Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X) – The Story of WROC (Washington’s Rules of Civility) What happens when one of rock’s most inventive guitarists finds inspiration in 18th-century etiquette? Paul Gilbert’s The Story of WROC turns George Washington’s “Rules of Civility” into electrifying rock anthems — blending humor, history, and blazing guitar work. With grooves that smile and melodies that soar, Gilbert transforms old-world manners into modern musical fire. It’s virtuosic, witty, and unmistakably Paul Gilbert.

The technical chameleon and guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert today announces his new album, WROC, which stands for “Washington’s Rules of Civility,” could very well be the guitar superstar’s most outlandish offering to date. Using George Washington’s Rules of Civility as a conceptual homing beacon, Gilbert has dared himself to think outside the box and use an etiquette guide dating back to the late 1500s as his main source of inspiration.

He may have wielded a cordless power drill for supersonic tremolo picking and used a slide to summon the voice of Ronnie James Dio in the past. Still, this latest recording is the sound of a musician defiantly broadening himself into new uncharted horizons for his first vocal album since 2016’s “I Can Destroy.”

“Go Not Thither” pairs throbbing vibe pedals with regal harmonies, classic metal riffage and ZZ Top boogie blues. Talking about the song, Gilbert muses, “Hundreds of years ago, everyone must have been walking around kicking the earth. They kicked the earth so much that a rule had to be invented to put a stop to it! Another rule in the song, “Play not the peacock,” is more difficult to follow. I know this, as I can’t resist playing guitar solos while wearing a tricorn hat.”