's big hit single 'Native Stranger' in 1996, and appeared in this song's music video. Steve participated in Himuro's album 'I・DE・A' in 1997 as a guitarist, songwriter and arranger.

Influences: Paco de Lucía

Axology: Gibson Les Paul guitars and Hamer guitars

Signature song(s): Feminova - Steve Stevens (Flamenco a Go-Go, 2000)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqGB4nQIAcQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPwf6g3HK9Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFdPGD-enZo&feature=related

Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe/Sixx: A.M.)

Name: Frank Carlton Ferrana, Jr.
Born: 11th December, 1958 (San Jose, California, USA)

Profile: He is an American bassist, author, fashion designer, photographer and the main songwriter for the band "Mötley Crüe". He has also played bass for glam metal bands; "London", the experimental band "58", the hard rock band "Brides of Destruction" and more recently, "Sixx:A.M."

History: Since a teenager who lived with his grandparents, Ferrana was always into trouble. His grandparents sent him to live with his mother, who had moved to Seattle. He lived there for a short time, and learned how to play the bass guitar, having bought his first instrument with money earned from selling a prior guitar he had stolen. At the age of 17, he struck out on his own, moving to LA selling vacuums over the phone while he auditioned for bands.

During this period of time, he changed his name, basing it on the stage name of a Riverside, musician Jeff Nicholson, called Niki Syxx. He unsuccessfully auditioned for "Quiet Riot" and "Sister" before joining "London", a local glam outfit whose lineup saw numerous changes. Sixx soon left the band.

In 1981, Sixx founded "Mötley Crüe" with drummer Tommy Lee, later being joined by Mick Mars and Vince Neil. The band decided to self-record their debut album, 'Too Fast for Love', which was subsequently released in November 1981 on the band's own record label. After signing with Elektra Records they re-released the album. The band then went on to record a new album, 'Shout at the Devil', and raising the band to national fame.

In 1989, Sixx was a featured guest artist on the album 'Fire and Gasoline' by Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), and co-wrote and performed on the song, 'We're No Saints'. In 1991, Sixx played bass on 'Feed My Frankenstein' on Alice Cooper's 'Hey Stoopid' album. Besides his "Mötley Crüe" duties, Sixx also had a side project dubbed "58", issuing their debut album in 2000, 'Diet for a New America'. Sixx also formed a band called "Brides of Destruction" with Tracii Guns (LA Guns). After one album, the band broke up due to extremely poor album sales and the inability to get any radio airplay.

Sixx wrote most of "Mötley Crüe's" material, including tracks such as 'Live Wire', 'Home Sweet Home', 'Girls, Girls, Girls', 'Kickstart My Heart' and 'Dr. Feelgood'. In 2006, "Mötley Crüe" completed a reunion tour featuring all four original members and embarked on a co-headlining tour with "Aerosmith", and in 2008, "Mötley Crüe" released their ninth studio album, 'Saints of Los Angeles', with Sixx credited as either writer or co-writer on all tracks.

Sixx also worked on a soundtrack to be released with the book called The Heroin Diaries. The soundtrack was recorded by his new band, "Sixx: A.M". The entire album was written and produced by Sixx. The album was released in 2007, and the book was released a month later. The single 'Life is Beautiful' went to #1.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Thunderbird, Gibson Blackbird, Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird, BC Rich Mockingbird & Warlock basses, Hamer made Thunderbird style basses, Ernie Ball Music Man 5-string bass, Fender Precision Bass, Squier Precision Bass, Fender Bassman and Ampeg amplifiers

Signature song(s): Kickstart My Heart - Mötley Crüe (Dr. Feelgood, 1989) and Life is Beautiful - Sixx: A.M. (The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, 2007)

Link(s):

http://www.nikkisixx.net/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrMVYukSIU0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffWs2OU2yeg

Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe)

Name: Robert Alan Deal
Born: 4th May, 1951 (Terre Haute, Indiana, USA)

Profile: He is the lead guitarist and songwriter for American hard rock band "Mötley Crüe". In his career with "Mötley Crüe", Mars has created the aura of being a somewhat mysterious figure, letting the other members of the band speak for him in public and in print, despite being the eldest and most articulate member of the band. In what public interviews he has conducted, Mars often comes off as a very reserved and somewhat quiet individual.

History: After his family relocated from Indiana to California, Deal dropped out of high school and began playing guitar in a series of unsuccessful blues based rock bands throughout the 70's. After nearly a decade of frustration with the California music scene, Deal reinvented himself, changing his stage name to Mick Mars and dyeing his hair jet black, hoping for a fresh start.

In 1981, he put in a want ad in the LA newspaper 'The Recycler', describing himself as 'a loud, rude, and aggressive guitar player'. Bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee contacted him and after hearing him play decided he would be their guitarist. Upon Lee's prodding, they persuaded a former high school friend of Lee's and local rock & roll singer Vince Neil to join. It was Mars' suggestion that the band be called "Mötley Crüe", a name that had stuck in his head from his days as a member of a band called "White Horse".

Unlike many of the hard rock/heavy metal guitarists of his era, Mars' guitar style is steeped in the blues tradition. He employs frequent use of a metal slide in his soloing and takes on both the rhythm and lead guitar duties of the band. In the studio and live, Mars frequently tunes his guitar down a whole step to get a stronger and crunchier rhythm sound. The altered tuning also increases string slack to enable his characteristic hammer-on trills, pitch bending, and pinch harmonics during soloing. Mars also introduced the pedal steel guitar to many of "Mötley Crüe's" later recordings and live sets, and also taken a critical role in songwriting for the band, coming up with many of "Mötley Crüe's" best known riffs.

Recently, he contributed his songwriting skills to John LeCompt (Evanescence), "Machina" and to the Swedish band "CRASHDÏET". Mars also played lead guitar for "Hinder's" 2008 album 'Take It to the Limit' and "Papa Roach's" 2009 album 'Metamorphosis'. Currently, Mars is on tour with the three other original members of "Mötley Crüe", supporting their newest album, 'Saints of Los Angeles', which has revived a strong public interest in the band more than 25 years after its formation.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Les Paul customs guitars, BC Rich Warlock guitar, Hamer Blitz guitar, Gibson Flying V, Guild Flying Star, Kramer guitars, Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters and Marshall amplifiers

Signature song(s): Too Young To Fall in Love - Mötley Crüe (Shout at the Devil, 1983)

Link(s):

http://www.mickmars.tv/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfU502fvO2Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNMuzKc_0Mg

David Ellefson (Megadeth/F5/HAIL!)

Name: David Warren Ellefson
Born: 12th November, 1964 (Jackson, Minnesota, USA)

Profile: He is a bassist who is best known as one of the founding members of American thrash metal band "Megadeth". He also has various side projects which include "Temple of Brutality", "F5" and "Killing Machine".

History: He began music at a very young age on keyboards, picked up with tenor saxophone in 5th grade and started to play bass at 11 because of its presence in heavy rock music. He then became an accomplished rhythm guitarist and honed his songwriting skills while leading several of his own bands through the club scene of North America's Midwest region.

In 1983, Ellefson and Dave Mustaine (guitarist/vocalist) formed "Megadeth" after Mustaine left "Metallica". Ellefson's original playing style involved using his fingers, however, as "Megadeth" progressed and the music became more complex, he tended to prefer playing with a pick.

Ellefson formed "F5" following "Megadeth" disbandment in 2002. Their first album, 'A Drug for all Seasons' was released in 2005. "F5" appeared in support for "Disturbed" and toured the American Mid-West in the summer of 2006. He also appeared on "Killing Machine" record 'Metalmorphosis'. Currently, he is a member of the melodic power metal band "Avian", and works for Peavey Electronics Corporation as an artist relations representative.

Recently, he worked with underground Record producer Necro for his album entitled 'Death Rap' and a member of a tribute band called "HAIL!" which he formed in 2008. The band, as of April 2009, is touring Europe. In 2010, Ellefson rejoined "Megadeth" after 8 years.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: BC Rich Mockingbird, Jackson Concert 5-string basses, Modulus Quantum, Fender Precision Basses, an Epiphone El Capitan 5-string acoustic bass, an Ovation 4-string, a Hamer Chaparral 12-string bass, Peavey, Hartke and Peavey ampilifiers

Signature song(s): Reckoning Day - Megadeth (Youthanasia, 1994) and Train of Consequences - Megadeth (Train of Consequences, 1994)

Link(s):

http://www.davidellefson.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_s1uc6dV7A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLfW7BlXux0

Ian Antono (God Bless/Gong 2000)

Name: Jusuf Antono Djojo
Born: 29th October, 1950 (Malang, Indonesia)

Profile: He is an Indonesian guitarist and songwriter, best known as "God Bless" lead guitarist since 1974,and "Gong 2000" in 1991 - 1996. Ian also recognized as one of the very first rock guitarists in Indonesia.

History: Originally, Ian was interested in playing drums, where he began to learn since his earlier years. However, when he started to listen to "The Shadows" music, he changed his mind and began to learn guitar.

In 1970, Ian Antono went to Jakarta and joined a band called "Bentoel" which was a session band for famous singer Emilia Contessa and "Trio The King". Later, his popularity increased while he gained many experiences - which made him join the legendary Indonesian Rock band "God Bless".

By joining "God Bless", Ian had started his first professional music career with Achmad Albar (vocalist), and released 'Huma Di Atas Bukit' in 1975, 'Cermin' in 1980 and 'Semut Hitam' in 1989. With these albums, Ian's popularity jumped through the roof due of rock music at that time had not become an atmosphere in Indonesian music scene. So while "God Bless" pioneered rock music in Indonesia, Ian Antono lead the way into a new rock guitarist world.

In 1989, Ian decided to form a band called "Gong 2000" with vocalist Achmad Albar and released three more albums, 'Timur' in 1991, 'Laskar' in 1994 and 'Prahara' in 1996. His style of playing in "Gong 2000" was different compared to when he was with "God Bless". With this new band, Ian tried to include Balinese music into most of his songs. This was followed by including at least 20 Balinese dancers in his performances.

In 1997, he work together with his former bandmates "God Bless" adding a well-known local guitarist, Eet Sjahranie. This concept of duo guitarists grabbed media and listeners attention although the album 'Apa Kabar?' was not a commercial success.

Other than becoming a lead guitaris, he also written songs for numerous other singers. Some of them are notable Indonesian artistes, such as Iwan Fals, Anggun, Nicky Astria, Doel Sumbang, Gito Rollies, and Ikang Fawzi. Moreover, many songs that he has arranged for other musicians have become some of the most popular songs of their time, like 'Zakia' and 'Panggung Sandiwara'.

In 1999, Ian Antono was invited in a Formula-1 event, which was also a collaboration with G3 (Joe Satriani and Steve Vai) and rock legends, "Jethro Tull". It was at this time, Ian studied most of Vai's equipments which he will not gain in Indonesia. Apparently, because of this reason, Ian has owned an Ibanez JEM77, a Steve Vai signature series.

Influences: The Shadows

Axology: Hamer, Kramer, Fender Stratocaster, Ibanez JEM 77, Washburn N-4, Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Ovation Elite, Gibson Chat Atkins signature series, Martin CMF, Martin EST 12 strings and Seagull, Marshall JCM 900 and Mesa Boogie Strategy 400 amplifiers.

Signature song(s): Rumah Kita - Indonesian Voices and Panggung Sandiwara - Nike Ardilla

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6I75d1HxiY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBf7WBShXRE

Gary Moore

Name: Robert William Gary Moore
Born: 4th April, 1952 (Belfast, Northern Ireland)

Profile: He is a Northern Irish guitarist and singer. In a career dating back to the 1960s, Moore has played with artists including Thin Lizzy, B.B. King, Colosseum II, Greg Lake and the blues-rock band Skid Row (not the glam metal band), as well as having a successful solo career.

History: He started performing at a young age, having picked up a battered acoustic guitar at the age of 8. Moore got his first quality guitar at the age of 14, learning to play the right-handed instrument in the standard way despite being left-handed, he was turned on to rock and roll first through hearing Elvis Presley, and then via "The Beatles". Seeing the likes of Jimi Hendrix and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers in his hometown in the mid 60's opened up to him the rich world of The Blues.

In 1969, Moore joined the group "Skid Row". It was with this group that Moore earned a reputation in the music industry, and his association with Phil Lynott began. In 1973, Moore released his first solo album "Grinding Stone" and was billed as the Gary Moore Band. In 1978 his solo career continued with the help from Phil Lynott.

In 1987, Moore collaborated on the UK charity record "Let It Be", a cover of "The Beatles" track. Moore performed a guitar solo for inclusion on the recording. The record raised substantial funds for the survivors of the MS Herald of Free Enterprise disaster.

After a series of rock records, Moore returned to blues music with "Still Got the Blues" album, with contributions from Albert King, Albert Collins and George Harrison (The Beatles). The album was well received by fans and a huge success. In 2004, he released "Power of the Blues" album, following "Old New Ballads Blues" in 2006, "Close As You Get" in 2007 and his most recent album "Bad For You Baby" in 2008.

Moore has remained relatively unknown in the US, although his work has "brought substantial acclaim and commercial success in most other parts of the world – especially in Europe".

Influences: Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac) and The Beatles.

Axology: 1959 Gibson Les Paul Sunburst, 50's Gibson Les Paul Junior, Charvel, Fender, Ibanez, Hamer, Jackson, Heritage, PRS and Marshall amplifiers.

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O_YMLDvvnw

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=D3-TgDjcBL0&feature=related

Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)

Name: Richard Stephen Sambora
Born: 11th July, 1959 (Perth Amboy, New Jersey)

Profile: He is an American rock guitarist, producer, musician, singer and songwriter who is the longtime lead guitarist of the popular rock band "Bon Jovi". He is also a solo artist.

History: He began playing guitar at the age of 12 following the death of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix in 1970. From his early days Richie was strongly influenced by blues and 60's rock 'n' roll, and he even auditioned for "Kiss". He was a guitarist for the band called "Message" before joining "Bon Jovi".

In the 80's Richie went to a show and after being impressed by Jon Bon Jovi, approached him (Richie) and informed that they should work together. They immediately hit it off as friends, and Richie was invited to a rehearsal. By the time Jon arrived, the band was sounding better than ever and Richie was hired on the spot. He has occasionally taken over as lead vocalist on some "Bon Jovi" songs, most notably "I'll Be There for You" and "These Days" when played live.

His first solo outing was Stranger in This Town in 1991 (a blues-influenced album), Eric Clapton even played the lead guitar track on the song "Mr. Bluesman", backed by Richie on acoustic guitars. "Undiscovered Soul" was Richie's second solo album, released in 1998.

Influences: Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry and "The Answer".

Axology: Fender HSS Stratocaster, Fender Black Paisley Stratocaster, Kramer guitars, Jackson guitars, Hamer guitars, Martin acoustic guitars, LTD SA-2 Richie Sambora and Marshall JCM800 2203 amplifiers.

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCQt7FQWFSo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUV8NZ3FliE