Gtaranaki 2010

G-TARanaki 2010 has an amazing line-up of guitar stars.  But great guitarists need great backing bands in order to present their playing within a strong musical context.  Some of the most skilled rhythm sections, vocalists and keyboardists in the the US, Europe and New Zealand will be underpinning the performances at G-TARanaki 2010.

Slash will be joined by Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy, bassist Todd Kerns (Sin City Sinners, Static in Stereo, Age of Electric), rhythm guitarist Bobby Schneck (Weezer, Green Day) and drummer Brent Fitz (Alice Cooper, Vince Neil). 

Uli Jon Roth’s backing band will include drummer Mike Ehré and guitarist/vocalist Niklas Turmann, who both performed with Roth at G-TARanaki 2008; along with Elliott Dean, owner of American manufacturer Dean Guitars, on bass

Leslie West will be backed by Elliott Dean & Mike Ehré of Uli Jon Roth’s band, then will come on stage at the end for the All-Star Jam

Vinnie Moore’s backing band will also feature Dean and Ehré, with Hail!’s Tony MacAlpine on keyboards on his Saturday night full set.  Moore will also be appearing in Uli’s All Star Jam on the Friday night.

Desiree Bassett’s band will feature the same two members of top Hamilton band 8forty8 who backed Deep Purple bassist and singer Glenn Hughes at G-TARanaki 2008 – guitarist Simon Koretz and his drummer brother Nathan, joined this time by Derek Shaw on bass, from Siren and AKA, who also plays with Simon in the Stevie Ray, Cream and Hendrix Experience.

Jennifer Batten is the exception to the rule, performing her one-woman multimedia show, using film, electronica and graphics to accompany her guitar, making her show a breathtaking visual and musical experience.  She will also be playing in the Friday night All-Star Jam with Roth, West, Moore and Bassett.

Friday Night All-Star Jam

One of the major highlights of G-TARanaki 2010 will be the All-Star Jam, which closes the six-hour Friday night concert at TSB Stadium.  Led by ex-Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth, the jam will bring together a unique combination of musicians never before gathered together on a stage.

Former Michael Jackson guitarist Jennifer Batten, UFO’s Vinnie Moore, Leslie West of Mountain and teen guitar prodigy Desiree Bassett will join forces with Roth in a spectacular guitar face-off.

Before the All Star Jam be sure to check out one of New Zealand’s own Rock bands The Checks followed by Blues prodigy Oli Brown and California Guitar Trio with Tony Levin.

California Guitar Trio - With a whirlwind of instrumental styles fusing classical, rock, blues, jazz, world music, progressive, as well as the quintessential California musical genre surf music, the California Guitar Trio's stunning virtuosity and sly sense of humour have earned them an enthusiastic following. 

Tony Levin – Bass virtuoso Tony Levin, who has toured and recorded with Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon, played on John Lennon’s Double Fantasy album, has been a member of King Crimson since 1981 and is the world’s pre-eminent player of the unique ten-stringed Chapman Stick.  At G-TARanaki, Levin will be performing both solo and with the California Guitar Trio.

Tickets

Be sure to book your tickets early to ensure you don’t miss this one-time-only event!

All VIP tickets bought include a commemorative laminate (lanyard with keepsake tag). The laminate can be collected at the concert venue on the night of your event.

There is also a 2-day GA pass to the Concerts available, but these are limited to 350 so you’ll need to get in quick!

Visit www.gtaranaki.co.nz for more information about G-TARanaki, programme details and full artist bios.

Secure your tickets now at www.ticketmaster.co.nz