For Father’s Day, why not gift your dad the ultimate guitar or spend an afternoon in the danger zone re-watching Top Gun with the volume turned up to the max on the surround sound.
Legendary guitar virtuoso Steve Stevens wanted to merge flamenco, rock, and electronic music into something cinematic and modern.
Godin Guitars recently launched the ACS Steve Stevens Signature 25th Anniversary LTD to celebrate more than 25 years of creative collaboration between Stevens and the Canadian guitar maker.
“From the purple finish to the upgraded electronics, every detail was designed to create an instrument that feels elegant and exciting the moment you pick it up,” said Stevens.
Stevens also has partnerships with the electric guitar company Knaggs and has launched a folding travel guitar with Ciari Guitars. “They’re all great instruments in specific areas.”
Known for his groundbreaking work with Billy Idol for over 40 years, and his acclaimed solo career, the Grammy Award-winning artist will also be inducted into the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside Idol.
Idol and Stevens were involved in inducting Ozzy Osbourne into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. “That really opened our eyes to the possibilities of actually having a say in some of the bands. I was contacted by Tom Morello to help induct Randy Rhoads into the Hall of Fame. It’s good to be involved. It’s a great group of musicians being inducted this year.”
This year, Stevens celebrates the 40th anniversary of Top Gun, on which Stevens lent his talents to the iconic theme song.
To celebrate the milestone, Stevens and his wife went to a theatre to watch the classic film on the big screen. “You know, 40 years later, and the score is just great. I can’t take credit for that. I have a small role in playing the theme. Harold Faltermeyer composed and created that score. It still holds up. It’s such a slice of eighties culture now.”
“This is before CGI and all the technology. It’s still pretty cool. It’s crazy to think how many careers were launched by that film,” Stevens noted. “It’s great to go and see it again.”
This summer, Stevens will be out on the road with Idol, with a stop in Calgary at The Roundup Music Fest July 8.
Canada was the first country to embrace us, Stevens shared. “I remember on the Rebel Yell tour we started playing arenas in Canada before we played anywhere else. We’re really fond of our Canadian fans. They’ve been with us from the very start.”
According to Stevens, the live music scene is still big business, but is more expensive than ever. “I think for the smaller band starting out, you have to do it the old-fashioned way. You have to want to do it whether you’re eating bologna sandwiches or in a van. That’s kind of how we did it. It’s not really that much different. You’re less dependent upon the record label, which is great because you can promote yourself, but you don’t get the financial support of a record company — putting you out on the road, paying for the van, and paying for sound and lights.”
“You have to take that on yourself. But if you love doing it, you’re going to do it. It’s something in you and you have to express yourself. That’ll never change. I’ve known artists that struggle, until they don’t struggle,” Stevens explained.
Stevens added his new guitar should be readily available at most music stores. “If you’re interested in a nylon string guitar and want to dive into the world of guitar synthesis for a reasonably small investment, you’re in that world and you’re using the best tracking guitar that’s available. Godin has great distribution. Go and play one. It’s a cool instrument and it opens up a whole world of possibilities for every guitarist out there.”
Stevens looks forward to seeing his Canadian fans once again this summer out on the road.
“We’re going to dive deep into our catalogue. Billy and I always add some things to the set off the beaten track that maybe we haven’t played before. This won’t be the same show they’ve seen if they saw us last year. We’ve got a killer band, and we have two incredible female backing vocalists with us. It’s a well-oiled machine, and it’s real rock and roll. Billy Idol is the real deal, so come out and see him,” Stevens added.
