Tony Visconti, George Benson and Miloš confirmed as mentors in Sky Arts’ new series of Guitar Star

Tony Visconti, George Benson and Miloš will help with the search for the UK and Republic of Ireland’s most talented guitarist this summer when Sky Arts’ Guitar Star returns to the small screen in July 2016.

After a single audition session at the Royal Festival Hall, thousands of entrants will be whittled down to a shortlist of just 20 promising undiscovered guitarists.

Produced by Somethin’ Else, Guitar Star is open to contestants of all age groups and all music genres. The competing guitarists will play to the judging panel with the hope of being mentored by a legendary figure including Visconti, Benson and Miloš, and also have the opportunity to play at some of the country’s most famous venues. The winner will be crowned Guitar Star and perform at the celebrated Latitude Festival in July.

Visconti is best known for his huge catalogue of influential work with David Bowie. He produced tracks on many of Bowie’s most acclaimed albums including ‘The Man Who Sold The World’, ‘Young Americans’, ‘Low’ and this year’s ‘Black Star’. In addition to David Bowie, Tony Visconti has also produced a vast array of legendary bands and solo artists such as T-Rex, Iggy Pop, Thin Lizzy, Sparks, Morrissey and Manic Street Preachers.

“I am honoured to be back on Guitar Star, this time as a mentor,” says Tony Visconti. “As a record producer I am always looking for fresh new sounds, new ideas and innovation in musicians I work with.  I am hoping Guitar Star attracts that kind of guitarist, one who will have that ‘wow’ factor. If Guitar Star was on the telly when I was 14 I would've auditioned!”

A multiple Grammy Award-winner and one of the world’s best known jazz and soul guitarists, George Benson has enjoyed a spectacular career over the last 40 years, with global hits like “On Broadway”, “Give Me The Night” and “The Greatest Love Of All”.

“Back in my youth, finding opportunities to grow as a guitar artist and get my music heard was a constant struggle,” says George Benson. “Now through Guitar Star, I will not only be able to inspire gifted young artists, but use my experience to mentor them into the guitar stars I know they can become.”

Finally comes Miloš, widely acknowledged to be the leading classical guitarist of his generation. His career has gone from strength to strength, making hugely-acclaimed live performances at venues like the Royal Albert Hall but also releasing a string of successful albums including this year’s brilliant Beatles homage “Blackbird”.

"I’m absolutely thrilled and excited to return for this year’s Guitar Star on Sky Arts,” says Miloš. “Talent surrounds us – let us all together look forward to finding ‘the one’!”

These three stellar names follow the likes of Tony Iommi, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Lee Ritenour, Paco Peña, Jon Gomm, David Russell, Ralph McTell and Joe Satriani, all of whom appeared in the show’s previous series.

After several weeks of intense competition, the first series culminated with a live final at Latitude shortly before the winner Gary Lutton earned the experience of a lifetime by performing in front of 20,000 people at the festival.

To apply to be a contestant, to be on this series, go to http://skyartsguitarstar.tv/. Deadline for applications is Thursday 10th March at 11pm.

Highlights of the original series can be seen on the Sky Arts / Guitar Star playlist at YouTube.

For more information please contact andy.prevezer@warnermusic.com.

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