Richard Benson: Worst Shred Guitarist Ever or Brilliant Performance Artist?

YouTuber Steve Terreberry released a video last month about Richard Benson, an English guitarist living in Italy who’s been navigating the tonal tides of the Mediterranean Sea since the early ’70s. His performances are quite something — like an even more over-the-top, less talented Michael Angel Batio (and let me be clear: I am a BIG Batio fan) — and Benson seems to have accrued something of a cult following on the internet in recent years.

Check out Stevie T’s video below, along with a recent live performance video of Benson, and decide for yourself: is the guy delusional about his talent, or is it all a ruse in the name of performance art? These days I really wouldn’t be surprised either way.

[via Ultimate Guitar]