Prince is all about timing, showmanship, and hitting the mark. He was not just a guitarist, he was so much more. There's not an instrument up there he couldn't thoroughly play. He gave life to George Harrison's song, making it memorable to a new generation of listeners. It's more than just a guitar solo from Prince, it's how he delivered it.
I can't believe the crap thrown around about this solo. Prince patiently waited his turn and then brought it home. That was obviously his job and he stuck the landing.
It wasn't just the solo that was great it was stage presence some guys play amazing but they don't make it look amazing, Prince gave the performance more agency by making it more dramatic falling off stage he gave you a show without sacrificing his technical chops.
Everyone that knows Prince also knows that he had extreme stage fright! Even after all of the years he performed, he was so anxious when on stage by himself... so imagine him playing with other greats.
@@purpracer He DID NOT have stage fright. don't know where you picked that up from. People love to make up shitty legends like this. possibly very early in his career (the Champagne days) but Prince was very much a stage performer, almost always commanding the stage performance, band and the crowd. Prince wasn't afraid to go out on stage and fuck it up. Maybe you should go back and watch concert performances like "the Lovesexy Tour '88". Pay attention and learn something before perpetuating bogus legends.
Back in the early 80's when Prince hit big with Purple Rain, I was a fan like most people, even though I was a metal guy. Then one day I read an interview with Eddie Van Halen in either Guitar Player or Guitar World. This is when Eddie was pretty much "The Guy" and they asked him who he thought was the best player out there and he answered "Prince, he plays just enough to make you think he's a genius, but never enough to confirm it". I was like..huh? and from that point on I started paying attention to his guitar playing. I didn't follow his career or anything, but his music would always drift in and out of my life and I'd always take notice of what he was doing on guitar. I've always thought that comment summed him up perfectly and is as great a praise as you can heap on anyone. The guy could really play any style, any technique at a masterful level on guitar and you can find examples of it throughout his career. He could write amazing riffs or layer tons of guitar parts to create things that didn't immediately sound like guitar and on top of that he could actually shred when he wanted too, but at least when it came to his songs, he only did it when it fit the song. and then, just to throw it in, he was apparently just as good on bass, drums and keys... you know, because why not? The dude was a one of a kind talent.
@Wings of Pegasus by the way Fil I saw Gary Moore version with George Harrison and it was absolutely electrifying. Gary is definitely another underrated guitar god. He was incredible! I think Gary's version sounded more bluesy and Prince sounded more hard rock. I loved both versions... In Prince's defense you can tell that Tom Petty was getting uncomfortable. He was putting pressure on Prince to hurry up and end the song. Prince even shakes his head no at 1st. If this was a Prince concert he would've taken that solo into the stratosphere.
I have known since Prince's very 1st album and all through the eighties that people snubbed him and were jealous of his talent. He needed no one. They believed he was over confident. But now Rolling Stone's top 100 greatest guitarist has him at 33. Personally, I believe he belongs in the top 10.
More to the back story is found during the rehearsal. Prince was asked to play all the solos and someone decided Marc Mann would play the first and Prince would play the "outro" only. This on top of the Rolling Stone snub is responsible for the result. Prince was being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well during this session in 2004. Prince was always very methodical. He didn't prove a point, he removed ALL DOUBT!
@@moonandstars8707 Marc Mann played a perfect first solo of the song. Just like the record. Guitar tone was on point. Prince's solo sounded improvised . he made that guitar weep! Apparently Lynne had problem with Prince being onstage. Maybe the show producers " forced" the issue to get him on stage and there was resentment.
@@moonandstars8707 So that is why, near the end and after the backband where Prince was caught by one of his guys, Prince turned toward Petty and the guy beside him, waved his guitar at them, with a "How 'bout that, fellows?" smile on his face.
I've just watched the Gary Moore guitar solo of this song, off the back of this video; and I have to admit whilst I can admire the technical proficiency of Moore's solo - I MUCH prefer the Prince solo, its so much more energetic, stylish and he plays with so much more panache. Prince's version is a much more exciting solo IMHO.
Sometimes Feel is just as important as technical proficiency ..... That's what makes the great Blues guitarists great .... You can play the exact same notes as B.B. King and never sound anything like him because you just don't have the same Feel
I don't know. I think this is just Fil"s bias. Good as Gary Moore's playing was but it sound dated, old school. Prince's version is not only virtuoso playing but has soul in it. Certainly one of guitar playing gems. Full of passion.
Prince was an entertainer, not just an amazing guitarist and musician. His solo is above all not boring. Everything about Prince's solo is about enjoyment! You can see him showing off - for fun! and what a delight to watch Prince on the guitar, which he uses as theatrical prop, not just an instrument. Gary Moore is a good soloist for sure but damn, there is no comparison to which version is more fun to watch. All the performers on the stage with Prince are having a wonderful time enjoying Prince the showman. His licks and antics are just so much fun!
Yeah I don't know why Prince was so effected, on the same list EVH was listed as number 70. But I guess that's what happens, the people writing the lists are clueless!
I've seen that clip several times and I was impressed both by Prince's playing skills and also his showmanship. With Prince you got the whole package. I loved the half time slot he did at the Superbowl.
TheOldgeezah Unfortunately many don't. I see he doesn't have much love in this thread. But then again, this is nowhere near his best work. But he had MUCH love from musicians of all styles. Vai, Jake E. Lee, Satriani, Santana, Nuno Bettencourt, Clapton just to name some guitarists who knew.
Not really, the people who voted are accomplished guitarists so they are voted by their peers in the business. It then will obviously be calibrated to show who consistently is best JH always seems to rank as #1 and has done for many years. Lindsay Buckingham is at 100 in the list. Prince is an accomplished musician not a renowned guitarist, he came onto the stage to express a f*ck you sentiment I believe - look I can play guitar so sod off. He overplayed it with notable guitar work but in a slightly different league. I think what it established was that people saw him for being able to play guitar better than average and quite well, but no Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz etc.
Lenny Kravitz is good and all but I wouldn't really put his name anywhere near Hendrix. Prince is better than Lenny imo. At least Rolling Stone gave Lindsay Buckingham long overdue respect. People will often say that Peter Green was the true definitive Fleetwood Mac guitarist, but I like to think of Fleetwood Mac as 2 different bands almost. There's the blues rock FM and then the pop rock FM, and both versions are great in their own way, but apples and oranges in terms of comparisons. Peter Green is possibly my favorite blues rock player, partly because of his tastefulness, which is one quality I think Lindsay also possessed. He played what needed to be played and knew the power of silence. As they say, sometimes the notes you don't play are just as important as the ones you do play. Peter Green also had that amazing tone and apparent emotional channel from his heart and mind straight to his fingers. If you watch Carlos Santana play Black Magic Woman, especially live and even with Peter Green (who was admittedly not the same player he once was), you will see that Santana can hardly just play one or two notes... it seems that quantity over quality is the way he plays it. One comment called him "Carlos 'why play one note when you can play 100?' Santana", which I thought was funny. Anyway, yeah, the 1997 Fleetwood Mac concert album/DVD "The Dance" shows how skilled Buckingham was, especially in that version of "Big Love". "Go Your Own Way" also had beautiful licks... I could go on and on. If I recall correctly, both Green and Buckingham were on that admittedly lackluster list, which is one thing they did right. Rambling like crazy, sorry. All of a sudden I noticed I just wrote a freakin' essay. Cheers.
True...and Prince was jealous of EVH also. He threw shade at him for no reason. I think it's like the old paradigm...when your hair is straight, you like curly and vvs.
Swamper60 Rolling Stone was relevant once, maybe in the early '70s but given a choice of picking up a copy of their magazine or some woman's magazine at my hair cutters biz, I'd only pick up the RS if they were out of toilet paper. They're irrelevant to today's music, a cute quaint anachronism of days long gone by.
Prince was the only musician ever known having the shredding of Malmsteen + the blues of Hendrix + the soul of Gilmour + the rock of Page + the groove of Santana + the genious of Mozart. Number one.
I believe, that as a guitar player, Prince was very underrated. Most likely because he played so many other instruments, that it kind of overshadowed his true abilities on guitar. I'm 52, so i was in my teens when all these big artists were at their peak. Admittedly, i was never really a Prince "fan". I'm an old school hard rock guy, so i didn't really listen to Prince's music, but i was well aware of the talent he possessed. I think he was an incredible guitarist. A new age hendrix. A perfect fusion of blues and funk, with soul. You just have to give credit where credit is due. This dude was super talented, and in my opinion a true guitar virtuoso. Up there with the big names that are so commonly referred to as the greatest guitar players ever.
prince was a musician' musician performer and mastered as guitar his piano....it is said he played mostly piano (Mayte Garcia told that hiw ex wife) So i think with such talent he could easily do anything including wide vibrato...Should be in the 10the greatest of all time.... Kobain is a means of measurement guitar skills not at all
@@gfanarakos I'd actually have no problem with him as # 2. But if we further compare him to Hendrix as an overall musician, performer, it's just not a debate; Prince is on an unattainable level.
Helios he’s a better player than Jimi...he’s hendrix on steroids....he’s what hendrix would’ve been if he hadn’t died so early...but it was hard for me to put him over hendrix at first because everybody plays like hendrix to some extent...he’s the pioneer of this sound...but prince is jus better...he can do whatever hendrix was doing plus plenty of other styles and techniques...but he’s also been in the game 38 years vs hendrix 4
Prince is definitely one of the greatest. The thing about Prince is he did more than just solo, he also was a bad rhythm guitarist (r and b,funk). Most of the so called "Greatest Guitarist" can't even play funk😎😎.
It is not about the speed or even the volume for me (as player and listener), but Prince has been my favorite since I was a boy and I was an early devotee' of "the Kid," but I both love and respect the talent of Cobain. Number 12 was a memorial gesture, but I thought he was great. Prince, however, was a genious and the best I have ever seen with my own eyes, at least. I would put Prince in top 100 for sure, but possibly top 50 or even 25. Not being a professional, I am the owner of a subjective ear, so what the hell do I know.
Interesting how some people have negative things to say about Prince but in actuality without his solo it would not have gone down in history as one of the most epic performances at the HOF. Thanks Prince!!
What's really telling as well is how much more the group is playing as a band by the end of it instead of a bunch of guests playing a cover together. His skill as a bandleader was immense - like the best soccer players he was a superb team player but knew when to let his talent really fly for the sake of the whole.
The thing about the solo and Prince in general is the interaction between him and the instrument, is always so smooth, so effortless, while he always have great melodic ideas and tone
Prince not only respected his colleagues and the family of the departed, but he also offered a celebration of what George meant through his guitar. It was the point of the tune, so his merit was on making it his own tribute which he did masterfully.
That top 100 was all about the music world saying “look you can’t have it all Prince! You can sing better than 95 percent of all singers, write 100000 songs a month, let the guitar guys have this list.” You know what, that’s their problem. Prince was one of the greatest musicians of all time, deal with it.
definitly in the top 10, each note is an emotion, and deeply felt, unlike those speed shreders playing 2000 notes/second with no feeling at all. He is a virtuoso, and I disagree, he s ONE of the 10 greatests.
I would have to agree...as far as an emotional player, he was one of the greatest. His solo on Purple Rain hits me in "the feels" every time I hear it. He never played a thousand miles per hour, but every note he did play, had meaning and you really felt it.
Exactly. Fuck those looser who think they are the best just cus they can shred and play really fast. And im like, whats the point of playing fast if there is no emotion, and most times you cant even tell every note apart. Yall should hear the band called "skillet". They have some sick solos with emotion, shredding and sweeppicking and playing really fast, but they just hit you. Very underrated band and guitarist But for sure. Prince will always be my guitar hero. I play guitar because of him. And im planning to start a band very soon
For me that's the difference. He plays and there's rhythm, there's emotion, there's a game, a show, a conversation. And again: rhythm. Not just melody, not just technique. He draws you in and plays just enough to fit the song. Probably comes from him being a multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, balanced and all-round artist, that made all types of music. Other guitarists are amazingly skilled, so many variations, so many melodies and clearly super skilled. But it ends up being amazing guitar playing, but hasn't got the soul Prince was able to bring to a song and music in general.
IMO, Prince has no need to prove himself to the guitar purists, the guy was a musical genius, and his overall gift was so much more then just a single instruments voice.
He was left in the shadows as an afterthought and fing blew everyone away and I been a petty fan since the late 70’s? I’d like to see you do what he did! Come on man he’s marvelous!
Prince was virtuoso at most instruments, but he was a virtuoso songwriter, vocalist, storyteller, DANCER.....he truly did it ALL incredibly well. Did I forget his overall style and sexual appeal?
When Prince died this was the video i looked for first. I think he nailed it here. The guy was a phenomenal player. He truly was the full package. Writer, singer, performance artist and top notch player. No disrespect to Moore, another legend, but this just hits me harder.
Yeah he was a good player for sure, the only problem I have is there are elements of his playing I can see fault in technically whereas with Gary I can't spot anything I'd want improved. But it's just my own taste!
The original is the best with Eric Clapton, everyone subsequently has overplayed or murdered it with their own interpretations. Sometimes the original is the best, when a song is classic it is difficult for any subsequent band to top the quality. Has anyone done a better version of Hotel California or Stairway to Heaven than the originals.
To say you see 'fault technically' is basically to say there's only one 'correct' way to play or there is 'fault' in your playing, which is ridiculous. Prince was truly phenomenal. You really need to see/hear a lot more of his live performances.
@surfitlive Can we please keep this kind of crap out here? I as well have a different opinion to Fil, but we can discuss these things in a decent manner, can we? That's why we are here.
So....P was the only musician to be on the cover of guitar, base, drums and keyboard magazines. THE ONLY MUSICIAN to accomplish this feat. Has anybody watched the live solo on Shhhh in concert in. Detroit? He plays a classic Eddie Van Halen solo. Amazing! Just ask the Revolution about their last show with him as a band in Japan. Wendy said he shredded not one but two guitars. Said it was unreal! She looked at the band mates and they knew it was over for them as a band. Lastly, after his death, studio musicians he had hired starting coming out and saying no matter what the instrument they were hired to play, he could bury all of them on ANY of the instruments. Said they don’t even know why they were hired. He was far superior to them. Not one of the “top 100” even come close to this multi dimensional bad-ass!!!
Gary Moore is an excellent technician, but he doesn't tear at your soul like the way Prince does. I've watched this performance over 20 times and it still leaves me stunned every time.
Agreed. If the only piece of Prince's work you ever saw was this, it would convince you what a great, unique guitarist he was. This is just one moment of him taking center stage with other famous artists and shining like a supernova.
Prince pretty much channels Clapton's original solo on this one I mean u couldn't improve upon the original so Prince sticks pretty close to it not knocking Prince smart dude great player great musician.
Respectfully disagree dude…ALL Gary Moore does is tear at your soul…maybe you like this version more, but The Messiah Will Come, Parisienne Walkways, Still Got the Blues etc…soul crushing stuff, and I love Prince…Prince was a truth teller too, his last few yrs he gave interviews exposure a lot of shit….probably why he’s not with us anymore…the satanic cowards…tried killing Petty too
Dhani's laughing face, as Prince plays (and almost falls backwards off of the stage...) - priceless! Prince was clearly underrated as a guitarist - he definitely should've been in the Top 100. We lost a multi talented (and very intelligent...) treasure, the day Prince went Home...💜
I was a not a fan of Prince UNTIL I actually got to see him live and WOW he could peel the paint of walls with his blistering blusey-raw funky playing... better than all so called generation x blues boys..... He smoked through Hedrix, Zeppelin, Floyd, Van Halen , Even did a bit of Holy Diver..lol yep Super Funk Prince can play it all with true passion and feel...
Jimi Hendrix was the only guitarist that Prince was not able to match, which is NO KNOCK ON THE PURPLE ONE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS WAS/STILL IS THE CASE WITH ALL OF THE MANY OTHER GUITAR GODS. Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, Angus Young, Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammett, Slash, Bucket head, as well as a multitude of other guitar virtuosos did/do not have the unreal natural abilities possessed by Jimi Hendrix.
"Genius" is a word that's thrown around way too often, and should be reserved for someone who has utterly and forever transformed an art, a field of science, even a sport. That Prince was a genius seems too obvious to even bother saying, but some folks will never accept it, even though he was one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived AND was a master drummer, bass player, and keyboardist who could sing like James Brown one minute, and like Screaming Lord Sutch the next. His one big handicap is that he released too much music -- and too much of it was mediocre -- during his lifetime. But then again, even his mediocre stuff was miles ahead of almost everyone else's.
so if you think that his mediocre staff was miles ahead than the rest why then you say its a handicap or a drawback? probably because that staff was not seen as it should be as music industy demanded full control of music and Prince was different to that. He made to the top and music industry gave him that as it was brilliant, but then wanted more freedom emancipating....
As a Prince obsessive it hurts to say, but his post 1980s career was lacking. I feel much of what he did from 1992 onward to be totally inessential. Now, if we’re talking from 1978-1992 however... that’s a body of work most couldn’t hope to accomplish in a lifetime. That’s 15 records (if we’re counting the Black Album) in a span of 14 years. And I didn’t even mention the records he essentially gifted The Time, Vanity 6, Apollonia 6, The Family, Sheila E.....
The fact with Prince is that he was such a great, great multi-instrumentalist, he wrote, played, produced, sang most of his albums, all by himself, and he used to set the stage on fire with his carisma and stage presence. Listening to Prince is an experience, you can never know what it's going to happen, 'cause he switched lots of genres (funk, pop, rock, jazz etc.), it's mindblowing. He wasn't probably the best guitarist, but how many of those guitarists on that list can do what Prince did with such creativity? That's why Prince is one of the best artists of our times, he was the full package.
Prince was totally underrated as a guitarist if he didn't even make the "top 100". He was insanely good at every instrument and put it all together in an unbelievably proficient and prolific package. Much more than just a guitarist....he was an all-around musical genius and artist.
The real “back story “ is Prince was there to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. He never needed to prove anything to anyone, much less when he is being inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is just Prince on a Tuesday.
Those who under rated Prince as a guitarist were the same ones who never bothered to listen his body of work. If they had they would know that of course he belongs in the top 100. I would place him even higher
the things is:i truly think that if you know prince's work you are not that amazed...to me it's a cool solo but i saw a lot more impressive from him. Why people are so suprised?? about the vibrato i think it's a personal thing. Like bass and ghost notes: he hated ghost notes on bass
Dude. Dude. In your head, if you can keep Prince out of the top ten, you just aren't listening. I saw them all (I'm old). Once you go Hendrix/Clapton/Allman, you can start arguing Prince. Prince could do Stevie Ray. Stevie (bless his astonishing soul...) couldn't do Prince. You did a piece on his "Motherless Child." Some of the most emotive, angry, anguished, painful and redemptive sounds ever tortured out of a guitar. Dude...
So right. He packed all those top 10 names easily. He had SRV, JH, JP, Zappa, JB, and all of the classic guitar heroes. Such an eclectic mind, so much more than just a GP. Gosh, he was mind-blowing.
@@wingsofpegasus One of the most underrated guitarists. He wasn't about trying to prove that he could pull of tricks, his playing was purely emotional. Like Hendrix, or Malmsteen, you instantly knew who you were hearing. You didn't have to guess. There were 50 other guitarists that sounded like him. He never strived to sound like anyone else.
Ricky ♫ Guitarman ♪ He wasn't underrated, a lot of that was just Racism. I'm not hung up on race if you can play, you can Play. I like Funk and Twisted Sister. Don't judge.
Easily underrated. That was one of the costs of his superstardom. Had he just been a guitar player in someone else’s band, he’d have been hailed as one of the greats for sure.
I was able to see Prince in concert a few years back, I went to see him because he wsa an 80's icon, not because I was a rabid fan or anything. All I can say is WOW, my jaw was on the floor all night. The guy was truly from a different place. I've been to lots of concerts, in my opinion, after seeing him in concert, he is it!!! What a shiow that was!!! I only wished I was able to see him again. Only concert I ever went to where they were selling glasses of champagne. And as an added bonus, Morris Day opened for him and he wasn't even listed as an appearance.
Prince probably in the top 5 musicians of all time, also probably in the top 10 soul/funk/R&B vocalists and when judged on the complete package of expression, feel, improv, dexterity, performance and sheer stage presence, whether it be rhythm or solo, Prince had it all in abundance so definitely in the top 20 guitar players of all time!
Ahhh,, Prince, what a beautiful man is Prince. His talent was absolutely immeasurable. He could play virtually every instrument with strings, percussion, just about every instrument we can hear in all his tracks. His ability to write, his ability as a choreographer whilst playing masterfully,, WOW Prince was/is an ICON and the consumate entertainer. RIP sweet Master Prince, we miss him BUT we will be hearing the music of Prince for decades.
I love this performance. The look on Dhani Harrison's face was priceless. Such honest shock, amazement and delight... it was great to see. I like to think George would have approved. And thank you for not being one of those snarky jerks who critique artists so harshly. You find something good in every video and that is rare.
@crafty litigator I'm sure you've seen the documentary about The Wrecking Crew. Glen not only could play everything, he actually did -- from "Strangers in the Night" to The Monkees. And that was before he defined country-pop music as a vocalist. Even with all his fame he is probably the most under-appreciated performer in the history of pop music. Maybe next to Todd Rundgren. ;)
Thank you for the video. After listening to your summary and comments about Gary Moore I like any enlightened person had to see that performance as well. Gary Moore's performance was excellent. But I feel that you, Fil might be susceptible to the same bias that Rolling Stones Mag and some others display. Prince didn't just make his guitar weep he made it scream for more with complex runs, elongated vibratos, shredding runs, perfect tone, and of course Prince's trademark masterful showmanship. I guess therein lies the problem, only Hendrix and Prince had the mastery of the guitar at such a point where they didn't have to stand like stone monuments to play accurately and well. Rather than giving points for this additional skill most critics subtract them. Why? It seems that it may be because guys like Gary Moore, Jimmy Page, Brian May and the like couldn't perform like that. This is the beast and it seems that it may never change. Prince was music personified. I'll try to place it nicely, if Prince had played only rock, and only for rock loving audiences there would be a statue of him at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame today but then he wouldn't be Prince. Imagine being minimized for writing, and playing too much, too well. Most would consider that raising the bar but because it was Prince they lowered the stage because he raised it too high.
I think it was just the timing of the performance as it was billed as a George Harrison tribute performance, but I've since done a few more videos on Prince with his own band ☺
I am so tired of these hacks commenting on Prince. What people don't realize, Price played his solo's to fit the song, not to show off how hast he could play. He didn't play the same tired licks the other 'great' guitar players like Gary Moore. He plays all the typical licks, nothing original. This is just 1 of MANY great Prince solos. He could play as fast as anyone, and play all styles - funk, rock, blues, jazz.. name it. In my mind he's the best I've ever heard because of his total understanding of music and his ability to adapt. PERIOD!!!!
Chuck De- YOU are so RIGHTTTT! I think this guy misses on the "concept" of what "great" is. Also, he talks of Prince' multiple instrument playing ability, but its as though he "read up on it". He should take time & get to know Prince, his music, his collaborative history and even the stories from friends who experienced and partied with the man (legendary stories). If he did those things he'd conclude like most that he'd wish he saw Prince perform live AND he'd wish Prince was alive - just to party with him,... at least one time. He would also realize that Prince was a one-of-a-kind human being. One-Of-A-KIND!!!
I really felt that Prince was playing this as a tribute to George. And the emotion he evokes is perfect to the situation. I felt that Prince was channeling Jimmy Hendricks here a bit. I am biased. I am a huge Price fan. This is my favorite performance of his. I feel he did the song justice. He showcased the SONG. That is pure class. RIP Prince miss you. 🎸💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Prince's style is a combination of EVH, Santana, and Hendrix. Ever noticed how he uses his thumb to fret the low e and slide in and out of phrases with it? Straight Hendrix.
Another great video! I really don't care for those top 100 lists. I mean really, once you get to that kind of level it's all so subjective. And music isn't a competition, it's expression!
you have done yourself a big favor (by not reading it) and btw keep up the good work and please check out junior brown playing "surfer medley"..you will enjoy it
I don`t know Fil ... I just checked out Gary Moores version ( a couple of times ) and yes it`s totally awesome but , I think Prince takes home the #1 prize . His creativity and so many different takes ( sections ) , all wrapped up into an astonishing solo ( complete with the hilarious fallback choreography ) is Mind Blowing . Prince is not really my cup of tea but , he has a superhuman talent that can`t be denied . Love this channel , keep on Rockin` Fil !
A good example, but perhaps you should analyze his Sometimes I feel like a motherless child from back in the day, or his super bowl perfomance in pouring rain. Since this is a tribute to George I think that is why he kept a lot in the lower register, George loved the descending groove on the song.
I do not agree. A guitar player is also about the stories he tells and Prince can tell fascinating stories on his guitar. On top of that he is incredibly proficient. I think he is absolutely top 10. Far better than Gary Moore or Stevie Ray Vaughan.Those guys were excellent guitar players. With Prince you sense all the time you are dealing with a complete musician. Just like Frank Zappa. You feel his depth. He can also do many genres effortlessly. James Brown Funk, Hendrix' Rock, Disco, Jazz Rock, he just had it all. His guitar playing is like Stevie Wonder's harmonica playing: the voice of a unique natural.
Yeah definitely if it were a top 100 artist list, Prince would be top. He could do a lot on other instruments that other guitarists would never be able to do! But the only problem I have with Prince's playing is his vibrato. It's a tiny detail, but I've never heard him play an on note slow controlled wide vibrato. Its the only element missing to convey the full range of emotion through the instrument. Maybe he has done it somewhere that I haven't heard it, if he has then it's time for me to re-evaluate! But like I said, its a tiny detail!
@Peter Hendriks: 100% agree with you. Prince definitely belongs in the Top 10, personally he is in my Top 3 of all time. British Guitarist is wrong here saying Prince is not one of the greats, he seems to overlook the fact that Prince just was given time for a short end-solo because he was just a Guest performer in this all stars legends line-up, a solo he did not extensively rehearse either.
I’m not a guitarist, so I won’t argue about who is the best, who is not. Personnally, I loved this performance, and generally, I love to watch Prince play whatever instrument he wants, because it’s blatant that he has the fun of his life being on stage and playing music. As an amateur musician, I’m sensitive to this visible joy. My, how I regret not have been able to go at one of his concerts. For me that’s the most important: when the musicians, well known or not, are happy to be here and clearly show us that it’s not just a job they’re doing like any other, well I’m also happy to watch and listen, it’s as simple as this. I always enjoy the music more when I’m part of it, be it playing onstage in an orchester, or in front of stage listening dancing, tapping foot... And looking at him never fail to give me the widest smile because simply looking at the video, I don’t feel put aside. I’m not sure if it’s clear, if I convey the idea, it’s quite hard to explain in english 😅 But I think that the solo works that great because, whatever one can say, they still play together, and here one can clearly see that they keep playing together, as an orchester. The part were he glances at Tom Petty to ensure that everything is going alright, and he’s not covering to much the voices, always make me smile. I can almost hear him thinking ” Can I?” before going all out and that’s very professionnal. Even while playing they comunicate through eyes and smiles and I simply love to see it. To me the overall performance is well balanced between solos and accompagnement, and the result is .. what we can here. But apart from the solo, I was amazed at how great Tom Petty’s and Jeff Lynne’s voices blend together. Their vocal duo is absolutely cool. I barely know Lynne and, the performance led me to search who’s the guy, and finally discover E.L.O. And I regret absolutely nothing, so big thanks to all of them 😊
You have summed up Prince so perfectly. What you are saying is absolutely correct. Prince made his audience feel so important. We were part of it. Watching him on stage, or watching videos and DVD's. You felt like you were part of his inner circle. He really understood his connection to the audience. 😌
We're talking about a guy who produced his own first album at the age of 17. Prince was ahead of his time and so underrated. I love this solo and would put him top 20 for sure.
This was easily one of Prince's most prolific solos, the dude was not just a "Top 100" guitarist, but one of greatest, especially of his generation...his overall musicianship was out of control incredible...and I like Dhani Harrison's reaction when Prince fell back off of the stage, it's way cool....
Unfortunately Dhani started changing his tune when some in the media attacked Prince for 'stealing the show'. I thought he elevated it and made it special to a whole new generation of music lovers. Isn't that what musicians are supposed to do. He was not creating a commercial remake/cover of it but part of his take, just like Petty, Lynne, Winwood etc, of a tribute performance. We are the better for seeing and hearing it.
I think I was the only one who didn't boo him at the Stones concert all those years ago. He was brave and I admired that in a person. He blew everyone away that night!
Prince is one of the most underrated guitarist that deserved more acclaim. Although it was his own preference for showmanship that overshadowed his guitar playing. Think Prince dint wanto be seen as another great guitar player when he was a versatile all rounder. Unlike Gary, Stevie, Jimi, Vai, Satriani etc etc.
That Performance was Truly NOT Of This World! I felt as if I was Somewhere Else in The Universe! I’ve Watched It Probably a Hundred Times; Feeling the Same Every Single Time! Rest Well, Prince
I thought that was one of the best live performances I had ever seen. The goosebumps I had when it ended told me it was great. Really interesting to hear it broken down from a technical aspect. That's why I enjoy your content
I love how you explain why he wasn’t acknowledged like he should’ve been. I loved everything he did but almost every song he made had a guitar solo in it. So I think he enjoyed the guitar most. I love the guitar and he definitely influenced that love. I miss him in the world. God bless 🙏
Bottom line Prince was one of the greatest guitarist. He Should definitely be in the top 100. When you consider the diversity of styles and ability and the amount of amazingly craft a guitar playing on recorded records that he has done,, you would be hard-pressed to find another guitar player/artist or musician specializing on any instrument with that level of talent and amount of product,, all from 1 human being. Not to mention songwriting and production & his ability to perform live And the things that he can do with a guitar on a stage. I don't think putting him in the top 100 should be a question (Not to mention how prince stood up for artist and changed the industry) It/he should be a part of music history!💜
Yeah, no kidding. Half his guitar genius is in his impeccable rhythm playing. Also the sheer amount of funk riffs he comes up with over his career. It's said that he often recorded without a click track!
nolls14 It would be interesting to see someone compile a list of the top rhythm guitarists of all time. That’s a particular skill that sometimes gets overlooked.
Not only is Prince underrated as a guitarist,obviously! It is shameful and embarrassing for Rolling Stone magazine to not include him in the top 100! Prince is the only musician that evokes so much emotion within me that he makes me cry on several guitarsolos. He plays the guitar through his soul making you feel his emotions directly in your own soul. He plays melodically and intuitively with such diversity of emotion it is unparalleled. His instrument becomes an extention of his body and there through his soul. He gave it all on the stage and we love him for it. Last but not least he is also a technically savy as well. For all these reasons he is the # 1 guitar player 🎸🎵💜 Imo.
Prince was such a fucking boss that the first albums he did, he himself wrote all the songs and played all the instruments in those albums... The guy was a multi-instrument talent and also incredible singer. Not to mention an amazing performer too!
I guess so many people forget that Prince was also being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame that night also. Check out his personal performance. The guy was 15 years ahead of his time. For all of the other guitar legends you named, it’s a lot easier to become a Guitar Legend if you only able to play one instrument. At the age of 17 Prince was playing over 26 instruments
Um...PLEASE excuse my humble opinion bro, but Prince was and ALWAYS will be one of the "greats!"...He kills EVERY1 in just stage presence ALONE!..And I DO mean EVERY1!
I didn’t know anything about Rolling Stone magazine not including Prince in the top 100 guitar players. I have seen the video many many times just for Prince’s playing. He looked as if he was in the zone & was having a blast. I also loved when Dani Harrison smiled watching Prince play. The showmanship was too cool for words. R.I.P. 🎸🎸🎸
I saw this when it first came on, and thank God I had the DVR running; he literally made that guitar 'scream & cry like a baby'- forget 'weeping', lol! AMAZING player, multi-instrumentalist & performer! R.I.P. Oh, yeah: he picked a Tele to play this on!
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Prince is all about timing, showmanship, and hitting the mark. He was not just a guitarist, he was so much more. There's not an instrument up there he couldn't thoroughly play. He gave life to George Harrison's song, making it memorable to a new generation of listeners. It's more than just a guitar solo from Prince, it's how he delivered it.
was that young guy smiling at Prince George Harrison's son?
@@leahflower9924 Yes. Dhani Harrison.
It was Prince's guitar version of a "mic drop" performance! (not to mention his epic walk-off!).
I can't believe the crap thrown around about this solo. Prince patiently waited his turn and then brought it home. That was obviously his job and he stuck the landing.
It wasn't just the solo that was great it was stage presence some guys play amazing but they don't make it look amazing, Prince gave the performance more agency by making it more dramatic falling off stage he gave you a show without sacrificing his technical chops.
Everyone that knows Prince also knows that he had extreme stage fright! Even after all of the years he performed, he was so anxious when on stage by himself... so imagine him playing with other greats.
It seemed rather awkward,Tom Petty didn't seemed amused.But I don't know.
@danny noneofyourbusiness not just rollling stone but who ever wife that it was who had an issue with prince playing in the tribute
@@purpracer He DID NOT have stage fright. don't know where you picked that up from. People love to make up shitty legends like this. possibly very early in his career (the Champagne days) but Prince was very much a stage performer, almost always commanding the stage performance, band and the crowd. Prince wasn't afraid to go out on stage and fuck it up. Maybe you should go back and watch concert performances like "the Lovesexy Tour '88". Pay attention and learn something before perpetuating bogus legends.
Back in the early 80's when Prince hit big with Purple Rain, I was a fan like most people, even though I was a metal guy. Then one day I read an interview with Eddie Van Halen in either Guitar Player or Guitar World. This is when Eddie was pretty much "The Guy" and they asked him who he thought was the best player out there and he answered "Prince, he plays just enough to make you think he's a genius, but never enough to confirm it". I was like..huh? and from that point on I started paying attention to his guitar playing. I didn't follow his career or anything, but his music would always drift in and out of my life and I'd always take notice of what he was doing on guitar. I've always thought that comment summed him up perfectly and is as great a praise as you can heap on anyone. The guy could really play any style, any technique at a masterful level on guitar and you can find examples of it throughout his career. He could write amazing riffs or layer tons of guitar parts to create things that didn't immediately sound like guitar and on top of that he could actually shred when he wanted too, but at least when it came to his songs, he only did it when it fit the song.
and then, just to throw it in, he was apparently just as good on bass, drums and keys... you know, because why not? The dude was a one of a kind talent.
👍
J C well said brother....I've still got some guitarworlds laying around from way back when....just never had the nerve to chuck em
Prince played every single instrument on many of his albums.
Thats so true Eddie Van Halen hit nail on the head when it comes Prince guitar playing. Prince didn't want be known as just a guitarist.
Prince was a musical prodigy..according Terry Lewis, Prince could play the Chicago-Make me smile solo note for note in middle school.
That was Amazing... Prince sounded like Jimi Hendrix doing the Beatles... Prince is definitely the most underrated guitar god of All-Time...
@Wings of Pegasus by the way Fil I saw Gary Moore version with George Harrison and it was absolutely electrifying. Gary is definitely another underrated guitar god. He was incredible! I think Gary's version sounded more bluesy and Prince sounded more hard rock. I loved both versions... In Prince's defense you can tell that Tom Petty was getting uncomfortable. He was putting pressure on Prince to hurry up and end the song. Prince even shakes his head no at 1st. If this was a Prince concert he would've taken that solo into the stratosphere.
Prince and Roy Clark
I have known since Prince's very 1st album and all through the eighties that people snubbed him and were jealous of his talent. He needed no one. They believed he was over confident. But now Rolling Stone's top 100 greatest guitarist has him at 33. Personally, I believe he belongs in the top 10.
I second that !
I third.
If you put Prince on stage with anyone, he's gonna kill it, just because he can.
Nah, not anymore.
@@danielfronc4304 no shit, he’s dead.
@@danielfronc4304 Really dumb comment!
@@danielfronc4304 I say all kinds of dumb shit regularly. Your comment is however completely asinine.
I will never forget this performance from Prince for as long as I live. I was in awe the first time I saw it, and I will forever be.
Prince absolutely slayed this. And the walk off at the end was epic!!!
More to the back story is found during the rehearsal. Prince was asked to play all the solos and someone decided Marc Mann would play the first and Prince would play the "outro" only. This on top of the Rolling Stone snub is responsible for the result. Prince was being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well during this session in 2004. Prince was always very methodical. He didn't prove a point, he removed ALL DOUBT!
@@moonandstars8707 Marc Mann played a perfect first solo of the song. Just like the record. Guitar tone was on point.
Prince's solo sounded improvised . he made that guitar weep!
Apparently Lynne had problem with Prince being onstage.
Maybe the show producers " forced" the issue to get him on stage and there was resentment.
@@moonandstars8707 So that is why, near the end and after the backband where Prince was caught by one of his guys, Prince turned toward Petty and the guy beside him, waved his guitar at them, with a "How 'bout that, fellows?" smile on his face.
I've just watched the Gary Moore guitar solo of this song, off the back of this video; and I have to admit whilst I can admire the technical proficiency of Moore's solo - I MUCH prefer the Prince solo, its so much more energetic, stylish and he plays with so much more panache. Prince's version is a much more exciting solo IMHO.
Sometimes Feel is just as important as technical proficiency ..... That's what makes the great Blues guitarists great .... You can play the exact same notes as B.B. King and never sound anything like him because you just don't have the same Feel
I don't know. I think this is just Fil"s bias. Good as Gary Moore's playing was but it sound dated, old school. Prince's version is not only virtuoso playing but has soul in it. Certainly one of guitar playing gems. Full of passion.
Prince was an entertainer, not just an amazing guitarist and musician. His solo is above all not boring. Everything about Prince's solo is about enjoyment! You can see him showing off - for fun! and what a delight to watch Prince on the guitar, which he uses as theatrical prop, not just an instrument. Gary Moore is a good soloist for sure but damn, there is no comparison to which version is more fun to watch. All the performers on the stage with Prince are having a wonderful time enjoying Prince the showman. His licks and antics are just so much fun!
Uhh no duh. Lol
Who gives a feck what rolling stone thinks? Anyone who can hear realises what a great player prince was
Yeah I don't know why Prince was so effected, on the same list EVH was listed as number 70. But I guess that's what happens, the people writing the lists are clueless!
I've seen that clip several times and I was impressed both by Prince's playing skills and also his showmanship. With Prince you got the whole package. I loved the half time slot he did at the Superbowl.
TheOldgeezah Unfortunately many don't. I see he doesn't have much love in this thread. But then again, this is nowhere near his best work. But he had MUCH love from musicians of all styles. Vai, Jake E. Lee, Satriani, Santana, Nuno Bettencourt, Clapton just to name some guitarists who knew.
Not really, the people who voted are accomplished guitarists so they are voted by their peers in the business. It then will obviously be calibrated to show who consistently is best JH always seems to rank as #1 and has done for many years. Lindsay Buckingham is at 100 in the list. Prince is an accomplished musician not a renowned guitarist, he came onto the stage to express a f*ck you sentiment I believe - look I can play guitar so sod off. He overplayed it with notable guitar work but in a slightly different league. I think what it established was that people saw him for being able to play guitar better than average and quite well, but no Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz etc.
Lenny Kravitz is good and all but I wouldn't really put his name anywhere near Hendrix. Prince is better than Lenny imo. At least Rolling Stone gave Lindsay Buckingham long overdue respect. People will often say that Peter Green was the true definitive Fleetwood Mac guitarist, but I like to think of Fleetwood Mac as 2 different bands almost. There's the blues rock FM and then the pop rock FM, and both versions are great in their own way, but apples and oranges in terms of comparisons. Peter Green is possibly my favorite blues rock player, partly because of his tastefulness, which is one quality I think Lindsay also possessed. He played what needed to be played and knew the power of silence. As they say, sometimes the notes you don't play are just as important as the ones you do play. Peter Green also had that amazing tone and apparent emotional channel from his heart and mind straight to his fingers. If you watch Carlos Santana play Black Magic Woman, especially live and even with Peter Green (who was admittedly not the same player he once was), you will see that Santana can hardly just play one or two notes... it seems that quantity over quality is the way he plays it. One comment called him "Carlos 'why play one note when you can play 100?' Santana", which I thought was funny. Anyway, yeah, the 1997 Fleetwood Mac concert album/DVD "The Dance" shows how skilled Buckingham was, especially in that version of "Big Love". "Go Your Own Way" also had beautiful licks... I could go on and on. If I recall correctly, both Green and Buckingham were on that admittedly lackluster list, which is one thing they did right. Rambling like crazy, sorry. All of a sudden I noticed I just wrote a freakin' essay. Cheers.
When Eddie Van Halen says Prince was the best, that means something guys.
True...and Prince was jealous of EVH also. He threw shade at him for no reason. I think it's like the old paradigm...when your hair is straight, you like curly and vvs.
True but also when you get that visceral response,,, means much more IMO
EVH said that??
I've heard that Eric Clapton also said that..
B.S.
That was a gross oversight, I hate the pretentious twats at Rolling Stone. Anyone who listened to Prince could tell he was a great guitarist!
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Prince is extremely underrated; especially by my generation (61).
Eric Clapton thought so
Swamper60 Rolling Stone was relevant once, maybe in the early '70s but given a choice of picking up a copy of their magazine or some woman's magazine at my hair cutters biz, I'd only pick up the RS if they were out of toilet paper. They're irrelevant to today's music, a cute quaint anachronism of days long gone by.
Prince was very much at the top of the list of greatest guitarists! To say he wasn’t, is false. 💜
Prince was the only musician ever known having the shredding of Malmsteen + the blues of Hendrix + the soul of Gilmour + the rock of Page + the groove of Santana + the genious of Mozart.
Number one.
Funk and Fusion of Sly and so many like James Brown and a better dancer than Michael Jackson.
I believe, that as a guitar player, Prince was very underrated. Most likely because he played so many other instruments, that it kind of overshadowed his true abilities on guitar. I'm 52, so i was in my teens when all these big artists were at their peak. Admittedly, i was never really a Prince "fan". I'm an old school hard rock guy, so i didn't really listen to Prince's music, but i was well aware of the talent he possessed. I think he was an incredible guitarist. A new age hendrix. A perfect fusion of blues and funk, with soul. You just have to give credit where credit is due. This dude was super talented, and in my opinion a true guitar virtuoso. Up there with the big names that are so commonly referred to as the greatest guitar players ever.
@@celestearellano3720 cocaine is a hell of a drug. Rick James
Malmsteen not sure who that is? But after Prince died I became a fan. He was certainly a diva but talent is unequaled.
@@jamesway Don't know never did drugs. Cocaine by Eric Clapton is good!
prince could've should've been a rock guitar god. he was just too talented at too many things to be tagged as "a guitarist".
prince was a musician' musician performer and mastered as guitar his piano....it is said he played mostly piano (Mayte Garcia told that hiw ex wife) So i think with such talent he could easily do anything including wide vibrato...Should be in the 10the greatest of all time.... Kobain is a means of measurement guitar skills not at all
@@gfanarakos I'd actually have no problem with him as # 2. But if we further compare him to Hendrix as an overall musician, performer, it's just not a debate; Prince is on an unattainable level.
The news reported Prince had enough material at his home studio to make 1,000 albums.
I guess it’s a matter of taste prince owned this Moore was great but I watched both and felt the progression of prince was unbeatable
Helios he’s a better player than Jimi...he’s hendrix on steroids....he’s what hendrix would’ve been if he hadn’t died so early...but it was hard for me to put him over hendrix at first because everybody plays like hendrix to some extent...he’s the pioneer of this sound...but prince is jus better...he can do whatever hendrix was doing plus plenty of other styles and techniques...but he’s also been in the game 38 years vs hendrix 4
Prince is definitely one of the greatest. The thing about Prince is he did more than just solo, he also was a bad rhythm guitarist (r and b,funk). Most of the so called "Greatest Guitarist" can't even play funk😎😎.
He might of been a less than stellar rhythm guitarist but I certainly wouldn't call him "bad".
@@danielfronc4304 he meant “bad” as in Really Really fucking great
If you're funky then you're funky. He had it in a way no other has, and he influences till forever any funky guitarist.
Just remember Rolling Stone listed Kurt Cobain at # 12. He knew 3 cords.
🤣🎸 Not one of my favorites...I'm not being disrespectful, but I think his death created him more than talent...
Lmao
Hahahahahahah
@@CARNELIANTURQUOISE "death created him". Hmm. That's disrespect.
It is not about the speed or even the volume for me (as player and listener), but Prince has been my favorite since I was a boy and I was an early devotee' of "the Kid," but I both love and respect the talent of Cobain. Number 12 was a memorial gesture, but I thought he was great. Prince, however, was a genious and the best I have ever seen with my own eyes, at least. I would put Prince in top 100 for sure, but possibly top 50 or even 25. Not being a professional, I am the owner of a subjective ear, so what the hell do I know.
Clearly you haven’t seen Prince perform live in concert in person.
Unfortunately not! Only in video!
I saw Prince live in the late 90s and one of his last concerts before he passed.
He is a true GUITAR god!
Just mesmerising
Interesting how some people have negative things to say about Prince but in actuality without his solo it would not have gone down in history as one of the most epic performances at the HOF. Thanks Prince!!
What's really telling as well is how much more the group is playing as a band by the end of it instead of a bunch of guests playing a cover together. His skill as a bandleader was immense - like the best soccer players he was a superb team player but knew when to let his talent really fly for the sake of the whole.
I get Goosebumps Everytime I see this. Prince is one of the best💜💜
I love this solo by prince he made that guitar weep,scream and holla ! 💜💜💜
...and fly!!!
Prince was one of the most underrated guitarist ever. He could hold his own with any of the greats and this stage proves it. Loved his guitar playing.
The thing about the solo and Prince in general is the interaction between him and the instrument, is always so smooth, so effortless, while he always have great melodic ideas and tone
Prince not only respected his colleagues and the family of the departed, but he also offered a celebration of what George meant through his guitar. It was the point of the tune, so his merit was on making it his own tribute which he did masterfully.
That top 100 was all about the music world saying “look you can’t have it all Prince! You can sing better than 95 percent of all singers, write 100000 songs a month, let the guitar guys have this list.” You know what, that’s their problem. Prince was one of the greatest musicians of all time, deal with it.
definitly in the top 10, each note is an emotion, and deeply felt, unlike those speed shreders playing 2000 notes/second with no feeling at all. He is a virtuoso, and I disagree, he s ONE of the 10 greatests.
I would have to agree...as far as an emotional player, he was one of the greatest. His solo on Purple Rain hits me in "the feels" every time I hear it. He never played a thousand miles per hour, but every note he did play, had meaning and you really felt it.
Exactly. Fuck those looser who think they are the best just cus they can shred and play really fast. And im like, whats the point of playing fast if there is no emotion, and most times you cant even tell every note apart.
Yall should hear the band called "skillet". They have some sick solos with emotion, shredding and sweeppicking and playing really fast, but they just hit you. Very underrated band and guitarist
But for sure. Prince will always be my guitar hero. I play guitar because of him. And im planning to start a band very soon
For me that's the difference. He plays and there's rhythm, there's emotion, there's a game, a show, a conversation. And again: rhythm. Not just melody, not just technique. He draws you in and plays just enough to fit the song. Probably comes from him being a multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, balanced and all-round artist, that made all types of music.
Other guitarists are amazingly skilled, so many variations, so many melodies and clearly super skilled. But it ends up being amazing guitar playing, but hasn't got the soul Prince was able to bring to a song and music in general.
I agree indefinitely one of the greatest
@@charliehelmijr Well said. Amen 💜
Prince threw that Tele straight up to Heaven for safe keeping & an angelic tuning til he got there.
😂
It’s a Hohner...I don’t know why I know that.
It's a T-style H.S. Anderson Mad Cat
I thought he was giving it to George to play for a while.
nelliebly Your comment made me 🙂
IMO, Prince has no need to prove himself to the guitar purists, the guy was a musical genius, and his overall gift was so much more then just a single instruments voice.
Yeah he shouldn't have been bothered about what one idiot journalist thought!
@@wingsofpegasus prince didn't take shit from anyone and he loved to remind people without opening his mouth.
He was left in the shadows as an afterthought and fing blew everyone away and I been a petty fan since the late 70’s? I’d like to see you do what he did! Come on man he’s marvelous!
Prince was virtuoso at most instruments, but he was a virtuoso songwriter, vocalist, storyteller, DANCER.....he truly did it ALL incredibly well. Did I forget his overall style and sexual appeal?
😂👍
💜
Prince was a musical genius. Full stop.
When Prince died this was the video i looked for first. I think he nailed it here. The guy was a phenomenal player. He truly was the full package. Writer, singer, performance artist and top notch player. No disrespect to Moore, another legend, but this just hits me harder.
Yeah he was a good player for sure, the only problem I have is there are elements of his playing I can see fault in technically whereas with Gary I can't spot anything I'd want improved. But it's just my own taste!
The original is the best with Eric Clapton, everyone subsequently has overplayed or murdered it with their own interpretations. Sometimes the original is the best, when a song is classic it is difficult for any subsequent band to top the quality. Has anyone done a better version of Hotel California or Stairway to Heaven than the originals.
To say you see 'fault technically' is basically to say there's only one 'correct' way to play or there is 'fault' in your playing, which is ridiculous. Prince was truly phenomenal. You really need to see/hear a lot more of his live performances.
Jody,
It seems it was not rehearsed with Prince, so from a technical point of view it could well be that Fil is right here.
@surfitlive
Can we please keep this kind of crap out here? I as well have a different opinion to Fil, but we can discuss these things in a decent manner, can we? That's why we are here.
So....P was the only musician to be on the cover of guitar, base, drums and keyboard magazines. THE ONLY MUSICIAN to accomplish this feat. Has anybody watched the live solo on Shhhh in concert in. Detroit? He plays a classic Eddie Van Halen solo. Amazing! Just ask the Revolution about their last show with him as a band in Japan. Wendy said he shredded not one but two guitars. Said it was unreal! She looked at the band mates and they knew it was over for them as a band. Lastly, after his death, studio musicians he had hired starting coming out and saying no matter what the instrument they were hired to play, he could bury all of them on ANY of the instruments. Said they don’t even know why they were hired. He was far superior to them. Not one of the “top 100” even come close to this multi dimensional bad-ass!!!
Gary Moore is an excellent technician, but he doesn't tear at your soul like the way Prince does. I've watched this performance over 20 times and it still leaves me stunned every time.
Agreed. If the only piece of Prince's work you ever saw was this, it would convince you what a great, unique guitarist he was. This is just one moment of him taking center stage with other famous artists and shining like a supernova.
Prince pretty much channels Clapton's original solo on this one I mean u couldn't improve upon the original so Prince sticks pretty close to it not knocking Prince smart dude great player great musician.
Respectfully disagree dude…ALL Gary Moore does is tear at your soul…maybe you like this version more, but The Messiah Will Come, Parisienne Walkways, Still Got the Blues etc…soul crushing stuff, and I love Prince…Prince was a truth teller too, his last few yrs he gave interviews exposure a lot of shit….probably why he’s not with us anymore…the satanic cowards…tried killing Petty too
Watch Moore’s version of The Messiah Will Come Again !
Same here: Gary’s version left me entirely unmoved. Prince however carries this to unearthy levels of artistic genius
Dhani's laughing face, as Prince plays (and almost falls backwards off of the stage...) - priceless!
Prince was clearly underrated as a guitarist - he definitely should've been in the Top 100.
We lost a multi talented (and very intelligent...) treasure, the day Prince went Home...💜
I was a not a fan of Prince UNTIL I actually got to see him live and WOW he could peel the paint of walls with his blistering blusey-raw funky playing... better than all so called generation x blues boys..... He smoked through Hedrix, Zeppelin, Floyd, Van Halen , Even did a bit of Holy Diver..lol yep Super Funk Prince can play it all with true passion and feel...
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Jimi Hendrix was the only guitarist that Prince was not able to match, which is NO KNOCK ON THE PURPLE ONE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS WAS/STILL IS THE CASE WITH ALL OF THE MANY OTHER GUITAR GODS. Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, Angus Young, Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammett, Slash, Bucket head, as well as a multitude of other guitar virtuosos did/do not have the unreal natural abilities possessed by Jimi Hendrix.
Anyone who witnessed him live says exactly that.
Didn’t like prince till this? Man. You got some learning to do kid.
Jenna Majid as Nd btw Stevie Ray Vaughan is better than jimi. I love jimi. SRV is the best EVER. Eric Clapton even said it.
"Genius" is a word that's thrown around way too often, and should be reserved for someone who has utterly and forever transformed an art, a field of science, even a sport. That Prince was a genius seems too obvious to even bother saying, but some folks will never accept it, even though he was one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived AND was a master drummer, bass player, and keyboardist who could sing like James Brown one minute, and like Screaming Lord Sutch the next. His one big handicap is that he released too much music -- and too much of it was mediocre -- during his lifetime. But then again, even his mediocre stuff was miles ahead of almost everyone else's.
Amen!
Absoultly!
so if you think that his mediocre staff was miles ahead than the rest why then you say its a handicap or a drawback? probably because that staff was not seen as it should be as music industy demanded full control of music and Prince was different to that. He made to the top and music industry gave him that as it was brilliant, but then wanted more freedom emancipating....
Musical genius doesn’t cover it. Prince was the Mozart of our time. He was the most prolific artist of the past 40 years and left us way too soon.
As a Prince obsessive it hurts to say, but his post 1980s career was lacking. I feel much of what he did from 1992 onward to be totally inessential.
Now, if we’re talking from 1978-1992 however... that’s a body of work most couldn’t hope to accomplish in a lifetime. That’s 15 records (if we’re counting the Black Album) in a span of 14 years. And I didn’t even mention the records he essentially gifted The Time, Vanity 6, Apollonia 6, The Family, Sheila E.....
The fact with Prince is that he was such a great, great multi-instrumentalist, he wrote, played, produced, sang most of his albums, all by himself, and he used to set the stage on fire with his carisma and stage presence. Listening to Prince is an experience, you can never know what it's going to happen, 'cause he switched lots of genres (funk, pop, rock, jazz etc.), it's mindblowing.
He wasn't probably the best guitarist, but how many of those guitarists on that list can do what Prince did with such creativity? That's why Prince is one of the best artists of our times, he was the full package.
Yeah exactly, on at artist list he'd be top.
total agree he loved music and did not classify music
Prince was totally underrated as a guitarist if he didn't even make the "top 100". He was insanely good at every instrument and put it all together in an unbelievably proficient and prolific package. Much more than just a guitarist....he was an all-around musical genius and artist.
The real “back story “ is Prince was there to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. He never needed to prove anything to anyone, much less when he is being inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is just Prince on a Tuesday.
Someone gets prince
R.I.P. Prince. You are sorely missed :.(
Amen.
Those who under rated Prince as a guitarist were the same ones who never bothered to listen his body of work. If they had they would know that of course he belongs in the top 100. I would place him even higher
I never tire of this epic Prince performance, the pure joy of Danny Harrisons reaction to the performance is gold
People really think the reason prince played this solo so well was because he was upset. All the “real rock guys” need to wake up.
the things is:i truly think that if you know prince's work you are not that amazed...to me it's a cool solo but i saw a lot more impressive from him. Why people are so suprised?? about the vibrato i think it's a personal thing. Like bass and ghost notes: he hated ghost notes on bass
Dude. Dude. In your head, if you can keep Prince out of the top ten, you just aren't listening. I saw them all (I'm old). Once you go Hendrix/Clapton/Allman, you can start arguing Prince. Prince could do Stevie Ray. Stevie (bless his astonishing soul...) couldn't do Prince. You did a piece on his "Motherless Child." Some of the most emotive, angry, anguished, painful and redemptive sounds ever tortured out of a guitar. Dude...
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This
So right. He packed all those top 10 names easily. He had SRV, JH, JP, Zappa, JB, and all of the classic guitar heroes. Such an eclectic mind, so much more than just a GP. Gosh, he was mind-blowing.
Prince was gifted! I'm not into rating who's the "greatest" whatever; just enjoy the artistry!
Yeah I agree!
Yeah hate all the comparison shit.
I agree who everyone thinks whoever is the greatest is subjective. i'd rather say he's the top echelon.
He deserves to be recognised as a great string bender! Always in key.
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Sometimes it doesn't even sound like he's fretting notes, it's just so fluid note to note. Reminds me of David Gilmour.
And he could DANCE HIS ASS OFF, on top of all of his other, many talents!
oh, that reminds me, ....and he could write really really good songs, too!
For as many stars as there were on that stage, I'll bet not ONE of them did NOT go home and tell their wife/girlfriend "I got to play with Prince!"
Prince is and was the best Guitar player in the world!!....He could play everything!
The man blows me away in every way!
he was underrated probably to the general public but for musicians, he was pretty much UP there! :) miss that guy...
Yeah he was a great artist.
That's true. Anybody who plays, or has a passing knowledge of music knows what Prince was.
@@wingsofpegasus One of the most underrated guitarists. He wasn't about trying to prove that he could pull of tricks, his playing was purely emotional. Like Hendrix, or Malmsteen, you instantly knew who you were hearing. You didn't have to guess. There were 50 other guitarists that sounded like him. He never strived to sound like anyone else.
Ricky ♫ Guitarman ♪ He wasn't underrated, a lot of that was just Racism. I'm not hung up on race if you can play, you can Play. I like Funk and Twisted Sister. Don't judge.
Easily underrated. That was one of the costs of his superstardom. Had he just been a guitar player in someone else’s band, he’d have been hailed as one of the greats for sure.
Prince also plays with such JOY! A real pleasure to watch.
I was able to see Prince in concert a few years back, I went to see him because he wsa an 80's icon, not because I was a rabid fan or anything. All I can say is WOW, my jaw was on the floor all night. The guy was truly from a different place. I've been to lots of concerts, in my opinion, after seeing him in concert, he is it!!! What a shiow that was!!! I only wished I was able to see him again. Only concert I ever went to where they were selling glasses of champagne. And as an added bonus, Morris Day opened for him and he wasn't even listed as an appearance.
Cool!
Prince’s flow state is second to none...
Amen
Prince probably in the top 5 musicians of all time, also probably in the top 10 soul/funk/R&B vocalists and when judged on the complete package of expression, feel, improv, dexterity, performance and sheer stage presence, whether it be rhythm or solo, Prince had it all in abundance so definitely in the top 20 guitar players of all time!
Ahhh,, Prince, what a beautiful man is Prince. His talent was absolutely immeasurable. He could play virtually every instrument with strings, percussion, just about every instrument we can hear in all his tracks. His ability to write, his ability as a choreographer whilst playing masterfully,, WOW Prince was/is an ICON and the consumate entertainer. RIP sweet Master Prince, we miss him BUT we will be hearing the music of Prince for decades.
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Some say that guitar is still traveling up into the sky
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Prince made everyone on that stage look like they were asleep.
I love this performance. The look on Dhani Harrison's face was priceless. Such honest shock, amazement and delight... it was great to see. I like to think George would have approved. And thank you for not being one of those snarky jerks who critique artists so harshly. You find something good in every video and that is rare.
No problem!
I don't think Fil has a snarky bone in him...he's generous even politely so.
Glen Campbell, another overlooked guy who was just a sick axeman, but he was better known for his crooning vocals.
Yeah that's true, I think I've looked at Glen in a vid but I'm not sure. If not I will!
@crafty litigator I'm sure you've seen the documentary about The Wrecking Crew. Glen not only could play everything, he actually did -- from "Strangers in the Night" to The Monkees. And that was before he defined country-pop music as a vocalist. Even with all his fame he is probably the most under-appreciated performer in the history of pop music. Maybe next to Todd Rundgren. ;)
Omg! Cue laugh track!!!
@@PixieChixie Are you saying Glen Campbell was NOT an amazing guitar player?
Thank you for the video. After listening to your summary and comments about Gary Moore I like any enlightened person had to see that performance as well. Gary Moore's performance was excellent. But I feel that you, Fil might be susceptible to the same bias that Rolling Stones Mag and some others display. Prince didn't just make his guitar weep he made it scream for more with complex runs, elongated vibratos, shredding runs, perfect tone, and of course Prince's trademark masterful showmanship. I guess therein lies the problem, only Hendrix and Prince had the mastery of the guitar at such a point where they didn't have to stand like stone monuments to play accurately and well. Rather than giving points for this additional skill most critics subtract them. Why? It seems that it may be because guys like Gary Moore, Jimmy Page, Brian May and the like couldn't perform like that. This is the beast and it seems that it may never change. Prince was music personified. I'll try to place it nicely, if Prince had played only rock, and only for rock loving audiences there would be a statue of him at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame today but then he wouldn't be Prince. Imagine being minimized for writing, and playing too much, too well. Most would consider that raising the bar but because it was Prince they lowered the stage because he raised it too high.
I think it was just the timing of the performance as it was billed as a George Harrison tribute performance, but I've since done a few more videos on Prince with his own band ☺
Excellent analysis and totally true. Could not agree more. Thanks for unveiling the truth!
Remember that was his night as well that he got inducted into the hall of fame. So he decided to show off a bit. And rightfully so
I am so tired of these hacks commenting on Prince. What people don't realize, Price played his solo's to fit the song, not to show off how hast he could play. He didn't play the same tired licks the other 'great' guitar players like Gary Moore. He plays all the typical licks, nothing original. This is just 1 of MANY great Prince solos. He could play as fast as anyone, and play all styles - funk, rock, blues, jazz.. name it. In my mind he's the best I've ever heard because of his total understanding of music and his ability to adapt. PERIOD!!!!
Please tell these people
Chuck De- YOU are so RIGHTTTT! I think this guy misses on the "concept" of what "great" is. Also, he talks of Prince' multiple instrument playing ability, but its as though he "read up on it". He should take time & get to know Prince, his music, his collaborative history and even the stories from friends who experienced and partied with the man (legendary stories). If he did those things he'd conclude like most that he'd wish he saw Prince perform live AND he'd wish Prince was alive - just to party with him,... at least one time. He would also realize that Prince was a one-of-a-kind human being. One-Of-A-KIND!!!
I really felt that Prince was playing this as a tribute to George.
And the emotion he evokes is perfect to the situation. I felt that Prince was channeling Jimmy Hendricks here a bit.
I am biased. I am a huge Price fan. This is my favorite performance of his.
I feel he did the song justice. He showcased the SONG. That is pure class.
RIP Prince miss you. 🎸💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Prince's style is a combination of EVH, Santana, and Hendrix. Ever noticed how he uses his thumb to fret the low e and slide in and out of phrases with it? Straight Hendrix.
Another great video! I really don't care for those top 100 lists. I mean really, once you get to that kind of level it's all so subjective. And music isn't a competition, it's expression!
Amen!
Rolling Stone Magazine has always been over rated ,quit readin that slop and celebrity worship years ago...as for prince...yes under rated
Rkk O'Tilley the same article, they rated EVH #70????? WTF would they know about anything!!!!!!
Haha I dont read it luckily!
That is insane!!! 😂
I rest my case
you have done yourself a big favor (by not reading it) and btw keep up the good work and please check out junior brown playing "surfer medley"..you will enjoy it
prince was top 20 best guitarists ....easily
I just love the awe on Daniel Harrison's face
I don`t know Fil ... I just checked out Gary Moores version ( a couple of times ) and yes it`s totally awesome but , I think Prince takes home the #1 prize . His creativity and so many different takes ( sections ) , all wrapped up into an astonishing solo ( complete with the hilarious fallback choreography ) is Mind Blowing . Prince is not really my cup of tea but , he has a superhuman talent that can`t be denied . Love this channel , keep on Rockin` Fil !
A good example, but perhaps you should analyze his Sometimes I feel like a motherless child from back in the day, or his super bowl perfomance in pouring rain. Since this is a tribute to George I think that is why he kept a lot in the lower register, George loved the descending groove on the song.
Yup that live performances of Motherless Child gave me chills
Motherless Child is it!@@paulcoleman292
Joy n Repitition is great as well as DREAMER!!... solo
@@sandrasmith7501
I do not agree. A guitar player is also about the stories he tells and Prince can tell fascinating stories on his guitar. On top of that he is incredibly proficient. I think he is absolutely top 10. Far better than Gary Moore or Stevie Ray Vaughan.Those guys were excellent guitar players. With Prince you sense all the time you are dealing with a complete musician. Just like Frank Zappa. You feel his depth. He can also do many genres effortlessly. James Brown Funk, Hendrix' Rock, Disco, Jazz Rock, he just had it all. His guitar playing is like Stevie Wonder's harmonica playing: the voice of a unique natural.
Yeah definitely if it were a top 100 artist list, Prince would be top. He could do a lot on other instruments that other guitarists would never be able to do! But the only problem I have with Prince's playing is his vibrato. It's a tiny detail, but I've never heard him play an on note slow controlled wide vibrato. Its the only element missing to convey the full range of emotion through the instrument. Maybe he has done it somewhere that I haven't heard it, if he has then it's time for me to re-evaluate! But like I said, its a tiny detail!
@Peter Hendriks: 100% agree with you. Prince definitely belongs in the Top 10, personally he is in my Top 3 of all time. British Guitarist is wrong here saying Prince is not one of the greats, he seems to overlook the fact that Prince just was given time for a short end-solo because he was just a Guest performer in this all stars legends line-up, a solo he did not extensively rehearse either.
I don’t know if it is true but I heard Prince claimed he did not even know the song
Amen 💜
I might agree with you.
Man I friggin LOVE this. Glad you got around to it Fil!
Cool, no problem!
I’m not a guitarist, so I won’t argue about who is the best, who is not. Personnally, I loved this performance, and generally, I love to watch Prince play whatever instrument he wants, because it’s blatant that he has the fun of his life being on stage and playing music. As an amateur musician, I’m sensitive to this visible joy. My, how I regret not have been able to go at one of his concerts.
For me that’s the most important: when the musicians, well known or not, are happy to be here and clearly show us that it’s not just a job they’re doing like any other, well I’m also happy to watch and listen, it’s as simple as this. I always enjoy the music more when I’m part of it, be it playing onstage in an orchester, or in front of stage listening dancing, tapping foot...
And looking at him never fail to give me the widest smile because simply looking at the video, I don’t feel put aside. I’m not sure if it’s clear, if I convey the idea, it’s quite hard to explain in english 😅
But I think that the solo works that great because, whatever one can say, they still play together, and here one can clearly see that they keep playing together, as an orchester. The part were he glances at Tom Petty to ensure that everything is going alright, and he’s not covering to much the voices, always make me smile. I can almost hear him thinking ” Can I?” before going all out and that’s very professionnal. Even while playing they comunicate through eyes and smiles and I simply love to see it. To me the overall performance is well balanced between solos and accompagnement, and the result is .. what we can here.
But apart from the solo, I was amazed at how great Tom Petty’s and Jeff Lynne’s voices blend together. Their vocal duo is absolutely cool. I barely know Lynne and, the performance led me to search who’s the guy, and finally discover E.L.O. And I regret absolutely nothing, so big thanks to all of them 😊
You have summed up Prince so perfectly. What you are saying is absolutely correct. Prince made his audience feel so important. We were part of it. Watching him on stage, or watching videos and DVD's. You felt like you were part of his inner circle. He really understood his connection to the audience. 😌
We're talking about a guy who produced his own first album at the age of 17. Prince was ahead of his time and so underrated. I love this solo and would put him top 20 for sure.
This was easily one of Prince's most prolific solos, the dude was not just a "Top 100" guitarist, but one of greatest, especially of his generation...his overall musicianship was out of control incredible...and I like Dhani Harrison's reaction when Prince fell back off of the stage, it's way cool....
Unfortunately Dhani started changing his tune when some in the media attacked Prince for 'stealing the show'. I thought he elevated it and made it special to a whole new generation of music lovers. Isn't that what musicians are supposed to do. He was not creating a commercial remake/cover of it but part of his take, just like Petty, Lynne, Winwood etc, of a tribute performance. We are the better for seeing and hearing it.
I think I was the only one who didn't boo him at the Stones concert all those years ago. He was brave and I admired that in a person. He blew everyone away that night!
Prince is one of the most underrated guitarist that deserved more acclaim.
Although it was his own preference for showmanship that overshadowed his guitar playing. Think Prince dint wanto be seen as another great guitar player when he was a versatile all rounder. Unlike Gary, Stevie, Jimi, Vai, Satriani etc etc.
That Performance was Truly NOT Of This World! I felt as if I was Somewhere Else in The Universe! I’ve Watched It Probably a Hundred Times; Feeling the Same Every Single Time! Rest Well, Prince
Yes! I feel the same way.
I thought that was one of the best live performances I had ever seen. The goosebumps I had when it ended told me it was great. Really interesting to hear it broken down from a technical aspect. That's why I enjoy your content
Thanks!
For me, that was one of Prince’s truly magical performances. Masterful guitar playing mixed in with amazing showmanship.
I love how you explain why he wasn’t acknowledged like he should’ve been. I loved everything he did but almost every song he made had a guitar solo in it. So I think he enjoyed the guitar most. I love the guitar and he definitely influenced that love. I miss him in the world. God bless 🙏
Bottom line Prince was one of the greatest guitarist. He Should definitely be in the top 100. When you consider the diversity of styles and ability and the amount of amazingly craft a guitar playing on recorded records that he has done,, you would be hard-pressed to find another guitar player/artist or musician specializing on any instrument with that level of talent and amount of product,, all from 1 human being. Not to mention songwriting and production & his ability to perform live And the things that he can do with a guitar on a stage. I don't think putting him in the top 100 should be a question (Not to mention how prince stood up for artist and changed the industry) It/he should be a part of music history!💜
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Guitar skills? Top 100.
Showmanship? Top 10.
I can agree with that.
Just the sheer feeling this man had was off the charts
Prince is in my top ten guitarists list.
Not just for lead.
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Yeah, no kidding. Half his guitar genius is in his impeccable rhythm playing. Also the sheer amount of funk riffs he comes up with over his career. It's said that he often recorded without a click track!
@@inspectorbudget Top 5 Rhythm guitarist in my opinion. Even better than his lead playing.
nolls14 It would be interesting to see someone compile a list of the top rhythm guitarists of all time. That’s a particular skill that sometimes gets overlooked.
Not only is Prince underrated as a guitarist,obviously! It is shameful and embarrassing for Rolling Stone magazine to not include him in the top 100! Prince is the only musician that evokes so much emotion within me that he makes me cry on several guitarsolos. He plays the guitar through his soul making you feel his emotions directly in your own soul. He plays melodically and intuitively with such diversity of emotion it is unparalleled. His instrument becomes an extention of his body and there through his soul. He gave it all on the stage and we love him for it. Last but not least he is also a technically savy as well. For all these reasons he is the # 1 guitar player 🎸🎵💜 Imo.
This was not a gig, it was an event.
Prince was such a fucking boss that the first albums he did, he himself wrote all the songs and played all the instruments in those albums... The guy was a multi-instrument talent and also incredible singer. Not to mention an amazing performer too!
Prince had talent. And also, a hefty helping of ego. As this performance shows beautifully.
Prince was on a higher level all his own.
I guess so many people forget that Prince was also being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame that night also. Check out his personal performance. The guy was 15 years ahead of his time. For all of the other guitar legends you named, it’s a lot easier to become a Guitar Legend if you only able to play one instrument. At the age of 17 Prince was playing over 26 instruments
Check out Prince on Image Awards before they take it down
Um...PLEASE excuse my humble opinion bro, but Prince was and ALWAYS will be one of the "greats!"...He kills EVERY1 in just stage presence ALONE!..And I DO mean EVERY1!
You're probably right! 😅
@@wingsofpegasus He is right, sorry.
@@wingsofpegasus Probably? What the fuck...
Prince is one of the Top 5 Guitarist -
Prince was the G.O.A.T one of a kind. I was blessed to see him live in the 90's AMAZING🎉
Oh ya this is great..a multi talent the world may never see again.
Amen.
I didn’t know anything about Rolling Stone magazine not including Prince in the top 100 guitar players. I have seen the video many many times just for Prince’s playing. He looked as if he was in the zone & was having a blast. I also loved when Dani Harrison smiled watching Prince play. The showmanship was too cool for words. R.I.P. 🎸🎸🎸
Prince guitar crying,fantastic.
the boy could play PERIOD, those of us who loved him and heard him know it he was BadAss ;0
I saw this when it first came on, and thank God I had the DVR running; he literally made that guitar 'scream & cry like a baby'- forget 'weeping', lol! AMAZING player, multi-instrumentalist & performer! R.I.P. Oh, yeah: he picked a Tele to play this on!
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I love the ending where he just throws his guitar up in the air like: "I played a badass solo and you know it!"
😂