World renowned Greek guitar phenomenon, Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind), has joined the Jackson Guitars roster of artists.

Gus G. has spent the past decade quietly affirming his place as one of metal’s reigning guitar virtuosos. He has recorded more than a dozen studio albums, performed around the world as a member of acts ranging from Arch Enemy and Dream Evil to his own band Firewind, and has been Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist since being personally handpicked by the heavy metal legend in August 2009.

“I’m beyond excited and honoured to confirm that I’ve joined the Jackson Guitar family,” states Gus G. “We’re working on new versions of my Star shape guitars that I’ve played for more than 12 years. Plus, the fact that my custom shop axes are built by the legendary Mike Shannon, who built Randy Rhoads’ first Jackson, gives me goosebumps and takes the excitement up 10 notches! Thanks to the Jackson team for making things happen, and I am stoked for this new guitar chapter ahead.”

Gus G. was born Konstantinos Karamitroudis in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1980—the same year Jackson was born. His arrival brings even more heavyweight power and prestige to the Jackson family of world-class artists, continuing a long-cherished tradition of Jackson-wielding Ozzy Osbourne guitarists dating all the way back to Randy Rhoads and the company’s 1980 founding.

“We are beyond thrilled and honoured to welcome Gus G. into the Jackson family,” states Jackson Artist Relations Manager Mike Tempesta. “His playing style, command of the instrument and dedication to the craft exemplify the type of artist that keeps the Jackson legacy alive and well. The entire Jackson team looks forward to an exciting future with the Greek Metal God!”

Gus G. will embark on the Operation Domination co-headlining, massive US  tour with renowned shredder, Angel Vivaldi, kicking off on August 31st in New York, NY. Tour dates are listed below.

Gus G. states: "I'm very excited to return to the US this fall to finally hit more markets and play for the fans that were left out on my recent spring mini-tour. Teaming up with a talented player like Angel Vivaldi seemed like a great opportunity. We're both stoked to bring the Operation Domination tour to the American audiences and we will be performing our own individual sets, but also collaborating on stage together as well. We will have a great band with us that features James Paul Luna (Holy Grail) on vocals, Alex Bent (ex-Battlecross, Testament) on drums and Jake Skylyr on bass. The setlist will once again be a mixed bag including songs from my solo works, Firewind, Ozzy material but some surprises as well. These shows are not to be missed. See you soon."

Vivaldi further adds: "For me this tour perfectly summarizes the evolution of modern guitar playing. To be able to share a stage with a force such as Gus is both inspiring and refreshing. I cannot wait to see the looks on people's faces when they see what we have planned! I'm also really excited to dip into music from all my releases including the upcoming re-recordings from The Speed Of Dark: Revisited, coming out this year. After the recent tragic events in Orlando, I'm going above and beyond to make this tour a much needed celebration of love, inspiration and positive energy. I have some exciting tricks up my sleeve that I'm anxious to unleash on this run. It’s going to be a party!"

Tour dates:

August
31 - New York, NY - The Studio At Webster Hall

September
1 - Philadelphia, PA - The Voltage Lounge
2 - Cambridge, MA - The Middle East  
3 - Leonardtown, MD - Park Rock @ St. Mary’S Fairgrounds
6 - Winter Park, FL - The Haven
7 - Tampa, FL - Orpheum
9 - Stafford, TX - The Pub Fountains
10 - Ft. Worth, TX - The Rail Club
12 - Hollywood, CA - The Whisky
15 - Las Vegas, NV - Vamp’D Rock Bar
16 -  Costa Mesa, CA - Tiki Bar
17 -  San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
20 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Bar
21 - Denver, CO - Herman’S Hideaway
22 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mewes
23 - Iowa City, IA - Gabe’S
24 - Berwin, IL - Wire
 
Firewind recently announced a return to European stages, which sees the group play some summer festival events as well as a European/UK tour in November, featuring a best-of set from the band’s rich catalogue.

Tour dates:

November
9 - Wolverhampton, UK - Slade Rooms          
10 - Glasgow, UK -Audio          
11 - Manchester, UK - Club Academy   
12 - Sheffield, UK - Corporation           
13 - London, UK - Underworld  
15 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob         
16 - Paris, France - Petit Bain
18 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos-Saal       
20 - Budapest , Hungary - A38  
21 - München, Germany - Feierwerk      
22 - Vienna, Austria - Szene      
24 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix/Rockpalast      
25 - Breda, The Netherlands - Mezz

Firewind festival dates:

August
6 - Ostrava, Czech Republic  - Ostrava v Plamenech

Firewind are currently working on new material for an upcoming studio album release, expected later in the year.