JIMI HENDRIX, ANGUS YOUNG Have Some Of Best 'Guitar Faces' In Rock

January 6, 2005

The Associated Press is reporting that Jimi Hendrix not only had the skills to become a rock legend — he apparently had the right look as well. A recent poll found that Hendrix had the best "guitar face" — the look guitarists get when trying to nail a high note or power chord.

Hendrix received 24 percent of the 3,000 votes cast online by the public and a poll by some 20 celebrity judges. B.B. King captured 18 percent of the vote, followed by Angus Young of AC/DC with 16 percent.

Gary Lucas, guitarist for GODS AND MONSTERS, said he voted for Hendrix because he "channeled all the soulful ecstasy of the universe through his hands, and this was naturally mirrored in his face."

The poll by on-demand television service Mag Rack accompanied a contest to find the best amateur guitar face. Les Campbell of Nicholasville, Ky., was chosen the winner from more than 600 contestants.

In his photo, Campbell, a sound and recording engineer, showcases a classic headbanging, Fu Manchu mustache and Elvis Presley sneer — as well as a resemblance to METALLICA frontman James Hetfield, according to several of the judges.

He said his entry was from his heavy-metal playing days in the 1980s with the band JACK-IN-IRONS.

"Guitar face is a spur of the moment thing, something you have no awareness or control over," Campbell said in a statement. "Guitar playing is ... all about energy, transferring your spirit to a hungry crowd through six strings and a wall of amps. You can't help sharing what you feel with a look, whether it's serious or maybe a little silly."

Besides bragging rights, Campbell won a trip to New York to pick up his prize, a Les Paul "Black Beauty" electric guitar and case.

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