THE MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW RETURNS!
After drawing over 5,500 guitar lovers and enthusiasts to last year’s exhibit, the Melbourne Guitar Show is returning to the Caulfield Racecourse on August 5th and 6th. This year’s lineup boasts not only an incredible haul of local guitarists (Lloyd Spiegel, Nick Charles and Bob Spencer, amongst many more), but also massive international artists – the UK’s legendary Steve Hackett (Genesis), Canada’s renowned Nick Johnston and UK superstar Alex Hutchings. In addition to some killer performances, the Melbourne Guitar Show will also hold a monster exhibition that will feature a gigantic variety of electric and acoustic guitars, effects pedals, amps and more state of the art guitar technology, both homegrown and from around the world. But don’t take it from us – we caught up with big guns of the show to hear why they’re excited to attend.
NICK JOHNSTON
“After experiencing several different trade shows from around the world, I have a pretty decent idea of what to expect from the Melbourne Guitar Show. However, I’ve heard this show has a different vibe than many of the others. I’m really just excited to check it out for myself. Melbourne is by far one of my favourite cities in the world, and just the fact that this show happens to be taking place there has me really looking forward to it. I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing time!”
BOB SPENCER
“What I’m excited and nervous about is being exposed to far too much gear I don’t need, but which I will nevertheless convince myself that I do in order to become a ‘better’ guitar player. As one does. Other pluses include hanging out with old guitar geek friends, impar ting advice and confusion in my chat on guitar-related stuff, the performance of my Weekend Warriors band, and the jam on Sunday where far too many notes will be tortured.”
LLOYD SPIEGEL
“No matter what country I’m in, at some point somebody will approach me at the gig and tell me about a guitarist they saw who is also from Melbourne. We have a tremendous list of world class guitarists, spanning every genre imaginable. That’s why Melbourne needs an event like this. For me, it’s a chance to see many of those players all at once, catch up, be inspired, hopefully learn a few things and celebrate the connection my favourite city has with my favourite instrument.”
NICK CHARLES
“I’m really looking forward to this year’s Melbourne Guitar Show. There are the usual terrific retail displays with every guitar fanatic’s tastes catered for. Of course, as a performer involved in the acoustic guitar shows, I’m really honoured to host a stellar, super talented and diverse lineup of virtuoso players. Just about every imaginable style will be there in the intimate concert settings, and if last year’s show is anything to go by, there won’t be a disappointed picker in sight. It is wonderful for the guitar and music scene in general to have this unique, focused event. See you there!”
STEVE HACKETT
“I’m chuffed to be playing the Melbourne Guitar Show. I am obsessed with all things guitars, and this is my first time Down Under, so playing my guitar in Australia for Aussies is a major bucket list win! The hot word I hear is that the Melbourne Guitar Show is pretty much one gigantic guitar shop with some pretty tasty vintage guitars about, so I’m definitely interested in checking all of that out for myself.”