Fender has announced a first-of-its-kind initiative as part of its 80th anniversary celebration: a nationwide search for its inaugural Guitar Correspondent. Beginning this spring, one selected guitarist and storyteller will hit the road to cover five major U.S. music festivals and concerts between April and September 2026, offering a perspective that goes beyond traditional festival reporting.
Rather than focusing on setlists or red carpet moments, the Guitar Correspondent will spotlight the gear, rigs, tones, tech teams, and behind-the-scenes human moments that define live performance. From soundcheck through encore, the role centers on documenting the instruments and craftsmanship that shape the sound of modern music.
The initiative arrives alongside the 75th anniversaries of the Telecaster® and Precision Bass®, two instruments that helped define popular music across generations. With this program, Fender aims to highlight how guitars continue to influence culture today through the artists and crews who bring live shows to life.
Applications open February 24 through March 10 here. The winner will be announced March 24. The selected correspondent will receive all-access festival credentials, travel and accommodations covered by Fender, a $10,000 cash prize, and a collaborative kickoff session with the Fender team ahead of the first event.