Recently, the “Greatest Guitar Solo Ever” clip has been in circulation on the Tube of You, and might I say — “Wow! Up with hyperbole.” While there’s no question that this was supposed to be rock legends covering another rock legend’s song, the focus quickly shifts to who has the hottest lick.
With Prince in the line up, there wasn’t really much competition, but then there’s not much guitar talent in that line up. When it comes to covering George Harrison’s seminal “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” I expect a passionate eruption from an all-star line up of guitar greats. Prince is the only guy who brings the passion and tears. But a quick search on You Tube produces at least one other guitar player who could share the stage to honor Harrison’s composition. That would be Steve Lukather, an artist who first picked up the guitar because of Harrison and the Beatles.
Nevermind the Toto backing band here and skip straight to the solo. Lukather is perhaps one of the most envied rock guitarists of the past 20 years. Guitar legends the likes of Beck, Van Halen, Satriani, Friedman, DiMeola, and Morse have sought him out. His style eschews the popular and breathless left handed legato style for a raw, soulful, and reckless two-handed attack that rips guitar picks across steel strings and bloodies guitar necks.
I remember listening to Lukather years ago when he ripped it up on Bobby Kimball’s “White Sister.” It’s still one of the most powerful and expressive solos I’ve heard Steve play. As a tribute to Harrison, it’s questionable that Lukather’s guitar weeps gently, but it sure as hell cries like a baby. Enjoy.
– Peter Dysart
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