John was voted the best guitarist of last 30 years in The Axe Factor!
One month ago, John was included in BBC Radio 6’s poll titled The Axe Factor, with the goal to determine who is the best guitarist of the last 30 years (1980-2010). 40 guitarists were considered for this title and amongst them, there were many of them from UK, which could have been one of the determining factors for picking the winner, given that the poll was mainly targeted at the UK citizens and that the most of the 6 Music’s favorites were from their homeland as well.
The results of the poll were announced on the evening of 09th April in a special show presented by Steve Lamacq and the top five is:
- John Frusciante – 13,9% of overall votes
- Slash – 10,3%
- Matt Bellamy – 8,6%
- Johnny Marr – 6,8%
- Tom Morello – 5%
For the whole list, with all 40 guitarists, click here.
It is no secret that the person who brought us all together on this website has earned the respect of many, even though they might not be extreme and loud about expressing that like some people who are regulars here. It is not secret that quality doesn’t necessarily need to be force-fed to people who can recognise it. It is no secret that Sometimes, when you listen to a lot of today’s popular music, you recognise the influence of John’s riffs, patterns and you normally get hordes of young, aspiring guitarists trying to copy his settings right, achieve the same tone and follow his practice patterns. One and half year ago, when the neglected blog was started, there were so many happy people who hurried to use An Exercise For The Hands and the Brain as a part of their routine.
Many people all over the world grew up to John’s melodies and got to know him through his constantly improving and constantly innovative work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A good deal of them got into his solo albums as well and opened their minds to a whole new dimension of music and whole new flow of words and thoughts. To some, that meant the end to their own lack of inspiration and, for something of that kind to happen, they didn’t even need to copy what they’re hearing and seeing, they only need the right wind to move the rusty clogs in their own machinery.
On this note, many thanks to everyone who recognised John’s talents over the years and who realised that he was, he is and he will always be walking ten steps ahead of what’s the norm, what’s commonly accepted and what’s modern. It takes a lot of hard work to earn respect, but it takes a truly extraordinary person with a whole solar system of talents to retain that respect, regardless of what the society might want from them.
6 Music breakfast host Shaun Keaveny said of John:
“His range, from minimalist melody lines, through choppy Hendrixian chord voicings all the way up to 11 with wailing metal tinged blues, gives him the edge over many in the list. For that I salute him.”
The following media have already reported on the poll’s results:
MSN UK: Frusciante tops ‘axe factor’ poll
Belfast telegraph: Frusciante tops ‘axe factor’ poll
The Sun: Chilis have the greatest guitarist
The Mirror: Chilis’ Star is hottest axe legend
The Daily Telehraph: Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante named best guitarist
Yorkshire Evening Post: Frusciante tops guitar great poll
Digital Spy: Frusciante tops greatest guitarists poll
Express.co.uk: Former Chili Peppers star Frusciante is top guitarist
New Kerala: Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante crowned greatest guitarist of past 30 years
Popboks.com: Gitarski Å¡ampion John Frusciante
Chili Pepper is the hottest guitarist
BBC have also issued an official press release on this poll.
Now, what do you think about the poll? Let’s hear it in comments, be brief, yet articulate and the best comments will be added to this news item! Also, do monitor it for new links, opinions et cetera. Who knows what might happen, so watch this space.
A special shout-out goes to our wonderful community’s outlets on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Last.fm, Livejournal and the message board. Many thanks to Colin and his Facebook group that urged everyone to vote for John, regardless of how bad the internal communication was.
