Biography


Perhaps best known for his work with the Bay Area thrash metal band Testament, which he joined at 16, Alex is equally adept as an improviser of jazz, world music and other styles. A star pupil of guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, Alex went on to earn a BFA from the New School in New York City, where he studied advanced musical concepts, philosophy and creative writing. While at The New School, he formed the Alex Skolnick Trio, whose four albums have been critically acclaimed in such publications as Downbeat and JazzTimes.

A frequent live guest for artists as diverse as Rodrigo y Gabriela (with whom he appeared on RyG's 2009 album 11:11) and Living Colour, Alex has also toured with the hit holiday rock concert Trans-Siberian Orchestra and virtuoso bassist Stuart Hamm. He has shared the stage with such diverse artists as Steven Tyler, Ozzy Osbourne, Roger Daltrey, Debbie Friedman, Anton Fig, Robert Randolph, Bonnie Tyler, Joe Walsh, Joan Jett, Blue Oyster Cult and more. In 2015, Alex became a core member of Metal Allegiance, co-writing and co-producing the all-star project's self-titled debut to rave reviews including four stars from Revolver Magazine.