Ibanez Guitar Icon at guitarguitar Epsom!
Published on 09 May 2025
Calling all guitar shredders & slingers based in the UK! Ibanez have launched a nationwide hunt for the next iconic Ibanez artist - could it be YOU?
Here’s all you need to know if you’re thinking of applying.
Have You Got What it Takes?
guitarguitar have partnered with Ibanez UK, Laney Amps and JTC Guitar in a search for the next best UK guitarist. The competition is open for 1 calendar month to guitar players based in the UK with a minimum of intermediate skills. Applicants can submit their entries from today, the 19th May, until the deadline: 19th June via social media: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook.
In order to apply, each artist must:
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Upload a video of your playing guitar onto a preferred social media platform using the hashtag #ukguitaricon2025 so we can easily find your video.
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This can be an original song or a jam over a JTC track which you can download for free HERE. You can select your track from 3 available genres: Fusion, Metal or Rock.
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Submit your entry onto: https://headstockgroup.com/guitar-icon-competition/
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Applicants will be encouraged to interact with other applicants on social media (comment, like, share each other’s videos).
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The top 6 players will be chosen from the submissions by the Ibanez UK jury panel.
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The top 6 guitarists will be contacted and invited to a live performance at the grand finals taking place at guitarguitar Epsom on the 10th July 2025.
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All applicants must be available to attend in person and perform at guitarguitar Epsom on the indicated date - 10th July 2025. (transport / accommodation costs are not included and must be covered by the entrant).
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Finalists will be required to perform 2 pieces on stage in front of an audience and jury panel: 1 original composition and 1 improvised jam over a JTC track.
We will be looking for unique skills, impeccable tone, feel and groove as well as speed, accuracy, creativity and originality. Charisma is a bonus!
The Grand Final at guitarguitar Epsom
If you find yourself in the top 6 lucky chosen players, you’ll be invited to guitarguitar Epsom for the grand final. You will perform on a *full stage in front of an audience and guest jurors. We will have some phenomenal guitarists on the live jury panel on the night who will also jump on stage for an impromptu guitar solo: Thom Pankhurst, Jake Willson and Danny Dela Cruz as well as Ibanez UK / Laney representatives and guitarguitar’s own Conor O’Keefe
Each finalist will be required to play one original composition and one improvised jam over a JTC Guitar track - so get ready for some shreddilicious extravaganza!
* Backline will be provided but guitarists must bring their own guitar.
The Prize - Become an Ibanez Guitars Endorsee!
The winner will be announced upon the end of the night on Thursdsay the 10th July at guitarguitar Epsom. One winner takes it all!
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The winner becomes an official Ibanez UK / Laney ambassador for 1 full year
- The winner gets to choose his brand new endorsement Ibanez guitar. Choose one of the four axes
- Ibanez Q52PB (Cosmic Blue)
- Ibanez AZ47P1QM (Dragon Eye Burst)
- RGT1220PB (Antique Brown Stained)
- RGRBT261 (Black Flat)
- The winner chooses between 1 of 3 Laney Loudpedals:
- The winner receives a 12 months subscription to JTC+ Subscription at JTC Guitar
Every finalist will receive a complimentary Ibanez goodie bag.
We’re wishing every participant the best of luck & can’t wait to hear your entries!
The Audience
If you’re not playing but would like to come to enjoy the show as an audience and support the finalists, keep an eye out on our announcements as we’ll open free entry tickets soon!
We will be offering some exciting deals on Ibanez and Laney gear throughout the entire day and night of the event as well as a special giveaway for the audience: win Laney The Difference Engine worth £250! More soon!
