I was very sorry to hear earlier today (Sunday, October 27 2013) that Lou Reed has died.

I saw Lou Reed perform three times, once in Manchester in 1996 and twice in the Isle of Man in 2006.

He is responsible for some of my favourite songs and guitar riffs.

I love both The Velvet Underground and a lot of his solo work and I even met him very briefly after one of the Isle of Man gigs when he signed a setlist for me.

Here is a picture I took of him at the Villa Marina, Douglas, on June 9 2006.

Lou had a big impact on the world of rock music and his music legacy will continue to live on.

John

Well, Wednesday, October 9 2013 is a date I will always remember.

This is because I went to see the great Stefan Grossman in concert. He was playing at a venue called The Works in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, England.

Stefan is one of my very favourite guitarists. He was taught directly by the Rev Gary Davis and knew Mississippi John Hurt, Son House, Skip James etc.

Not only is he a great performer and recording artist – with a music career dating back to the 1960s – his brilliant tuition books/CDs/videos/DVDs have inspired thousands of guitar players worldwide.

He is a true acoustic guitar legend and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet him and see him play,

Happy guitar playing,

John