Guðmundur Pétursson received the Golden Nail at Bjössi Thor's party.
Guitarist and composer Guðmundur Pétursson receives this year's Golden Nail. The award was presented at Bjössa Thor's Guitar Feast, a festival sponsored by the City of Hafnarfjörður.
Pure Guitar Feast at Ægi 220 this weekend
The guitarist and composer Gudmundur Pétursson receives the Golden Nail this year. The award is presented to an individual who has had a significant and lasting impact on Icelandic guitar playing over the years.
„It was the unanimous decision of the judging panel that with his exceptional performance, Gudmundur had shown and proven that he is a world-class guitarist,“ says Björn Thoroddsen, Bjössi Thor, guitarist and founder of the Guitar Festival. The award was just presented at a ceremony at Ági 220 in Hafnarfjörður. The festival is sponsored by the City of Hafnarfjörður.
Among the foremost musicians
The jury's reasoning states, among other things, that for many years Guðmundur has been among the nation's foremost musicians. He has not only made his mark on the history of the Icelandic guitar as a unique soloist and composer, but also as a highly sought-after studio guitarist. His career spans everything from composing works for the symphony orchestra to playing with world-renowned stars such as Patti Smith and Pinetop Perkins.
„Gudmundur possesses a rare musical sensitivity and technique that transcends all boundaries. He has been an inspiration to generations of Icelandic guitarists and it was our unanimous decision that no one was more deserving of receiving this year's Golden Nail,“ says Bjössi Thor, guitarist and founder of the Guitar Festival.
Guðmundur Pétursson has received numerous accolades during his career, including the Icelandic Music Awards, but his latest album, Wandering Beings, was chosen as the album of the year in its category in 2024.