Guitar at Eurovision 2022: a Brian May-inspired solo conquers, Måneskin and The Rasmus return, and the Gibson Theodore makes its TV debut

Sam Ryder, Måneskin and Alvan and Haez perform at Eurovision 2022
(Image credit: Getty)

The 2022 Eurovision Song Contest took place in Turin, Italy this weekend (May 14), and the evening’s performances served up a number of high-profile guitar moments.

Most notable was the success of UK entry Sam Ryder – a TikTok star and lifelong Eurovision fan who was inspired to learn guitar after watching Lordi win the contest in 2006. His ’70s rock-tinged entry, Space Man, featured a Brian May-inspired guitar solo at its climax and came second in the overall rankings after winning the judge’s vote.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49

Michael Astley-Brown
Editor-in-Chief, GuitarWorld.com

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.