The all-new October 2025 Guitar World – where Smashing Pumpkins and Sex Pistols mingle openly with Carlos Santana and Khruangbin

(Image credit: Danielle Simone)

Hey, gang. The new October 2025 issue of Guitar World is out and about – and it goes a little something like this…

Billy Corgan & Kiki Wong: Billy and Kiki – the Smashing Pumpkins’ first and latest guitarists, respectively – discuss how bonding over Dimebag Darrell and dressing like “Rob Halford’s cousin” helped turn Wong into a Pumpkin overnight – by Joe BossoBilly Corgan’s Tales of a Scorched Earth: Billy Corgan looks back on the making of the Smashing Pumpkins’ era-defining grand opus, 1995’s Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness – by Joe BossoSex Pistols Incite Anarchy in the U.S.! O.G. Sex Pistols Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook are about to kick off a rare U.S. tour with Frank Carter – as in, not Johnny Rotten – behind the mic. Says Jones, “For the first time in a long time, I’m really enjoying doing Pistols songs” – by Andrew DalyCarlos Santana Is as Supernatural as Ever: Six decades into his career, Carlos Santana remains excited by the very thought of having a guitar in his hands. In this issue, he looks back on the music and gear that’s soundtracked his one-of-a-kind life – by Amit Sharma

(Image credit: Danielle Simone)Let us not forget this other cool stuff…The Gear Hunter checks in with Robert Keeley of Keeley ElectonicsPersonalities pays a visit to longtime Beach Boys guitarist Al Jardine, who discusses the lesser-known aspects of Surfs Up and HollandMeet Inhaler guitarist Josh JenkinsonA tribute to the late, great Rick Derringer (1947-2025)Zakk Wylde’s life in three guitarsThe issue also features new interviews with Khruangbin’s Mark Speer and Laura Lee Ochoa, plus Vernon Reid, Ricky Byrd, both guitarists from Momma, both guitarists from Phoneboy and both guitarists from the Voidz, plus Bumblefoot, Ally Venable and Laura Pleasants.

Gear-wise, we explore the history and allure of the Fender Jazzmaster, and we review all this cool stuff:

Kramer Volante HSGTTC Electronic Ditto 2ToneWoodAmp2Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus pluginJackson Pro Series Misha Mansoor Juggernaut ET6Taylor 314ce StudioGibson Marcus King ES-345Finally, we have new columns by Joe Bonamassa, Jared James Nichols, Sue Foley and Cory Wong, plus transcriptions of Neurogenesis by Intervals & Koan Sound, Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder.

Head to Magazines Direct to pick up your copy of the October 2025 Guitar World.

Joe Bonamassa: The great Duane Eddy – YouTube

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Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He’s written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ‘The Complete Epic Recordings Collection’ (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn’s The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.