I saw him in an interview for the first time about a year ago and was very surprised by how nice and kind he seemed. Since I knew of his reputation as a guitar player, perhaps the best, I expected a diva. Herman is a good guy too. I've always loved metal but not very deep into their kind, so I know the best bands often are the nicest and I'm glad to see that it doesn't change when you can play Bach flawless at 10 time the original speed. 😄
I worked in a music store around 2000, and we had the pleasure of hosting MAB doing a clinic twice. One of the nicest, most genuine guys I’ve ever met and an absolute master of both guitar and storytelling. Was doing an internet radio podcast thing a few years later and we managed to get him live for an interview on national guitar day! The great thing about interviewing Batio, is he can literally talk all night without stopping. He’s got so many fun and cool stories of learning to play guitar, designing and making custom guitars, performing in venues large and small with pretty much everybody who’s ever played rock, etc. Just give him a mic and turn him loose, and you’re guaranteed some fantastic content! Plus, he’s a huge, unapologetic guitar nerd and totally geeks out about anything guitar related. Love him!
National Guitar Day should be a national holiday! Along with National Drum Day, "I don't want to work! I just want to band on the drum all day! Hey! Hey! Hey!"
Michael is a true living legend. It is an absolute honor to sit and watch him playing with Herman (another living legend). I was a singer in an 80s metal band and this brought back so many memories. Brought a tear to my eye. The world absolutely stinks that this kind of talent seems to not be viable commercially in the West. God bless Japan and Europe for keeping metal alive. There is a reason Marty Friedman moved permanently to Japan. Such a great rock/metal scene there. Thanks again Herman for having Michael on.
I know right. Youd think by his appearance and sound that hes all about drug sex and rock and roll, but hes the complete opposite of that. Total legend.
Batio is literally a living laser beam of guitar metal energy. His dedication to what he doses is like a finely tuned, focused laser. Amazing guy. Great chat Herman. Thank you.
I got a chance to audition for him back in the early 80's (my first band audition)in North Hollywood, when he started Nitro, I was only 19 & a single bass drum player. He kept me on stage for quite a while, everyone thought I had the gig. He was so cool & patient. Stellar player, best audition of my life! Cheers from an old Las Vegas drummer!!
Michael it truly one of the nicest guys in the industry. I've heard so many stories of him going the extra mile with fans at guitar shop demos etc. I admittedly wrote him off as a gimmick back in the early 90s, but I later the more and more I learned about him the greater respect I had for his talent.
Herman, l Ioved the Shred Talk with Michael Angelo Batio. Amazing player, and a genuinely nice guy. Would love to see you do a Shred Talk with Chris Impellitteri!
I met him at a small local music shop in PA back around like 2008-9ish. he put on a 15 minute performance and hung out for a couple hours after. Seemed like a really chill guy with insane talent on guitar
I remember watching Michael Angelo when his Star Licks video first came out. He was another level and I was fortunate enough to email him and have conversation back when the internet was in it's early days. A really nice guy and I've followed all the things he's done over the years.
I met Micheal at a clinic he had. It was a tiny music store. Only about 25 people showed. He was the nicest person ever. He was shocked when I asked about the Shock Em Dead movie he was in lol. My favorite thing he said. “ Are there any more questions because I’m getting ready for the finally shred and then it’s over” lol I am pretty sure he had the 4 guitar set up then as well. It was the early 90’s. Amazing time. Thank you Michael. It was something I will never forget.
MAB played in STL back a few years ago at FUBAR. Most humblest dude I've ever met, asked the sound guy for a fan, got it and thanked dude personally like 6xs while playing. such a down to earth human being
Had the pleasure seeing Mike in a small industrial estate in Colchester Essex many moons ago in the 2000s. 30 to 40 people max but he played and entertained like he was in front of thousands. Awesome and humble all at once.
Herman. I love the humility which you demonstrate in these interviews. As a lifelong guitarist living in Seattle for the las 25yrs since 1995 (w a 2yr sideline in Miami. Great beaches. Not so great racism. Inclusively. Love that as it brings me back to my punk roots. Thanks and I’ll be following! L’Chaim!
Its insane Becker is still alive. My grandfather died of ALS, he was dead in 8 yrs. They gave him 3. Its wild Jason is still alive 33 yrs later after being diagnosed.
Bought a Sawtooth last week. It arrived and sounds hi gain, in a good way. Crunch is intense too. Glad he reps that brand. It's one reason i bought that shiz
I really like Michael. He’s such a genuine guy. It’s seems to me he’s stuck in shred mode. I guess that’s his thing but I’d sure like to hear him slow down and here his melodic ideas once i awhile. Maybe I’ve missed those songs so I’ll have to go through his catalogue and check it out. Really cool guy I’ve seen him on videos and stuff since the late 80’s. Keep rocking man!
Wait, I'm a blues player from the south east US, I went to Batios guitar School and met him 20 years ago while I was a professional player, and he blew me away. My dad taught me to play reverse left handed, because he was lefty. I thought nobody embody that Spirit of using both sides of your brain than Micheal, even though I'm not a metal head
Shrapnel Records was my go to for discovering new shredders in the 80s....I recall the label adds in all the Guitar for the practicing musician mags( my fave)... So many amazing shredders under the Shrapnel label.... Batio, Cacophony, Firkins, Coven, Moore, Fredianelli, so many....etc etc....
thats very great best amazing awesome one of the best icons legendary hero greatest playing guitar solo artists magistral michael angelo hall of famer all of time. thank you herman & michael angelo the true power metal forever 🤘🎸
I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Angelo in person and shaking his hand and saying that my dream was coming true in 2006 at the Workshop here in Brazil (the careless q 1 of the organization dropped his guitar). Michael Angelo's extreme humility, unforgettable day. \m/
Ive met and talked to Mike many times at various Chicago shows over the years but I first met him at the Thirsty Whale before seeing him in Nitro, he was in a band called Holland. I also saw Cacophony at the Thirsty Whale too. I'm so glad I was there to see so many great bands like Vicious Rumors with Carl Albert. Great interview Herman.
Awesome video and great shredding! Speaking of fast guitarists, going through my old LP's does anyone remember "The Great Kat"? Songs a bit ridiculous but fun to look back on and listen again.
One of Herman's best interviews IMO! Listening to both Herman and Mike's humor and very clean classy personalities prove you dont have to be raunchy or vulgar (Satchel) to be a guitar virtuoso! Compared to some guitarists I've listened to, I appreciate the amount of respect you try to display for audiences who value tact and professionalism! You guys are so fun to watch and hear together!! Amazing Duo my friends!!
MAB is a genius, and a great guy too, I heard him say on one of his TH-cam livestreams that he thought Michael Romeo (another amazing guitarist) was a faster player than he was, but that just shows how humble of a guy he is
I saw Michael Angelo Batio at a Guitar Center clinic nearly 30 years ago and he was the nicest, most down to earth guy you'd ever want to meet. And what a legendary beast on the guitar!
WRC was a Wayne R. Charvel design when he worked at Gibson. I have had 3 WRC guitars over the years. I met Michael at a clinic in 2012 and learned a lot. Very friendly guy that would talk your ear off.
Mike is such a down to Earth kind of guy. Even though he can out-shred anyone with ten fingers,or more, he has the best sense of humor, and always points out the best in all of us. Just a down to earth great guy. And absolutely phenomenal guitarist. Been watching him since the 80's. Fantastic musician.
Michelangelo is one of the most laid-back musicians and heavy metal not only is he a phenomenal guitar player musician extraordinaire but he is a very humble man God bless that man.
EVERY INTERVIEW...ask a simple 1 sentence question...and Batio will talk FOREVER LMFAO. I love listening to Batio talk about guitar. You can see how much he loves it. This man loves the guitar with all of his heart...as do I. It's so awesome seeing other people so excited about what they are passionate about. Oh and not to mention he is probably the most technically skilled guitarist who ever lived...whether or not you dig his music.
Michael is 66 years old and can demolish guys half his age 🤣. Absolute beast . I thought he was beyond real back in the 80’s. And he still going strong 40 years later. Great guy and freakishly gifted player. No one can touch him when it comes to technique and ability.
Michael Angelo Batio is such a cool person it is great you had him on Herman.
Michael
He seems like the nicest guy, they both do.
I saw him in an interview for the first time about a year ago and was very surprised by how nice and kind he seemed.
Since I knew of his reputation as a guitar player, perhaps the best, I expected a diva.
Herman is a good guy too.
I've always loved metal but not very deep into their kind, so I know the best bands often are the nicest and I'm glad to see that it doesn't change when you can play Bach flawless at 10 time the original speed. 😄
Have you ever noticed the musician really seem to be the friendly guys in music.
@@graeme1744 you should watch some old interviews with Jim Gillette the Vocals for Nitro
These two guys are just such nice people , all class , no big egos, and incredible players to boot
Yeah they are and funny too, both of them playing with bags over their heads lol!
Absolutely 💯 🤘😎🤘🎸🎶🎵
Both are absolute class acts and top tier shredders.
MAB is the man. He's got a great memory and has some great stories from the 80's shred days.
Hell yeaaaaaah dude
I worked in a music store around 2000, and we had the pleasure of hosting MAB doing a clinic twice. One of the nicest, most genuine guys I’ve ever met and an absolute master of both guitar and storytelling. Was doing an internet radio podcast thing a few years later and we managed to get him live for an interview on national guitar day! The great thing about interviewing Batio, is he can literally talk all night without stopping. He’s got so many fun and cool stories of learning to play guitar, designing and making custom guitars, performing in venues large and small with pretty much everybody who’s ever played rock, etc. Just give him a mic and turn him loose, and you’re guaranteed some fantastic content! Plus, he’s a huge, unapologetic guitar nerd and totally geeks out about anything guitar related. Love him!
National Guitar Day should be a national holiday! Along with National Drum Day, "I don't want to work! I just want to band on the drum all day! Hey! Hey! Hey!"
Nitro was such a cool band. Good do see he’s still jammin
I went to one of his clinics just a year or two before and had the same experience. Got to talk to him about metronome practice. 100% authentic guy.
I was just a 12 year old kid trying to learn and this man gave me keys to the Lamborghini. Legend.
I'm still driving a horse and buggy 😄🤣😝🤪
I ended up with a Fiat, but I’ll take it lol Economy picking is a bitch
@@warpath6666 Hahaahaa
@@olidoran2485 MAB gave me the keys to the Lamborghini but I locked them in the trunk 😝
Are you the younger Malmsteen from a parallel dimension, which at some point entangled to Batio from ours, in different timelines?
Michael is a true living legend. It is an absolute honor to sit and watch him playing with Herman (another living legend). I was a singer in an 80s metal band and this brought back so many memories. Brought a tear to my eye. The world absolutely stinks that this kind of talent seems to not be viable commercially in the West. God bless Japan and Europe for keeping metal alive. There is a reason Marty Friedman moved permanently to Japan. Such a great rock/metal scene there. Thanks again Herman for having Michael on.
One of the best...such a nice dude.
ROY MARCHBANK.
I love that MAB just sounds like your typical dad from the midwest, and then he's literally the devil on 6 strings. The dude is hilarious and genuine.
MAB is such a wholesome person, what a legend!
I know right. Youd think by his appearance and sound that hes all about drug sex and rock and roll, but hes the complete opposite of that. Total legend.
Batio is literally a living laser beam of guitar metal energy. His dedication to what he doses is like a finely tuned, focused laser. Amazing guy. Great chat Herman. Thank you.
I got a chance to audition for him back in the early 80's (my first band audition)in North Hollywood, when he started Nitro, I was only 19 & a single bass drum player. He kept me on stage for quite a while, everyone thought I had the gig. He was so cool & patient. Stellar player, best audition of my life! Cheers from an old Las Vegas drummer!!
Herman Li... you're so cool, man. I love your energy, presence, your vibe! Thank you so much for the joy.
Love Michael. Glad to see you are well Herman, looking forward to more DragonForce in the near future!
Michael it truly one of the nicest guys in the industry. I've heard so many stories of him going the extra mile with fans at guitar shop demos etc. I admittedly wrote him off as a gimmick back in the early 90s, but I later the more and more I learned about him the greater respect I had for his talent.
You guys sound so good together ❤️
Love to hear the guitars sing. So much fun to see you jam with others. Much love ❤️
Herman, l Ioved the Shred Talk with Michael Angelo Batio. Amazing player, and a genuinely nice guy. Would love to see you do a Shred Talk with Chris Impellitteri!
I had the honor of meeting MAB in 2010. Nicest guy ever. I told him his playing was on fire, his response was "yeah its hot out!" 😆
I met him at a small local music shop in PA back around like 2008-9ish. he put on a 15 minute performance and hung out for a couple hours after. Seemed like a really chill guy with insane talent on guitar
Could you tell me what part of PA this was at? If it's ok with you...
@@LS-ti1rz I believe it was in Dallas,PA. Not 100% sure on the name of the shop. Wayne’s world or music or something like that
BLESS JASON BECKER!!!! THANK YOU FOR WORKING TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR ONE OF THE GREATEST GUITARISTS OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!
I remember watching Michael Angelo when his Star Licks video first came out. He was another level and I was fortunate enough to email him and have conversation back when the internet was in it's early days. A really nice guy and I've followed all the things he's done over the years.
Got to open for Micheal Angelo in San Antonio a few years back and he was great. He shot the shit with us. Really cool guy.
Batio is such a gentleman and a real legend
Michael Angelo is no joke he's a freaking beast on the guitar.
Two guitarists full of talent, and 'NOT' full of themselves. A pleasure to watch. THANK YOU.
Cheers Michael! Always a pleasure to see you :)
The Unknown Guitarist act was AWESOME! I was lucky to see Michael rip it live. I was blown away by the show and his God level talent.
Agree with @Mark!!! Really cool you had M.Angelo on, such an icon! Great episode!
I asked a question on Michael's youtube about sweep picking and he actually replied. Such a humble guy and a god at the same time. \m/
I remember seeing a VHS tape with Micheal Angelo when I was in middle school and was so blown away. And I still am over 30 years later. Guitar God!
i love this both guitarist herman and michael angelo rock and roll to the world.
ok this was just so awsome . hes got the hybrid tele that guitar is so bad ass. you guys rock. i wish you the best on the fundraiser
I met Micheal at a clinic he had. It was a tiny music store. Only about 25 people showed. He was the nicest person ever. He was shocked when I asked about the Shock Em Dead movie he was in lol. My favorite thing he said. “ Are there any more questions because I’m getting ready for the finally shred and then it’s over” lol I am pretty sure he had the 4 guitar set up then as well. It was the early 90’s. Amazing time. Thank you Michael. It was something I will never forget.
Michael Angelo Batio is an amazing player ,does it all with a smile on his face ,great guy and the reason he is so well loved
Dungeon of love!
I met Michael Batio in Hollywood at the Whiskey, Hes an amazing human!
MAB played in STL back a few years ago at FUBAR. Most humblest dude I've ever met, asked the sound guy for a fan, got it and thanked dude personally like 6xs while playing. such a down to earth human being
Had the pleasure seeing Mike in a small industrial estate in Colchester Essex many moons ago in the 2000s. 30 to 40 people max but he played and entertained like he was in front of thousands. Awesome and humble all at once.
Herman. I love the humility which you demonstrate in these interviews. As a lifelong guitarist living in Seattle for the las 25yrs since 1995 (w a 2yr sideline in Miami. Great beaches. Not so great racism.
Inclusively. Love that as it brings me back to my punk roots. Thanks and I’ll be following!
L’Chaim!
Big baby crying about waycism , get on with life it's words you absolute muppet.
Im so glad you had michaelagelo on!!!!
It's awesome what your doing for Jason Becker Jason Becker.
Its insane Becker is still alive. My grandfather died of ALS, he was dead in 8 yrs. They gave him 3. Its wild Jason is still alive 33 yrs later after being diagnosed.
Go jason! He is an inspiration.
HEARTS was a real fun CD.
Legend! 🤘🏻
Bought a Sawtooth last week. It arrived and sounds hi gain, in a good way. Crunch is intense too. Glad he reps that brand. It's one reason i bought that shiz
what two great guitarists and what good people both of them
Without question one of the greatest!
I really like Michael. He’s such a genuine guy. It’s seems to me he’s stuck in shred mode. I guess that’s his thing but I’d sure like to hear him slow down and here his melodic ideas once i awhile. Maybe I’ve missed those songs so I’ll have to go through his catalogue and check it out. Really cool guy I’ve seen him on videos and stuff since the late 80’s. Keep rocking man!
Wait, I'm a blues player from the south east US, I went to Batios guitar School and met him 20 years ago while I was a professional player, and he blew me away. My dad taught me to play reverse left handed, because he was lefty. I thought nobody embody that Spirit of using both sides of your brain than Micheal, even though I'm not a metal head
Shrapnel Records was my go to for discovering new shredders in the 80s....I recall the label adds in all the Guitar for the practicing musician mags( my fave)...
So many amazing shredders under the Shrapnel label....
Batio, Cacophony, Firkins, Coven, Moore, Fredianelli, so many....etc etc....
MAB is such a heart and gives his heart for Jason Becker ..... Great level of respect 👍💙🎸🎼🇵🇬
So crazy
Herman li and Michael angelo batio jamming
The thought it's self is mind blowing
MAB \m/ \m/
So cool to see you two jam!
thats very great best amazing awesome one of the best icons legendary hero greatest playing guitar solo artists magistral michael angelo hall of famer all of time. thank you herman & michael angelo the true power metal forever 🤘🎸
I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Angelo in person and shaking his hand and saying that my dream was coming true in 2006 at the Workshop here in Brazil (the careless q 1 of the organization dropped his guitar). Michael Angelo's extreme humility, unforgettable day. \m/
Michael is a phenomenal talent and a great guy as well.
Ive met and talked to Mike many times at various Chicago shows over the years but I first met him at the Thirsty Whale before seeing him in Nitro, he was in a band called Holland. I also saw Cacophony at the Thirsty Whale too. I'm so glad I was there to see so many great bands like Vicious Rumors with Carl Albert. Great interview Herman.
What's really cool is you don't get to see MAB do a lot of jam track improv. Really awesome to see that side of him.
Herman Li is Enjoying every second of this 🤣🤣
Awesome video and great shredding! Speaking of fast guitarists, going through my old LP's does anyone remember "The Great Kat"? Songs a bit ridiculous but fun to look back on and listen again.
Such a beast at playing. Hailz Micheal Angelo Batio
These interviews are all great. Thanks Herman.
Very nice to see one of the old legends and stil rock on🤘🏾
This is such a great video. The stories and music geekery is super cool.
Great interview Herman 👍
One of Herman's best interviews IMO! Listening to both Herman and Mike's humor and very clean classy personalities prove you dont have to be raunchy or vulgar (Satchel) to be a guitar virtuoso! Compared to some guitarists I've listened to, I appreciate the amount of respect you try to display for audiences who value tact and professionalism! You guys are so fun to watch and hear together!! Amazing Duo my friends!!
You guys are AWESOME!!!
MAB is a genius, and a great guy too, I heard him say on one of his TH-cam livestreams that he thought Michael Romeo (another amazing guitarist) was a faster player than he was, but that just shows how humble of a guy he is
Agreed, he is humble, nice person, and the apex of his era, perhaps until now imho.
Nitro was over the top in every way, just like Michael!
Glad to still see this Rock Shredding Good Guy doing what he loves.🤘
Damn you guys are amazing ❤️❤️
Great interview, thanks.
very cool interview, jam etc.
The stories are freaking awesome! I love this!
MAB such an inspiration,! Cheers from México!
I saw Michael Angelo Batio at a Guitar Center clinic nearly 30 years ago and he was the nicest, most down to earth guy you'd ever want to meet. And what a legendary beast on the guitar!
I got one of his signature guitars and he signed it for me! It'll always be the coolest bit of equipment I own no matter what I buy going forward.
WRC was a Wayne R. Charvel design when he worked at Gibson.
I have had 3 WRC guitars over the years.
I met Michael at a clinic in 2012 and learned a lot. Very friendly guy that would talk your ear off.
Amazing video!!!🤩
WOW…how badass was that little medley?! I freaking love thrash…it’s just so much fun to play!!!
One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met and a brilliant guitar player.🙌
What a dude, great stories!
Happy birthday Herman ! 🎂
shout out to Mike Varney for bringing the new age of guitar players back then to the front.
I really enjoyed watching MAB in this video. He seems to be in a good headspace and enjoying life.
MAB is such a nice and humble dude.
Mike is such a down to Earth kind of guy. Even though he can out-shred anyone with ten fingers,or more, he has the best sense of humor, and always points out the best in all of us. Just a down to earth great guy. And absolutely phenomenal guitarist. Been watching him since the 80's. Fantastic musician.
Herman's super quick himself, so asking if MAB's the fastest shows mad respect.
I've seen Nitro back in 1991 in Lake Worth FL . Small venue but one of the greatest shows I've been to! Michael was AMAZING!
Nice to see a Legend of Monster Guitars sharing his skills and history with us.
Jiu Jitsu black belts are deadly! You dont want to mess with them:)
He is IMO the true absolute GOAT! MAB
ROY MARCHBANK
Can we please see Batio without the dead cat glued to his head?
I was just wondering about that , if it’s real
Michelangelo is one of the most laid-back musicians and heavy metal not only is he a phenomenal guitar player musician extraordinaire but he is a very humble man God bless that man.
This must've been especially special for Herman who grew up in that era of guitar legends.
MAB is the unc you always want to talk your stuff to. 😅 Glad to hear his stories back in the 80s with Cacophony.
Damn if you turn on CC/subtitles on the video at 08:00, youtube interpreted one of their guitars saying "hey". Damn they make their guitars speak.
Batio is a legend...just a guy who really loves guitar. Foot on the fucking gas!!! Never get tired of seeing him go apeshit and have fun.
EVERY INTERVIEW...ask a simple 1 sentence question...and Batio will talk FOREVER LMFAO. I love listening to Batio talk about guitar. You can see how much he loves it. This man loves the guitar with all of his heart...as do I. It's so awesome seeing other people so excited about what they are passionate about.
Oh and not to mention he is probably the most technically skilled guitarist who ever lived...whether or not you dig his music.
Michael is 66 years old and can demolish guys half his age 🤣. Absolute beast . I thought he was beyond real back in the 80’s. And he still going strong 40 years later. Great guy and freakishly gifted player. No one can touch him when it comes to technique and ability.
This is awesome, MAB is the man:)
nice editing chatting and jamming