Ati EDGE, front-man/guitarist for European punk rock ‘n’ roll band, The Silver Shine, relentlessly tours hard and loud with his guitars of choice, Gretsch!

Born in northern Hungary, EDGE became obsessed at an early age with listening to rock-oriented radio and his parent’s rock ‘n’ roll vinyl records. Before moving to Budapest, he composed his first song at the age of 12 and formed his first band at 15. And before the 2004 formation of The Silver Shine band, EDGE played bass guitar, and sometimes drums, with various touring punk rock and hardcore bands.

When asked about his very first experience playing a Gretsch, EDGE passionately described the encounter…“I fell in love with it’s beautiful look, unique tone and full, resonate sound.” Since then he’s built up an impressive collection that includes Gretsch models produced from the 50s & 60s and several newer ones as well. His latest acquisition and current live go-to guitar #1 is a G6139T-CBDC Silver Falcon that was also featured on their newest studio release, Reloaded.

To date The Silver Shine has released 10 albums and rocked worldwide audiences in 34 countries. When asked about the band’s musical recipe, EDGE replied without blinking his eyes…“vintage punk rock, punkabilly, a thunder-handed female upright bassist, and influences from bands like Social Distortion, The Living End, Joan Jett, and Motörhead.”

EDGE’s guitar playing influences include Jim Heath (aka Reverend Horton Heat), Mike Ness, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Chuck Berry. His main musical influences include Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Social Distortion, Nick 13/Tiger Army, Rancid, Ramones, Tom Waits, and Howlin’ Wolf.

Now through October, you’ll find The Silver Shine on tour from coast to coast in the U.S. co-billed with their Gretsch-wielding friends from Los Angeles, The Rocketz. Once the U.S tour concludes, they’ll be back on the road in Europe with scheduled tour dates in Germany, France, Italy, and Hungary.

Photo credit: Csaba Bende Zenefesto.