It was a big in 2015, huge in 2016 and now in 2017 the Melbourne Guitar Show will be even greater. Presented again by Triple M and AustralianMusician.com.au, not only does the Melbourne Guitar Show offer an amazing array of local guitar players but this year, we’re excited to announce for the first time, a contingent of acclaimed international guitarists.
The Australian Music Association has today officially announced the return of the Melbourne Guitar Show at the Caulfield Racecourse on August 5 and 6, 2017. A monster exhibition will feature an unbeatable variety of electric and acoustic guitars, effects pedals, amps & more guitar technology and accessories, and the best in international brands and home-grown craftsmanship. It will continue to be Australia’s biggest pop-up guitar shop.
In addition to this, the Melbourne Guitar Show will host information seminars, demonstrations, and live performances from Australia’s most talented guitarists, including: Lloyd Spiegel, , Nick Charles, and Bob Spencer with many more to be announced.
This year will be extra special as we welcome UK guitar royalty, namely, original Genesis guitarist and successful solo artist in his own right, Steve Hackett, in a very special premium ticketed event* (Sunday August 6). Hackett will be touring Australia for the very first time with his lavish Genesis Revisited tour, playing classic Genesis prog rock tunes as well as selected material from his 25 solo albums. For the Melbourne Guitar Show however, in a more eclectic and informal setting, Steve will play an exclusive up close and personal acoustic-based show featuring musical director Roger King on keyboards and woodwind/ brass virtuoso Rob Townshend. This will be the ONLY Australian performance by the Steve Hackett Acoustic Trio.
Genesis, only ever made it to Australia once, in 1986 – years after Steve and singer Peter Gabriel left the band, so Steve is making it up to fans by bringing some Genesis magic to our shores. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for long serving Genesis fans and aficionados of 70s prog rock. Steve will also participate in an onstage Q&A session following his guitar show performance.
“I’m thrilled to bring my Genesis Revisited tour to Australia. I’ll be playing there for the first time and I’m hugely looking forward to it! It’ll be great to meet fans and friends, and I know it’s an incredibly beautiful country. I can’t wait!” Steve Hackett said of his upcoming Australian tour.
We’re also pleased to announce Canadian guitar virtuouso Nick Johnston to the Melbourne Guitar Show. Known for his catchy, melody-driven instrumental music, Nick has been able to carve out his own unique style within a crowded landscape of instrumental guitarists. Nick’s playing has attracted sponsorship from massive international brands including Friedman Amps, D’Addario and Schecter Guitars.
Also onboard this year, we welcome world renowned guitarist Alex Hutchings (UK), a modern fusion guitarist par extraordinaire, lauded by many as one of the finest players in the genre. His international following has exploded in recent years thanks to millions of YouTube views via both his own channel and JamTrackCentral (alongside such contemporaries such as Guthrie Govan, Andy James and Jack Thammerat). Regularly touring around the globe Alex performs under his own name and as an international demonstrator for BOSS/Roland.
Drawing over 5500 guitar lovers to last year’s exhibit, the Melbourne Guitar Show is gearing up to be an even bigger event this year. The voice of the Australian music products industry, the Australian Music Association (AMA) and australianmusician.com.au look forward to presenting the 2017 MGS along with its presenting partner, Triple M, and supported by Aon, Advance Audio, Franklin Printing and our members.
“We are looking forward to a show this year that builds steadily based on the merit and popularity of the first two and on the presentation of the best people we can find”, said AMA executive officer and MGS Organiser, Rob Walker
Not only will the 2017 MGS provide a hands-on chance to see, hear and play a broad range of the world’s favourite brands, it will also see exhibitors offering great show deals, plus an opportunity to get close to some hand-crafted, locally made instruments and epic guitar and gear collections.
Describing the exciting developments, Rob continues,
“We will have more exhibitors this year, as well as bigger stand presentations by many brands. We are in discussions with an increasing list of players who want to be a part of it, so we are sure this show will provide great value for guitar enthusiasts once again.
With 3 floors of fretted instrument fun and live performances, punters can immerse themselves in the electricity of loud guitars, amps and pedals on the ground floor, then head upstairs to the dedicated acoustic area featuring beautiful, finely crafted acoustic instruments and stripped back performances by some of Australia’s finest guitar pickers. Exhibitors and patrons will be treated to live performances and information seminars by expert guitarists across the entire weekend.
The Melbourne Guitar Show will be held at Caulfield Racecourse on August 5 and 6.
Online ticket prices when ordered pre-show are –
Day Adult $20.00
Weekend Adult $30.00
Family Day $35.00
Day Concession $10.00
Weekend Concession $15.00
* Premium ticket $40.
* Weekend premium ticket $50
(Premium tickets include admission to Steve Hackett show Sun 6 August. Limited tickets available)
Tickets on sale from Oztix from June 1, 2017. Booking fees applies
MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW DETAILS
SATURDAY AUG 5 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE |10.00am – 6.00pm
SUNDAY AUG 6 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE | 10.00am – 5.00pm