Best of Live in Concert Vol. I: Best Rock Guitarists

Hello bloggers!

Been a little wrapped up in work and life in general, so I haven't had the time to post anything until now. I've been thinking lately about some of the best performers I've seen live so far. The hard part is coming up with categories, so I'll do this "best of " list in pieces in probably a monthly or bi-monthly basis, depending on when inspiration strikes me. With that said, I'll start this best of list with the best rock guitarists I've seen live, listed in alphabetical order:

1. John Connolly, Sevendust
I've been to seven Sevendust shows so far (and looking forward to concert number eight this April) so I know their music very well. John is always able to shred a killer riff one moment and then slide into backing guitars the next. He's not a bad singer, either, as evidenced on Sevendust albums and his side project band Projected's album Human.

2. Clint Lowery, Sevendust
John and Clint balance guitar harmonies in Sevendust very well. Clint does have some great solos on classic tracks like "Black" and "Angel's Son." He's also a versatile lyricist and vocalist. He's one busy guy. When he's not playing with Sevendust, he has a few side projects going like Hello Demons Meet Skeletons, Dark New Day, and last year's effort Last Parade by Call Me No One with Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose.

3. Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick
It's been a decade since I first saw this legendary band play the Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud. Rick stood out as the backbone of the band. Rocking one, two and even five-neck guitars, he is a great performer and showman. It's worth the price of admission to see Rick weave his way around a complex guitar solo.

4. Slash
Most people can identify Slash by his trademark top hat atop a black curly mess of hair and sunglasses, but rock fans can identify his solos in their sleep. I remember watching Slash play guitar on an old Slash's Snakepit song so quickly it looked like his hand was just a blur for a few moments. Very classy performer in whatever band he's in.

5. Eddie Van Halen, Van Halen
What can I say about Eddie that hasn't already been said? I was fortunate to see the classic lineup (with Eddie's son Wolfgang replacing Michael Anthony on bass, of course) last year in concert. All the accolades in his long career are definitely appropriate. If you call yourself a rock fan, Eddie is one of the guitarists you have to see play live sometime in your life, at least so you can tell your grandkids someday.

Honorable Mention: George Lynch, Lynch Mob

Well, that wraps up this best of list. Some themes I have in mind for this series are Best Comedians, Best Showman, and Best Overall Groups. If you have some ideas, feel free to float them my way. Until next time, keep on rockin'!