James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, Richie Faulkner and More to Appear in ‘Flying V!’ Documentary

2020-08-26

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner performing at Freedom Hill near Detroit, Michigan.

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner – Story by Cat Badra, photo by Anne Erickson

The Flying V guitar is a staple in heavy metal music, and now, the instrument is getting its own documentary

When it comes to heavy metal music, the Flying V has been paramount in creating that thick, soaring, ripping guitar sound. The V-shaped instrument is one of the most influential in all of heavy music, with bands such as Judas Priest, Metallica and Megadeth relying on the guitar’s special tone.

Now, there’s a documentary that tells the story of the classic Flying V guitar. The film — which is directed by Peter Hansen and produced by ex-Mercyful Fate and ex-King Diamond guitarist Michael Denner — is slated to feature a bevy of rock stars discussing how the Flying V forever changed their careers and altered their approach to guitar playing.

“Flying V! — The Metal Guitar of the Gods” will feature guest appearances from Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, James Hetfield of Metallica, Kerry King of Slayer, Michael Schenker (ex-Scorpions, ex-UFO, MSG), Michael Denner, Hank Shermann of Mercyful Fate, Wolf Hoffmann of Accept and more.

Other big names set to appear in the film include Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap of Judas Priest, K.K. Downing formerly of Judas Priest, Mathias Jabs of Scorpions, Brian Tatler of Diamond Head, Andy LaRocque of King Diamond, Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash and Michael Amott (Arch Enemy, ex-Carcass).

“Whenever I saw the Flying V onstage I knew it was going to be a killer show — I love photographing the V,” rock photographer Mark Weiss said in a statement. “How could you not? It screams ROCK ‘N’ ROLL! It has a presence all to its own. If I were to rate the Flying V, in the words of [Spinal] Tap, I would give it an eleven — one louder!”

The documentary will arrive on Sept. 11 on DVD as part of the “Inside Metal” documentary series. For more information, visit the film’s Amazon page.

Cat Badra
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