Yanick Gers: biography and career of Iron Maiden guitarist

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:40

British virtuoso guitarist, composer and one of the members of the cult heavy metal band Iron Maden Janick Gers celebrates his 45th anniversary this year. A brief biography, interesting facts from the life of a musician and not only - later in this article.

Early years

Yanick Robert Gers was born on January 27, 1957 in the city of Hartlepool (Great Britain), in the family of a former Polish naval officer Boleslav Gers (in other sources - Bronislav) and housewife Louis Gers. In addition to Yanik, the family had three more children - two younger sisters Louis and Roberta, as well as a younger brother Chris. Below is a photo of Janick Gers while studying at school.

The future musician graduated from the English Martyrs High School, as well as the Sixth Form College, equivalent to Russian 10th and 11th grades. At the end of college, the parents gave the young man a guitar that he had long dreamed of, perhaps later Luis and Boleslav regretted it, because, carried away by music, Yanik abandoned university preparations, and then completely changed his mind about getting a higher education.

Subsequently, the parents of Yanik Gers supported the choice of their son andthey were not mistaken - no one knows what a student would have become of him, but everyone knows that he became an excellent guitarist. In general, Yanik never experienced problems with his parents: he had (and still has) a large friendly family, with many uncles and aunts, grandparents, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Warm relations with relatives are also confirmed by family photos with the participation of Gers, walking on the Web. One of these can be seen below.

The beginning of creativity

At the age of 17 Janick Gers formed a heavy metal band called White Spirit with friends from Hartlepool. The team never gained popularity beyond the scale of their hometown, and the result of joint activity was a single studio album, released in 1980. In 1981 White Spirit disbanded.

A lucky coincidence led Gers to a group called Gillan, created by former Deep Purple vocalist, one of the most famous musicians of the time, Ian Gillan. Yanik took part in the recording of two albums, after which, in 1982, Gillan's next project was disbanded.

Iron Maiden

Gers' path to Iron Maiden was thorny and lay through acquaintance with former band members - vocalist Paul Dianno and drummer Clive Barr. Together with a young guitarist, they created the band Gogmagog, but, as in the case of White Spirit, things did not go beyond one 45-speed album released in 1985.

By the end of the 80s, Yanik begancollaborate with a musician known as Fish, the former vocalist of the rock band Marillion. Together they also released a studio recording, after which Gers was noticed by Bruce Dickinson, who at that time was already the vocalist and frontman of Iron Maden.

At first it was planned that Gers and Dickinson would simply record one song together, intended as a soundtrack for the film, but the musicians enjoyed working together so much that in 1990 their debut solo album resulted from their collaboration. It was Bruce Dickinson who brought Janick Gers to Iron Maiden in 1990. At first, the musician replaced the band's former guitarist Adrian Smith, but then Smith returned to the band without replacing Gers. Thus, from 1999 to this day, Iron Maden owes its unique sound to three guitarists simultaneously performing on stage.

Here is what Gers himself said about this feature:

This arrangement gives our band a completely unexpected sound, it expands our possibilities when writing new compositions. The sound of the group became much more powerful and heavier. I think that such a grand combination will give many old songs a truly unexpected character, in general, three guitars are great!

Music style

During the very first performances of Iron Maden with Gers as part of the band members were struck on the spot by his charisma, energy and "frills", which no one before him dared. Many of thoseThe first moves became Janick's trademarks, such as tossing the guitar during a solo, playing with a string, playing with his hands behind his back and much more.

Iron Maden lead guitarist Dave Murray once spoke about Janick Gers' improvisations and solos:

When he goes on stage, he can turn himself on to the point where he can't control himself. Either everything is under control, or complete improvisation, but the melody and his playing are always on top. The obvious pluses include the excellent presentation of the material and the good speed of the game. This is an accomplished professional who goes from one extreme to another and always remains on top. Any facet of the game is in his power: from quiet acoustics to crazy rock. He can do everything and more! Plus, don't forget about his acting talent.

Below is a video of excerpts from Gers' outstanding performances.

Private life

Given the excellent relationship in the Gers family and the fact that his parents spent their whole lives in love and loy alty to each other, it is not difficult to imagine that Janick himself devoted himself to his only beloved woman, his wife Sandra. The couple have two sons - Sian and Dylan, all four Gerses often fall into the lens of the paparazzi during joint walks and travels. One of these random photos is shown below.

Interesting facts

Yanick Gers is left-handed by nature, however, not knowing the nuances of playing the guitar, his parents gave himconventional, right-handed instrument. Yanik did not go into subtleties either, calmly and patiently learning to play "like everyone else." Today, it is obvious that playing "with the wrong hand" did not prevent him from becoming an outstanding virtuoso musician, but at the same time, Yanik Gers always gives autographs with his left hand.

Despite his bubbling expression at performances, in everyday life Gers is a calm, modest and very kind person. It is a known fact that the guitarist was very worried about taking the place of Adrian Smith in Iron Maiden, and all the time he persuaded him to return. Perhaps it was thanks to his efforts that in 1999 the band acquired three lead guitarists. Here is how Dave Murray spoke about the character of the musician:

Yanick has a very kind soul. His wonderful feature is that he can help in solving any problem, with his calmness and tact, he helps and gives you self-confidence. His diplomacy and patience are the best help in such troubles, and he knows his stuff!

And here is how Yanik Gers characterizes himself:

I am completely satisfied with my work in Iron Maiden. This is everything for me and I don't need anything else. I don't need individual self-realization, I'm not that kind of person. For example, Bruce - yes, he is more inclined towards solo work. My character is disposed to teamwork, it's like in football. To be a solo artist, you have to be selfish in the first place, but I'm not like that. In general, I love concerts, I love to play live and I don’t want tolook further.

Gers considers Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck and Rory Gallagher to be his music teachers. He has repeatedly spoken out that he considers live performances to be his favorite activity, and not work in the studio:

I just love acting and performing in public and I don't think we're doing it enough right now. I want more tours, more concerts! Our goal is to bring joy and pleasure to our fans live. We are not heard on the radio, we are almost absent on TV, it is difficult for us to reach out to the public. Our only chance is touring, when you yourself came and showed your best.

Like a real Englishman, Janick Gers is fond of football. He is a fan of Hartlepool United and has even made several appearances at their home ground at Victoria Park on matchdays.

In 1990, Gers appeared on television as the guitarist for the fictional band Fraud Squad in an episode of the BBC television series The Paradise Club.