Dave Pope Music NZ

31/08/2026

27/08/2026

The music world lost another icon today. RIP Dolly Parton.

27/08/2026

What do you think, guitarists? Do you agree that a good musician should always keep a little bit of their inner child alive? 🎸

25/08/2026

An icon, a legend, and someone beloved across all genres of music. RIP Dolly.

The news of Parton's passing was announced on her social media accounts by her nephew, Brian Seaver.

"I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now," he said in an video post shared to Instagram.

Her most recent album 'Rockstar' included collaborations with metal alumni Rob Halford, Nikki Sixx, and John 5.

Photo credit: Emma McIntyre via Getty Images

12/08/2026

Remembering Les Paul 🎸
(June 9, 1915 – August 12, 2009) 🕊️

A true pioneer whose innovations forever changed the sound of modern music..🎶
Born as Lester William Polsfuss in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Les Paul was not only a brilliant jazz guitarist but also one of the most important inventors in the history of recorded music and electric instruments... 🎸

He played a crucial role in the development of the solid-body electric guitar, which later inspired the iconic Gibson Les Paul—one of the most legendary instruments in rock history.. 🔥

Nicknamed “The Wizard of Waukesha”, his innovations continue to shape how music is played, recorded, and heard across every genre worldwide... 🌍🎶
From jazz to rock to metal, his influence is everywhere.
Gone, but never forgotten.!! 🕯️

12/08/2026

Happy Birthday Mark Knopfler 🎸
(August 12, 1949)

Mark Knopfler, the distinctive musical voice behind Dire Straits and one of the most respected fingerstyle guitarists in rock history...🔥

Knopfler co-founded Dire Straits with his younger brother David Knopfler in 1977. Alongside bassist John Illsley, drummer Pick Withers, and guitarist David Knopfler, he helped establish the band's unique blend of rock, blues, roots music, and sophisticated songwriting...🎸🥁

Knopfler's understated fingerstyle technique, clean guitar tone, and instantly recognizable phrasing became a defining part of the Dire Straits sound. The band released six studio albums, including "Brothers in Arms" in 1985, which became one of the best-selling albums in music history and featured classics such as "Money for Nothing," "Walk of Life," and "Brothers in Arms"..⚡🔥

After Dire Straits dissolved in 1995, Knopfler embarked on a successful solo career, releasing a series of acclaimed albums while continuing to explore folk, blues, country, and roots influences.

Beyond his own recordings, Knopfler has also composed and produced film scores and worked as a producer with artists including Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, and Randy Newman.

A four-time Grammy Award winner, Knopfler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Dire Straits in 2018. His elegant approach to guitar has influenced generations of musicians and remains instantly recognizable decades later...🎸

03/08/2026

Happy Birthday James Hetfield 🔥
(August 3, 1963)

James Hetfield co-founded Metallica in 1981 alongside drummer Lars Ulrich, beginning a journey that would forever change the face of heavy metal...🔥

As the band's lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter, Hetfield has been the driving creative force behind countless metal classics.

The current Metallica lineup features James Hetfield (vocals, rhythm guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), Kirk Hammett (lead guitar), and Robert Trujillo (bass)...🎶

From Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, ...And Justice for All, and Metallica (The Black Album), to Death Magnetic, Hardwired... to Self-Destruct, and 72 Seasons, Hetfield has helped create one of the most celebrated catalogs in heavy music.

Songs such as "Enter Sandman," "Master of Puppets," "One," "Fade to Black," "Battery," "Seek & Destroy," and "Nothing Else Matters" have become timeless anthems that continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans.

Throughout his career, James Hetfield has received countless honors, including being ranked among the greatest metal vocalists of all time by Hit Parader. His relentless work ethic, songwriting talent, and dedication to Metallica have cemented his place as one of heavy metal's true icons.

03/08/2026

Happy Birthday James Hetfield 🔥
(August 3, 1963)

James Hetfield co-founded Metallica in 1981 alongside drummer Lars Ulrich, beginning a journey that would forever change the face of heavy metal...🔥

Throughout his career, James Hetfield has received countless honors, including being ranked among the greatest metal vocalists of all time by Hit Parader. His relentless work ethic, songwriting talent, and dedication to Metallica have cemented his place as one of heavy metal's true icons.