In the glittering world of metal guitar virtuosos, Chris Impellitteri's story stands as a powerful testament to music's healing power through personal tragedy. The guitar wizard, who burst onto the scene in 1987 with lightning-fast technical skills rivaling legends like Eddie Van Halen, carried deep emotional wounds beneath his dazzling fretwork.
At just nine years old, Impellitteri faced an unimaginable loss when both his parents died by suicide. His grandmother stepped in to raise him, becoming his anchor during those difficult years. But fate dealt another cruel blow when she later succumbed to cancer in the late 1980s, just as his music career was taking off.
"It's almost like I was trying to self-sabotage," Impellitteri revealed in a recent interview. Medical professionals later told him his behavior during that period was "highly suicidal." The grief spiraled him into a dark period lasting several years, affecting both his playing and mental health.
Critics seized upon his vulnerable state, with some dismissively labeling him a "masturbating guitar player." However, salvation came through his band's first full-length album "Stand in Line." While achieving moderate success in America, the record found an enthusiastic audience in Japan, where Impellitteri's technical prowess was especially celebrated.
Through twelve albums spanning over three decades, music remained his constant companion. The guitarist never stopped creating, even during his darkest moments. Today, he approaches his craft with renewed perspective, focusing on melodic expression while maintaining his signature speed.
"Even if you're playing power or speed metal, it can still have a good melody," says Impellitteri, who has emerged stronger from his experiences. His journey from child tragedy to guitar virtuoso demonstrates how music can serve as both lifeline and healing force through life's most challenging moments.