Each month in 2021, we will be featuring a member of the worldwide Gretsch community as our spotlight “featured player” of the month!

The featured guitar player for February is Thomas Arques . . .

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Thomas’s interest in music started early when he heard the Beatles’ music and American Rockabilly. He started his first band in the early 90s.  Thomas sought the sound of George Harrison (his greatest influence) and other artists like Cliff Gallup, Chet Atkins, and Brian Setzer.

With Beatles’ tribute bands, Thomas had the privilege of playing on big stages throughout Brazil. In São Paulo in 2010, he recorded a triple DVD that received a platinum award. In February 2013, he traveled to England to record his second triple DVD, this time at Abbey Road Studios in London and at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. That same year, Thomas participated in one of the biggest music festivals in the world: Rock In Rio.  Over three days of the event on the Rock Street stage, Thomas played the last Beatles’ concert: the Rooftop Concert.

In 2014, again in Liverpool, Thomas participated in Beatleweek–an event dedicated to the Beatles–playing on several stages throughout the event. Cavern Club, Royal Court, and LIMF were part of the script. In 2017, Thomas participated in a show in honor of the 50th anniversary of the album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in São Paulo. The album was reproduced live in its entirety, with the participation of an orchestra and an Indian
classical music group.

In addition to Beatles tribute bands, Thomas participates in other works related to rock, rockabilly, and blues.

We asked Thomas . . .

How old were you when you knew you were interested in becoming a musician?
About 16 years old.

Why did you choose Gretsch?
Guitarists that inspire me to play use Gretsch guitars.

What Gretsch gear do you currently use?
G6119HT Tennessee Rose (2010)
G6122-1962 Country Classic (2005)
G6128TDS Duo Jet (2007)

Which musicians were the biggest influence on you and why?
George Harrison, Cliff Gallup, Brian Setzer, Chet Atkins.
They were the first ones that I heard and identified myself with. Creativity and great guitar sounds.

How did you adjust and stay musical during the COVID-19 pandemic?
During the beginning of the year 2020, I stayed at home studying and making cover videos of the artists that inspire me. The live performances stopped, but returned last May with shows broadcast over the Internet.

You could be featured in 2021 just like Thomas.  Click to find out how!