YOU REMEMBER 2020? Yeah, that sucked. But the world (guitar and otherwise) pulled itself up by its bootstraps (and, ahem, guitar straps) and made it to the finish line. Of course, 2021 wasn’t without its challenges. The coronavirus pandemic is still disrupting many facets of life, and political divisiveness is as prevalent as ever. For many of us, the past couple of years have hammered home the fact that change and uncertainty are, well, certain. But, readers of this magazine, there is one message we can all steadfastly rally around: thank god (or the devil, depending on who you hail) for the guitar. Our instrument of choice has been a crucial creative outlet and reliable source of balance, inspiration, connection and respite throughout 2021. But don’t take our word for it… take your word for it!
Over the past year-plus more people than ever have picked up a guitar for the first time (16 million, by Fender’s recent estimates), and engagement on our own website, GuitarWorld.com, and social media accounts has gone through the roof. We’ve witnessed tons more six-string fanatics clicking, congregating and commenting to keep up with the whole universe of guitar-related news, gear, lessons, artist profiles, song premieres, live show announcements and much more. As we close the books on 2021, we’re taking a moment to revisit the news stories that most captivated your attention online. So, kick back, crack a cold one (or a hot one, if that’s your thing) and read on to see what stories united us this year. Cheers to 2022!
LIVE MUSIC RETURNS!
This story is from the February 2022 edition of Guitar World.
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This story is from the February 2022 edition of Guitar World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KIM THAYIL
The mighty Soundgarden guitarist looks back on his most iconic riffs and solos, as well as the gear and tunings that guided him deep into the creative superunknown
ANDY BELL
The U.K. shoegaze pioneer discusses the recording of Ride's classic Nineties albums and his 10 years as a member of Oasis
MARC FORD
The respected SoCal guitarist explains why he chose the Black Crowes over Guns N' Roses - and how the Crowes' internal friction helped make them a compelling alternative to grunge
BRIAN VANDER ARK
Determined as he moves out of the shadow of his past, the guitarist recounts the origins of the Verve Pipe and the recording of a definitive Nineties anthem, \"The Freshmen\"
VERNON REID
From Vivid to Time's Up to Stain: How Vernon Reid's expressionist shredding juiced Living Colour through the grunge era
ART ALEXAKIS
The tenacious Everclear frontman/guitarist discusses the music, moments and \"dangerous\" amps that changed his life and maybe ours - in the Nineties and beyond
DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
The retro designs, digital innovations and misfit toys that defined guitar gear and technology in the Nineties
IT'S ALL A BLUR...
The rise and fall of Britpop, the Nineties' other massive, guitar-based movement
NEVERMIND NEVERMIND!
10 overlooked rock albums from the Nineties that are worth a second listen
A GRUNGY GUITAR GUIDE TO THE '90S
Guitar World