Vince Gill is a renowned country music songwriter and guitarist, with more than 20 Grammy Awards and 30 million album sales to his name
By Vince Gill’s admission, most know him as the ‘country-rock guy’. And in all fairness, that checks out given his resume, including Pure Prairie League and a decidedly country leaning solo career spanning over 20 records. When Gill joined the Eagles in 2017 in the wake of Glenn Frey’s death, some were surprised that the SoCal classic rockers would choose such a Nashville-leaning player to take his place. But the move made sense if you think about it –especially considering the Eagles’ own early 70s country roots. “I enjoy spontaneity,” Gill tells Guitarist. “I love trying different things, and with this gig Iknew it wouldn’t be much of a guitar gig.”
That’s an odd take for a player known for plenty of guitar exploits, but there’s amethod to Gill’s madness. “I’m fine with it,” he says. “My favourite compliment came from Don Henley, who got a country rock guy in his band because Iknow how to be in a band. That’s high praise. Iknow what’s needed and don’t waste time playing stuff that no-one wants to hear.”