Paul Reed Smith Interviews John McLaughlin | Shakti 50th Anniversary | PRS Guitars

[@sheercerebralpower]

I studied at the Mclaughlin School of Guitar.....have been a student since 40 years....will graduate in the after life.....

[@MrUltraworld]

It's easy to forget that John is 81 yrs old.

[@jimthethirdprobably]

He doesn't look a day over 70.

[@Bryan8329]

Because what he produces is timeless

[@joshoptical]

Clean and spiritual living.

[@wohltemper]

Everyone I know who has been doing yoga all their lives looks and acts about 20 years younger than their actual age.

[@justindavis2388]

Man has a great head of hair

[@LowCMusiq]

81 yrs old and still killing it. Hats off!

[@feralsanders]

I'm glad that John McLaughlin is still with us, sharing his beautiful unique gifts and presence. A great!❤💫

[@tomasmarques1851]

FANTASTIC!!! And now, all we need is for Paul to get his hands on the old Shakti acoustic guitar, repair it for John, study it’s design, and create a PRS acoustic Shakti guitar SE edition at an affordable price for all of f us!! ❤

[@spdcrzy]

Can you imagine? It would be an ENTIRELY new class of guitar. John's Shakti guitar had a heavily scalloped fretboard, open tuned sympathetic cross strings over the sound hole, and probably a dozen other custom touches that I can't remember off the top of my head.

[@vivekteega]

Paul immediately offering to fix up the Shakti guitar .. what a guy oozing with passion!!

[@themaelstromnotebook]

That Shakti guitar HAS to be resurrected, and played in public again!

[@ChrisJoyeMusic]

Just saw Shakti 50 live and blown away again. I’ve been listening to them for 25 years. This interview was great, thanks Paul!

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Saw the John McLaughlin Trio at The Sydney Opera House in 1991. Can still feel it in every heart beat today.

[@diegovillamil7442]

I saw John headlining the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival with Jimmy Herring opening for him. I can honestly say I’ve never experienced something like it, watching two absolute MASTERS at their craft was nothing short of a privilege. And yes, both were playing PRS.

[@TheSecondNature]

I was there too.. What a night

[@GuitarExpress]

Mr. McLaughlin is such a gift, truly something else. Thanks PRS

[@jimthethirdprobably]

John is great. Huge Shakti and Mahavishnu Orchestra fan.

[@uhuhuuuhhh9883]

Handful of Beauty one of my favorite albums from 1977.

[@careyvinzant]

I've played guitar for 35 years, and I have been a McLaughlin groupie for 32 of those years. Listening to the Shakti performance clips on here reminded me why.

[@peterkalavritinos9201]

I was at this show. It was a sublime performance.

[@jppagetoo]

John is amazing. If he is around you, in any way, go see him. You will be astonished by his musicality. I have been a fan since I discovered his work with Carlos Santana (in the mid-1980's.).

[@ShankarL-cg7kq]

Thank you PRS for this interview. Thank you for the music, Shakti.

[@stevengrinold3203]

John and his playing are timeless!

[@jonnysophisticado]

I own two PRS guitars because they are awesome and I love supporting someone like Paul and the 300 ppl with him. God bless.

[@Glo-Blades]

Saw John, Paco and Al D in a venue of theater in the round. À slowly rotating stage. I touched each of them as they walked down the aisle to the stage. It was beyond words.

[@nickh1933]

Incredible and incomparible. John is a genious. I also do not think I have ever seen Paul so focused, self composed and interested during an interview. Its rare to see him restrained, he must truly be in awe. Gorgeous guitar as well!

[@hrw1008]

Unbelievable! Love JM and Shakti!❤

[@bufatutuagonistes8876]

I recently watched the Jeff Beck memorial concert. JM's two songs, the Billy Cobham Stratus and JM's You Know You Know, were stunning. I usually pay more attention to the musician than his instrument, but I couldn't take my eyes off his shockingly beautiful blue guitar that was pouring forth amazing tones. It was the PRS JM Signature model. An amazing instrument for an amazing musician.

[@RobertKeeleyTV]

Paul is such a wonderful dude. I love Shakti, so glad he did this! I think I'm gonna have to pony up for one! ;-)

[@bigfootpegrande]

PLEAS come to Brazil, I will cross the country to see your concert!

[@veergujral6517]

Paul, if you're reading this, I just bought a brand new SE Silver Sky with a maple board last week for my birthday and it is the guitar I had been searching for my entire life without even realising that I had been searching for it my whole life. My second PRS and I sincerely doubt I will ever be switching.

[@johnborys7918]

the joy of playing. the joy of making. Thank you Paul!!

[@petersaccoccio1664]

I had the pleasure of seeing John and Shakti last month . I almost blew it off but I knew this might be the last opportunity to see him. So glad I did. The music was beyond this world. The other thing that occurred was getting a PRS that month . Guitars have come and gone, but it’s the first guitar that I’ve bonded with In a long time. I haven’t picked any other guitar up since I’ve gotten this one.

[@ijali9]

All is bliss, all is bliss...thank you Paul, ( I got a John Mayer PRS SE 8 months ago, love it)

[@tabordex5185]

My Fav Guitar Player.... John is a super hero to me.

[@williamtaps4565]

Nice interview. Thanks for sharing. I saw their concert at Wolftrap that night. Wow, what a band. Great show. 😀

[@shootfirst2097]

Starting at 18:18-- John's pure fluid, lyrical magic.

[@geducam]

I watched him live at crossroads 2023, yesterday.. it was amazing how well he plays. A gift to all of us.

[@ishko108]

Such a lovely meet this was. Two old legends, appreciating the right stuff. How many such wholesome musical moments have we had recently? I reckon not many. I'm proud to have 3 things in common with John McLaughlin: 1) playing guitar; 2) loving Indian music; 3) having been born on January 4th. God bless you, John and Paul.

[@luizdejesus6240]

An artisan observing a musician with his handcraft. A special moment...

[@GuiitarBilly]

Saw John and the OG Mahavishnu Orchestra live in November 1972 and along with everyone else in the audience my mind was exploded. We’d never seen or heard like it …them. What could John possibly follow this incredible music and band with? A year later he and L Shankar showed us with Shakti. Once again impossibly amazing playing and music perhaps more so than MO (perhaps) bc it was all acoustic and equally precise and powerful. Magic. Sometimes I feel like we, or at least I…still haven’t comprehended the magnificence of the music John McLaughlin and his bandmates made 50 years ago. -- Edit: like another commenter, I’m really liking the sound of John now playing electric with this acoustic music. Today’s gear (PRS guitar electronics and master volume amps etc) makes this kind of hybrid doable and wonderful sounding imoho

[@stevebrooks4th]

John looks incredibly youthful and vibrant at 81 years.

[@tedcabana]

When the G.G.O.A.T (Greatest Guitarist of all time) tells you that your guitar creation is the (G.G.O.A.T (greatest guitar of all times)_Then you've got something to feel very good about.

[@santsermusic]

Amazing, unreal! thanks for this invaluable insight on one of the greatest bands and guitarrist mankind has ever witnessed. Legacy would live forever. 🎶🙏🎸🔥💯

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

Thank you John and Paul! I love Paul’s dedication to craft and music. What a wonderful feeling to provide a great instrument to a great musician.

[@Dwoed]

The godfather of Jazz-Rock ! A TREASURE❤

[@papa_pt]

As an ex les paul obsesser...John sums it up in the first 20 seconds. I never looked back after picking up a PRS.

[@GuitarGearGyan]

That is just such a classy interview. Stellar 👏👏

[@PoseidonJ0e]

May I say, Exactly! Sir, It literally felt to me ( a long time and still Taylor player) that I'd been waiting for the PRS SE SilverSky to get my first electric guitar - Thanks so much for your dedication to your craft

[@SvenBlumer]

Beautiful interview and guitars, thanks Paul. My fave part is Paul saying he'll fix our guitars because he loves it. Game on!

[@nathansnelgrove]

The last 3 minutes of this are very special. At 19:13, It's easy to see how special a moment it was for Paul. Whoever filmed this must be thrilled they caught that moment on camera.

[@spdcrzy]

I saw Paul coming out on stage and the camera panned to the five of them and I instantly started crying. That song is INCREDIBLE.

[@AudioInstruments]

Such a great sound! What a legend

[@JoeContiMusic]

I just love John McLaughlin. I feel like I’ve known him for 50 years. Great interview. He’s still like a little kid. With his enthusiasm

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

The Legend, if you can go see Shakti, John is playing better than ever.

[@kennethquintini658]

I listened to the inner mounting flame album in high school in 1973 , always loved all of John's music and spirit 🎉👏👌👍😃

[@oneofmany1087]

Thank you, Paul, for putting this all together. I'm so happy, this video found its way to me.

[@stealingtomorrowband]

I first heard of John from Mahavishnu Orchestra. My cousin turned me on to Birds of fire and i was like whoa what the hell is this... those dudes were completely badass... this was around 2000 and this stuff was feom the 70s... Thanks for sharing the interview Paul!!!!

[@joecontris9577]

I am fortunate enough to own one of these works of art. It is easily the best playing and sounding guitar I have ever played!

[@markparee99]

What a wonderful interview!

[@universeconsciouscitizensc592]

I heard Birds of Fire in 1973, was dumbfounded, musically changed, and thereafter a huge fan of everything McLaughlin and all his cohorts have done. I bought my first PRS guitar only 8 years ago (Santana model), but wish I'd invested in one much sooner, as PRS really does feel like the pinnacle of "reasonably" expensive guitars to me. Mine was $3000 used, but well worth it! Paul and John both have done a very good thing for the world; giving voice to others!

[@TheMctown]

Bravo!!! John, a great musician & Paul, a passionate guitar maker. You are both awesome!

[@rufusbass]

WHAt a GREAT interview. Love it. A TREAT to see some really great soundcheck footage too

[@jorgmichaelpalm40]

Amazing people. Great that you share it to the world. ❤

[@markrobinson8410]

My first concert was shakti in 1977

[@lefujyou]

One of the greatest musicians ☮️💕✨🏄🏻‍♂️

[@lastdaysguitar]

What can you say about John McLaughlin that has not already been said? He's simply one of the greatest and most unique voices that guitar has ever had... I've learned so much and have been so inspired by this man over the decades - a truly superb artist!

[@TheRockerxx69]

Marvellous music and John!!!!!!

[@jacksonrepetskimusic]

That is the coolest and most unique style that has ever consisted of a guitar!

[@julienDrcq]

what a beautiful interview and two great people!, I am a absolutely a fan of PRS GUITARS I own two PRS , one CU24 CORE and one PRS Hallowbody 2 piezo, I love them so much Paul never stop to make better and better PRS, what a master, maybe one day I got one too

[@biswas01]

Wonderful post, thank you for sharing!

[@JoseCarlosMatos]

Magical and wonderful. Soundtrack to my life and I'm 50 now.

[@20003052]

not even 6 seconds in and the man is speaking the truth. 10 years ago I started playing guitar and after a couple of months playing my first cheap $140 instrument I went looking for a decent guitar and I bought my first SE and I never looked back. Back then I didn't know anything about PRS except that Santana played one and I've tried Gibsons Ibanez and fender for a couple of minutes each till I picked up this SE strummed it once played one like on it and bought it.

[@Fender73472]

Playing at such a high level at 81 incredible…

[@guyzucker4583]

Making music is one of the most beautiful records ever!!

[@jeffreyfoster4260]

A Legend ❤❤❤❤🥰 THANK YOU PAUL!

[@pjcerto1074]

Great interview, guys. John, please take Paul up on his offer to fix the Shakti guitar. It is truly a fascinating instrument of actual historical value in its uniqueness AND application . . . and Paul is THE guy to get the work done. Been listening to you for many decades and love and admire your creative spirit. Hope you are well.

[@artwotube]

Hello John! 20 years ago you signed and sent an autograph for Artur, it is a picture of you sitting and holding uphigh a PRS in orange colour. now i took your adwise from this interview and will play my acoustic nylon more often (smile)

[@lesliehayton2929]

John is fantastic and has been an inspiration. all my life as has zakir , very best wishes to you all !

[@gillsmith9434]

Amazing thanks for your music John and Paul for making the marvellous instruments❤

[@RicardoMarlowFlamenco]

I was at this show very close to the front like 3rd row. It was really magic IMO. I had seen them in 2004 which was amazing as well, but the new repertoire really moves a long with shorter compositions. You leave wishing it had never ended, too short.

[@kinsoundstudios]

What a beautiful spirit. Beautiful players.

[@paulauksztulewicz4803]

Oh John! Thank you for the music!

[@SanAntoneRose]

Wow!!! Just fantastic! Hats off to John McLaughlin and Shakti 50 years on!!

[@alibaba2894]

Saw Shakti in London recently, one of the best concerts of my life. Up there with Mark Padmore and Paul Lewis performing Winterreise, or the English National Ballet in Akram Khan's Giselle.

[@MonseiurFusiono]

I’ve had the pleasure to know Paul rather close. He’s an extremely heartfelt man and it comes through in his instruments.

[@maazvdo]

Really super special! Thanks for share.

[@DaleHauskins]

Mega thanks always British gent John from this east Los Angeles guitarist. Witnessed you few times in Willisau Jazz festival whilst I was playing, recording, touring in Swiss progressive rock band Flame Dream.

[@MrDallman]

Right here right now ….this is the man that JB called the “Master”…..and who could contest that.

[@gunnarMyTube]

Great mix interview / playing

[@DaniloMarrone]

The legendary Shakti guitar needs to be fixed up and played by Maestro McLaughlin again! It would be great if Mr. Smith can get his hands on it. What a labor of love that would be.

[@HERETIConFIRE]

When I was 16 I heard Lila's Dance, it changed my musical journey . Thank you Mr. McLaughlin.

[@FrisellFan01]

A players dedication and loyalty to that one guitar which means so much.....is seen here and so many times you hear someone playing a PRS.....

[@higgs923]

Dang, we're old! I saw John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1973 and I saw him later with Jean-Luc Ponty. Astonishing musicianship.

[@jimifiano4403]

Still Amazing !!❤

[@niknotez]

Love John. He’s my hero!

[@bobbysflying3369]

This gave me much joy

[@RJ_Chicago]

John McLaughlin is a musical treasure. We lost Jeff Beck not long ago. I hope we get to keep Johnny McLaughlin electric guitarist around for many more years. He is amazing. Yes he has great hair too!

[@gwgwgwgw1854]

I love this!

[@shootfirst2097]

I've always said if I was stuck on a desert island and only had one band to listen to, it would be Shakti and whatever incarnations came out of that.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Timeless beauty.

[@enricotoso]

Ho visto John con gli Shakti 40 anni fa a Milano al Teatro Lirico,fu impressionante il concerto.

[@kleberkshima]

Awesome video!

[@beachcomber4141]

19:09 on.....Good Lord!! How fantastic!!!

[@dancroitoru736]

Sir John has been to Buharest, my doghter and me were there.... I. couldn t miss the Concert

[@ianedmonds9191]

I have to say I played guitar for 30 years before I was able to buy a PRS Custom24 Core. Mostly I'd played a 92 Ibanez RG570 which I loved and especially loved the playability. It took me a while to bond with the PRS but it happened and now it's my home guitar. The neck is not as wide but has the same flat profile. The whole guitar feels together and the sustain is brilliant and the tuning is as good as the Ibanez which is extremely rare. The looks are something else. Mine is a 10 top in Emerald green which was my favourite by far. All in all PRS guitars are amazingly jaw-droppingly good but it does take a while to bond with them. People focus on loveable flaws to bond with stuff. PRS Guitars don't really have those. What they have is excellence in every department. It takes a while but you can bond with the tone and the look and the stability and the overall beauty of an instrument made to be the best it can be. EDit: People complain PRS don't have personality. What they mean is a random PRS will sound as good any other PRS. They all pass a very stringent QA check. They all have personality it's just they don't have personality flaws. Luv and Peace.

[@renakmans3521]

Beautiful talk!

[@Guitar6ty]

Awesome instruments they have a clarity and tone that beats the rest. Some musicians have a kind of aversion to PRS but once they try them they realise just how good they really are.