G-TARanaki is back and the biggest news this year is that SLASH, considered to be one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time will headline G-TARanaki International Music Week 2010.

The former lead guitarist of GUNS N' ROSES, who also formed supergroup VELVET REVOLVER, has performed with the likes of MICHAEL JACKSON, AC/DC and more recently collaborated with FERGIE, IGGY POP, OZZY OSBOURNE and CHRIS CORNELL for his newly released self-titled solo album.

Slash will perform in concert on Saturday night at TSB Stadium and also in the Saturday night Midnight Session at Puke Ariki, New Plymouth. G-TARanaki will be the only opportunity for fans to see Slash, performing exclusively for the first time in NZ since playing to 52,000 people at Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium with Guns N’ Roses in 1993.

Tickets will be on sale at Ticketmaster – from Monday May 31.

What is G-TARanaki?

G-TARanaki is New Zealand’s only international guitar festival which brings some of the world’s best guitarists to Taranaki to educate, entertain and inspire music lovers. It provides the opportunity to learn from legends who really know their stuff! This year the event will be held from 11-15 August 2010 in New Plymouth, Taranaki.

It’s about making A-list artists accessible to New Zealanders through concerts and intimate Midnight Sessions; creating awareness of the opportunities within the music industry through panel discussion forums and developing the artistic talents of young aspiring artists through the Sky Academy workshops and master classes.

The five day event features:

- Two major concerts - held at TSB Stadium, tickets available online at Ticketmaster from Monday 31 May
- Three exclusive Midnight Sessions – held at Puke Ariki, tickets available online at Ticketmaster from Monday 31 May
- Three Sky Academy workshops, master classes and performances – held at TSB Showplace, free entry for secondary school students in Taranaki
- Three forums – held at Puke Ariki, free entry
- A range of free workshops and clinics at TSB Showplace
- An exhibition of rare and valuable guitars – displayed at Puke Ariki, free entry

For more info visit Gtaranaki.co.nz.