David Rhodes (guitarist)

David John Sydney Rhodes (born 2 May 1956) is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter and long-time collaborator of Peter Gabriel. He was the guitarist and vocalist for the British rock band Random Hold from 1976 to 1980, and has been the principal studio and touring guitarist for Gabriel since 1980. Rhodes has released two solo albums.

David Rhodes
David Rhodes
David Rhodes in 2010
Background information
Born (1956-05-02) 2 May 1956 (age 68)
London, England
GenresRock, progressive rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals
Years active1979–present
LabelsSociety of Sound
Websitewww.davidrhodes.org

Biography

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David Rhodes was born on 2 May 1956 in London. He studied Art at Central Saint Martins and then went on to complete a degree in Sculpture at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he developed an interest in music.[1] Shortly after graduation, he began recording and was a founding member of the rock band Random Hold, in which he performed vocals and lead guitar. He was soon asked to play with Peter Gabriel. His first appearance was on 1980's Peter Gabriel (also referred to as Melt), Gabriel's third studio album.[2] Rhodes has been the principal studio and touring guitarist for Gabriel since then.[3]

In 2009, he released his first studio album, Bittersweet. The progressive rock album was the product of a long and complex writing process involving numerous layered instrumental tracks and effects, and non-standard guitar tunings.[3] Rhodes developed the songs over the course of several years before recording them.[4] Though he used a wide range of equipment in the recording studio, Rhodes indicated he uses a simpler setup in live settings: a Gibson Robot Guitar to easily switch among guitar tunings and a Native Instruments computer application to produce effects and background tracks.[3] He embarked on occasional short tours with bassist Charlie Jones and drummer Ged Lynch in support of Bittersweet in the following years.[5]

When Rhodes decided to return to the recording studio in 2013, he, Jones, and Lynch envisioned recreating the dynamic they had established on the road for a new album. The trio rehearsed at the recording studio and then laid the instrumental tracks in five days. After vocal tracks and other production were completed, Rhodes was released via PledgeMusic.[5] Rhodes returned to road, performing in support of the new album with Lynch and Welch bassist Gaz Williams.[6]

Rhodes composed scores for the films Lucky and Zorba by Enzo D'Alò and L'uomo perfetto by Luca Lucini as well as for the 2001 video game Atlantis III: The New World.

Collaborations

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With Peter Gabriel

With Japan

With Blancmange

With Talk Talk

With Joan Armatrading

With Toni Childs

With Paul McCartney

With Tim Finn

With Roy Orbison

With Julia Fordham

With Tori Amos

With Franco Battiato

With Kate Bush

With Claudio Baglioni

References

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  1. ^ Vinnicombe, Chris (February 2015). "Rhodes Well Travelled". Guitarist (390). Future plc: 53. ISSN 0953-7023.
  2. ^ "About David". David-Rhodes.uk. Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  3. ^ a b c Cleveland, Barry (1 December 2010). "David Rhodes Goes It Alone". Guitar Player. New Bay Media. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  4. ^ "David Rhodes Debut Album Bittersweet". Bowers-Wilkens.com. 27 August 2009. Archived from the original on 17 September 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  5. ^ a b "Rhodes". Bowers-Wilkens.com. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  6. ^ Williams, Gaz (26 September 2013). "David Rhodes - The Gentleman Guitarist". GazWilliams.me. Archived from the original on 20 February 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
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