Alan Holdsworth – Metal Fatigue – 1984 live


Jump up to 53:55 for Metal Fatigue live.

Allan Holdsworth is widely regarded by fans and contemporary musicians as one of the 20th century’s most prominent guitarists. He is one of a handful of musicians who has consistently proven himself as an innovator in between and within the worlds of rock and jazz music. Many of music’s best-known instrumental masters cite Holdsworth as that rare and shining voice—a legendary player who continues to push the outer limits of instrumental technique and the electric guitar’s range of tonal and textural possibilities. Particularly during the 90s, Holdsworth has enjoyed the recognition so many musicians strongly feel he deserves, given that he has developed his career outside the big label mainstream and has consistently produced his own recordings with complete creative control since the mid-80s. Despite the uncompromising nature of Holdsworth’s predominantly genre-defying solo projects, he’s no stranger to all-star jazz festival line-ups or large venue rock audiences. Musician Magazine placed Holdsworth near the top of their “100 greatest guitarists of all time.” There’s never been a shortage of media attention or acclaim for Holdsworth’s accomplishments and originality. An inductee of Guitar Player Magazine’s Hall of Fame, Holdsworth is a five-time winner in their readers’ poll.

from therealallanholdsworth.com

Corrugated Cardboard Stratocaster

This Stratocaster, built in conjunction with the Fender Custom Shop, is constructed, apart from the hardware and electronics, of just corrugated cardboard. As pointed out in the video, with 250 pounds of torque required for string tension, making a functioning, and seemingly quality instrument, out of such a malleable material appears to be quite the challenge. Enjoy the video!