Face to Face (Virtually) with My Guitar Hero: Alex Skolnick

I was nervous all day.

The kind of nervous where time drags and your stomach’s in knots. I kept checking the clock, running over what I might say, wondering if I’d freeze up the second he appeared on screen. This wasn’t just any zoom call — this was a one-on-one with Alex Skolnick.

The same Alex Skolnick whose solos I’ve adored. Whose stage presence at The Machine Shop recently had me grinning like a teenager. And now… I was about to talk to him.

When the screen finally lit up and there he was, I could barely breathe. But then he said: Hi and said

“You were at the show recently"

And just like that, my nerves turned into awe. He remembered me. He brought it up. Out of all the faces in the crowd, he remembered mine. That moment alone? Worth every anxious second of the day.

From there, the conversation flowed — and I was still somewhere between disbelief and overwhelming joy. I asked him questions about his being in Testament, playing Jazz and of course how fans reacted to him leaving Testament and playing Jazz. We talked about his thoughts on AI in music. He didn’t sugarcoat it — he’s not into it. Not because he’s anti-tech, but like me, because you can’t code emotion, passion, or soul. Music, is about being human. And I couldn’t agree more.

We also talked about something I admire him deeply for: his activism. He spoke with honesty about it. It was clear he cares, and he’s not afraid to stand for something.

Then we got into his early years — how he joined Testament when he was still just a kid, what drew him in, and how it shaped him. Hearing those stories firsthand made the legend feel even more human, more grounded.

And then came the moment that knocked the breath out of me: He asked if I played guitar.

That question meant more than I can explain. It wasn’t small talk. It was curiosity — respect, it felt like we were two people talking music, not just fan and idol. A real exchange. He then asked me what my favorite song of his was...

And just like that, my mind went completely blank. I somehow managed to say that Low was my favorite album and The Legacy my favorite song—but those are from Testament.

Later I realized I should have told him my favorite from the Alex Skolnick Trio is “Key of Sea.” And that I’ve listened to every episode of his podcast Moods and Modes. But honestly, I was so shocked and honored that he was asking me questions, I couldn’t think straight in the moment.

We also chatted about Pakt, his improvisational band, and I mentioned how they weren't playing in Michigan. He confirmed they weren't, he looked at the schedule and then said how far away is Toronto from you, St Katherine and told me where they were playing.

Even though it was virtual, it didn’t feel distant. It felt real. Personal. Alive.

It was incredible hearing those stories straight from him. Through it all, he stayed humble, thoughtful, and real.

I also thanked him—from the heart.

“Thank you for doing what you do.”

For the music, the passion, the path he’s taken—even when it meant taking chances, for taking time out to talk to fans. This wasn’t just a fan moment.

It was a genuine connection with someone whose music has soundtracked so much of my life.

Alex, thank you.

For remembering me.

For talking with me.

For being kind, curious, and inspiring.

You’re not just a guitar legend.

You’re living proof that music builds real connections—and that sometimes, heroes are exactly who we hope they are.

After the call, I sat there in silence — not from shock, but from awe. My nerves had finally melted into something beautiful: gratitude.

I got to talk to my guitar hero. And he remembered me. That moment lives in my mind forever.

Peace, Love and Music,

Mickey