Lately, I’ve gotten a lot of calls on WFAN about who the greatest rock guitarist is or was. The usual suspects get named —Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Santana, Peter Townshend, etc.
What about a competition?
Obviously, the late greats can’t compete. But of the living, how about a made for HBO live epic, where we judge these folks like we do Olympic athletes? We set out criteria. Speed. Accuracy. Improvisation and writing skills.
Then a panel of judges, either former players, producers or A&R guys, give them grades. The winner gets a million dollars to his favorite charity.
Of course, you’d have a hard time convincing these guys to participate. There would have to be a modest appearance fee. But what a show it would be. And even the losers would see a boost in record sales and touring revenue, since they’d have a chance to promote their latest wares.
Like any such competition, the judging would be subjective to a large degree. And age and rustiness would play a factor. But I’d watch it.
How about you?
