Nothing against drummers and bass players--keyboardists I can do without--but I really love hearing wicked guitarists rip it up in concert.

Here's a bunch that'll be doing some six-string damage in the Metro Vancouver area this year.

James "Super Chickan" Johnson at the Rio Theatre on January 11.

Martin Taylor at the Blueshore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts on January 12.

Richard Thompson at the Vogue Theatre on February 6.

Earl Slick in A Bowie Celebration at the Commodore Ballroom on February 16.

Robert Cray at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver on February 16.

Jim Campilongo and Luca Benedetti at St. James Hall on February 17.

Mick Jones of Foreigner at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver on February 22 and 23.

Gary Rossington and Rickie Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Abbotsford Centre on March 15.

Colin James at the Orpheum Theatre on March 21.

John 5 at the Rickshaw Theatre on March 31.

Uli Jon Roth at Venue on April 1.

Michael Schenker at the Vogue Theatre on April 22.

Buddy Guy at the Orpheum Theatre on April 22.

Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest at the Abbotsford Centre on June 17.

Brian May of Queen at Rogers Arena on July 10.

Dave Mustaine and Kiko Loureiro of Megadeth at Rogers Arena on July 11.

Zakk Wylde of Ozzy Osbourne at Rogers Arena on July 11.

Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser of Blue Oyster Cult at Rock Ambleside Park (August 16 to 18).

Pat Travers of the Pat Travers Band at Rock Ambleside Park (August 16 to 18).

Adrian Smith, Jannick Gers, and Dave Murray of Iron Maiden at Rogers Arena on September 3.

Mark Knopfler at the Orpheum Theatre on September 16.

Steve Hackett of Genesis fame at the Vogue Theatre on October 11.