Guitar Playing - The Fret Tapping Technique

The basic technique for fret tapping is relatively easy to develop. Fret tapping is based on the hammering - on and the pulling - off of notes - both techniques have been at the heart of rock and roll guitar music for many years.

Once the basics have been mastered, fret tapping equips a guitarist to play impressively and sound like a professional.

He can use this method of playing in almost any song or instrumental piece and it will sound awesome. He should play it with a very fast tempo which will make the sound crisp and clear.

Hammering on a note means you impact with your left hand finger striking or "hammering" the string and then pushing it down to make contact with the fret. This causes the note to sound.

To execute a pull - off, instead of lifting the finger directly off the string, the finger is moved slightly across the string in a downward direction just before being lifted off the string.

The right hand hammer - on, also causes a note to sound exactly the same way as a right hand hammer - on. Although there are many different approaches, most guitarists using this technique prefer to rest their right hand thumb on the edge of the fretboard to provide a steady anchor for the hand.

As the right hand moves up and down the fretboard to reach different frets, the thumb simply slides along the fretboard.

The right hand pull off technique differs from the left hand version only in that the slight movement of the finger across the string as it is lifted off is in an upwards rather than in a downwards direction.

For other approaches to fret tapping, it is also possible to use the technique in chord playing. This is done by playing two notes on the same string.

First hold down any chord, preferably near the top of the guitar where the nut is when you first try this technique.

The basic idea behind this is to play a right hand hammer - on and pull - off with the right hand finger on each string in turn.

By executing the hammer - on and pull- off twelve frets above the fret for each note of the chord, you will be playing the same notes that are present in the chord, also the notes one octave higher.

If you are playing a G chord and fingering the first string at the third fret and hammering - on and pulling - off at the fifteenth fret the hammer on sound will sound the higher G note and the pull - off will sound the G one octave lower.

Right hand tapping opens a whole new world of playing for the guitarist in that it increases the melodic possibilities of the guitar.

There is fantastic information about these techniques further down if you wish to get serious about your guitar playing, then read on.

Click below now for more great tapping techniques.

guitar fret tapping

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noel_Halpin

Carl Dixon to play UK acoustic shows

Coney Hatch guitarist and co-vocalist Carl Dixon will return to the UK for a brief set of acoustic shows later this month.

The Canadian’s visit includes a return to the scene of his band’s acclaimed 2011 performance at Firefest in Nottingham. This time he’ll perform at the event’s after-party shows at Rock City on October 18 and 19.

After that he’ll appear at the Railway, Bolton on October 20 and London’s 12 Bar Club on October 22.

Dixon says: “I’ll be playing a solid couple of hours’ worth, a mix of old and new Coney stuff, songs from my solo albums and some classic cover songs that I just enjoy singing.”

He’ll be selling copies of Coney Hatch’s most recent album Four, which was recently released via Frontiers Records. Classic Rock called it “a blinding return by the much-missed Canadians”.

The tenth Firefest takes place at Nottingham’s Rock City from October 18 to 20. The headliners are Canada’s Harem Scarem (performing their signature Mood Swings album), Hardline, and a Legends line-up that includes singer Eric Martin of Mr Big.

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Metal On Ice book to become EP and show

Canadian guitarist and author Sean Kelly is gearing up to release an EP inspired by his book Metal On Ice.

The title documents the glories and struggles of Canada’s hard rock and heavy metal heroes in the 80s and early 90s, drawing on interviews with members of the bands that made that chapter of Canada’s music history so memorable for its fans.

Metal On Ice includes interviews with members of Anvil, Voivod, Brighton Rock, Helix, Coney Hatch, Kick Axe, Sven Gali, Slik Toxik and many others.

Kelly, who’s currently playing guitar with pop star Nelly Furtado, has booked studio time to record his own version of some of the songs of bands that inspired them – with the original vocalists appearing on each track.

The Metal On Ice EP will feature Carl Dixon of Coney Hatch, Brian Vollmer of Helix, Lee Aaron, Darby Mills of Headpins, Nick Walsh of Slik Toxik and Russ Dwarf of Killer Dwarfs.

A Pledge campaign is underway to support the recording, and a live tour featuring the guest vocalists alongside a house band is being prepared.

Kelly says: “Great songs are born from great stories, and these classic anthems and tales will take on a whole new life when the Metal On Ice Show brings the Canadian arena rock experience across the country.

“Set in an ‘electric storyteller’ context, the Metal On Ice Show will bring audiences back to a time when the amps were cranked, the beer was cold, and the plan was to have a good time, all the time!”

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Leadon returns to Eagles

Bernie Leadon has returned to the Eagles for what could be their last world tour.

Speculation had been rife that the former guitarist – who quit in 1975 – would take the stage again with his ex-bandmates. He did just that at their first show in Louisville, Kentucky, at the weekend, taking part in a set that featured tracks they hadn’t performed in decades.

And Don Henley says Randy Meisner could have been present as well.

He tells Rolling Stone: “Bernie is definitely on this tour. Randy might have been too, but his current health will not permit. We’re all wishing him well.”

Meisner choked while eating earlier this year, resulting in lost consciousness and long-term damage – although he’s reported to be on the mend.

But there’s no chance of Don Felder returning to the fold in the near future. Henley says: “Since Mr Felder continues to engage in legal action of one kind or another against us, I can’t really say anything further about it.” Felder recently said he held no hard feelings over disagreements from the past.

Henley admits this could be the Eagles’ final road trip. “Covering the entire globe will take us about two years,” he says. “So by the time we get through this tour, it’ll be 2015 and we’ll all be in our late 60s. It’s been an incredible experience – but it may be time to say adios and bow out gracefully.”

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Iommi slates Sabbath ‘cheap thrill’ jibe

Tony Iommi has rejected the suggestion that Black Sabbath’s dark imagery is “disingenuous” and designed to be nothing more than a “cheap thrill” for fans.

And he says his biggest regret about the band’s career is the years they used cocaine, which eventually resulted in the firing of Ozzy Osbourne.

Asked if the band’s Satanic overtones came about, Iommi tells the BBC: “When we did the first album the record company did the cover, and that’s what done it – the inside was an upside-down cross and that’s what started everybody off.”

The guitarist denies the suggestion that the imagery is simply misleading, saying: “We believe in what we did. You can only judge by: we’ve been in it for 45 years. You answer it.”

Sabbath have been linked to murders and suicides by the mainstream press for decades, with bassist Geezer Butler’s lyrics frequently cited as inspiration for criminal acts. But Iommi says: “All I do is create music. I don’t create anything to destroy people or to upset anybody. It’s helped more people.

“The lyrics are what happens in the world. What Geezer would write about is what he’d seen and felt and what we were going through. Geezer said to me he had to write powerful lyrics to go with the powerful lyrics. It was probably my fault then!”

The band last week topped the album charts with 13, their first record with Osbourne since 1978′s Never Say Die. He was fired the following year as a result of his drink and drug issues – and Iommi admits that era is the part he most regrets about his career.

“I can’t change it, but there’s things you could have done in a different way,” he says of the years he spent using cocaine. “If I’d known then what I know now I wouldn’t have dabbled to that extent.

“It did a lot of damage. Initially we thought it was great and it was helping us create. When it came to the point we had to replace Ozzy we were in a bad way.”

Asked how the firing was handled, the cancer survivor recalls how drummer Bill Ward took control of the situation. “The drummer did it; he told him. We were going to tell him all together, but Bill stepped in.

“It was a terrible thing to do – but Ozzy wasn’t into it any more and he was doing too much of everything.”

The full HardTalk show is available to UK users via BBC iPlayer until 1am on Friday.

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Dio Disciples ‘barely squeaking by’

Craig Goldy insists the Dio Disciples project isn’t all about money – and says he can prove it.

The guitarist is part of the tribute act to the late Ronnie James Dio after having been a member of the Dio band for three stints starting with 1987′s Dream Evil era.

Dio Disciples, also featuring Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, Scott Warren, Simon Wright, Bjorn Englen and Oni Logan, were formed in 2011 with the blessing of the ex Black Sabbath singer’s widow Wendy.

Asked what he thinks of fans who disapprove of the project, Goldy tells GuitarWorld: “I understand it. Ronnie was so revered that there are going to be people who are apprehensive of what we’re doing.”


He continues: “It’s really not a for-profit thing. If people think it’s a for-profit thing, I have no problem with them checking my bank account balance. We’re barely squeaking by over our expenses. It’s very expensive to do this kind of thing.

“There is money involved, but money is not the priority. The priority is to make sure Ronnie’s memory is kept alive.”

And Goldy believes the positive intentions shine through. “So many people have come backstage to us and said, ‘That was the greatest experience ever,’” he reflects. “That’s what we say about this. It’s not really a concert, it’s an experience.

“Ronnie and his music were so loved that it became such a huge part of people’s lives. The songs we’re playing have been a huge part of people’s lives for decades. It really means something to them.”

The guitarist feels he learned “so many” lessons through working with Dio, but the most important was: “The music has to feel good. The groove has to be great because a lot of guitar players write for the riff first.

“The way he wrote songs was special too, because he really toiled. The law of hit songwriting is melody first, lyrics second. A lot of people don’t do that – a lot of singers sit around with their notebooks filled with lyrics and they try to cram their lyrics into a song. So the two have already been sitting around collecting dust and they try to call it an original song.

“That’s not the way you do it – you’ve got to start from scratch. It’s hard to tell a story and hit people in the heart with the limited amount of syllables you have in a song. But I watched him do that and I learned from him.”

The Disciples are aiming to record new music at some point in the future, including a track Goldy wrote about his former boss. “I have a song about Ronnie’s passing and how the band feels and how the fans might feel,” he says. “It’s coming out really good. When Wendy heard it she said, ‘Ronnie would be really proud of you.’”

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Jimi Hendrix estate rolls out ‘People, Hell and Angels’ studio album

LOS ANGELES – If there were any doubts about the lingering force of fabled rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix more than four decades after his death, his latest single should put them to rest.

The single “Somewhere” went to No.1 on the Billboard Hot Singles sales in February. That bodes well for the latest posthumous album plucked from the Hendrix musical vaults, which producers say has stood up well to the test of time.

“People, Hell and Angels,” to be released on CD this Tuesday, is billed as a collection of twelve previously unreleased studio performances by Hendrix, although some of the songs have emerged in other versions since his death at age 27 in 1970 from an accidental drug overdose.

The album arrives with the simultaneous release of newly struck mono vinyl editions of early Hendrix classic albums “Are You Experienced” and “Axis: Bold As Love.”

The tracks on “People, Hell and Angels,” were planned as a follow-up to the influential guitarist’s chart-topping 1968 album “Electric Ladyland.”

“After the huge success of the (Jimi Hendrix) Experience and those first albums, he wanted to branch out more, and the blues sound on this is just different from the others,” said Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s step-sister and president and CEO of Experience Hendrix, the company founded by the musician’s father to oversee the star’s estate.

“This new album is very important for all his fans as it really showcases his creativity and a different side to him,” she told Reuters.

Feeling constrained by the limitations of the Jimi Hendrix Experience trio (which included drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding), the guitarist had already started working with an eclectic group of musicians.

They included the Buffalo Springfield’s Stephen Stills, drummer Buddy Miles, saxophonist Lonnie Youngblood and bassist Billy Cox, with whom Hendrix had served in the U.S. military.

The resulting sessions, culled from 1968 and 1969, form the basis of “People, Hell and Angels,” co-produced by Janie Hendrix, original engineer and mixer Eddie Kramer and long-time Hendrix historian John McDermott.

“What we wanted to do with this new album is provide what we all felt are really compelling examples of Jimi’s artistry and also his often-overlooked role as a producer,” said McDermott, a long-time collaborator with Experience Hendrix on various Hendrix projects.

“He saw right away that guys like Buddy Miles and Billy Cox, with whom he later formed Band of Gypsys, brought a new approach and sound to his songs and music. And Jimi was always very free creatively. He wasn’t afraid to serve the song,” McDermott told Reuters.

McDermott cites “Electric Ladyland,” which featured such diverse players as Stevie Winwood, Dave Mason and Chris Wood.

“Working in the studio was a totally different palette for him, compared with playing live,” he said. “He could experiment with extra percussion, an additional guitar, organ – whatever he felt the track needed.”

And while those tracks, which include such titles as “Earth Blues,” “Baby Let Me Move You” and “Izabella,” are now 45 years old, the audio quality is superb, because nothing beats analog tape for enduring sound quality.

“Jimi’s masters were recorded before the era of mass-production that caused the archival nightmares of the Seventies, for example, where tapes lose their glue backing, (so) we’ve never faced that problem with the Jimi Hendrix library. His whole tape archive is in very good shape,” McDermott said.

The new album is the latest in a slew of albums, films, tribute tours and books following Hendrix’s death in 1970 in London. These materials far outnumber the three studio albums he released in his four-year career at the top.

“He’s a timeless artist and the technology’s finally caught up to what he was trying to do musically,” Janie Hendrix said.

“People are still hungry for real music and good songs, and Jimi was a great songwriter and one of the greatest guitarists of all time,” she said.

Every new generation regards Hendrix as a touchstone, said McDermott. “If you want to understand the role of rock guitar and listen to real virtuosity, then Jimi’s the man.

“People react to the originals, and that’s what he was, a true visionary whose music doesn’t sound dated at all nearly half a century later,” he said.

source: interaksyon.com

Eric Clapton Cites Hassles of Travel as Reason He’ll Stop Touring at 70

There’s just 25 months left to see Eric Clapton on tour. The legendary guitarist says that he’s going to quit the road life when he turns 70 years old because getting from show to show is too much of a pain. “The bit on stage, that’s easy,” he says before insisting he’ll stay active playing around his hometown.


Clapton, who turns 70 on March 30, 2015, says security and immigration officials are two groups of people he’ll be glad to be rid of. “I never get it right. I forget to take off my belt, or I have change in my pocket,” he tells Rolling Stone. “Next thing I know, ‘Can you come over here please?’ I just don’t want to do that anymore.”

This spring Clapton will begin a 17-date tour of the U.S. in Phoenix, Ariz. The trek will end on April 12-13 at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in New York City. On March 12 he’ll release ‘Old Sock,’ his 21st studio album.

Full-on retirement doesn’t seem to be in Clapton’s plans as he said he’ll keep playing one-off shows when he’s up for it. He still loves the live show. “If I could do that around my neighborhood, that would be great. You have guys in Texas that play their circuit,” he adds.

“So the idea is I’m taking a leaf out of JJ [Cale]‘s book: When I’m 70, I’ll stop. I won’t stop playing or doing one-offs, but I’ll stop touring, I think.”

source: ultimateclassicrock.com

Blues Guitarist Magic Slim Dead at 75

Blues guitarist Magic Slim died yesterday in a Philadelphia hospital, The Associated Press reports. He was 75, and had been dealing with worsening health problems, his manager said.

Slim, born Morris Holt in Mississippi, helped define the sound of post-war electric blues in Chicago as a younger peer of icons like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. Slim's first instrument was piano, but after he lost the little finger on his right hand in a cotton-gin accident, he switched to guitar, and also played bass with his mentor, the guitarist Magic Sam. Slim moved to Chicago in 1955, but found it so difficult to land gigs on a competitive South Side blues scene that he soon returned home.

Back in Mississippi, he developed his talent playing small gigs like plantation parties, with brothers Nick and Douglas as his backing band, the Teardrops. They returned to Chicago by the mid-Sixties, this time for good, and began a recording career in 1966 with the song "Scufflin'," the first in a series of singles that led eventually to his first album, Born Under a Bad Sign, in 1977. His latest, the covers album Bad Boy, came out last year.

Though he's most closely identified with Chicago, Slim had lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, for nearly 20 years. His manager, Marty Salzman, said bleeding ulcers sent Slim to the hospital, though he also suffered from heart, lung and kidney ailments.

source: rollingstone.com

Iggy Pop & the Stooges Ron Asheton Tribute Concert Coming to DVD

Original Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton passed away in 2009, but his dynamic playing and presence has not been forgotten. On April 19, 2011, his former bandmates held a tribute concert to honor his legacy and music. A DVD from that night, appropriately titled ‘Tribute to Ron Asheton,’ is now making its way to DVD in April via MVD.


Recorded live at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, this concert was put together by Ron’s sister Kathy and curated by Stooges singer Iggy Pop.

In addition to Pop, Ron’s brother and bandmate Scott Asheton, bassist Mike Watt, saxophonist Steve Mackay and ‘Raw Power’-era Stooges guitarist James Williamson performed as the Stooges at the event.

The evening also featured guests Henry Rollins and guitarist Deniz Tek of Radio Birdman. The band even used a string section while performing a few Stooges classics. “Some of his (Asheton’s) themes always reminded me a lot of…classical music in the 17th century,” Pop told Billboard.

Highlights of the band’s groundbreaking trio of albums — ‘The Stooges’ (1969), ‘Funhouse’ (1970) and ‘Raw Power’ (1972) were featured, as well as some relatively obscure material like ‘Open Up And Bleed’ and ‘Beyond The Law.’ The DVD also features interviews with fellow musicians and famous fans. All profits from the sale of the DVD go to the Ron Asheton Foundation, which supports animal welfare and music.

source: ultimateclassicrock.com

Richie Blackmore Tribute Stratocaster

Fender creates guitar in honour of former Deep Purple member.

Fans of 'Smoke On The water' can now unleash their inner rock star with a Fender guitar designed in honour of Richie Blackmore and the black 1968 Stratocaster on which he played the now-iconic G-minor riff, imitated by generations of guitarists since.

The new Fender model comes with an exclusive tribute decal on the back of the headstock, certificate of authenticity and an orange-lined, black textured vinyl case with the Fender "amp" logo.

You can view a trailer for the instrument below.

Will you guys be buying it? Has Blackmore's 'Smoke On the Water' riff inspired any guitarists out there?

source: http://www2.planetrock.com/news/rock-news/richie-blackmore-gets-tribute-stratocaster/

Joe Perry: Aerosmith Are 'Getting Along Better Than Ever'

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry sought to quell rumors that the band was squabbling again in a recent chat with Eddie Trunk on his Sirius/XM show Eddie Trunk Live. "It must have been a slow news week," Perry joked, when asked about a recent item in the New York Post that said band members were "barely speaking" to each other.

"We were wondering, 'Who's saying this?' and 'Why are they saying this?' It's totally wrong and irrelevant," Perry went on. "The least they could have done was get [the facts] right." Perry said the Post talked to people who haven't been connected with Aerosmith for a decade or more, adding, "The band is getting along better than ever. We were thinking about [releasing a statement], but then why even validate it by even answering."

Having just released their latest record, Music From Another Dimension, Aerosmith are also finishing up their North American tour with Cheap Trick.

"No matter what goes on" behind the scenes, Perry added, "we do everything and put aside everything for the fans. We give everything up for the audience."

Perry also noted that following the tour, he's planning to keep working on his book and also some "solo stuff."

source: rollingstone.com

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry sought to quell rumors that the band was squabbling again in a recent chat with Eddie Trunk on his Sirius/XM show Eddie Trunk Live. "It must have been a slow news week," Perry joked, when asked about a recent item in the New York Post that said band members were "barely speaking" to each other.
"We were wondering, 'Who's saying this?' and 'Why are they saying this?' It's totally wrong and irrelevant," Perry went on. "The least they could have done was get [the facts] right." Perry said the Post talked to people who haven't been connected with Aerosmith for a decade or more, adding, "The band is getting along better than ever. We were thinking about [releasing a statement], but then why even validate it by even answering."
Having just released their latest record, Music From Another Dimension, Aerosmith are also finishing up their North American tour with Cheap Trick.
"No matter what goes on" behind the scenes, Perry added, "we do everything and put aside everything for the fans. We give everything up for the audience."
Perry also noted that following the tour, he's planning to keep working on his book and also some "solo stuff."


Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/joe-perry-aerosmith-is-getting-along-better-than-ever-20121120#ixzz2Cqr028vR

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry sought to quell rumors that the band was squabbling again in a recent chat with Eddie Trunk on his Sirius/XM show Eddie Trunk Live. "It must have been a slow news week," Perry joked, when asked about a recent item in the New York Post that said band members were "barely speaking" to each other.
"We were wondering, 'Who's saying this?' and 'Why are they saying this?' It's totally wrong and irrelevant," Perry went on. "The least they could have done was get [the facts] right." Perry said the Post talked to people who haven't been connected with Aerosmith for a decade or more, adding, "The band is getting along better than ever. We were thinking about [releasing a statement], but then why even validate it by even answering."
Having just released their latest record, Music From Another Dimension, Aerosmith are also finishing up their North American tour with Cheap Trick.
"No matter what goes on" behind the scenes, Perry added, "we do everything and put aside everything for the fans. We give everything up for the audience."
Perry also noted that following the tour, he's planning to keep working on his book and also some "solo stuff."


Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/joe-perry-aerosmith-is-getting-along-better-than-ever-20121120#ixzz2Cqr028vR

Jimi Hendrix Clothing Line Coming to Bloomingdale's

A Jimi Hendrix clothing line designed by Lyric Culture with input from Experience Hendrix, the family-owned company that safeguards the legacy of the late guitarist, is set to hit shelves exclusively at Bloomingdale's in early November.

The menswear collection – which comes with the approach of what would have been Hendrix's 70th birthday – will features designs that combine images of the guitarist along with lyrics from some of his most memorable songs. The line will include graphic screen print t-shirts, scarves, dress shirts, hoodies and cuff links.

"We're delighted to partner with Lyric Culture to launch this line of Jimi Hendrix apparel and jewelry," Janie Hendrix, the guitarist's sister and Experience Hendrix CEO, said in a statement. "Jimi's words, music and handwriting have been cherished by so many for so long and this underscores how resonant his art has been all this while and, certainly into the future."

To mark the launch, Janie Hendrix will also be signing copies of the recently published Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Lyric Book, at Bloomingdale's flagship store in Manhattan on November 8th. The book, which Janie compiled, includes lyrics to all of Hendrix's classics as well as previously unpublished songs and photographs. The event will also feature an appearance from Billy Cox, who worked with Hendrix live and in the studio as bassist for both the Band of Gypsys and Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Fans will also be able to check out an interactive kiosk on loan to Bloomingdale's from the permanent Hendrix exhibit at the Experience Music Project in Seattle. The kiosk allows viewers to see the guitar icon's handwritten lyrics.

source: rollingstone.com

Jeff Beck Group missed Woodstock over wife affair rumour

Rod Stewart has told how the Jeff Beck Group missed the chance to appear at the Woodstock festival over a rumour about the guitarist’s wife.

They were gearing up to play the iconic event during their final visit to the US – but then Beck flew home after hearing his other half was having an affair.



In a Rolling Stone excerpt from his book Rod: The Autobiography, singer Stewart recalls how the band played the Fillmore East and the Newport Jazz Festival in the summer of 1969, with the last date on the trip scheduled to be “some outdoor event or other in upstate New York.”


The Jeff Beck Group were staying in a hotel at JKF Airport, waiting to play the show then return to the UK later the same night.

“But then the call came through,” Stewart says. “The gig wouldn’t be happening. Jeff had already flown out. He had got wind of a rumour, which turned out to be false, that his missus was having an affair with the gardener, so he was quite keen to go home.”

Looking back on the missed opportunity to play Woodstock, the singer reports: “Ah, well. Seen one outdoor festival, you’ve seen them all.”

In the same excerpt Stewart discusses the band’s first US trip the previous year, recounting how he and Ronnie Wood decided to make a pilgrimage to the Apollo Theater in Harlem – without considering the risks involved.

“We didn’t think it might be a dangerous place for a couple of white boys to go,” he says. One taxi driver even refused to take them to their destination. But thanks to the way their “London finery” the Harlem crowd accepted them as musicians or performers, and they enjoyed their visit.

He also recounts how he started his first US show half-hiding behind an amplifier, terrified that black members of the crowd might object to his interpretation of blues singing. He says: “I was about to perform, for the first time, in a country in which people were allowed to own guns.”

Rod: The Autogiography is published on October 23.

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Eric Clapton sells Richter painting for record $34.2 million

LONDON – A painting by Gerhard Richter owned by British guitarist Eric Clapton has sold for £21.3 million ($34.2 million), a record for the work of a living artist, auction house Sotheby’s said.

An anonymous bidder bought the red, blue and yellow oil painting on canvas, “Abstraktes Bild (809-4)”, in London on Friday for more than ten times the $3.4 million that Clapton paid for the painting plus two others in New York in 2001.



The price beat pre-sale estimates and Richter’s previous record of $21.9 million in May for “Abstract Picture (7938-3)”.

The German artist, 80, is described as the world’s top-selling living artist.

Richter was born in Dresden and grew up in communist east Germany. He now produces both abstract and figurative painting as well as photographs from his Cologne studio.

His profile has been boosted by a retrospective, “Gerhard Richter: Panorama”, which has been shown in London, Berlin and Paris this year.

Clapton, 67, known for his work with Cream and the Yardbirds and for songs including “Crossroads”, “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven”, has an extensive art collection.

The sale comes as the art world descends on London for Frieze Art Week, with contemporary art exhibits from hundreds of galleries around the world.

Sotheby’s senior director Alex Branczik said: “The combination of outstanding provenance and gold-standard quality in this sublime work by this blue-chip artist made for an historic auction moment.

“Gerhard Richter’s international appeal as one of the hottest contemporary artists was once again confirmed this evening.”

source: interaksyon.com

US air guitarist crowned world champ in Finland

OULU, Finland – American Justin Howard, alias Nordic Thunder, was crowned world champion air guitar player late on Friday in the northern Finnish city of Oulu, narrowly ahead of his compatriot Matt Burns, or Airistotle.

Howard, looking like a Viking warrior in his leather tunic, gave an energetic performance that including sliding across the stage bare legged, and won the title with a score of 34.6 points, just ahead of Burns who got 34.4 points.

“I feel amazing, I feel loved, I feel like crying and laughing and hugging,” said Howard after winning both the title and the prize of a handmade electric guitar.

Howard was U.S. champion air guitarist last year, and took silver in the 2011 world championship.

The air guitar world championships have been played in Oulu since 1996.

source: interaksyon.com

Billy Idol's Guitarist Wife Files for Divorce

Billy Idol's current touring guitarist Billy Morrison -- who has also played for bands like Camp Freddy and The Cult -- is finally going solo ... TMZ has learned, the rocker's wife has filed for divorce.

Morrison's wife -- Jennifer Morrison -- filed the docs just after the new year ... citing irreconcilable differences. The couple got married in 2002. They have no children.

According to the docs, the couple had been separated since September.

Jennifer wants the court to deny Billy spousal support. She also wants to restore her maiden name of Holliday.

Not to be confused with Jennifer Holliday, Tony Award-winning actress and star of the 1981 Broadway hit "Dreamgirls."

source: TMZ