Phil has it licked with show on guitar greats
The story of Guitar Heroes comes to Falkirk Town Hall in February.
Guitar techniques examined during the show include Eddie Cochran, Hank Marvin, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Jimmy Page, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.
It will be presented by virtuoso Phil Walker and his band. Phil uses more than 30 guitars to recreate and accurately reproduce the sound of different guitar heroes.
The show also features video footage of great moments in rock with state-ofthe-art lighting.
Phil, who started playing guitar aged six, said: “We have amazing technology available to us today, and alongside some original guitars, it’s possible to create very authentic sounds from times gone by.
“So there are some songs where I use very specialist guitars and other where I use effects to create original sounds – for example using delay to capture the sounds of The Shadows – or a particular technique such as the vibrato arm or harmonics.
“I even use a sixpence as a pick for the Brian May/Queen section, which is what he does. It’s surprising as it makes a real difference to the sound, though it took a while to get used to and even now I have to really be aware of the change between using that and then going back to a normal pick.
“We also look at a range of guitarists, so it’s not just the rock genre, but we include people like Tommy Emmanuel, Albert Lee and perhaps people who are less mainstream, but are equally awesome in their talent and contribution to music.”
Phil’s band comprises guitarists Toby James and Lee Williams as well as drummer Allan Varnfield. Now in its fifth year, The Story of Guitar Heroes has become popular not only with many guitar players and musicians, but with people of all ages.
Phil explained that the idea came to him after he got home from a gig late one night and watched a BBC show called Guitar Heroes to unwind.
He explained: “It got me thinking how amazing it would be to see all these people live in concert – which obviously isn’t possible as many are no longer with us. I was thinking wouldn’t it be great to capture the sound and ambiance of these guitar heroes in one live show.
“Over the years I’ve accumulated a vast guitar collection. It seemed this little nugget of a concept was a great chance, or excuse, to put them all on stage and to play each one in the way they were meant to be seen.
“I wanted it to be a show with something for everyone, but also to really pay tribute to the journey that the guitar has taken.”
Among the guitars used in the show is an old white Fender Stratocaster which Phil has had since he was eleven years old.
The show comes to Falkirk Town Hall on Sunday, February 10 at 7.30pm. Tickets £22/£20.