Thrasher Magazine

Video by Paul Gar Roura

This year’s (lucky) 13th annual Shred For Your Life guitar battle was held in Greenpoint at Brooklyn Bazaar. Notoriously combining the absurd with the even more absurd, mastermind Marc Razo’s vision for SYFL has substantially grown since its conception in 2005. Previous winner Mrs Smith crushed “The Star-Spangled Banner” with an appropriate jumpstart to the evening. Starting with 12 guitarists, ass-less chaps, stovepipes, studded vests, body slams, peace signs, long hair’ds, short hair’ds and denim were not in short supply. This year’s judging panel included Orange is the New Black star Jessica Pimentel (who turns out is in two metal bands), stand-up comedian Dave Hill, Jon Theodore from Queens of the Stone Age and musician Matt Sweeney (Iggy Pop, Bonnie Prince Billy as well as host of the internet talk show Guitar Moves). Following several close battle rounds, midway, the audience had an opportunity to resurrect a guitarist back into the competition. With thunderous support they chose Caitlin Montclare. Plot twist—2018’s SYFL finalists came down to two other women. When newcomer Nicole Lawrence was first introduced on stage, it was announced that she had come to make friends, then she shredded everyone’s face off until it came down to her and former 2010 champion Lily Maase. In the end, Lily Maase would edge Lawrence out for the well deserved, highly coveted 2018 SFYL guitar crown made by Meryl Smith, a larger than life three-foot guitar-pick trophy customized by Arik Roper and a brand new Fender Telecaster donated by Fender. Throughout the night, competing musicians were backed up by SFYL rhythm section—Brad Truax (Interpol) and John Stanier (Battles and Helmet) joined by DJ Prolific. Despite broken guitar strings and tough judging calls, the night ran relatively smoothly with SYFL’s electric engine Amy Ellington at the helm. Until next year, I’ll be anticipating the return of voice-modulated band leader Wilder Zoby (The Gong Show) and co-host Emily Panic—because if you have yet to attend SFYL, you’ve been truly missing out. #FOMO is a real thing; don’t blow it next year.

—Jilleen Liao

Photos by Taylor Sesselman

Getting cheeky backstage with Mrs. Smith, Caitlin Montclare, and Blake Charlton.

The reward for throwing a guitar battle? Sitting in the front row waiting to see how it unfolds.

Let the games begin!

Randy Macho Man Savage shares some words with the crowd after his win over Nick Millevoi.

When somebody comes to a guitar battle dressed as Randy Macho Man, you can be sure he’ll deliver the goods.

The audience at Shred For Your Life plays just as big a roll as it’s performers.

The Guest Judge Panel (Dave Hill, Jessica Pimentel, Jon Theodore, and Matt Sweeney) passing judgement upon Blake Charlton from the band Slashers.

Right before the semi-finals the audience gets to revive one fallen Shredder from the dead via applause-o-meter.

Nicole Lawrence stopping the Macho Man dead in his tracks.

Final Battle! Lily Maase vs. Nicole Lawrence. Vicious playing from both parties leaving the judges tongue tied and audience screaming for more.

There can be only one. Champion Lily Maase flanked by host Wilder Zoby, co-host Emily Panic and semi-finalist Nicole Lawrence.

To the victor go the spoils. Lily wins a crown made by Meryl Smith, a three-foot guitar pick made by Arik Roper, a brand new Fender Telecaster and the respect and glory that comes with winning!
@shred4yourlife