Mike Varney

Latest about Mike Varney

(from left to right) Marty Friedman, Richie Kotzen, Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilbert, four legendary guitarists who got their start with Shrapnel Records

“Some people equate shred with speed, but that's narrow-minded. The haters will hate because they can't do it themselves”: With Shrapnel Records, Mike Varney invented the technical guitar scene. He reflects on his legacy and the virtuosos of today

By Andrew Daly published

The technical guitar impresario reveals his thoughts on the now-dirty word status of 'shred', what he's always looked for in guitar players, and his favorite guitar brand (hint: it's probably not one you'd expect)

Producers & Engineers
Yngwie Malmsteen in 1988

“It’s tough for me to listen to many of the newer technical players out there today”: Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney helped guitar gods soar in the 1980s, but he doesn’t “enjoy” new wave shred stars – here’s why

By Matt Owen published

The founder of Shrapnel Records was a key figure in popularizing the shred boom of the 1980s, and he has some choice words for the emerging generation of fretboard pioneers

Music Industry
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Paul Gilbert's Great Guitar Escape: Shrapnel and Beyond is a four-day workshop shred-fest

By Richard Bienstock published

George Lynch, Eric Gales, Bumblefoot and more will be on hand for July event paying tribute to Eighties shred label Shrapnel Records

Events & Trade Shows