André Olbrich

Infobox Musical artist
Name = André Olbrich

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Img_capt = Andre at Gods of Metal fest, 2007
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Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
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Born = Birth date and age|1967|5|3|, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Instrument = Lead Guitar
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Genre = Power metal Speed metal Heavy metal
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Years_active = 1984 – present
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Associated_acts = Blind Guardian
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André Olbrich (born May 3, 1967, in Düsseldorf, Germany) is the lead guitarist of the German power metal band Blind Guardian. He is one of the band's founders together with vocalist Hansi Kürsch, and serves as one of its main songwriters.

Professional

Olbrich's style is influenced by his favourite bands, which include Judas Priest, Megadeth and Black Sabbath. Additionally Olbrich uses much the staccato technique and many other speed metal techniques.Fact|date=May 2007 He is listed on Guitar World's list of the "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists" at #76.Fact|date=May 2007 André's guitar work revolves around vocalist Hansi Kursch's singing. Detractor's of this state that Olbrich's playing does not follow true metal format, due its lack of shred guitar in solos. Like many other guitarists however (in particular Slayer guitarist Kerry King) he believes having his own style is more important than being good at what someone else already has done.

Equipment

Olbrich has been known to use the following:Verify source|date=May 2007

*ESP Original Series Horizon Custom

:Body: Alder:Neck: Maple (Neck-thru):Pickups: 2x EMG 81:Floyd Rose Tremolo System:24 Jumbo Frets

*ESP Original Series M-II Neck Thru

:Body: Alder with Maple Top:Neck: Maple (Neck-thru):Pickups: 1x EMG 81 (bridge) 1x EMG SA (neck):Floyd Rose Tremolo System:24 Jumbo Frets

*ESP Original Series Explorer Custom

:Body: Mahogany:Neck: Maple (Neck-thru):Pickups: 2x EMG 81:Floyd Rose Tremolo System:24 Jumbo Frets

*Ovation Legend

:Strings: D'Addario .010 - .046:Picks: Jim Dunlop Nylon 1 MM:Amp: Engl Straight:Cabinets: 2x Marshall 1960 ( A & B

*Rack

:ENGL Powerball:Furman Powerconditioner:Shure LX Wireless System:Rocktron Patchmate:Yamaha SPX 990:Ibanez Tubescreamer:Hughes & Kettner "Red Box" Pro:Morley Power Wah:Boss AC2 Acoustic Simulator

Personal

Olbrich is married and has one son. He was a school friend of Hansi Kürsch's. He is known to be sociable with fans, often chatting with them after concerts.

Olbrich's favorite books are "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Silmarillion", both by J. R. R. Tolkien; he has stated that his dream is to create an orchestral rock-opera for these epics.Who|date=July 2007 His favorite game is alternately listed as Baldur's Gate II and World of Warcraft.

External links

* [http://www.blind-guardian.com/new_version/band_members_andre.php3 Short bio at Blind Guardian website]