Joey Santiago

Joey Santiago
Santiago performing in 2017
Santiago performing in 2017
Background information
Birth nameJoseph Alberto Santiago
Born (1965-06-10) June 10, 1965 (age 59)
Manila, Philippines
OriginLongmeadow, Massachusetts, U.S.
GenresAlternative rock
Occupation(s)Musician, composer
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1986–present
Member of

Joseph Alberto Santiago (born June 10, 1965) is a Filipino-American guitarist and composer. Active since 1986, Santiago is best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the alternative rock band Pixies. After the band's breakup in 1993, Santiago produced musical scores for film and television documentaries, and he formed The Martinis with his ex-wife, Linda Mallari. He also contributed to albums by Charles Douglas and former Pixies band-mate Frank Black. Santiago resumed his role as the Pixies' lead guitarist when they reunited in 2004.

Santiago has described his guitar technique as "angular and bent", and he cites Les Paul, George Harrison, Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and Jimi Hendrix as major influences on his style. His guitar playing, as part of the Pixies' sound, was held in high regard by critics: MTV's Laurel Bowman commented that Santiago's "sonic plow was the key element in the Pixies' monstrous presence".[1]

  1. ^ Bowman, Laurel. "Death to the Pixies". MTV Reviews. October 1997.