Mark McStea
Mark is a freelance writer with particular expertise in the fields of ‘70s glam, punk, rockabilly and classic ‘50s rock and roll. He sings and plays guitar in his own musical project, Star Studded Sham, which has been described as sounding like the hits of T. Rex and Slade as played by Johnny Thunders. He had several indie hits with his band, Private Sector and has worked with a host of UK punk luminaries. Mark also presents themed radio shows for Generating Steam Heat. He has just completed his first novel, The Bulletproof Truth, and is currently working on the sequel.
Latest articles by Mark McStea
Dear Guitar Hero: Vinnie Moore answers your burning questions
By Mark McStea published
The UFO guitarist on his new instrumental record, saving his hard drive over his guitar and why there is no bad gear anymore
Dead Posey: “We’re not religious or anything, but there’s something kind of earthy about that life-and-death grandeur..."
By Mark McStea published
Mix grinding guitars, anthemic choruses, unyielding hooks and the unsettling voodoo vibe of the best Southern folklore, and you’ll get an idea of what Dead Posey are about
Jason Becker: "My heroes understand how devastating it would feel to not be able to play their guitar anymore"
By Mark McStea published
The shred survivor details how he assembled some of the world's greatest guitarists for Triumphant Hearts
Black Midi: “We played for two hours; the first hour and 20 minutes was all improvised"
By Mark McStea published
In this day in age, it's difficult to find a band that truly doesn't sound like anyone else. Black Midi is that group
Big Wreck's Ian Thornley: "The greatest reward is chasing down the connection with the instrument and being able to slay with one note"
By Mark McStea published
Tone-Meister Ian Thornley explains his riff-heavy approach to …but for the sun, the beloved Canadian Rockers’ latest slice of gut-crunching rock and roll
John 5: "I play so much guitar that it might not even be healthy - and I’m not joking"
By Mark McStea published
The Tele master on Invasion, his relationship with Marilyn Manson and the joys of self-sufficiency
Stray Cats legend Brian Setzer: "Nothing feels right after a Gretsch"
By Mark McStea published
The rockabilly icon talks big-band productions, his Stratocaster fascination and the Cats' new studio album, 40
Classic guitar albums of 1979: ZZ Top's Degüello
By Mark McStea published
This record proved that the “Little Ol’ Band from Texas” was continuing to refine their unique brand of boogie
Classic guitar albums of 1979: David Bowie's Lodger
By Mark McStea published
On Lodger, Bowie recruited one Adrian Belew as the latest guitar great to compliment his vision
Classic guitar albums of 1979: The Cars' Candy-O
By Mark McStea published
Much like the Heartbreakers, the Cars were able to straddle the new wave and classic rock genres without alienating fans of either
Classic Guitar Albums of 1979: Pink Floyd, 'The Wall'
By Mark McStea published
That prog-rock staple, the “concept” album, has never been employed to better effect than here.
Judas Priest, Queen, Cheap Trick and Neil Young: Four Killer Live Albums Turn 40
By Mark McStea published
Behold four 1979 releases that have aged a lot more gracefully than Steve Martin's 'The Jerk.'
Alexi Laiho on Writing Riffs, Imitating Yngwie and Children of Bodom's New Album, 'Hexed'
By Mark McStea published
Y’all sent us a ton of questions for Laiho, the longtime lead guitarist and frontman for Children of Bodom. Here are some of the best — and some of the rest!
Buzz Feiten Introduces a Bo-dacious Bo Diddley Tribute Guitar
By Mark McStea published
Buzz Feiten’s latest creation pays tribute to the late, great Bo Diddley (and Joe Walsh has already claimed one!)
Tracii Guns Talks Revitalized L.A. Guns and Their New Album, 'The Devil You Know'
By Mark McStea published
"Every time you work on something, it should be better than the last." Tracii Guns muses on the magic of L.A. Guns, and their inspired new album.
Guitar Phenom Jake Dreyer Talks New Witherfall Album, 'A Prelude to Sorrow'
By Mark McStea published
Although Jake Dreyer has been making waves as a major-league shred monster for years, it’s astonishing to remember that he’s only 26.
Five Questions with 'SNL' and Pearl Lion Guitarist Jared Scharff
By Mark McStea published
"The best thing is getting to play with that great band."
Killers Riff-Meister Dave Keuning Talks Debut Solo Album, 'Prismism'
By Mark McStea published
'Prismism' is certainly not a typical “guitarist’s solo album.”
Jim Dunlop Sr. (1936-2019): Tribute to a Guitar Accessories Pioneer
By Mark McStea published
As a guitarist, it’s pretty much a certainty that you will have bought — or at least used — one of the late Jim Dunlop Sr.’s products.
Rammstein's Richard Kruspe on Riffs, Gear, Creativity and Emigrate's Hot New Album, 'A Million Degrees'
By Mark McStea published
When this German guitarist and songwriter isn’t burning down the house with Rammstein, he’s exploring other musical avenues with Emigrate. But what GW readers really want to know is...
Acoustic Master Laurence Juber Talks New Album, 'Touchstones: The Evolution of Fingerstyle Guitar'
By Mark McStea published
"It’s all about servicing the song.”
Sean Lennon: Hendrix, Famous Parents and the Claypool Lennon Delirium's Latest, 'South of Reality'
By Mark McStea published
"I definitely pushed my playing further than it’s ever been."
Disparity: Sarah Longfield Talks Making a Living, Eight-String Guitars and Bold New Album
By Mark McStea published
"It’s all hard work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Steve Hackett Talks Favorite Genesis Moments, Joe Bonamassa and New Album, 'At the Edge of Light'
By Mark McStea published
He was two-hand tapping long before it became “the thing to do,” was a member of Genesis, formed GTR with Steve Howe and has been releasing top-notch solo albums for more than 40 years. But what GW readers really wanna know is...
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