“There are a few really amazing slide guitarists around now that have kept it going. Also, slide has that vocal quality to it like a human voice and I think that moves people. I try to capture emotion in my playing as opposed to shredding a lot of notes, and maybe that’s easier to listen to for some.”

Rick Vito: Slidemaster - ology

Grammy-nominated guitarist, singer and producer, Rick Vito is perhaps best known as a member of the legendary supergroup Fleetwood Mac (1987-1991). He later partnered with Mick Fleetwood to form the “Mick Fleetwood Blues Band feat. Rick Vito.” Of particular note, Rick’s now iconic slide guitar solo on Bob Seger’s “Like A Rock”. His solo albums began with Atlantic Records in 1992, after which he began performing worldwide with his own band. His unique guitar work has also appeared on hundreds of recordings by such legendary Rock & Roll and Blues Hall of Fame artists as Bonnie Raitt, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, John Fogerty, Little Richard, Leon Russell, Boz Scaggs, John Prine, Delbert McClinton, Rita Coolidge, Roy Orbison, Jackson Browne, Roger McGuinn, Todd Rundgren, Maria Muldaur, Bob Seger, and scores of others. Rick is also the recipient of the W.C. Handy Blues Award for the song of the year, “It’s Two A.M.” by Shemekia Copeland, and his compositions have appeared in numerous movies and TV shows.

(Rick Vito / Photo by Travis Goodin)

In 2026, Rick partnered with MoMojo Records, a current label in the Nola Blue family, in the production of his latest album, SLIDEMASTER. This unique recording is a compilation of Rick’s all-instrumental cuts played exclusively on slide guitar, in the style for which he is universally renowned. It features both new material and also some of his best former releases which were remixed and mastered specifically for the album. Rick’s takes on Peter Green’s “Albatross,” Sam Cooke’s, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and the originals, “Vegas Jump,” and “Soul Shadows,” are not to be missed!

Interview by Michael Limnios               Archive: Rick Vito, 2013 & 2024 Interview 

Special Thanks: Rick Vito, Mark Pucci Media, Sallie Bengtson (MoMojo Records)

What keeps a musician passionate after almost six decades in music? Your music is known for creatively reimagining. How do you balance respect for the roots with experimentation?

RV: Thought provoking question. I have always preferred to look back at great artists and their music, over looking at what’s popular now. You view and hear music completely differently past a certain age than you do in your twenties or even thirties. So, when I listen to Elmore James, Peter Green or whomever was a great influence on me, now I hear it with more maturity and appreciation. It’s important to me to continue to create a body of work that has value and inspiration to it, hopefully in the same way that I was inspired.

How did the idea of all-instrumental album come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Slidemaster”?

RV: I always loved the early Freddie King instrumental albums and had it in the back of my mind to do one myself someday. He was the first “real” blues man I saw on TV in 1966. When I was collecting songs for a new release, I realized that I had a good number of instrumentals which were done on slide guitar. Since there have not been too many albums put out featuring slide as the prominent voice, I thought that this would be a good idea. I tend to go in many directions, but eventually I took some of the best of what had been released previously and paired them with the newer tracks. That was it! 

Why do you think that the sound of slide guitar continues to generate such a devoted following?

RV: There are a few really amazing slide guitarists around now that have kept it going. Also, slide has that vocal quality to it like a human voice and I think that moves people. I try to capture emotion in my playing as opposed to shredding a lot of notes, and maybe that’s easier to listen to for some.

“I’ve gotten to work with some of the best artists of my generation in blues and rock & roll, and I tried to always keep myself together and do my best as a musician. I hope those who have heard me appreciate the sincerity in what I’ve tried to do and find some inspiration there. It’s been a gift to have spent my life this way.” (Rick Vito / Photo by Hub Wilson)

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

RV: I have invested creatively in my own albums in hopes that the music and professionals I work with will succeed in getting the word out and help ensure that it’ll be heard on the radio or wherever. Of course, it’s tough today and there are no guarantees, so you do the best you can and see what happens.

You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs and studios to open air festivals and theatres in Europe and US. How do you navigate between these different worlds and audiences?

RV: It was never a problem if you’re able to roll with the punches. Some years have been great with great, varied gigs and other years not as fruitful. I didn’t sign up for a security job when I decided to pursue music. So, I’m glad I was able to travel the world and reach a lot of people in various settings. But, in honesty, the travel aspect of it loses its charm after many, many years of doing it.

How has your experience with the “golden era” of Blues and Rock influenced the way you compose and perform today?

RV: When I first heard the early Rolling Stones, I found a portal to this combination of blues and roots rock & roll. From them I initially learned how to get better at playing this kind of music, then moved on to the original guys like Elmore, BB, Muddy and so many others. It was like going to college in a way learning the various style of all the blues men. When groups like Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, The Butterfield Blues Band and Taj Mahal came out I learned all that too. So, I tried to get a view of the whole picture, and I think that made me a better musician.

Over the years, how has your view of music and what music can accomplish changed? Has it changed because of what you have observed in the world?

RV: I’ve been very lucky that I was able to survive in the music business since 1971. The business side can be cruel but the music part of it can transform your heart and soul, and if you’re fortunate, give you a means to earn a living. At this stage of the game, I am not very interested in what is popular in today’s music and have a greater appreciation for people like Ry Cooder, who pretty much always remained true to what they felt was “good” music. Now I just play music that moves me personally. 

With such an illustrious career, what has given you the most satisfaction? How do you want the music/art to affect people?

RV: Even though some years were much harder than others, I’m happy that I was just able to keep going. That was a privilege not afforded to all. I’ve gotten to work with some of the best artists of my generation in blues and rock & roll, and I tried to always keep myself together and do my best as a musician. I hope those who have heard me appreciate the sincerity in what I’ve tried to do and find some inspiration there. It’s been a gift to have spent my life this way.

Rick Vito - Home

(Rick Vito / Photo by Travis Goodin)