This supergroup brings together three of the greatest guitarists the world has ever seen, to blast through one of the coolest songs to hit the charts, and it’s pure pleasure.
On stage at the mythical Soave Guitar Festival in Verona, Italy, the crowd was in for a memorable night. And lucky for us this video captures all the magic and then some. Put on your headphones, or turn up the stereo and prepare for an acoustic/electric experience that will likely receive heavy repeat rotation.
Who are those guys?
This epic night of guitar gods was capped off when three of the most talented and award-winning guitarists took the stage together. Australian acoustic guitar master Tommy Emmanuel pulled up his chair on the right. Taking a seat on the left is Barcelona’s own flamenco impresario Pedro Javier González. And electric country music guitar legend, John Jorgenson stood tall behind. And the sound is backed by Roger Blavia on percussion and Toni Terré on bass.
A supergroup is in the house.
On the Maton Guitar
Tommy Emmanuel was born in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia. Emmanuel got his first guitar when he was four years old. He wrote his hero, country legend Chet Atkins, after hearing him playing on the radio. That inspiration started a lifelong love of playing and performing guitar.
On the Jerónimo Pérez Guitar
Pedro Javier González, born in Barcelona, is one of the most accomplished guitarists and composers Spain has offered the world. He tours profusely, working solo or with far too many groups and companies to list. In this video, he displays the precision that is known across the globe. His unique flourishes show just how much fun he is having while taking this song to higher levels.
On His Signature Fender Hellecaster Stratocaster
John Jorgenson was born into a musical family in Madison, Wisconsin. Known for his bands The Desert Rose Band, and the Hellecasters, he won the Academy of Country Music’s “Guitarist of the Year” award three years in a row. Watch as he roars through the Dire Straits hit.
Sultans of Swing
The song was a big hit and quintessential in putting the English rockers, Dire Straits, in the recording studio and on the Rock n’ Roll map. Recorded in 1977 for their debut album, the song is now a mainstay of classic rock radio.
Mythic Beginnings
As the legend around the birth of the song goes, Mark Knopfler wasn’t much into the song. That is until he picked up his first Fender Stratocaster, and suddenly the song took on a new life.
Knopfler tells Guitar World…
“I thought it was dull, but as soon as I bought my first Strat in 1977, the whole thing changed, though the lyrics remained the same. It just came alive as soon as I played it on that ’61 Strat — which remained my main guitar for many years and was basically the only thing I played on the first album — and the new chord changes just presented themselves and fell into place.”
Fans are gaga over this trio’s take on the classic song and listening to it on repeat.
“Brilliant interpretation of one of the greatest rock guitar songs. Pure joy.”
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“Mind Blowing How many of you have seen it several times?”
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“7 million views … I’ve listened to this at least 50,000 times. And I’ll never get enough of it.”
And one YouTuber sees how these guys from across the globe can come together and speak one language.
“This masterpiece rendition is a marvelous proof for ‘The only best language in the world is music.'”
Watch and prepare to be impressed. You’ll have the front row seat for this summit of three skilled artists as they completely master a rock classic.
And be warned, you might be forced to put this video on repeat for the rest of the day.
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