Frank Hannon
Guitarist · Songwriter · Producer
"Music is the universal language — it crosses every border and speaks directly to the soul."
The Story
Frank Hannon is best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the multi-platinum rock band TESLA, one of the most enduring acts to emerge from the late-1980s hard rock era. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Hannon picked up the guitar as a teenager and quickly developed a style rooted in the blues, classic rock, and country — influences that would define TESLA's sound and his own prolific solo career.
TESLA formed in Sacramento in 1984 and signed to Geffen Records, releasing their debut album Mechanical Resonance in 1986. The band's raw, guitar-driven sound and honest songwriting set them apart from their contemporaries, and albums like The Great Radio Controversy (1989) and Psychotic Supper (1991) cemented their status as one of rock's most respected acts. Hannon's guitar work — melodic, soulful, and technically assured — has been a cornerstone of the band's identity across every era.
Beyond TESLA, Hannon has built a rich solo catalogue that spans blues, Americana, acoustic guitar, and hard rock. Albums like Gypsy Highway, Six String Soldiers, World Peace, and Reflections showcase a musician who refuses to be confined to a single genre, drawing equally from Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman, and Chet Atkins.
Hannon is also a dedicated educator and advocate for music. His Frank Hannon Guitar Master Course brings his decades of experience directly to aspiring guitarists, covering technique, tone, songwriting, and the philosophy of playing with feeling. He believes deeply that music is a gift to be shared, and that mentorship is one of the most important things an experienced musician can offer.
A lifelong horseman and outdoorsman, Hannon draws creative inspiration from the natural world — the open landscapes of the American West, the quiet of early mornings, and the connection between man and animal. These themes run through his music and his life in equal measure.
In 2026, TESLA returned to the road for the Carnival of Sins Tour alongside Mötley Crüe and Extreme, one of the biggest rock tours of the year. Hannon continues to record, tour, and create — driven by the same love of music that first put a guitar in his hands decades ago.
Frank Hannon Discography
TESLA Discography
Career Timeline
2026
TESLA / Mötley Crüe / Extreme — The Return of the Carnival of Sins Tour
Frank Hannon and TESLA hit the road with Mötley Crüe and Extreme for a major U.S. tour running from July 17 through September 26, 2026, with TESLA occupying the middle slot.
2026
TESLA releases Homage
TESLA releases Homage, an album celebrating many of the artists and songs that influenced the band, released July 17, 2026.
2026
Still Keepin' It Real Tour
Earlier in 2026, Hannon toured with TESLA on the band's Still Keepin' It Real tour, following the band's 2025 Las Vegas residency and extensive touring.
2025
Reflections — Solo Album
Hannon releases Reflections, a guitar-driven instrumental solo album showcasing his blues, rock, acoustic and melodic guitar playing.
2025
Greensleeves (The Timeless Melody) — Solo EP
Hannon releases the Greensleeves EP, a melodic solo guitar interpretation of the classic piece, demonstrating his range beyond rock and blues.
2025
TESLA Las Vegas Residency
TESLA returns to the House of Blues Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay for a five-date residency in October.
2024–2025
TESLA Keepin' It Real era
TESLA spends this period extensively touring the U.S. and preparing new material that ultimately becomes Homage.
2020
Five Man London Jam
TESLA releases Five Man London Jam, an intimate live/acoustic performance recorded in London.
2019
Shock
TESLA releases Shock, produced by Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. Hannon contributes guitar and songwriting to the album.
2018
From One Place to Another, Vol. 1 & 2 — Solo Albums
Hannon releases From One Place to Another, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, a broad double-album collection of rock, blues and roots-oriented material that stands as one of his most expansive solo statements.
2016
TESLA / Def Leppard / REO Speedwagon
TESLA tours with Def Leppard and REO Speedwagon. Hannon also works with Phil Collen toward what would become Shock.
2015
That Metal Show
Hannon appears on That Metal Show, performing a guitar segment featuring his Gibson SG.
2014
TESLA releases Simplicity
TESLA releases Simplicity, the band's sixth studio album.
2014
World Peace — Solo Album
Hannon releases World Peace, a solo studio album blending blues, rock and Americana influences.
2012
Six String Soldiers — Solo Album
Hannon releases Six String Soldiers with the Frank Hannon Band, featuring collaborations with Dickey Betts, Pat Travers, Dave Meniketti and Rick Derringer.
2011
Twisted Wires & the Acoustic Sessions
TESLA releases the acoustic collection Twisted Wires & the Acoustic Sessions, revisiting material from the band's early years.
2010
Gypsy Highway — Solo Album
Hannon releases Gypsy Highway, a roots-driven solo album that explores blues, Southern rock and country influences, cementing his identity as a solo artist beyond TESLA.
2008
Forever More
TESLA releases Forever More, continuing the band's post-reunion recording career.
2007
Real to Reel
TESLA releases Real to Reel and Real to Reel, Vol. 2, devoted largely to classic-rock covers and the band's musical influences.
2005
Guitarz From Marz — Solo Album
Hannon releases Guitarz From Marz, his first official solo album, establishing the beginning of his formal solo recording career.
2004
TESLA returns with Into the Now
TESLA releases Into the Now, its first studio album following the band's reunion. The album reaches No. 30 on the Billboard chart.
2002
Rock Never Stops Tour
TESLA tours as part of the Rock Never Stops Tour alongside several other major 1980s rock acts.
2001
Replugged Live
TESLA releases Replugged Live, documenting the band's return to the stage.
2000
TESLA reunites
The original TESLA lineup reunites on October 25, 2000, at a sold-out ARCO Arena in Sacramento, leading to the band's full return.
1998
Turn It Up — Solo Album (Moon Dog Mane)
Following TESLA's breakup, Hannon forms Moon Dog Mane and releases Turn It Up in 1998, his first recorded work outside of TESLA.
1996
TESLA breaks up
TESLA ends its initial run after a highly successful decade.
1994
Bust a Nut
TESLA releases Bust a Nut, its fourth studio album, which achieves gold status.
1991
Psychotic Supper
TESLA releases Psychotic Supper, which becomes another major commercial success for the band.
1990
Five Man Acoustical Jam
TESLA records the legendary Five Man Acoustical Jam. The album reaches No. 12 and goes platinum, helping establish TESLA as a band capable of stepping outside the conventional hard-rock formula.
1990
TESLA tours with Mötley Crüe
TESLA tours with Mötley Crüe during the Dr. Feelgood era — more than 35 years before Hannon returns to the road with Mötley Crüe for the 2026 Carnival of Sins tour.
1989
The Great Radio Controversy
TESLA releases The Great Radio Controversy, reaching No. 18 on the Billboard 200. 'Love Song,' co-written by Hannon, becomes one of TESLA's biggest hits.
1987–1988
TESLA tours with Def Leppard
TESLA opens for Def Leppard on the massive Hysteria tour, performing more than 100 shows. Hannon recalls being only 20 years old during the tour.
1986
Mechanical Resonance
TESLA releases its debut album. Hannon is just 19 when he travels to New York to record it. The album introduces 'Modern Day Cowboy' and 'Little Suzi' to a worldwide audience.
1984–1986
City Kidd becomes TESLA
The group evolves from Earthshaker into City Kidd, playing extensively around Sacramento and developing the songs that become the foundation of Mechanical Resonance.
Early 1980s
The Guam years
City Kidd receives a booking at a U.S. Army base in Guam, playing five sets a night — an intense musical education that helps develop original material including an early version of 'Cumin' Atcha Live.'
1982
Earthshaker
Frank Hannon and bassist Brian Wheat form the core of a Sacramento hard-rock band named Earthshaker, working on material and performing covers by UFO, Def Leppard and Scorpions.
1981–1982
The beginning
Hannon and Wheat begin their musical partnership in Sacramento while Hannon is still a teenager. TESLA's official history identifies them as the band's founding members.