TONY MACALPINE
The name Tony MacAlpine is synonymous with modern musical virtuosity. Whether performing as a solo artist, band member, session player, touring hired-gun, or as a producer, Tony MacAlpine continues to prove that he truly is one of rock’s most amazing and versatile musicians. MacAlpine is an amazing player who incorporates classical and jazz influences within the hard rock forum on both guitar and keyboards. In addition to his brilliant solo career which spans 20 years, from which these selections have been culled, MacAlpine is also known for his collaborations with progressive artists CAB, Planet X and Steve Vai.Tony is endorsed by Carvin Guitars and Hughes & Kettner AmpsBILLY SHEEHAN
Billy Sheehan has changed the way bass guitar is played. Rising to cult status in the 80's with his Buffalo, NY based band Talas, Billy was recruited by David Lee Roth when Roth left Van Halen in '85. He recorded two platinum selling albums with the former Van Halen front man before setting out on his own. Forming Mr. Big in 1989, the band achieved a Billboard 1 single in the US and 14 other countries with "To Be With You" from their 2nd Atlantic Records album release "Lean Into It". While developing his trademark style of playing he has performed over 4000 live gigs on every continent except Africa and Antarctica. Voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" 5 times in Guitar Player magazines Readers Poll, an honor which placed him in their "Gallery of Greats" (alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van Halen to name but a few), he has also won readers polls in Germany, Japan, Korea, Italy, and many other countries. Billy is endorsed by Yamaha Guitars, Rotosound strings, DiMarzio Pick-ups and Ampeq AmpsVIRGIL DONATIMany drummers come to mind who've had a hand in raising the bar - leading by example with faster chops, innovative use of the instrument, more complex rhythms, more creative phrasing, and in general, inspiring a new generation of drummers. But few have turned as many heads as Virgil Donati. - Stick It Magazine, Feb. 1998
Recording and touring with the likes of Planet X, Steve Vai, CAB, Scott Henderson, Steve Walsh, Tribal Tech, Frank Gambale, Derek Sherinian, Mark Boals, Dave Stewart, Mick Jagger, Josh Stone, and many others, he continues to push the limits of the instrument to astonishing new levels. Virgil is endorsed by Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Skins and Vater Sticks
