Description
Inspired by the likes of Judas Priest and Van Halen, Edward Box started
playing guitar at the age of 14. Early influences included Michael
Schenker, George Lynch and Warren DeMartini before the explosion of
guitar in the late 80's caught his imagination. With Vai, Satriani and
Malmsteen firmly entrenched in his album collection, he moved from his
native Cumbria to the industrial climes of Newcastle upon Tyne in the
North East of England to study music.
In 1990 he formed his first band XLR8R. Combining the traditional
grit of British Metal with the technical virtuosity of Progressive
Rock, the band soon gathered an army of followers in the local region.
Positive reviews for the INNER OCEANS album came quickly and the band
supported the likes of Thunder as well as playing dates in the UK and
Europe. In this period Eds reputation as a guitarist grew, with his
ability being singled out for special mention in Total Guitar,
Guitarist and Kerrang magazines. However, with the advent of both the
Seattle music scene and the beginnings of Nu Metal, XLR8R were forced
to concede defeat in their push for major label recognition.
From the ashes of XLR8R and two other local bands, Ed
co-founded ARCH STANTON. Adopting a more traditional pop/rock slant the
band soon attracted positive feedback for the quality of the songs and
Eds distinctive vocals. Due to poor management and the growing tide of
apathy that beset the Newcastle music scene, ARCH STANTON disbanded and
Ed decided to pursue a solo career.
Ed's first all instrumental album 'PLECTRUMHEAD' was very well received
by the guitar press and to follow this in 2004 he appeared on the album
The Spirit Lives On: The Music of Jimi Hendrix Vol 1 along side such
guitar luminaires as Greg Howe, Richie Kotzen and Ron 'Bumblefoot'
Thal.
In 2006, Ed released his second solo album, MOONFUDGE, and it has
recieved rave reviews in the rock press as well as outselling
PLECTRUMHEAD.
2007 was to be a key year in the career of Edward Box. The
album MOONFUDGE recieved rave reviews from the rock press and September
14th saw the worldwide release through Lion Music of Tyranny of
Minority, the debut album from VENDETTA. In conjunction with this the
band also played the inaugral All Out Guitar Fest in Northampton along
side such great players as Guthrie Govan, Phil Hilborne, Simon Lees and
Andy James.
Currently Ed is performing with his band Vendetta and is
working on the follow up to Tyranny of Minority. He was also a member
of the judging panel for the 2008 Guitar Idol contest which was
recently held at The London Guitar Show.
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