Pete Thorn is a Canadian guitarist, songwriter and touring musician known for his work as a sideman with numerous internationally recognized artists. Although he often refers to himself informally as a “guitar nerd,” his career spans collaborations with major figures in rock and pop music, as well as a growing body of solo work. His debut instrumental album, Guitar Nerd, received positive critical attention and became one of CD Baby’s top‑selling independent releases. Thorn grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, and began playing guitar in his early teens. In his late teens he moved to the United States to study at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, a decision that placed him at the center of the city’s professional music scene. After graduating, he joined the Los Angeles–based band Surreal McCoys, which signed with Sony Music Japan. Although the band was short‑lived, Thorn’s work with vocalist Frank Simes—a musician connected to artists such as Don Henley, Mick Jagger, Warren Zevon and Stevie Nicks—helped him establish valuable industry contacts. In 1997, Thorn joined the band Sparkler (Giant Records) and also worked with artists including Ami, Kevin Gilbert and Laura Harding. Between 1999 and 2001, he toured extensively across North America and Europe with several acts, among them: Adam Cohen (Columbia Records), Blinker the Star (DreamWorks Records), Evan and Jaron (Columbia Records). He later joined the pop/rock group Snapdragon (Straightline/Atlantic), contributing to the release The Family Jewels. In 2001, Thorn toured with Five for Fighting (Aware Records), supporting singer‑songwriter John Ondrasik. The following year he joined Canadian alternative rock band Forty Foot Echo, whose self‑titled debut album produced the singles “Brand New Day,” featured in the Disney film Freaky Friday, and “Save Me,” a Top 10 rock radio hit in Canada.
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Groomed Noodler
Rosemary
Eye of Horus
All Is Not Lost
Dirty Town
In Good Company
Perplexed
Jamtrack
Into Focus
Monster Movie
Remember
Kyushu Blues
