Jim Suhler, a talented guitarist best known for his work with the band George Thorogood & the Destroyers, has spent his career playing alongside some of the most legendary figures in rock and blues. From AC/DC to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Suhler’s experiences with these iconic musicians are not only remarkable but also a testament to the deep friendships and mutual respect that thrive in the music world.
One of Suhler’s most cherished memories involves AC/DC’s legendary guitarist Angus Young, a man whose signature style has shaped rock guitar playing for generations. Jim recalls an experience in which AC/DC was on tour, and he had the chance to meet Young. Suhler had brought along his trusty Fender Stratocaster, a guitar that had been with him through thick and thin, and he asked Young if he would autograph it. Angus, always the joker, took the request in stride.
“Sure, I’ll sign it,” Young said, as he took a marker and scribbled his name on the body of the guitar. But in true Angus fashion, he added a playful note next to his signature: “This is for Jeff Beck, who wanted to be in AC/DC but couldn’t make it.” Suhler chuckled at the joke, marveling at how effortlessly Young blended his sense of humor with his legendary rock star persona. It was a moment of lightheartedness that also underscored the respect and camaraderie among the best in the business.
This wasn’t Suhler’s only encounter with rock royalty. He has fond memories of sharing the stage and exchanging stories with blues legends such as Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Gibbons, renowned for his unmatched tone and stage presence, was not only a musical mentor to Suhler but also a close friend. The two had many late-night jam sessions, during which Gibbons would impart his wisdom, both musical and philosophical, to the young guitarist.
Suhler recalls one such jam session when they were playing together at a club in Texas. “Billy had this way of making you feel like you were part of something special, even if you were just the guy playing the rhythm guitar behind him,” Suhler said. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and Gibbons’s blues-infused rock style was a major influence on Suhler’s own playing. But it wasn’t just about the music. Gibbons, ever the character, would share stories from the road, often humorously recounting the wild experiences that came with being in ZZ Top.
Yet, of all the legendary musicians Suhler encountered, it was Stevie Ray Vaughan who left an indelible mark on his life and career. Vaughan, with his fiery playing and deeply soulful sound, was a pioneer of the blues revival movement in the 1980s. Suhler, who had a deep appreciation for the blues, found a kindred spirit in Vaughan. They first crossed paths during a Texas jam session, where Vaughan’s intensity and passion for the blues were immediately apparent.
“There was something electric in the air whenever Stevie was playing,” Suhler recalled. “He had this ability to make every note seem like it was coming from the deepest part of his soul.” Suhler was struck not only by Vaughan’s virtuosity but by his humility and willingness to share his knowledge with others. Despite his rising fame, Vaughan remained grounded and always made time for younger musicians looking to learn from him.
One particular memory stands out in Suhler’s mind. During a performance at a small club, Vaughan invited Suhler on stage for a jam session. As the two musicians traded licks and solos, Suhler could feel the energy between them intensify. It was as if Vaughan’s fiery spirit was being channeled through his guitar, urging Suhler to play with even more intensity and passion. The experience was transformative, one that shaped the way Suhler approached the guitar for years to come.
Suhler’s time with these iconic figures was more than just an opportunity to learn from the best; it was a chance to connect on a deeper level, both musically and personally. Each of these musicians, from Angus Young to Billy Gibbons to Stevie Ray Vaughan, had a unique approach to music, but they shared a common trait: a relentless drive to push the boundaries of their craft. Whether it was Young’s wild energy and sense of humor, Gibbons’s laid-back yet masterful approach, or Vaughan’s intensity and passion, Suhler learned invaluable lessons from them all.
Reflecting on these experiences, Suhler is quick to emphasize the impact these moments had on him as a musician. “The thing that always stood out to me was how much these guys cared about the music,” he said. “It wasn’t about the fame or the fortune—it was about the sound. It was about connecting with the audience and creating something that could make people feel something.”
Indeed, it’s this sense of connection and the shared love of music that has shaped Jim Suhler’s own career. He’s been fortunate enough to work with some of the greatest names in rock and blues, and through it all, he’s learned the importance of remaining true to oneself and one’s craft. Whether he’s on stage with George Thorogood or jamming with fellow legends, Suhler carries with him the lessons and memories of those incredible moments with musicians like Angus Young, Billy Gibbons, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. It’s a legacy that continues to inspire him to this day.
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