Rock Guitar Icons Unite on Stage for Historic Night of the Guitar Live Concert
A remarkable gathering of rock guitar legends took place during the late 1980s with the concert widely known as Night of the Guitar, a live event that brought together some of the most distinctive and influential players in rock history. Featuring Steve Howe, Alvin Lee, Steve Hunter, Leslie West, Randy California, Ted Turner, and Stewart Copeland, the show stands as a rare moment of cross-generational collaboration rather than competition.
Unlike traditional concerts built around a single headliner, Night of the Guitar was conceived as a shared platform. Each guitarist brought his own musical identity to the stage, performing signature styles shaped by progressive rock, blues-rock, hard rock, and classic British and American traditions. The result was not a showcase of ego, but a celebration of the guitar as a living, evolving voice in rock music.
Steve Howe delivered precision and elegance rooted in his work with Yes, contrasting sharply with the raw blues power of Alvin Lee, whose explosive style had defined Ten Years After at Woodstock. Leslie West added weight and authority with his unmistakably thick tone, while Steve Hunter, known for his work with Lou Reed, anchored the performance with versatility and control. Randy California brought a more psychedelic edge, reflecting Spirit’s exploratory spirit, while Ted Turner contributed melodic twin-lead sensibilities reminiscent of Wishbone Ash’s classic sound.
Overseeing the evening was Stewart Copeland, better known as the drummer of The Police, who served as a host and connective presence, guiding transitions and emphasizing the collaborative nature of the event. Extended jams allowed the musicians to interact freely, often blending contrasting approaches into spontaneous musical conversations that could never be replicated in a studio setting.
Footage from the concert captures a rare sense of mutual respect. Rather than attempting to outplay one another, the musicians listen closely, respond instinctively, and leave space, underscoring the maturity and confidence that comes from decades of experience.
Today, the performance is remembered as more than a nostalgic reunion. It represents a moment when rock’s past and present converged on one stage, reminding audiences that great guitar playing is not about volume or speed alone, but about voice, character, and connection. Night of the Guitar remains a powerful document of what happens when legends share the spotlight and let the music speak.