Bumblefoot for Athlone IT masterclass

Virtuoso rock guitarist Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal (Sons Of Apollo, Art Of Anarchy, Ex-Guns N' Roses) will visit Athlone IT on Tuesday September 19th  to give a Music Masterclass.

Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal is an award-winning vocalist, songwriter, producer and world-renowned guitar virtuoso, with over 20 years of releasing music, playing international festivals and headlining tours, and gracing magazine covers as a solo artist.  As lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses (2006 – 2014) Bumblefoot toured sold-out shows all over the world, headlining festivals with crowds up to 150,000. Bumblefoot's unique 'fretless guitar' can be heard throughout GNR's 2008 Chinese Democracy album.

Commenting on his upcoming visit Ron said: "I can't wait to visit AIT, really looking forward to seeing the set up in the Music Department & to meet everyone. See you all very soon!"


Mike O'Dowd, Music and Instrument Technology lecturer at AIT when speaking about the upcoming masterclass said: " Having Ron visit us here in AIT is an unbelievable boost for not only students in the institute, but also for all the other musicians in the Midlands area who will be attending his lecture. It's a real statement of intent by the Institute to continue to attract world renowned, top calibre professionals to share their thoughts, experiences and methodologies to our students, regardless of their field of study and specialisation. " 
Trevor Prendergast, Head of Department of Accounting & Business Computing added: "The students and staff of the Music and Instrumentation Technology programme at Athlone Institute of Technology are particularly excited about the visit of musician and guitar legend, Ron Bumblefoot Thal. A key element of the programme requires students to build a range of musical instruments, including an electric guitar, so they are hoping to pick up a few tips and techniques from him."
Bumblefoot's recent collaborations include rock group Art Of Anarchy (featuring Creed vocalist Scott Stapp and Disturbed bassist John Moyer), progressive group Sons Of Apollo (featuring Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, Derek Sherinian and Jeff Scott Soto), and Fragile Mortals (featuring DMC from iconic rap group Run DMC and ex-Exodus vocalist Rob Dukes). Bumblefoot is also an accomplished composer whose music is often heard in TV, film and video games, including the theme song to VH1's "That Metal Show". Bumblefoot has worked as an adjunct Professor at SUNY Purchase College teaching music production, works with U.S. Embassies around the world on cross-cultural music programs, has his own line of award-winning hot sauces, and works with dozens of international charities visiting orphanages and children's hospitals around the world with guitar in hand.