ENTER 2020

This is my third time entering a new decade as a New Yorker (I arrived in the late ‘90s). The first time was overshadowed by the fact that we were simultaneously entering a new century, which in turn was overshadowed by crossing over into a whole new millennium.

The second time around, in late 2009, had more of a sense of transition. The decade’s most defining event, 9/11, had taken place right here in NYC (which I witnessed firsthand). Its long, tragic aftermath (experienced by the whole country and indeed, the world), dominated the 00s. By decade’s end, the rise of innovative tech companies headed by idealistic, young CEOs, not to mention the election of a youthful and idealistic US President (our first “person of color”), felt like the turning of a page. Soon, we would all be better connected (via smartphones and mass-social media) in a post-racial society more reflective of the ideals the nation was founded upon. Meanwhile, truth would dominate conversations, since it could be shared so easily, and we’d all be more enlightened, entering a new, brighter phase of existence. Right?

I don’t need to tell anyone that things didn’t quite turn out that way. The faint sway of possible hope and progress that defined the beginning of the 2010s now feels as distant as an episode of The Celebrity Apprentice. Indeed, as we enter the 2020s, it feels less like we’re entering a different decade than a whole different dimension.

Which brings to mind a quick story…

As mischievous teens, my friends and I would get a kick out of a new fringe genre of shock TV. It included personalities like Morton Downey Jr and especially Wally George (whom I recommend you find more about in this excellent MEDIUM POST). There was something so cartoon-like about these OGs of outrage. One sensed that the audience was in on it, with an awareness that this was all a verbal form of TV wrestling. As the host would rail about the supposed ills of society, including marijuana (which we smoked regularly), gays and lesbians (which included friends of ours) and of course heavy metal, we’d laugh ourselves silly, cheering and chanting the host’s name right along with the crowd. Then, we’d light a joint, crack open some beers and listen to Motörhead.

Fast forward a few decades: These same types of combative right-wing talk shows – which we found to be hilarious, pure shock-value entertainment – now define modern television. Loyal audiences actually believe everything these hosts are spouting, provably false as much of it is. Moguls (ie Rupert Murdoch of Fox), fully aware of the dumbed-down disingenuousness of their messages, watch profits soar. Although these types of TV shows (and talk radio) were rising all through the Clinton years, in the 00s, they spread like wildfire, particularly with the rise of the internet and YouTube.

Therefore, it perhaps shouldn’t have been altogether surprising that during the 2010s, our entire media ecosystem would become upended by this type of programming (of TV lineups and the minds of viewers). More surprising was the White House becoming occupied by the walking definition of an angry, insult-hurling character from TV. Even more surprising is the fact that whole segments of society, from evangelicals to an entire major political party, would fall in line, worshipful, as though struck by lightning.

Thankfully, some of the forces that earlier angry cultural conservatism was rallying against – marijuana, gay rights, profanity, hard rock music etc – are no longer taboo. Unfortunately, they’ve been replaced with other target (such as immigrants and those who believe in regulating the use of AR-15s and other military weapons on the street). Meanwhile, there are issues that one cannot ignore as a grown adult (if one has a conscious). At the risk of sounding as though I’m regressing into my Berkeley roots, we’ve just had the worst decade in terms of the destruction of the planet, unjust wars, abuses by corporate and political interests, demonizing of the free press (and in the case of Saudi Arabia and Russia, murder), mass shootings, legal attacks on reproductive rights and too many other topics to name.

Whenever I speak of these issues without being told to “Stick to music.” I’ve been called a “Libtard,” a “lib” a “commie,” and much worse (sometimes by my own fans). I'm sure I'll hear about it for this post. It’s become so routine that it doesn’t phase me anymore. As we enter the 2020s, a new decade and an election year, no less, there will be much more of this. I expect it, I’m ready for it and I will not capitulate to it. I will not stoop to the level of their personal insults, but I will not shut up either. I do hope some of them realize that they're simply reacting to being challenged. I've even had some productive conversations with folks online that have often ended up with apologies from them and a "No hard feelings" or "Let's agree to disagree" from me. I’m hoping that there is positive change in the 2020s. I’m not hedging my bets, but one can hope, right?

Then again, this is a big election year. Part of who I am as a musician is being honest, even if it makes some uncomfortable. This includes my views on social and political issues but also my musical choices.

At one time, being a player equally comfortable in musical and social circles that cross boundaries was considered shocking. To be honest, the fact that I’d taken time off from metal, gone back to school, earned a music degree (in jazz), developed the ability to work with musicians who have little or nothing to with metal was shocking. Thinking about it now, it got as much pushback than my political posts today. In a weird way, the attitudes toward my diversity are a bit like those towards certain cultural issues such as marijuana (which I don't smoke but support the legalization of) – frowned upon then, totally ok now.

Now a few words on music and art. The 2010s were a great personal decade, in this respect. A few highlights:


• Performed all over the world with AST, including far reaching places like Turkey and Lithuania in 2019 and a long awaited dream: my hometown jazz venue of Yoshi’s.

• Recorded two studio albums with AST: “Veritas” (2011) and the “Conundrum” (2018), which feels like our definitive album of originals. Plus a live album "Live Unbound" (2016).

• Recorded my most ambitious instrumental album ever, “Planetary Coalition,” with over a two-dozen artists from all over the globe, and dove deep into acoustic playing while shedding light on various regions of the Earth.

• Taught at several guitar camps including Joe Satriani’s G4 Experience (with my old friend and teacher Joe Satriani + Eric Johnson, Mike Keneally and Steve Vai), Warwick Bass Camp (with Alphonso Johnson, Dennis Chambers and others), Skolnick & Broderick’s Winter Guitar Retreat (with my friend Chris Broderick), Dog Camp (with Mike Portnoy & the Winery Dogs)

• Joined Metal Allegiance, recording with and performing regularly with friends from Megadeth, Mastadon, Anthrax, Overkill and many others. Co-produced and co-wrote two albums for Nuclear Blast Records.

• Endorsed by ESP Guitars. Developed Alex Skolnick Model signature ESP and AS-1 LTD instruments.

• Endorsed by Taylor Guitars (Acoustic)

• Endorsed by Godin Guitars (Hollowbody/jazz)

• Reconnected with my old friend Stu Hamm, and did tours all over North America).

• Sat in with various artists including Living Colour, Blue Oyster Cult, Robert Randolph, G3 (Joe Satriani/John Petrucci/Phil Collen), Rodrigo Y Gabriela

• Recorded and toured with Jane Getter Premonition (with Adam Holzman, Mark Egan, Bryan Beller, Chad Wackerman, Gene Lake and more)

• Played the National Anthem at my first NBA game, Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons (2019).

• Recorded music for the NHL Winter Classic on NBC Sports (2011).

• Recorded three guitar instruction courses for TrueFire.com (2018 and 2019) with more on the way.

• Self-published a memoir, “Geek to Guitar Hero” (2013).

• Began a new writing project (guitar method book) backed by a major music publisher, TBA in 2020

• Contributed to UNBUILT magazine, with my friend Randy Blythe

• Inspired by Randy B, purchased a Leica camera (used for the photo above, NYC Subway). New Instagram page launched (@skolnickpics), website forthcoming.

• LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Recorded three Testament studio albums, “Dark Roots of Earth” (2012), “Brotherhood of the Snake” (2017) and TBA (coming 2020), plus a live album "Dark Roots of Thrash" (2014). Plus tours all over the world including most recently, Nepal and last year, Slayer’s Farewell Tour (Summer leg). The resurection/reunion period of Testament has now outlasted the original years by double. I know some still have trouble seeing me beyond that (it's ok, it's my most visible project), but it's just one of many sides. Regardless, we're alive and kicking with a new album soon and tour dates from Indonesia to Indiana.

It's interesting to think that I began this past decade without Instagram (Twitter I've been on since practically Day 1). Yet since joining, it has become a main platform, with 80+thousand followers (whom I'm grateful for - thank you!). Much of what I used to post on this blog now goes to Instagram, where there is far more reach and interaction with readers. However, it's good to be posting here again.

On a personal note, I was lucky to meet a devoted, loving partner who's been with me the majority of this decade (pics are rare..she's quite publicity shy and despises those constant "happy couple" posts" we're all bombarded with online). Another important female who came into my life: a stray kitten I agreed to look after for a few days and became my best friend. She is a happy, healthy grown cat who runs on my piano and plucks my guitars (occasional pics and vids of Lady Gizmo are on my Instagram page).

I’m incredibly blessed to be earning a living as a musician. Folks sometimes say I should have more recognition etc but I'm grateful just to be where I am in the hierarchy. Folks who are far less known than I - and whom I consider equally or more deserving - don't have a fraction of the recognition I do. No, I’m not one of the 1% or one of those rare industry-embraced, household names, but I do just fine, ends are more than met (which says quite a lot when you live in one of the most expensive cities on Earth). Besides I'd much rather be an artist some folks feel is under-recognized than one of those who is overly visible with folks scratching their heads wondering why.

Not to end on a down note but its hard not to think of those who were lost this past decade. They include musical giants who kept reinventing themselves, felt immortal and whom we were sure would live forever (Prince, David Bowie), folks who seemed to have everything but whose depths of despair were hidden (Anthony Bourdain, Chris Cornell and just two days back, twenty-six year old pop star Kelly Fraser), too many public figures to name and even folks I knew personally (the noteworthy writer and upstairs neighbor of mine, Ned Vizzini as well as my own cousin - a US Govt official within the Obama administration and widely respected advocate for public healthcare - Andrew Hyman). My good friend and former TSO bandmate David Zablidowski, better known as Dave Z, was - on the other hand - probably the happiest of anyone we knew but tragically in the wrong place at the wrong time. And just this morning, it was announced that one of my favorite musicians, who was my teacher for a time in the 00's, just passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer. Vic Juris was someone known to guitarists and musicians all over the East Coast and deeply respected and admired. I'm thankful I at least got to catch up with him and hear him just last month. If anyone should have had far more recognition, it is Vic Juris.

Final thoughts: At the end of the last decade, I gave up something valuable and desired by many (a gig - probably not hard to figure out which). I was grateful for the experience but after many years it was taking far too much time and energy away from projects that truly mattered (like those listed above). Ten years have gone by and there is no question the right decision was made. The above list would be much shorter, otherwise.

In the end, what matters most is being true to yourself. If there is something you want to do or create - an album book, screenplay, podcast, documentary, website, business plan, painting or whatever - to use an old expression from Nike "Just do it!" Time is ruthless. It does not wait. And the next thing you know (that is, if we're lucky to still be here)...it'll be 2030.

Happy New Year,

AS