As one of the nations most sought after players, Joel McDonald sits at the tip of the spear of Australia’s most influential guitarists. 
Blending virtuosic quips and a rich sense of rhythm, Joel has both the awe-inducing skill and innate musicality to elevate the situation. 

 

On the home front, Joel is perhaps best known for as founder and lead guitarist for Frankie’s World Famous House Band (of cult venue Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney). This residency ran every week from 2012 - 2022 to packed audiences.

 

During this period, he seduced some mighty collaborations with acts such as KISS, AC/DC, Dio, Guns N’ Roses, Whitesnake, The Cult, Motley Crue, Five Finger Death Punch, and many more.

 

As Joel's reputation grew during these years, partnering with established artists as performer and musical director, became Joel’s niche. He has toured all over the U.S, and performed at some of the largest European rock festivals.

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In 2021, Joel fronted the Legends and Icons tour celebrating Eddie Van Halen. This show included a guest roster of Australia’s most well-known guitarists and was met with great success. 

Not to be tied to one genre, he spent much of 2022 touring Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, for the Classic Rock Live Orchestrated tour.

Most recently in 2023 he has been on tour with Tim 'Ripper' Owens of Judas Priest.

 

As a well respected and increasingly prolific musician, Joel marries an effortless technicality with uncensored and instinctive playing. A visually magnetic and captivating player - you won’t want to miss this gig.