The Last Dinner Party: A New Force in rock Music
The rapid ascent of The Last Dinner Party has captured the attention of music enthusiasts everywhere. Even before they released their first track, this dynamic five-piece was already filling venues to capacity. Their debut year culminated in a remarkable opportunity to open for The Rolling Stones at BST Hyde Park.
Despite their success,some skeptics have labeled them as industry plants or privileged newcomers. However, the truth is that frontwoman Abigail Morris, bassist Georgia Davis, and guitarist Lizzie Mayland forged their bond at college in 2020. They later welcomed pianist Aurora Nishevci, a talented student from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and guitarist Emily Roberts, who previously portrayed Brian May in a Queen tribute band. May himself has since lauded her skills.
musical Influences and Chart Success
The influence of Queen is palpable in The Last Dinner Party’s theatrical style. Their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, which featured a blend of candlelit ambiance and Roman-inspired aesthetics, soared to the top of the charts. Following this success, their October 2025 release, From The Pyre, achieved similar acclaim.
Early Musical Journey
When did you first start playing the guitar?
I began my journey at the age of six with classical lessons, but I quickly lost interest. It wasn’t until I was nine that I picked it up again after witnessing a friend’s lesson. They were having a blast playing The Beatles’ Hey Jude with simple chords and strumming patterns. That sense of community and enjoyment is what I craved, alongside the desire to improve my skills.
In a recent interview with Guitar World, Johnny Marr praised your playing. How do you feel about such recognition?
It honestly brought tears to my eyes! it feels surreal because I don’t consider myself a technically exceptional player. It definitely triggers some imposter syndrome!
Comparisons to Rock Legends
Justin Hawkins from The Darkness likened your chord progressions to those of Led Zeppelin. How do you respond to that?
The raw energy of ’70s rock is something I strive to capture. While I may not always feel powerful in my everyday life, playing guitar gives me that strength.
Improving Fretwork Techniques
If someone wanted to enhance their fretwork skills, what advice would you offer?
Understanding the fretboard is crucial-being able to name the notes on each fret without hesitation is key. Learning solos from various artists can definitely help you absorb different techniques. you won’t end up sounding like just one person; instead, you’ll create a unique blend of influences.
For instance, the solo in Nothing Matters features a tapping section inspired by Eddie Van Halen, even though the song itself doesn’t resemble his style.
Current Gear and Setup
What does your pedalboard look like these days?
I recently revamped my entire setup. After using the Line 6 Helix for several years, I wanted to explore a more analog approach. The Helix was fantastic for dialing in sounds, especially for the Nothing Matters solo, where I could activate effects from anywhere on stage.
Now, I’m utilizing the Mastermind PBC 10 for effects loops, and I’m really enjoying the Boss RE-202 for its tape delay emulation. I was blown away by how great it sounded even through my small Blues Junior amp! I also have a Ceriatone Centura, which is a clone of the klon.
For my amp setup, I’m currently using a Victory VC 35 Copper paired with an AC 15 vox in stereo.We had a variety of Victory amps to test, but I felt something was missing until I added my spare Vox.That combination was exactly what I was looking for.
Your guitar of choice is the Music Man Goldie designed by St. Vincent. What drew you to it?
I discovered it about four or five years ago after seeing St. Vincent perform with it. I was intrigued by its unique and modern design, especially since it was created by a woman for a woman’s physique. It has a clean, flat sound that works beautifully with effects.
I wanted to avoid the typical Fender or Gibson route and sought something distinctive in both sound and appearance. St. Vincent even presented us with the Brits Rising Star Award on the red carpet in 2024, which was a thrilling moment for me. Her guitar playing inspired my lead parts in Sinner, particularly those intricate, distorted lines.
