Born: 27th January 1957 (Hartlepool, England)
Profile: He is an English musician, best known for his work with "Gillan" and as one of three current guitarists in "Iron Maiden" and a songwriter for the band.
History: Gers started to play guitar after the influence of "Deep Purple's" lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and wanted to start his own band ever since. Though he is left handed, he tried to play guitar right handed as his guitar hero and even played a Fender Strat guitar and used a lot of Pentatonic and Blues scales.
In the late 70's, Gers was the lead guitarist of the band "White Spirit" before joining "Gillan" (early in the 80's), a group formed by former "Deep Purple" vocalist Ian Gillan. After "Gillan" disbanded, he joined "Gogmagog" which included former "Iron Maiden" vocalist Paul Di'Anno and drummer Clive Burr, in 1985 and released an EP 'I Will Be There'. Gers also performed with other artists including former "Marillion" vocalist Fish.
In 1990, he played guitar on the first solo album of "Iron Maiden" vocalist Bruce Dickinson, 'Tattooed Millionaire'. During the recording of the album, he was asked to join "Iron Maiden" in place of departing guitarist Adrian Smith. He has remained with the band ever since, even after Smith rejoined the band in 1999.
Gers' playing style uses heavy distortion and is noted for having a very raw tone. He prefers staccato picking instead of playing legato using hammer-ons and pull-offs.
Influences: Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Jeff Beck and Rory Gallagher
Axology: Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Chet Atkins semi-acoustic model and Marshall 9200 amplifiers
Signature song(s): Holy Smoke - Iron Maiden (No Prayer for the Dying, 1990) and Lord of the Flies - Iron Maiden (The X Factor, 1995)
Link(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxfLW9oN9-k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ2urYZcoyo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZLWZEfd3lU
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