Roland and BOSS Present Lifetime Achievement Awards to Thomas Dolby and Steve Vai

Third-annual awards presented to these iconic musicians for their contributions to the music industry while using Roland and/or BOSS gear throughout their careers

Los Angeles, CA — During the 2018 Roland International Press Conference, held Wednesday, January 24, 2018, on the eve of the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, Roland and BOSS presented their third-annual Lifetime Achievement Awards to synthpop and electronic music pioneer and solo artist Thomas Dolby (Roland), and guitar virtuoso, artist, and producer Steve Vai (BOSS). The Roland/BOSS Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize individuals for their invaluable contributions to the music industry while using Roland and/or BOSS gear throughout their careers. The gala event was attended by artists, musicians, and leading journalists from the music industry.

The evening began with Roland Corporation Vice President of Global Key Influencers Brian Alli presenting guitar icon Steve Vai with the BOSS lifetime achievement award. A three-time GRAMMY Award winner, Vai has a unique style that defies classification – a sound and aesthetic that has been embraced by fans and peers around the globe. Throughout his career, Vai has sold over 15 million albums and has received many other distinctions including accolades from the press, music schools, and music foundations. Vai’s discography includes numerous album releases, all of which he wrote, produced and engineered himself, and many of which were released by his independent record label, Favored Nations.

Vai commented, “It’s very touching to be given this recognition by BOSS, and I am honored. They have created many innovative designs over the years for crazy guitar players like me to play with… and dance on! Just about anything they came out with I wanted to feel, I wanted to use. It’s uncanny how year after year the company releases great tools for guitar players. Thank you to BOSS and Roland for