Christopher Alan Broderick (born March 6, 1970) is an American musician, best known as a former guitarist of the
heavy metal band
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal along wit ...
. He is also formerly the lead guitarist and keyboardist for
Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer is an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
History
Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the new wave of British heavy metal. The original line-up consisted of Harry Conkl ...
, appearing on four of Jag Panzer's albums ''
The Age of Mastery'', ''
Thane to the Throne
Jag Panzer is an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
History
Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the new wave of British heavy metal. The original line-up consisted of Harry Conkl ...
'' (a concept album about
Shakespeare
William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...
's ''
Macbeth
''Macbeth'' (, full title ''The Tragedie of Macbeth'') is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. It is thought to have been first performed in 1606. It dramatises the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those w ...
''), ''
Mechanized Warfare
Armoured warfare or armored warfare (mechanized forces, armoured forces or armored forces) (American English; see spelling differences), is the use of armored fighting vehicles in modern warfare. It is a major component of modern methods of ...
'' and ''
Casting the Stones'' before moving on to Megadeth, replacing
Glen Drover
Glen Drover (born May 25, 1969) is a Canadian heavy metal guitarist from Ottawa, Ontario. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of Megadeth and King Diamond, along with his brother Shawn Drover who also performed with Megadeth.
Histor ...
. Before joining
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal along wit ...
and while still in
Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer is an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
History
Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the new wave of British heavy metal. The original line-up consisted of Harry Conkl ...
, he was also a touring guitarist for
Nevermore
Nevermore was an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, formed in 1991. The band has been inactive since 2011, due to personal issues between the band members. In April 2015, lead singer Warrel Dane confirmed that Nevermore had n ...
between 2001 and 2003 and then again between 2006 and 2007. He is now the lead guitarist for
Act of Defiance
Act of Defiance is an American heavy metal supergroup from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2014 by guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover of Megadeth after they both resigned from the band on the same day, vocalist Henry Der ...
, which he formed with fellow ex-Megadeth bandmate Shawn Drover, and also joined
In Flames
In Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band, formed by guitarist Jesper Strömblad in Gothenburg in 1990. Alongside At the Gates and Dark Tranquillity, In Flames pioneered the genres known as Swedish death metal and melodic death metal.
During t ...
in 2019, as touring guitarist, before becoming the permanent rhythm guitarist in 2022.
Biography
Early years
Broderick started playing guitar when he was 11 years old. His playing styles range from
metal
A metal (from Greek μέταλλον ''métallon'', "mine, quarry, metal") is a material that, when freshly prepared, polished, or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electricity and heat relatively well. Metals are typicall ...
, classical,
neoclassical, and
jazz
Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a major ...
. Broderick has been said to have practiced 14 hours a day during his summers as a teen.
He practiced electric guitar, classical guitar, piano, and violin under a strict daily routine. He has said that at that time it seemed more like a "chore" than for entertainment.
He was a standout player in the Denver music scene from 1988 on in bands Grey Haven, Industrial Eden (guitarist/lead vocalist) and Killing Time.
He also has a
degree
Degree may refer to:
As a unit of measurement
* Degree (angle), a unit of angle measurement
** Degree of geographical latitude
** Degree of geographical longitude
* Degree symbol (°), a notation used in science, engineering, and mathematics
...
in classical guitar music performance at the
University of Denver
The University of Denver (DU) is a private university, private research university in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1864, it is the oldest independent private university in the Mountain States, Rocky Mountain Region of the United States. It is ...
's Lamont School of Music.
He is also interested in
flamenco
Flamenco (), in its strictest sense, is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, developed within the gitano subculture of the region of Andalusia, and also having historical presence in Extremadura and ...
guitar and rates
Paco de Lucia
Paco is a Spanish nickname for Francisco. According to folk etymology, the nickname has its origins in Saint Francis of Assisi, who was the father of the Franciscan order; his name was written in Latin by the order as ''Pater Communitatis'' (fath ...
as his favourite guitarist.
Jag Panzer (1997–2008)
In 1997, guitarist
Joey Tafolla
Joey Tafolla is an American guitarist.
Biography
Born in San Diego, California, Tafolla is the son of Rosie Hamlin and Noah Tafolla, the singer and guitarist of Rosie and the Originals, who recorded the hit single "Angel baby" respectively.Va ...
left
Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer is an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
History
Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the new wave of British heavy metal. The original line-up consisted of Harry Conkl ...
for the second time, citing a lack of interest in playing
heavy metal. For the band, this was a huge problem. Tafolla's guitar work was complex and technical, and as far as they knew few guitarists could comprehend it. This is when Broderick was brought into the fold of Jag Panzer and stayed with them for almost a decade. He played on four of the band's albums. 1998's ''
The Age of Mastery'', 2000's ''
Thane to the Throne
Jag Panzer is an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
History
Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the new wave of British heavy metal. The original line-up consisted of Harry Conkl ...
'' (a concept album about
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...
's play ''
Macbeth
''Macbeth'' (, full title ''The Tragedie of Macbeth'') is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. It is thought to have been first performed in 1606. It dramatises the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those w ...
''), 2001's ''
Mechanized Warfare
Armoured warfare or armored warfare (mechanized forces, armoured forces or armored forces) (American English; see spelling differences), is the use of armored fighting vehicles in modern warfare. It is a major component of modern methods of ...
'', 2003's compilation album ''
Decade of the Nail Spiked Bat
''Decade of the Nail Spiked Bat'' is a 2-CD compilation album by power metal band Jag Panzer.
Track listing
All tracks by Jag Panzer
Personnel
*Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin – Vocals, Vocals (background)
*Mark Briody – Guitar, Vocals (back ...
'' and 2004's ''
Casting the Stones''.
Nevermore (2001–2003, 2006–2007)
During the time period of 2000–2003 and some of 2004, Broderick was taking part in the live shows of heavy metal band
Nevermore
Nevermore was an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, formed in 1991. The band has been inactive since 2011, due to personal issues between the band members. In April 2015, lead singer Warrel Dane confirmed that Nevermore had n ...
. After the release of the album, ''
This Godless Endeavor
''This Godless Endeavor'' is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Nevermore, released on July 26, 2005. The album was produced by Andy Sneap and is distributed by Century Media Records.
Overview
Guitarist Jeff Loomis revealed in ...
'', he began once again to tour with Nevermore until joining
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal along wit ...
in 2008.
Megadeth (2008–2014)
In late 2007, rumors had been circulating that
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal along wit ...
guitarist
Glen Drover
Glen Drover (born May 25, 1969) is a Canadian heavy metal guitarist from Ottawa, Ontario. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of Megadeth and King Diamond, along with his brother Shawn Drover who also performed with Megadeth.
Histor ...
had left the band. This was proved to be true after statements released from both Glen and Megadeth frontman
Dave Mustaine
David Scott Mustaine (born September 13, 1961) is an American musician. He is the co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and primary songwriter of the thrash metal band Megadeth, as well as their sole consistent member. Mustaine has releas ...
. The night after the statements were released, Megadeth drummer
Shawn Drover
Shawn Drover (born May 5, 1966) is a Canadian drummer, best known for his work with the American heavy metal band Megadeth.
He began playing the drums at the age of 13. In 1993 he founded the power metal band Eidolon with his brother Glen. H ...
brought up Broderick as a possible replacement. Shawn then showed Mustaine a video of Broderick playing both classical and electric guitar. Mustaine was immediately won over and soon managed to get in contact with Broderick. Two weeks later, Broderick was officially declared the new guitarist for Megadeth. He made his live debut with the band on February 4, 2008, in Finland and toured with them on
Gigantour 2008. He went on to record guitar parts for their twelfth album, ''
Endgame
Endgame, Endgames, End Game, End Games, or similar variations may refer to:
Film
* ''The End of the Game'' (1919 film)
* ''The End of the Game'' (1975 film), short documentary U.S. film
* ''Endgame'' (1983 film), 1983 Italian post-apocalyptic f ...
'' (2009), through to their fourteenth album, ''
Super Collider'' (2013).
Due to extensive touring with Megadeth, Broderick was no longer be able to collaborate with Jag Panzer and Nevermore. Mustaine said that when he partnered up with Broderick, he said that it reminded him of when "
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which period he adop ...
met
Randy Rhoads
Randall William Rhoads (December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982) was an American guitarist. He was the co-founder and original guitarist of the heavy metal band Quiet Riot, and the guitarist and co-songwriter for Ozzy Osbourne's first two solo alb ...
". On March 8, 2009, Mustaine commented that he thought Broderick was the greatest guitarist Megadeth had ever had. In the then-current line up of the band, he was the youngest member in Megadeth. During his time with Megadeth, Broderick had to stop playing his trademark
seven-string guitar
The seven-string guitar adds one additional string to the more common six-string guitar, commonly used to extend the bass range (usually a low B) or also to extend the treble range.
The additional string is added in one of two different ways: by ...
and adopt a six-string guitar. Broderick said that "Dave
ustainefelt a seven-string guitar wasn't an original thrash metal instrument. Therefore he felt it would be better if I used six strings." He said in an interview with ''
Total Guitar
''Total Guitar'' is a monthly music magazine based in Bath, the United Kingdom, that has been in circulation since 1994.
The magazine is owned by Future plc, who publish many other magazines ranging from drums and video games to technology mag ...
'' that he would stay with Megadeth as long as they were happy to have him.
On November 25, 2014, Broderick posted a message on his website saying he was parting ways with Megadeth: "Due to artistic and musical differences, it is with great reluctance that I announce my departure from Megadeth to pursue my own musical direction. I want all of you to know how much I appreciate the amount that you the fans have accepted and respected me as a member of Megadeth for the last seven years, but it is time for me to move on. I wish Dave and everyone in Megadeth all the best. I am working on a few things of my own and hope that when they come out, you will all dig it."
Act of Defiance (2014–present)
After leaving Megadeth, Broderick and former Megadeth drummer
Shawn Drover
Shawn Drover (born May 5, 1966) is a Canadian drummer, best known for his work with the American heavy metal band Megadeth.
He began playing the drums at the age of 13. In 1993 he founded the power metal band Eidolon with his brother Glen. H ...
formed
Act of Defiance
Act of Defiance is an American heavy metal supergroup from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2014 by guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover of Megadeth after they both resigned from the band on the same day, vocalist Henry Der ...
along with ex-
Scar the Martyr
Scar the Martyr was an American heavy metal band, consisting of Joey Jordison, Kris Norris, Jed Simon, Kyle Konkiel, and Matthew Tarach.
History
The band was announced in April 2013 by drummer Joey Jordison, who was still playing with Slipk ...
frontman Henry Derek Bonner and former
Shadows Fall
Shadows Fall is an American metalcore band from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 1996. Although Shadows Fall has experienced several line-up changes, for most of its recording career, Shadows Fall has been composed of Jon Donais (lead guitar, b ...
guitarist
Matt Bachand
Matt Bachand (born April 29, 1977) is an American guitarist. He has strong death metal and thrash metal influences. He is rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for the heavy metal band Shadows Fall, and the bassist for Act of Defiance.
He is k ...
.
Equipment
Broderick was endorsed by
Ibanez
is a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as ...
guitars and DiMarzio Pickups (A Pair of D Activator 7's neck and bridge models) along with ENGL amplifiers and Ernie Ball Slinky strings. Before using Ibanez Guitars, he used
Schecter Guitars
Schecter Guitar Research, commonly known simply as Schecter, is an American manufacturing company founded in 1976 by David Schecter, which originally produced only replacement parts for existing guitars from manufacturers such as Fender and Gibs ...
with
Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan is an American company best known for manufacturing guitar and bass pickups. They also manufacture effects pedals which are designed and assembled in America. Guitarist and luthier Seymour W. Duncan and Cathy Carter Duncan foun ...
pickups. In the past he has also used
Bare Knuckle Pickups, mainly the coldsweat models.
Despite an ENGL endorsement, he used
Marshall Amps
Marshall is a British company that designs and manufactures music amplifiers, speaker cabinets, brands personal headphones and earphones, drums and bongos. The company also owns a record label called Marshall Records. It was founded in London ...
(the JVM 410 and EL34 100/100 power amp) during his time in Megadeth at Mustaine's demand. During his time in Megadeth he switched (along with Mustaine) to using a Fractal Axe-FX II rig modeler which he continues to use.
In January 2011, Broderick left Ibanez and is now endorsing
Jackson Guitars
Jackson is a manufacturer of electric guitars and electric bass guitars that bears the name of its founder, Grover Jackson. The company was acquired by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in 2002, which manufactures Jackson-branded guitar ...
. He is playing a custom shop archtop soloist produced to his personal demands, featuring 24 frets, 12" radius, custom DiMarzio pickups (tentatively called the Fundamental) and is available in a 6 or 7 string configuration. Broderick uses Dunlop Tortex T3 picks in 1.35mm. He uses a pick holder that keeps the pick in place on his thumb, which he has manufactured and sells on his website.
Bands
*
Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer is an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
History
Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the new wave of British heavy metal. The original line-up consisted of Harry Conkl ...
1997–2008
*
Nevermore
Nevermore was an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, formed in 1991. The band has been inactive since 2011, due to personal issues between the band members. In April 2015, lead singer Warrel Dane confirmed that Nevermore had n ...
2001–2003, 2006–2007 (live member only)
*
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal along wit ...
2008–2014
*
Act of Defiance
Act of Defiance is an American heavy metal supergroup from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2014 by guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover of Megadeth after they both resigned from the band on the same day, vocalist Henry Der ...
2014–present
*
In Flames
In Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band, formed by guitarist Jesper Strömblad in Gothenburg in 1990. Alongside At the Gates and Dark Tranquillity, In Flames pioneered the genres known as Swedish death metal and melodic death metal.
During t ...
2022-present
(touring member 2019-2022)
Discography
Jag Panzer
* ''
The Age of Mastery'' (1998)
* ''
Thane to the Throne
Jag Panzer is an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
History
Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the new wave of British heavy metal. The original line-up consisted of Harry Conkl ...
'' (2000)
* ''
Mechanized Warfare
Armoured warfare or armored warfare (mechanized forces, armoured forces or armored forces) (American English; see spelling differences), is the use of armored fighting vehicles in modern warfare. It is a major component of modern methods of ...
'' (2001)
* ''The Era of Kings and Conflict'' (2002)
* ''
Decade of the Nail Spiked Bat
''Decade of the Nail Spiked Bat'' is a 2-CD compilation album by power metal band Jag Panzer.
Track listing
All tracks by Jag Panzer
Personnel
*Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin – Vocals, Vocals (background)
*Mark Briody – Guitar, Vocals (back ...
'' (2003)
* ''
Casting the Stones'' (2004)
Megadeth
* ''
Blood in the Water: Live in San Diego'' (2008) (unreleased)
* ''
Endgame
Endgame, Endgames, End Game, End Games, or similar variations may refer to:
Film
* ''The End of the Game'' (1919 film)
* ''The End of the Game'' (1975 film), short documentary U.S. film
* ''Endgame'' (1983 film), 1983 Italian post-apocalyptic f ...
'' (2009)
* ''
Rust in Peace Live'' (2010)
* ''
The Big 4 Live from Sofia, Bulgaria'' (2010)
* ''
Thirteen
Thirteen or 13 may refer to:
* 13 (number), the natural number following 12 and preceding 14
* One of the years 13 BC, AD 13, 1913, 2013
Music
* 13AD (band), an Indian classic and hard rock band
Albums
* ''13'' (Black Sabbath album), 2013
* ...
'' (2011)
* ''
Super Collider'' (2013)
* ''
Countdown to Extinction: Live'' (2013)
Nevermore
* ''
The Year of the Voyager
''The Year of the Voyager'' is a double DVD/CD released by Nevermore. It was released in Europe on October 20, 2008 and in North America on November 25, 2008 via Century Media. The set covers the ''This Godless Endeavor'' touring cycle, starting ...
'' (2008)
Act of Defiance
* ''
Birth and the Burial
''Birth and the Burial'' is the debut studio album by American heavy metal supergroup Act of Defiance. It was released on August 21, 2015, through Metal Blade Records.
A music video for the song "Throwback" was released on June 24, 2015, with an ...
'' (2015)
* ''
Old Scars, New Wounds
''Old Scars, New Wounds'' is the second and last album by American heavy metal supergroup Act of Defiance, released on September 29, 2017, for label Metal Blade Records and produced by Dave Otero, Steve White and group member/guitarist Chris Brod ...
'' (2017)
In Flames
* ''
Foregone
''Foregone'' is the upcoming fourteenth studio album by Swedish heavy metal band In Flames. The album is set to be released on 10 February 2023 through Nuclear Blast and was produced by Howard Benson. It is the first album by the band to feature ...
'' (2023)
References
External links
*
*
*
Skill Showcase
{{DEFAULTSORT:Broderick, Chris
1970 births
20th-century American guitarists
21st-century American guitarists
American heavy metal guitarists
American male guitarists
Megadeth members
Lead guitarists
Living people
Seven-string guitarists
University of Denver alumni