In this week’s podcast I have the privilege of hanging out with Chris Kelly.
I don’t usually struggle for words, but it’s hard to put into writing where to start.
My jaw was on the floor for most of the conversation, listening and laughing in amazement, but Chris disperses so much great substance in the mix you’ll listen to this one a few times.
Chris has a storied tenure with legacy guitar brands such as Robin, Ibanez, Peavey, and Budda Amps.
Much of our time focused on the Ibanez years as Chris was Director of Artist Relations and headed up the Custom Shop from 1985-1994. The artists he worked with and his circle of friends are household names and Chris shares some amazing stories:
- Being best friends with SRV and designing the double neck guitar/mando he and Jimmie played in “Pipeline”
- Working with Steve Vai to develop his JEM and the infamous monkey grip
- Signing Joe Satriani
- Hanging out with EVH at Studio 5150 (all the time)
- Rooming with Johnny Depp and Nick Cage at The Roosevelt in Hollywood
- Weekly golf games with Jani Lane, Tommy Lee, and Vince Neil
- Playing in 10,000 Maniacs, Ministry, and League of Blind Women
Beyond the incredible rock n’ roll stories Chris drops some eye-opening life lessons that led to his success working in the industry and helping design amazing guitars.
Given his experiences I had to ask Chris about the single best piece of advice he’s ever received and here’s what he said: “Meeting Bob Hope on the 9th hole at a golf course in Burbank, CA”. The exchange went like this from Chris to Bob, “can you give me any advice?”. Bob said, “I guess I was in the right place at the right time, but I knew enough to take myself there”.
Thank you Chris for sharing your candor and heartfelt rock n’ roll journey, much love!
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