John Wines, also known as the “Old Grey Guitarist,” has taken the stage on America’s Got Talent (AGT) and left the judges and audience in awe with his incredible guitar skills. Despite being 59 years old, Wines has over 1 million followers on TikTok and has become a social media sensation by showcasing his guitar prowess, particularly channeling the likes of Brian May and Eddie Van Halen.
AGT is typically known for its diverse talents, but shredding guitars and rock performances have not been its forte.
However, Wines changed that perception when he walked onto the stage armed with a Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 guitar in a stunning Dark Amber finish. He proceeded to give judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofía Vergara a musical thrill they won’t forget.
Wines kicked off his audition with motorcycle-like sounds reminiscent of Mick Mars’ iconic riff in Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart.” He then embarked on a journey, reimagining Freddie Mercury’s timeless vocal melodies from Queen’s 1977 hit “We Will Rock You” using his trusty six-string.
As the drums picked up the pace, Wines unleashed a masterclass in E minor pentatonic rock guitar, featuring octave bends, two-handed tapping, and the kind of two-string arpeggios synonymous with ’80s metal bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica.
The judges and the ecstatic crowd were left awestruck, giving Wines a well-deserved standing ovation. The audience even chanted “We want more!” in unison. Simon Cowell expressed his astonishment, stating, “I was not expecting that.”
For Wines, the emotional moment was overwhelming. He wiped away tears and shared that the experience stirred a mixture of nervous apprehension and intense exhilaration. His fate on the show will be determined in the coming weeks.
John Wines, also known as the “Old Grey Guitarist,” is no stranger to the spotlight. He regularly shares his guitar covers of classic tracks by Metallica, Nirvana, Queen, and others on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. His videos have gone viral, amassing millions of views worldwide.
However, Wines admitted that his AGT audition was the most daunting experience of his career.