Who is Sophie Lloyd, the new guitarist for MGK’s live band?
Machine Gun Kelly has just added a new guitarist to their touring lineup, and while some of you may already know this guitar genius, others may be discovering Sophie Lloyd for the first time or ask why you can recognize her.
Lloyd has created a buzz on social media in recent years, channeling his passion for metal into creative YouTube and Instagram covers that have earned him quite a loyal following. Some of his most recent releases have been a metal version of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and shredded versions of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” and Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.” She’s also shared her love of metal through her “Metal Monday” posts, recently taking on Scorpions, Whitesnake, Slipknot, Steel Panther, and Breaking Benjamin, among others.
Lloyd recently announced something big was on the horizon in her Instagram post for Britney Spears’ metal version, saying, “I’ve been so busy with some crazy stuff I can’t wait to share with you guys have had the craziest few months of my life so keep your eyes peeled!!”
Then, earlier today (May 24), Machine Gun Kelly and Sophie Lloyd both let the cat out of the bag with their respective Instagram Stories. In rehearsal footage posted to Kelly’s Instagram Stories, the musician wrote, “Added a new friend to the band.”
Lloyd, posting the same footage and adding a few more slides, commented, “The secret is out! I will be joining Machine Gun Kelly for their Mainstream Sellout tour this year!! So excited and honored to have this opportunity…So honored to play alongside such amazing musicians like @guitarslayer24.”
According to Lloyd’s biography on her website, she discovered her obsession with rock music at a young age. “With roots in classic metal, bands like Iron Maiden, Black Label Society and Pantera were among the biggest influences on his primary playing style,” the article states. “She blended this heavy, technical style with the expression and feel of blues guitarists such as Rory Gallagher and Joe Bonnamassa. Her rhythm playing is heavily inspired by punk bands such as Offspring and Misfits.” Sounds like a stellar and comprehensive addition to Machine Gun Kelly’s already established touring lineup.
Lloyd released his first EP, Delusions, in 2018. And social media has played a big role in his rise to over a million subscribers to his YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts. Watch some of his recent videos below.
As for Machine Gun Kelly’s “Mainstream Sellout” tour, it kicks off June 8 in Austin, Texas as the Moody Center and runs through mid-October, crossing the pond back to finish in Amsterdam. . A mix of artists will perform alongside MGK during the run, including Willow, blackbear, Iann Dior, Avril Lavigne, PVRIS, Travis Barker, Trippie Redd and 44phantom. Get ticketing information here.