Crossroads

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Steve Vai performs at the Limelight in Chicago, Illinois on June 27, 1987

“The guitar duel scene with Ry Cooder wasn’t working. Ry called up Guitar Player and asked who the new hotshot on the block was”: Steve Vai on how he got the career-defining Crossroads gig

By Phil Weller published

Vai's portrayal of Jack Butler in the iconic 1986 film inspired a generation of players – now, Vai has detailed how he came to be the guitar hotshot the film's producers were looking for to widen its appeal

A collection of guitars from the Eric Clapton Crossroads Centre guitar auction

“Owned by, played by, signed by and designed by some of the brightest lights in rock ‘n’ roll”: Eric Clapton launches 25th anniversary Crossroads Festival auction – and it includes some serious instruments

By Matt Owen published

Slowhand's 'Crash' Fender Stratocaster and a unique PRS Silver Sky are among the guitars up for sale, and all proceeds will go towards supporting the Crossroads Centre in Antigua

Eric Gales, Samantha Fish and Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram at Crossroads 2023

I’m Going Down: Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram calmly recovers from tonal calamity as he joins Eric Gales and Samantha Fish onstage at Crossroads 2023

By Matt Parker published

The trio of blues maestros took on a standard beloved by Jeff Beck at what has fast shaped up to be the guitar event of the year

Joe Bonamassa and John McLaughlin at Crossroads 2023

“We’re going to pay tribute to the man himself right now”: Joe Bonamassa and John McLaughlin honor Jeff Beck with a hair-raising rendition of Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers at Crossroads 2023

By Matt Parker published

The two guitarists paid tribute to the departed icon, performing Beck’s signature tune

Steve Vai

Steve Vai reflects on his role in Crossroads: “The guitar duel was energetic and well laid out – kids responded to that”

By Eric Kirkland published

In this previously unpublished 2004 Guitar World interview, Vai explains how he accessed his dark side to play Jack Butler

Jackson Steve Vai Crossroads guitar

Tracking down Steve Vai's elusive "Crossroads" Jackson – the most famous guitar that was never heard

By Eric Kirkland published

How an epic 20-year quest to find the red Jackson Vai played as Jack Butler in the movie Crossroads led to the ultimate replica headcutter

Artur Menezes wins Ernie Ball's PLAY Crossroads contest

By Richard Bienstock published

The L.A.-based guitarist will perform at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Festival in Dallas

Want to Learn the Climactic "Ralph Macchio" Portion of the 'Crossroads' Guitar Duel? Watch This Video!

By Damian Fanelli published