Yanick Gers - Lead guitarist of Iron Maiden

Yanick Gers or Yanick Robert Gers (born January 27, 1957 in Hartlepool, England) is one of three current guitarists in the heavy metal band Iron Maiden and a songwriter for the band.

Yanick was the lead guitarist for White Spirit, Gillan and Gogmagog before joining Iron Maiden in place of the departing Adrian Smith. He has remained with the band ever since.

Fact - Although Yanick is left handed he plays guitar right handed.

Guitar of choice - Fender Stratocaster black and white. Gers' main influences are Ritchie Blackmore and Irish blues guitarist Rory Gallagher. He is noted for his energetic stage presence, as evidenced on the Rock in Rio DVD. He can often be seen bouncing up and down and occasionally does tricks with his guitar, such as spinning it around his body while playing, or throwing it into the air, catching it. In recent years, it is a standard feature of Iron Maiden live shows, that Eddie (the 10 foot mascot who lumbers around the stage during at least one song per set) heads towards Janick and starts mock-attacking him. Janick generally responds by swinging or stabbing his guitar at Eddie, as seen on the Rock in Rio DVD during "The Evil that Men do".

Below is a a short video of Yanick Gers in action.

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