James Wood

James Wood

James is a guitarist and freelance writer who's interviewed some of the biggest names in music. He is the author of four books and his writing credits include work for Guitar World, AXS and Yahoo! as well as for his hometown newspaper where he writes on a variety of topics with both passion and humor. As a guitarist, he's performed everywhere from local bars and nightclubs to some of the biggest stages in front of thousands of music fans.

Articles by: James Wood

Squeeze

Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford answer your questions

By James Wood published

Tilbrook and Difford fold under GW readers’ line of inquiry and reveal their biggest gear splurges, most embarrassing moments, and cast a critical ear across their catalog

Ann Wilson

Ann Wilson on enlisting Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Warren Haynes and Tom Bukovac for new solo album Fierce Bliss

By James Wood last updated

Wilson talks covering Queen, Eurythmics and Robin Trower at Muscle Shoals, and recalls her fondest memories from a decades-long career with Heart

Musician Steve Howe performs on stage with Yes on August 18, 2014 in San Diego, California.

Steve Howe: "There has to be a certain accuracy in the live sounds. It was possible because I was using Line 6 – I was fascinated with the Variax"

By James Wood published

The Yes legend reflects on his time fusing prog, rock and pop with Asia, as the supergroup releases The Reunion Albums: 2007-2012

[L-R] Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley of America

Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell look back at America's remarkable 50-year career

By James Wood published

The pair discuss their love of acoustic guitars, working with Beatles producer George Martin, and the band's 50th anniversary box set, Half Century

Zach Myers

Zach Myers: “Brent told an audience of 2,500 people that we were making a double album… it was the first I'd heard about it!”

By James Wood last updated

One half of new duo and Shinedown offshoot Smith & Myers on the pair's mammoth debut album, and what's next for the Billboard chart-topping hard-rockers

Brad Gillis on his modified Strat, working with Gary Moon and that time he bought a wig for Ozzy Osbourne

By James Wood published

The longtime Night Ranger guitarist checks in ahead of the release of his solo album

Phil X

Phil X: "Livin’ on a Prayer is one of best rock songs ever. I still get goosebumps after playing it hundreds of times!"

By James Wood published

The Bon Jovi man discusses touring with one of the world's biggest rock bands, his recent Gibson endorsement and The Drills' new single, Right on the Money

The Go Go's

The Go-Go's: "If you think we're sweet girls who wrote candy-flavored pop songs, our history is going to be a surprise"

By James Wood published

The LA pop-rockers discuss touring with The Police, selling out Madison Square Garden and their upcoming tell-all documentary

Robert Cray: "With solos, I just improvise and let it fly. It’s what you’re feeling right then and there"

By James Wood published

Dear Guitar Hero: The longstanding bluesman answers your questions on everything from songwriting to playing with Eric Clapton

Nita Strauss

Nita Strauss: "No matter your skill level, you can always improve on your own style and personality as a guitar player"

By James Wood last updated

The Alice Cooper shredder and 21st-century guitar hero discusses her new online guitar course, Rock Guitar Fundamentals

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams: "I realized I had made it when I could pay my rent for more than a month without relying on anyone"

By James Wood published

The iconic singer/songwriter recounts the stories behind his back catalogue, and explains what keeps him coming back to vintage gear

Mike Stern and Jeff Lorber: "Inspiration comes at weird times and you always have to be ready for it"

By James Wood published

The two musicians talk Miles Davis, different orbits and how they created “an entertaining album with a lot of variety and different vibes”

Alan Parsons performs live

Prog legend Alan Parsons tells all: Dark Side Of The Moon, working with The Beatles and the "abandoned" Pink Floyd album

By James Wood published

Iconic producer and songwriter looks back on his career leading up to new album The Secret

Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell Discusses Dio Days, Composing Solos and Last in Line's New Album, 'II'

By James Wood published

This constantly in-demand six-stringer has played with Dio, Def Leppard, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake and Last in Line. But what Guitar World readers really want to know is...

‘Out of the Blue’: Mike Rutherford Discusses New Mike + The Mechanics Album, Gear, Genesis and More

By James Wood published

The band will be doing a series of dates with Phil Collins in June.

Interview: Kiefer Sutherland Discusses His New Album, ‘Reckless & Me’

By James Wood published

The actor/guitarist on songwriting, gear and the differences between making movies and making music.

Reverend Horton Heat's Jim Heath Talks Lemmy, Gretsch Gear and New Album, 'Whole New Life'

By James Wood published

He's the godfather of modern rockabilly and psychobilly and has one fine-looking signature Gretsch. But what Guitar World readers really want to know is...

Guitarist Eric Schenkman Discusses New Solo Album, ‘Who Shot John,’ the Spin Doctors, Gear

By James Wood published

“It's a good representation of where I'm at now,” Schenkman says of the record.

Disturbed's Dan Donegan Talks Favorite Riffs, Fantasy Collaborations and New Album, 'Evolution'

By James Wood published

He used to pour concrete for his father’s construction company. Now he tours the world with his longtime band, Disturbed. But what Guitar World readers really want to know is...

Broken Hope Guitarist Jeremy Wagner Showcases His Impressive Collection of Jeff Hanneman Gear

By James Wood published

Wagner also talks Metallica, horror and writing novels.

The Bangles’ Vicki Peterson Talks New Album, Saluting the Paisley Underground

By James Wood published

12-song collection also features the Three O'Clock, the Dream Syndicate and Rain Parade.

Steve Lukather Discusses His New Autobiography, 'The Gospel According to Luke’

By James Wood published

The Toto guitarist talks working with Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Paul McCartney and more.

Ken “K.K.” Downing Discusses His New Autobiography, ‘Heavy Duty: Days and Nights in Judas Priest’

By James Wood published

The former Priest guitarist tells all about his more than 40 years in the iconic metal band.

Dispatch Guitarist Chad Stokes Discusses the Band’s New Album, ‘Location 13’

By James Wood published

On 'Location 13,' Dispatch show the passion and vigor of a band in its infancy and the experience of one that’s been together for more than two decades.

DevilDriver's Neal Tiemann Discusses the Band’s Country-Gone-Metal Album, ‘Outlaws ‘Til the End: Vol. 1’

By James Wood published

DevilDriver's 'Outlaws 'Til the End: Vol. 1' is the perfect combination of country grit and neck-wrecking metal. We spoke to guitarist Neal Tiemann about its creation.

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