Jeff Kitts
As a teenager, Jeff Kitts began his career in the mid ’80s as editor of an underground heavy metal fanzine in the bedroom of his parents’ house. From there he went on to write for countless rock and metal magazines around the world – including Circus, Hit Parader, Metal Maniacs, Rock Power and others – and in 1992 began working as an assistant editor at Guitar World. During his 27 years at Guitar World, Jeff served in multiple editorial capacities, including managing editor and executive editor before finally departing as editorial director in 2018. Jeff has authored several books and continues to write for Guitar World and other publications and teaches English full time in New Jersey. His first (and still favorite) guitar was a black Ibanez RG550.
Latest articles by Jeff Kitts
The 50 best Iron Maiden songs of all time
By Brad Angle, Richard Bienstock, Jeff Kitts published
Troopers, Killers, Damned Children, and Ancient Mariners! Guitar World proudly presents the 50 greatest Maiden tracks
Turkish metal guitarist Demir Demirkan on how writing in English shaped his latest album, Elysium in Ashes
By Jeff Kitts published
The hard-rocking shredder by way of Istanbul looking to make a name for himself on American Shores
Sabaton: "People have told us that they passed their history exams in school because of our songs"
By Jeff Kitts published
In-depth with the mighty power-metal band from Sweden who built a thriving career singing about just about all things war
The Underground Thieves' Nick Perri on ignoring directives from Eddie Van Halen, and why he's more satisfied with his tone than ever before
By Jeff Kitts published
The former Silvertide man discusses his new band, and how he learned to stop worrying and love a simple guitar rig
10 Things You Didn't Know About Black Sabbath
By Jeff Kitts published
Consider yourself a Black Sabbath expert? Here are 10 things even the most die-hard Sabbath fan may not know.
Guitar Gods Playing Cards: Show Your Support for Our Kickstarter Campaign!
By Jeff Kitts published
Help us launch the first ever deck of playing cards featuring Jimi Hendrix, Randy Rhoads, Tony Iommi, Kirk Hammett, John Petrucci and many other guitar icons!
A Clean and Sober Ace Frehley Discusses Kiss' Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Debacle and More
By Jeff Kitts published
Crown the Empire Guitarist Bennett Vogelman's 2014 Summer Tour Survival Guide — Warped Tour
By Jeff Kitts published
As part of our 2014 Summer Tour Survival Guide, we talk to Bennett Vogelman of Crown the Empire about the sweatiest show he's ever played, and keeping crowds engaged.
Miss May I Guitarist Justin Aufdemkampe's 2014 Summer Tour Survival Guide — Mayhem Fest
By Jeff Kitts published
As part of our 2014 Summer Tour Survival Guide, we talk to Justin Aufdemkampe of Miss May I about the sweatiest show he's ever played, and his tips for playing in the extreme heat.
Darkest Hour Guitarist Mike Schliebaum's 2014 Summer Tour Survival Guide — Mayhem
By Jeff Kitts published
As part of our 2014 Summer Tour Survival Guide, we talk to Mike Schliebaum of Darkest Hour about the sweatiest show he's ever played, and about the gear he'll be using on tour this summer.
Pepper Keenan on the Upcoming Down EP, ‘Down IV—Part Two,’ and the Possibility of Reuniting with Corrosion of Conformity
By Jeff Kitts published
Is Pepper Keenan open to a C.O.C. reunion?
A Tribute to Jeff Hanneman: The Slayer Guitarist’s Wife Recalls the Spider-Bite Incident and How It Lead to Her Husband’s Downfall
By Jeff Kitts published
AC/DC Photo Gallery: Inside the New 'Let There Be Rock' Box Set
By Jeff Kitts published
Complete photo gallery of all contents inside AC/DC's new Let There Be Rock Limited Collector's Edition steel box set.
Video: Joe Robinson's Acoustic Warmup
By Jeff Kitts published
Acoustic phenom gears up for a lesson in the Guitar World studio.
Video: Metal Mike Chlasciak in the Guitar World Studio
By Jeff Kitts published
Metal Mike Chlasciak gets loose in the Guitar World studio before filming a new batch of lesson videos.
Video: Loudness' Akira Takasaki--the "Crazy Nights" Riff
By Jeff Kitts published
Loudness guitarist Akira Takasaki plays "Crazy Nights" in the Guitar World studio.
Video: Ozzy Osbourne Checks Out the New Blizzard of Ozz/Diary of a Madman Box Set!
By Jeff Kitts published
Video of Ozzy Osbourne unboxing the new Blizzard of Ozz/Diary of a Madman box set!
GW 30th Anniversary Book - see inside!
By Jeff Kitts published
Guitar World celebrates 30 years with new 300-plus page book.
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