One of the world's most admired guitarists, Paul Gilbert returns to Brazil in September for two special performances, in Curitiba (September 7th, Teatro Bom Jesus) and São Paulo (September 8th, Fabrique Club).
Paul Gilbert is an American guitarist, acclaimed worldwide for his impressive technique, speed, and creativity, associated with three fronts: the mainstream hard rock of Mr. Big, the technical virtuosity of Racer X , and an extensive solo career marked by instrumental albums, hard rock, blues, pop, humor, and guitar teaching.
The shows promote the album WROC, the first in 10 years with songs featuring vocals. Released in February 2026, and based on the rules of civility associated with George Washington, the album transforms historical material on etiquette and conduct into rock songs, with vocals, riffs, melodies, harmonies, and the musician's typical humor.
In an interview with Wikimetal, the guitarist talked about the album's name and what fans can expect from the shows in Brazil.
WIKIMETAL: WROC is your first album of new material with vocals in about ten years. What made this album different from your previous ones?
Paul Gilbert: It's the best album ever! My songwriting felt more inspired than ever, and I played a great combination of vibrant and melodic guitar. There are many surprising chord changes and vocal harmonies created to accompany them. Plus, I recorded videos of all the sessions in the studio, so you can watch the performances on YouTube!
WK: The album combines top-notch guitar solos and vocal melodies with a fun and quirky history lesson that encourages good manners (and plenty of humor). After so many years, what still challenges you as a songwriter?
PG: It's peculiar because nobody else is doing it. I like finding things that nobody else would dare to do. As a composer… I'm becoming more and more fluent in melodies and that actually makes things much easier.
WK: After ten years without a solo album with vocals, why WROC the project that made you start singing again?
PG: My voice was great after singing so much on the Mr. Big tour. So I thought I'd keep singing.
WK: You used artificial intelligence as a starting point for some of your lyrics, but you also discovered that it "invented" information. Did this experience change your view on technology?
PG: I definitely learned to double-check! I still enjoy brainstorming while talking to AI. I can generate a lot of ideas, and it's great at summarizing.
WK: The album was born right after Mr. Big's farewell tour. Did the band's end directly influence your creativity? Did the band's breakup change how you view your solo career?
PG: I was excited to return to being a benevolent dictator. I should mention that Mr. Big's farewell tour was great, and I'm very happy we were able to pull it off. But I'm excited to embark on new adventures!
WK: Looking at your previous shows, you play some covers. What can we expect from your next visit to Brazil? Will there be any surprises or a special setlist?
PG: I start the show with an intense and long medley of all the guitar hits from all my bands. It's an incredible guitar journey! I play my favorite songs from the new album and some covers that I love. My second guitarist, Doug Rappoport, is amazing, so we do some exciting jams too. And Jeff Martin is on drums! Jeff, of course, is also the vocalist for Racer X, so the vocal harmonies are very strong!
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