Buddy Guy, at 89, continues to be a vibrant force in the blues scene, performing regularly at his Chicago club, celebrating his career, and striving to keep the blues alive as one of its last original icons, blending traditional roots with modern influences and inspiring a new generation of musicians.
Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist of KISS known for his space-themed persona and innovative performances, has died at age 74 due to a head injury. He was influential in rock music, especially with his sci-fi inspired solo work and iconic stage antics, leaving a lasting legacy in both rock and space-themed art.
Jimmy Page made a surprise appearance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony to induct his "hero" Link Wray. He performed Wray's song "Rumble" and expressed how it influenced him as a young guitarist. While his Led Zeppelin bandmate Robert Plant continues to tour, Page has been leading a quieter musical life, with occasional controversies and legal battles.
Dave Friedman, Eddie Van Halen's former rig builder, revealed that the guitar legend would torture test his gear by leaving his studio with the amp cranked and the guitar strings vibrating on the floor for days, and even up to a month. Van Halen wanted to push his equipment to its breaking point to ensure its reliability and longevity. He would also test the gear with a bass to assess its performance with lower frequencies. Fender, the producer of EVH gear, even witnessed the intense feedback when visiting Van Halen's studio during one of these experiments. The gear held up, providing a sense of relief to Fender.