-I'll begin Round 2 by picking up where I left off with Round 1- THANK YOU!! You guys did a great job!!! You've made this a pleasure for all involved- myself most certainly included!
-The results of Round 1? Well, many were rather lop-sided, especially in the higher seedings, but some were quite close, including one that was separated by only one vote and actually prompted me to go back and do a re-count!! OK, folks, without any further ado, here are the results of Round 1. The winners are in bold typeface, and the losers are crossed out (seedings in parenthesis, votes received in square brackets). Were there any "upsets"? I'll let you guys be the judge...
Eric Clapton(1)[48] vs. Kirk Hammett(32)[3] -Ol' "Slowhand" is still a legend, if not a "god'... Kinda ironic that he should face one of his mentors & "buddies" in Round 2...
Jimi Hendrix(2)[47] vs. Ry Cooder(31)[4] -In only a few years, what a splash Hendrix made- incredible... Again, little doubt that Jimi was an idol of his next match in Round 2...
Stevie Ray Vaughan(3)[41] vs. Chet Atkins(30)[10] -SRV lives on for many- RIP to both... A modern blues legend faces perhaps the all-time great blues legend... Interesting indeed...
Carlos Santana(4)[45] vs. Rick Emmett(29)[6] -"Viva Carlos"- the people have spoken... Latin-rock fusion star versus an original Rock & Roll icon...
Edward Van Halen(5)50] vs. Nancy Wilson(28)[1] -A pretty unfortunate matchup for poor Nancy, but this guy's gonna be tough to beat for anyone, IMO.. His next matchup is indeed interesting, considering the overlap of genres here...
Jimmy Page(6)[46] vs. "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott(27)[5] -Page still garners a great deal of respect, it appears, but not for plenty good reason... If you're looking for a contrast of styles and personas for the next round? Look no further...
David Gilmour(7)[39] vs. Alvin Lee(26)[12] -A matchup of speed vs. lyricism, it seems, but popularity & profile trumps both...
Duane Allman(8)[45] vs. Derek Trucks(25)[6] -This was tough- a case of "master" vs. "disciple"... Sorry, folks, it was how the chips fell...
BB King(9)[41] vs. Roy Buchannan(24)[10] -Roy (RIP) is a pretty obscure figure for most, I expect. Do yourselves a favor and check him out- you won't be disappointed... Seems they don't call BB "King of the Blues" for nuthin'... Very interesting contrast of styles for the next round.
Jeff Beck(10)[36] vs. Dicky Betts(23)[16] -Tough to beat a guy as accomplished and versatile (not to mention as legendary) as Beck, but again, he faces another icon in Round 2... Will it again be a question of public profile? Or influence?
Joe Satriani(11)[19] vs. Pete Townsend(22)[32] -Lotta love and respect for ol' Pete out there- as much a Rock & Roll icon as anyone out there... But he faces an uphill battle in Round 2, IMO...
Randy Rhoads(12)[31] vs. Alex Lifeson(21)[20] -Alex made a late charge, but Randy also made quite the splash in his short time here in a genre where trying to steal the show is what it's all about... Will he have met his match in Round 2? Stay tuned, folks!
Mark Knopfler(13)[17] vs. Chuck Berry(20)[34] -Chuck's a legend, and tough for anyone to go up against the guy many perceive as the father of rock guitar... But his next match may well be up to it...
Steve Vai(14)[23] vs. Robert Johnson(19)[28] -This was rather surprising, I must say!! But speaking of "fathers" and "legends"? They don't come much bigger than RJ... Will it carry him into Round 3? He faces a pretty tough challenger...
Johnny Winter(15)[25] vs. Slash(18)[26] -This was razor close, and forced me to do a recount. Could be considered something of a "phyyric victory" considering who the victor must face in Round 2, though- not an enviable task for anyone...
and
Yngwie Malmstein(16)[17] vs. Buddy Guy(17)[34] -Soul wins out over lightning speed... But hey, while he doesn't shred like Yngwie, Buddy's no slouch, either... But Buddy does face a buddy of his in Round 2 with a much higher public profile...
So here are the matchups for Round 2, foilks! They are interesting (and tough) indeed! Original seedings, again, are in parenthesis...
Eric Clapton(1) vs. Buddy Guy(17)
Jimi Hendrix(2) vs. Slash(18)
Stevie Ray Vaughan(3) vs. Robert Johnson(19)
Carlos Santana(4) vs. Chuck Berry(20)
Edward Van Halen(5) vs. Randy Rhoads(12)
Jimmy Page(6) vs. Pete Townsend(22)
David Gilmour(7) vs. Jeff Beck(10)
Duane Allman(8) vs. BB King(9)
-I'll take this opportunity to again remind folks that this is open to all who are interested- not having voted in the preceding rounds does NOT exclude you from the succeeding rounds. I'll also take this opportunity as well to to thank everyone on the "What Are You Listening To?" thread- best group of folks you're likely to meet.
-So!! Will there be any upsets or shockers in Round 2? You guys be the judges...
-Thanks again to everyone who has been an active participant to this point, and a big welcome to those who haven't!! Have fun!!
-Voting for Round 2 will officially conclude midnight Thursday, June 19, EDT.