Guitar Journal: Victory Custom Braille Amp & More
We check the new Tony Iommi documentary and celebrate the life of Bob Weir
5,0 / 5,0 | 
This week, we look at possibly the most wholesome story of 2026, and it is only January. Victory Amps has made a Custom Braille amplifier for blind guitarist Anthony Ferraro. We then check out the new Gibson TV documentary, Tony Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal. Finally, we look back at the life of Bob Weir, who sadly passed away over the weekend.
Guitar Journal
Victory Amps Custom Braille Amp
In a year often dominated by challenging headlines, a heartwarming collaboration between British manufacturer Victory Amps and musician Anthony Ferraro is being hailed as the “most wholesome moment of 2026.”
Only last week, Victory Amps launched the new MKX, and they are back in the news this week, after a very generous and heart-warming project shared over the weekend on social media.
The British boutique amp brand has custom-engineered a one-of-a-kind amplifier featuring tactile Braille labeling, specifically designed for Ferraro, a well-known blind guitarist and professional skateboarder. The move marks a significant step forward in instrument accessibility and inclusive design within the music industry.
Braille Text
In a video shared with his Instagram followers, Ferraro is seen unboxing the white custom combo amp. His excitement quickly turns to emotion as he discovers that every control knob and routing port on the unit’s back is marked with Braille text.
“Do you know how many times I’ve had to ask a friend, ‘Hey, what’s this control?’” Ferraro said during the reveal. “I think this is the first amp in the world to ever do this. This is the most amazing amp I’ve ever touched.”
The package also included a personal note embossed in Braille, stating that the team at Victory had set themselves a challenge to create a unique design after hearing Ferraro wanted to try their gear.
“It means the world to us seeing you connect with your amp like this, Anthony. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey.” – Victory Amps
A fantastic gesture, which also raises awareness and helps push inclusivity in our world of music and creativity. Nice one, Victory Amps!
Gibson Tony Iommi Documentary
Gibson has released a free Tony Iommi documentary series; the first episode is called Tony Iommi: The Godfather of Heavy Metal.
Gibson TV
Gibson TV’s deep dive into the life of Tony Iommi. This first installment explores how a working-class Birmingham youth overcame a devastating physical injury to become the architect of the heavy metal riff.
Heavy Metal Legend
Through candid storytelling by Iommi and tributes from rock royalty like Brian May, Zakk Wylde, and relative newcomer Yungblud, the film captures the grit and genius of Black Sabbath’s co-founder and the enduring impact of his epic Doom-laden sound.
It is well worth checking out, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment. Gibson TV is making some really great content, and so hopefully this latest series will inspire the younger generation to check out Iommi and keep old farts like me happy as well!
Bob Weir – 1947–2026
Bob Weir, the founding guitarist, vocalist, and rhythmic heart of the Grateful Dead, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at the age of 78. Surrounded by loved ones, Weir transitioned following a courageous battle with cancer and subsequent lung complications.
Grateful Dead
A cornerstone of American counterculture, Weir co-founded the Grateful Dead in the mid-1960s. As the youngest member of the “core four,” he evolved from a folk-influenced rhythm player into a singular guitar stylist, famously drawing inspiration from jazz legends such as John Coltrane to develop his unique harmonic language. He was the voice behind many of the band’s definitive anthems, including the iconic “Truckin’.”
Beyond the Dead’s initial 30-year run, Weir became the primary custodian of the band’s vast musical legacy.
Whether leading RatDog, Furthur, or the stadium-filling Dead & Company alongside John Mayer, Weir’s dedication to the “long strange trip” never wavered. Even while battling stage fright for six decades, he found his ultimate peace under the stage lights, often remarking that performing allowed him to “leave the building” and let the music take over.
Weir’s final months were marked by the same resilience that defined his career; he continued to perform and evolve musically even after his July 2025 diagnosis. He is survived by his wife, Natascha, and his daughters, Monet and Chloe.
As the official statement noted, his passing is not a final curtain, but a “reward for a life worth livin’.”
This might also interest you
