Blackstar heads up to Staffordshire for V Festival 2010 - August 2010
Ellie Goulding’s guitarist and Blackstar endorsee, Chris Ketley talks about his performance at this year’s V Festival in Cheltenham and Staffordshire; “V was great, both days went really well. Perhaps even Ellie’s best gig to date up in Stafford. Everybody was really pleased!” said Chris after the festival. A whole host of Blackstar artists could be seen this year including: Stereophonics, Paul Weller, The Kooks, Pixie Lott, Amy Macdonald and Groove Armada.
Blackstar wins two more awards - August 2010
The trophy cabinet at Blackstar HQ is starting to get a bit full with two more awards to add to it. The Series One 200, as used by our signature artist Gus G and many others, has won the prestigious Guitar World Platinum Award. The HT Studio 20 from our most recent Venue Series has won the as equally prestigious Total Guitar Round Up Award.
Blackstar at High Voltage, Sonisphere and Bloodstock Festivals - August 2010
It’s been another busy festival season for Blackstar this year; we’ve swapped the cosy Blackstar office for fields, mud and very loud guitar amps. Backstage at High Voltage, Sonisphere and Bloodstock our Blackstar cabin, full of our finest wares, has been visited by some real rock legends over these three weekends.
At High Voltage, Sonisphere and Bloodstock; The Quireboys, High on Fire, Opeth, Fear Factory, Iggy and the Stooges, Gallows, Funeral for a Friend, Mordecai and Joe Elliot could all be seen using their Blackstar rigs.
Blackstar launch Gus G. signature pedal HT-BLACKFIRE at Summer NAMM - June 2010
Blackstar are proud to announce our first artist signature product. Developed with influential guitarist Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) the HT-BLACKFIRE is a two channel, valve-driven, metal distortion pedal and was launched at Summer NAMM in Nashville on the 18th June 2010. The two channels are named after the fan-favourite Firewind track ‘The Fire And The Fury.’ With its black finish, orange and red LEDs, black grille and Blackstar designed Gus G. logo, the HT-BLACKFIRE looks as serious as it sounds. The pedal is limited to just 1,000 pieces worldwide, each pedal includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Gus G. and an exclusive Gus trading card.
Summer Festivals begin! Download and Isle of Wight - June 2010
Blackstar had an extremely busy weekend at both ends of the musical spectrum. At a chilly Donnington Park My Passion were rocking the set of their lives to a stomping crowd with a back drop of 16 Blackstar cabs! While at a sunny Isle of Wight festival, Calvin Harris was getting all into the party mood with guitarist Alex Dickson using two Artisan 30 combos. Blackstar would like to thank for the following bands for using Blackstar over the festivals, Biffy Clyro, Juliette Lewis, Ocean Colour Scene, Blackout, Your Demise, Crimes In Stereo, Young Guns, Zebrahead, Cancer Bats and all at Platform One music college.
Blackstar demo night with Hartnoll's in Plymouth - June 2010
An evening of entertainment and demonstration of the fabulous range of products offered by Blackstar Amplification.
FREE PRIZE DRAW ON THE NIGHT
Creating a massive storm in the World of guitar amplification, Blackstar amps are really starting to take over!
Blackstar make arguably some of the greatest valve amplifiers and pedals that money can buy, and with their new HT Venue range right around the corner they’ve decided to host a demo night with one their prized endorsees – Jamie Humphries.
Date:Thursday, June 24, 2010
Time:8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:Voodoo Lounge, Plymouth City Centre
Street:1 Drake Circus, PL1 1QH
City/Town:Plymouth, United Kingdom
More awards for the HT Venue Series - June 2010
Following on from the last months fantastic HT Venue review in Guitarist Magazine, The HT Stage 60 and HT Stage 100 echoed their lower wattage counterparts by receiving Guitarist Choice awards. Reviewer Nick Guppy sums up his review by saying, ‘Two more excellent mid-priced amps that can easily cut it at the pro standard and confirm Blackstar’s arrival as a serious world player in the amp market. For the full review check out July Guitarist issue 330.
HT Studio 20 and HT Club 40 receive Guitarist Choice Awards - May 2010
The HT Studio 20 and the HT Club 40 are the latest Blackstar products to receive the Guitarist choice accolade. Reviewer Nick Guppy introduces the amps by stating, ‘With stellar tone and smart prices, the HT Venues are about to shake up the mid-price market....’ Both amps received 5 stars for build quality and value for money. Guppy concludes, ‘The HT Venue Series has set a benchmark for affordable performance. Plug in today as soon as you can.’ For the full review check out June Guitarist Magazine issue 329.
Metal Hammer Golden Gods - April 2010
Blackstar Amplification is the proud sponsor of the Breakthrough Artist Award at this year’s Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards ceremony taking place at the O2 in London in June. For full information about the night and to find out who you can vote for visit - http://goldengods.metalhammer.co.uk/
Frankfurt Musik Messe 2010 - April 2010
Blackstar celebrated their third anniversary at the Frankfurt Musik Messe 2010. It was another exciting show with the launch of the HT effects pedals and for many, the first time to see the HT Venue amplifiers. Jamie Humphries gallantly demo’d the HT Venue line and the new effects pedals throughout the show as well as Blackstar friends, Gus G., Fredrik Akesson of Opeth and Alex from the Donots joining us for a signing session. See more pictures from the event on our Myspace page. - http://www.myspace.com/blackstaramps
Blackstar at Dallas Guitar Show - April 2010
Blackstar will be exhibiting at the Dallas Guitar Show April 16-17-18.
Please be sure to come and see us at booth Number #356.
HT Stage 60 picks up Best Buy award - March 2010
Hot off the press, the new Blackstar HT Stage 60 combo has been awarded Total Guitar magazine’s Best Buy Award. An all valve 60 Watt 2x12 combo with stunning vintage styling and tones that will sing and scream! As reviewer Stu Williams states, ‘with the many tonal adjustments at your disposal, it’s difficult to think of a musical situation where the Stage 60 wouldn’t cut it.’ Check out the dealer section of the website to find your nearest Blackstar Dealer and try one today! - http://www.blackstaramps.co.uk/products/ht-amps
Andy James guitar solo contest - March 2010
Andy James (Sacred Mothertongue and acclaimed solo artist) has launched a worldwide online Guitar Solo Contest.
Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suroPx90LyI to find out how to enter. Read the entry rules, get practising
and then post your own video soloing over the top.
Prizes are up for grabs from Blackstar Amps, ESP Guitars, Licklibray.com and Andy James himself as well as
the exposure from thousands of guitar fans worldwide who will be checking the competition on a daily basis.
The competition is live now, and open to anyone of any age from anywhere and will run until April 30th.
Experience the ultimate in Rock and Metal Guitar Playing with Andy James and Blackstar Amps!
Andertons HT Venue demo Night with Jamie Humphries - March 2010
Catch Jamie Humphries at the first HT Venue Demonstration in association with Andertons Music.
Jamie will walk and talk you through the features of each Amp as well as demonstrating the Series One range.
Everyone who attends the night will also get a
free set of guitar strings. There will also be staff from Andertons and members of the Blackstar Team on hand to answer questions.
The event will be held at the Stoke Pub Function Room in Guildford, round the corner from the Andertons store on 17th March 2010.
Tickets are £5.00 and can be bought from www.andertons.co.uk
Andertons Blackstar night with Jamie Humphries - February 2010
Andertons will host a Blackstar Evening with Jamie Humphries on Wednesday March 17th at the Stoke Pub (Stoke Rd, Guildford) Function Room. Jamie will be playing the new Blackstar HT Venue series & the Series One range.
Tickets will be £5 each, but every person who attends on the night will get a free set of guitar strings.
No age restrictions
My Passion take Blackstar on Kerrang Tour - February 2010
Dressed to impress, the 4-piece electro rockers My Passion kicked off 2010 with an explosive start on the Kerrang! Relentless Energy tour. Guitarist John Be invaded the stage with his brand new HT Stage 100 heads. If you missed them on the K! Tour, be sure to catch them on tour with Kill Hannah in May. As John Be puts it, ‘I Love the HT Stage 100 amps. Perfect for My Passion’s bone shattering riffs!’
Oli Brown hits the road with HT Stage 60 - January 2010
Classic Rock magazine named Oli Brown as one of the best and brightest guitar heroes performing in the world today. Although young in years Oli has already shared the stage with greats such as Buddy Guy, Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa. Taking his HT Stage 60 Combo and matching HTV 2x12 cabinet wherever his travels take him Oli says, ‘The Blackstar HT Stage 60 gives me the tone that I have been looking for. It gives me just what I need to be able to express my feelings through the guitar to the audience.’ Be sure to catch the Oli Brown Band at a venue near you soon.
Blackstar at NAMM show 2010 - January 2010
Launching The HT-Venue Series of valve amps, signing a up a high profile endorsee, being warranted with a noise violation and appearing on the front cover of the official NAMM publication, Upbeat daily were just a few highlights of the Blackstar NAMM booth! HT-Venue received a great response from the press and trade, while the Blackstar team were joined by friends, James Williamson from Iggy and the Stooges, Fredrik Akesson from Opeth and Gus. G from Firewind and Ozzy Osbourne. We also proudly got a written noise violation warning... not surprising as we cranked up the Series One 200! Stay tuned for a growing list of US stores signed up at NAMM!
Blackstar US Dealers - November 2009
Blackstar are happy to announce the following US stores have been added to our dealer list:
Jims Music in Tustin, California.
Moms Music Louisville and Jeffersonville.
Muncie Music in MUNCIE.
A+S Music in Nederland.
Texas Cherry Street Guitars in Illinois.
Many more stores will be opening up in State near you soon so stay tuned to the US dealer section of the website!
Series One hits the US mags - November 2009
The Blackstar Series One 100 has received a great review from US publication, Premier Guitar. The amp scored an impressive 4/5 with reviewer Gary Ganaden commenting, ‘The Blackstar Series One 100 is a serious piece of guitar amp technology with a modern design that can appeal to a wide assortment of guitarists at an affordable price.’ To read the full review click here.
Hellfire Festival 2 at Birmingham NEC - November 2009
Birmingham NEC was home to The Hellfire Festival in November. Metal legends Saxon and Anvil headlined the main stage on the opening night while Blackstar’s very own Series One 200 user Hamish Glencross rocked the stage on the Sunday with My Dying Bride.
The Scuzz stage was dominated by walls of Blackstar amps throughout the weekend. With bands such as Tessaract, Evile and Viking Skull ripping it up for the hoards of metal fans.
Next stop Hard Rock Hell!
BLACKSTAR HT-5 Wins Australian Musician Gear Award! - November 2009
The inaugural Australian Musician Gear awards today announced the BLACKSTAR HT-5 as the winner of the Guitar Amp Combo’s under $1000. This award was voted on by readers and retailers across the country and has cemented the Blackstar brand as a major brand in the Australian music industry.
Blackstar now sits alongside such famous brands as Yamaha, Roland, Peavey, Marshall, Laney, Gretsch, Sabian, Digidesign, JBL, Shure and Neumann who were some of the winners of the competing categories. We can proudly say that the HT-5 has impacted on Australian musicians over and above all others this year.
Back in Blackstar - October 2009
Come and hear the Blackstar Line for yourself at the free BACK IN BLACKSTAR night in Guildford on Wednesday 11th November at Guildford Cricket Club (opposite Andertons). Come watch expert demonstrator Jamie Humphries (who has worked with Zakk Wylde, Steve Morse of Deep Purple, and Richie Kotzen, amongst others!) as he takes you through the Blackstar range live.
- Click here for full details
Blackstar at Frome's South West Guitar Show - September 2009
Sunday 18 October will be a day to remember for guitarists in the West Country as the South West Guitar Show opens its doors for one day only in Frome Somerset.
This picturesque market town, well known for its thriving music and arts scene, will host the event in its popular rock venue the Cheese and Grain.
The day will be filled with live demos and performances from a variety of special guests. Including Blackstar Amplification, who will have specialist staff on hand to answer all questions and demonstrate loads of the latest products.
The South West Guitar show takes place on Sunday 18th October, 10:30am – 4:30pm. Tickets are available from the Cheese and Grain box office on 01373 455420 or at www.cheeseandgrain.co.uk - £6 in advance or £10 on the door.
The New Number One's Still Number One! - September 2009
The Series One 100 head scooped another award in September. This time Total Guitar magazine took 4 market leading 100 watt heads and judged them on versatility and monstrous tone! In conclusion to coming top of the pile reviewer Stuart Williams writes, ' We said we would be looking for versatility with great tone - and we found it. If you want an amp that covers vintage and modern tones with authenticity at a price point that defies the laws of economics, the Series One will gladly bank your cheque.' To read the full review you can check out Total Guitar issue #193 - Oct 09.
Reading and Leeds here we come! - August 2009
Another weekend in August and another Festival. This time it's Reading and Leeds. Yet again there will be plenty of Blackstar amps filling the stages including, Funeral for a Friend with their Artisan 30 combos and A412 cabs, Kerrang-voted best international newcomers Gaslight Anthem with 3 x Artisan 30s and an Artisan 15, and Rival Schools with 2 x Artisan 30 combos... Also, up and coming band To the Bones will be using a Series One S1-100 head, not to mention our good friend Aziz using an Artisan 30 combo with his new project Our Fold. Add to the mix Gallows, Frank Turner and Blackout all using HT Pedals and it will be hard to miss that Blackstar logo...
Spot the Blackstar – V festival 2009 - August 2009
Did you spot Blackstar amps at the UK V festival? Among the artists playing over the weekend in Chelmsford and Staffordshire, Bjorn Agren from Razorlight had a wall of Artisan 30 combos and Artisan 100 heads, Alex Dickson from the Calvin Harris band had two Artisan 30 combos, Jonny Pilcher from Athlete rocked through an Artisan 30 combo, Steve Cradock from Ocean Colour Scene had his Artisan 30 combos and new kids on the block Vagabond had Steve Carter using.... you guessed it, an Artisan 30 combo. Not to mention Kid British using their HT-DUAL pedals...phew! We have been busy.
Series One – S1-45 Grabs Guitarist Gold Award - August 2009
The Series One 45 combo has been awarded the coveted Gold award by Guitarist magazine. The Series One 100 head and 200 head also collected the Choice awards. It’s another feather in the Blackstar cap, meaning every range has now achieved an accolade in its own right.
- Read the full review here...
- Read more about the Series One 45 combo here...
Blackstar at Summer NAMM, Nashville - July 2009
Blackstar are exhibiting at the summer NAMM show in Nashville on 17th - 19th July. We’re at booth #270 so come by and check out the latest additions to our ranges.
Blackstar sponsor Golden God awards - June 2009
Blackstar are proud to announce we are sponsoring the ‘Riff Lord’ award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods 2009. The event covers all things Metal and takes place at the 02 Indigo Club.
London International Music Show 2009 - June 2009
Blackstar were exhibiting at the London International Music Show held at Excel 11th - 14th June. Our booth was crowded with eager guitarists checking out the much anticipated Series One range. There were regular demo’s including a special appearance by top player Jamie Humphries on the Sunday.
Blackstar at the Frankfurt Musikmesse - April 2009
The Frankfurt Musikmesse was a great show for us. Series One was demo'd for the first time and those lucky to hear it were blown away! Alex from the Donots was also signing on the stand. Thanks to all those who came along and said 'hi'.
HT 5 stars! - December 2008
The new HT-5 got a rocking 5/5 and a Best Buy award from Total Guitar magazine. Not bad for a little fella! Stephen Lawson summarises the Pros: ‘Looks, build quality, awesome valve distortion at low volumes’ and the Cons: ‘Not a single thing!’ Says it all really... - Read more about the HT-5 here...
HT-5 awarded Guitarist Choice award - November 2008
The HT-5 is the latest Blackstar product to be covered in critical acclaim. The range consists of a combo, head and mini stack and punches well beyond its 5 watts. As Nick Guppy from Guitarist magazine puts it, ‘It’s the fact you can get that everything on 11 effect at benign sound pressure levels that’s most surprising.’ The combo and the stack both received Guitarist Choice awards. Nick Guppy concludes, ‘We reckon that the little HT-5 is likely to find a lot of dedicated fans and we suggest you order yours now. There might be quite a rush!’ - Read more about the HT-5 here...
Artisan 30 - ‘Best amp of the year’ - October 2008
The Artisan 30 picked up the ‘Best Amplifier’ award at the 2008 Music Industries Association awards. The award is a proud achievement for all at the Blackstar Team and rounds off a successful and extremely busy 2008! - Read more about the Artisan 30 here...
Blackstar at the London International Music Show 2008 - May 2008
Blackstar made an appearance at the first London International Music Show at the ExCel centre in London. Hundreds of visitors had the chance to play through the our award winning HT pedals and Artisan amps and meet the team.
Blackstar day at Gig Gear - March 2008
Gig Gear in Harlow, UK held a Blackstar demo day on 29th March. All were welcome whether they already owned a Blackstar product, wanted to try one, or just wanted to have a chat! Some of the Blackstar team were there to take players through the features of the gear as well as give set-up advice and tips. Ace guitarist Jim Davies (Victory Pill, Pitchshifter, Prodigy) was also on hand to give a taste of the most talked about tone in the industry!
Blackstar at the Messe - March 2008
We had a fantastic time at the Musik Messe in Frankfurt with thousands of musicians finding their way to our stand. Building on the success of our award-winning Artisan Series of handwired amplifiers, we were proud to announce the launch of two new heads and an extension cabinet to the range – the Artisan 15H, 15 Watt head, Artisan 30H, 30 Watt head and Artisan 212, 2x12 extension cabinet. Driven by demand from players around the world, these head versions of the popular combos offer the same exceptional standards of tone and construction in a head format. The 212 cabinet is ideal for use with these heads or for those who want a compact alternative to a 4x12 (more details soon). We’d like to thank all our friends, old and new, that took the time to visit us.
Artisan 100 awarded Guitarist Choice - March 2008
The Artisan 100 head is the latest amplifier in the range to receive a tremendous review by Guitarist magazine. Following in the footsteps of its smaller siblings, the Artisan 100 picked up the coveted Guitarist Choice award, making it a clean sweep of awards for the whole Artisan range. Reviewer Nick Guppy writes: ‘If tone is everything to you, every classic rock guitar sound you ever wanted to hear is lurking inside that chassis – all you have to do is plug in, turn up and stand back.’ See the full review in Guitarist issue 300. - Read more about the Artisan Series here...
Artisan Combos receive stunning review - January 2008
The Artisan 15 and 30 watt combos are the latest Blackstar products to receive a rapturous review from Guitarist magazine UK. The Artisan 15 picked up the Guitarist Choice award while the Artisan 30 received the highest praise of all - the Guitarist Gold award. Reviewer Nick Guppy says,
‘Both the A15 and A30 models represent a stunning debut by Blackstar into the world of high-end guitar amplification.’ He concludes,‘The A30 is frankly staggering in terms of quality and sonic range. If you’re looking for a boutique hand-wired amp, the new name to start asking for is Blackstar. You won’t be disappointed – we guarantee it!’ Guitarist issue 299 carries the full Review.
- Read more about the Artisan Series here...
HT-DISTX Presented with Best Buy Award -October 2007
Issue 168 of Total Guitar magazine is out now and features an in-depth review of the HT-DISTX from our HT Range of valve overdrive pedals. In a fantastic review the HT-DISTX scored 5 out of 5 and picked up the coveted Best Buy award. Total Guitar’s comment after giving the pedal a thorough workout? ‘Even the puniest solid-state combo sounds like a world-beater with the HT-DISTX.’ - Read more about the HT-DISTX here...
Here Blackstar go again . . . -Sept 2007
Blackstar Amplification caught up with founder member of Whitesnake Bernie Marsden, at a studio in the countryside of Bedfordshire. We knew the Artisan range would be right up Bernie’s street and we weren’t disappointed. Bernie loved the amps and insisted on recording a track with the Artisan 30 watt combo. Bernie recorded the Rhythm section with the amp flicked down to 10 watts on channel 2 and the lead with the amp back to 30 watts on channel 2. Please download here and marvel at the clarity of the pure valve tone.
HT-DUAL scoops award in new review -July 2007
Issue 291 of Guitarist magazineis out now and features an in-depth review of our HT Range of valve overdrive pedals. In a fantastic review the HT-DUAL scooped the coveted ‘Guitarist Choice’ award. Guitarist’s conclusion after giving the pedals a thorough workout? ‘You’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t jump in with both feet - SEE THE HT-DUAL HERE
Blackstar at the London Guitar Show -May 2007
The London Guitar Show is Europe’s largest public guitar show and with over 21,000 visitors it was the perfect place for Blackstar to show people exactly what all the buzz was about. During the three days guitarists were able to try for themselves the HT Range of pedals through an Artisan 30 handwired 2x12” combo. Not to mention the chance to get up close and personal with the awesome Series One valve amps. A big thank you to all the players that stopped by our stand and made it such an amazing show.
Blackstar launches at Musik Messe -March 2007
Musik Messe in Frankfurt saw the official launch of Blackstar Amplification and saw us reveal our first ranges of uncompromising, cutting edge products. This was the culmination of more than two years research and development by our R&D team – one of the most experienced in the industry. More than 79,000 people visited the show and over the five days our stand was never empty.The reaction was fantastic, with genuine excitement for our new innovations that will revolutionise the sounds and features available to guitarists.
