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When Jimi Hendrix did it I think it was between him and the guitar. They had a "special relationship" that almost certainly included some hate. Pete Townsend was the certified bad boy of his time. The Who were always the worst. They had a reputation to keep up. The first time I saw someone smash up their guitar on stage was in 1980. It was Paul Stanley of Kiss. I even secured a part as he was tossing them into the audience. But it was of course not his good guitar. Everybody could see that. My thoughts on this is that if they are your instruments, they are yours to do whatever you want with, including smashing them up. However, I fail to see what's "badass" about destroying your own property just for the hell of it. If it's a part of some greater show of message, sure, why not, but the general rule of thumb is that musicians should be careful with theatrical antics. It doesn't always play out as they had imagined it would.

The smashing of instruments had its time. You don't see it often these days and I'm thankful for that. Not once in the decade of playing guitar have I thought smashing one would be fun or cool. It's just a played out trope, Spinal Tap shit, and there are more lasting, impactful ways to leave an impression on your audience.

I've been to hundreds of gigs and I can't recall anyone doing this. I think it sort of reached its apex in the 70s and slowly dwindled from there.

Yeah, it was amazing - one of the best shows I've seen. The music is great, of course, but the theatre behind it all is so entertaining live. And the sound was just magnificent. They also have a real effect on the crowd and people really love them wholeheartedly, so the vibe in the tent was off the charts.

I just saw Ghost on the weekend in a huge marquee - amazing live experience. They can be a little hit and miss when it comes to their music though. Their latest album 'Prequelle' (the one with 'Rats' on it) was my second favourite album of 2018 (see the thread in the General Music forum). It is such an amazing album: perfectly produced, catchy, emotional. I can't say the same for all of their earlier songs, but there are great ones out there like 'Cirice' and 'Square Hammer'. Regarding the almighty 'Prequelle', I spent 3 weeks in Bordeaux, walking around at night tipsy listening to it and it was just heaven. It easily has their best guitar sound. Anyway, NP: Korpiklaani songs about alcohol. EDIT: Ghost - 'Prequelle'. The instrumental 'Miasma' loud! What a progression!

Holy shit, guys. I just heard Ghost for the first time ever today and - WHAT A KICK ASS BAND. I've been so disappointed in bands over the last 10-15 years or so but this band - THIS BAND? What. The. Fuck. Like motherfucking Mercyful Fate + Dream Theater or some shit. And they sound great! Currently watching a live recording of "Rats" (for like the 20th time today). What a tight band. Incredible.

Entombed - Left Hand Path

Sinister - Cross the Styx

Death - Symbolic

Accept - Metal Heart album