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Backstage: Pat Metheny

Pat Metheny is one of the most influential guitarists in modern jazz, having won 20 Grammy Awards, among other accolades. His international breakthrough came in 1974 alongside vibraphonist Gary Burton. Metheny also breaks records in education: at just 18 years of age, he became the youngest lecturer at the University of Miami; a year later, he was the youngest teacher at Berklee College of Music, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1996. He runs workshops around the world that inspire generations of young musicians.

Pat Metheny sits with his guitar at the intersection of two industrial streets, one of the buildings is covered in scaffolding.
Copyright: Jimmy Katz

Do you have a special ritual before a performance?

That depends mainly on the music. Since the focus is on improvising, the types of “warming up” required are as much mental as physical. Also, I don’t eat at all during the day. I feel better playing if I am a bit hungry.

Nervous wreck or the life of the party?

Neither. Music is something that I feel very lucky to be around. I feel more like an observer than a participant.

What things should definitely always be available backstage?

Pickle juice if it is going to be hot – to fight against cramps from sweating.

Final applause, off the stage – and then what? What’s the first thing you do after a performance?

The best is if I don’t have to do anything so I can start getting ready for the next one. But often I have to do a little bit of saying hello to people.

Who would you like to perform with and why?

I am really lucky to be able to say that I have had the chance to be on stage with pretty much all of my heroes over the years. This current Side-Eye III+ band is the group of people right now that I would rather be on stage with than anyone.

Pat Metheny – Side-Eye III+

Jazznights 2026

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