George Lynch, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Doug Aldrich, Edward Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael lee Firkins, Ronni le Tekro, Kee Marcello, Steve Vai, Mathias Jabs, Uli Jon Roth, Warren De Martini, Andy Timmons, Tony Macalpine, John Petrucci, Frank Marino, Gary Moore, John Norum, John Sykes, Greg Howe, Tiption and Downing, Gorham and Robertson.
Judas Priest, UFO, Scorpions, Van Halen, Thin Lizzy, Dio, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, TNT, Dokken, Queensryche, Dream Theater, AC/DC, Led Zeppilin, Saxon, Europe and Roger Moore!
Inspired by the likes of Judas Priest and Van Halen, Edward Box started playing guitar at the age of 14. Early influences included Michael Schenker, George Lynch and Warren DeMartini before the explosion of guitar in the late 80's caught his imagination. With Vai, Satriani and Malmsteen firmly entrenched in his album collection, he moved from his native Cumbria to the industrial climes of Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England to study music.
In 1990 he formed his first band XLR8R. Combining the traditional grit of British Metal with the technical virtuosity of Progressive Rock, the band soon gathered an army of followers in the local region. Positive reviews for the INNER OCEANS album came quickly and the band supported the likes of Thunder as well as playing dates in the UK and Europe. In this period Eds reputation as a guitarist grew, with his ability being singled out for special mention in Total Guitar, Guitarist and Kerrang magazines. However, with the advent of both the Seattle music scene and the beginnings of Nu Metal, XLR8R were forced to concede defeat in their push for major label recognition.
From the ashes of XLR8R and two other local bands, Ed co-founded ARCH STANTON. Adopting a more traditional pop/rock slant the band soon attracted positive feedback for the quality of the songs and Eds distinctive vocals. Due to poor management and the growing tide of apathy that beset the Newcastle music scene, ARCH STANTON disbanded and Ed decided to pursue a solo career.
Eds first all instrumental album 'PLECTRUMHEAD' was very well received by the guitar press and to follow this in 2004 he appeared on the album The Spirit Lives On: The Music of Jimi Hendrix Vol 1along side such guitar luminaires as Greg Howe, Richie Kotzen and Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal.
Ed's most recent release is MOONFUDGE, the follow up to 2003's PLECTRUMHEAD. Returning to the type of playing that first got him noticed, Ed has crafted an album that traverses the six-string super highway with consumate ease. The album has been very well recieved by the guitar community and Ed's profile is at an all time high.
In the coming months Ed will also be contributing articles and lessons to the new online guitar magazine all out guitar. Visit www.alloutguitar.com to pre register for free and see ed's latest lesson on metal Riffing!
Ed is currently working on a new band project, VENDETTA, taking on lead vocal duties as well as guitars. Ed is also chief songwriter and lyricist. Go to VENDETTA's myspace site for more information and album previews.(link in "Ed's Friends" below). The album Tyranny of Minority by Vendetta is released through Lion music on September 14th 2007 so watch this space for details. Vendetta will also be playing the inaugral All Out Guitar Fest on September 16th. Visit www.alloutguitarfest.com for tickets and full line up.
'MOONFUDGE' and 'PLECTRUMHEAD' are available now through Lion Music to buy or download.
Thanks for the add. For those that don't know, I'm putting together all the top notch neo-classical bands/players (Metal and Classical combo) as well as some of the unknowns. Check it out.
Just a short note to let you know that UK Metal Underground has merged with Union Black to produce the biggest free underground metal resource site and directory in the UK. Please click here to visit our forum where you can promote your band, find gigs and chat about metal music in the UK.
Hey mate,
Great playing at the show. Was good to see you again and talk guitar bollox!
Stuff from the new album sounds really cool.
BUY EDS NEW ALBUM IT'S EXCELLENT!
See you soon for more widdle madness.
Nick
