Gina Gleason

Gina Gleason is an American guitarist and songwriter. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania she began playing guitar at age 14 and later studied upright bass at the Girard Academic Music Program. Gleason studied music theory and studio engineering at Temple University. As a part of the Cirque du Soleil creation cast, Gleason currently plays live lead guitar as the character “The Muse” in the new production of Michael Jackson: One by Cirque du Soleil at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Gleason’s vocal prowess, intense on-stage presence, combined with her vastly diverse guitar style have been the main catalyst for several projects including Misstallica, Queen Diamond, and most recently her original music. As a founding member of Misstallica, Gleason fronted and played lead guitar for the world’s only all female tribute to Metallica. Misstallica toured across the United States and headlined two United Kingdom tours of The Academy o2 venues in the UK. Queen Diamond saw Gleason perform all over the US as a headlining act and with guests including Richard Christy (Death/Iced Earth) and Brendon Small. Gleason fronts and plays lead guitar in her hard-hitting original band. She has performed with The Smashing Pumpkins, Sixx: A.M., and countless other bands.

In March 2016 Gleason co-composed original works for the 2016 Cirque du Soleil production of One Night For One Drop. The production was held live at The Smith Center in Las Vegas as well as in theaters and IMAX nationwide.

Gleason has performed, toured and worked with: ¥ The Smashing Pumpkins: Sitting in with the band at The Joint Las Vegas (2015). ¥ Carlos Santana: Sitting in with Carlos at House of Blues Las Vegas (2013). ¥ Grammy award winner Carlos Vives performance on the Latin Grammy awards(2013). ¥ Austin City Limits in Austin TX (2010). ¥ Earl Slick (2010). ¥ Andrew W K (2010). ¥ Miriam Linna (The Cramps) (2010). ¥ Perry Farrell (Jane's Addiction): Lollapalooza/The Roxy (2009). ¥ Leanne Rimes: Lollapalooza performance (2009). ¥ Brendon Small (Dethklok): east coast tour (2009). ¥ Denny Walley and Napoleon Murphy Brock (Frank Zappa): Zappanale Festival Germany (2009). ¥ Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Steve Vai) (2009). ¥ Jon Anderson (Yes): east coast tour (2007) and NAMM festival (2008). ¥ Dr. Know (Bad Brains) (2008). ¥ Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) (2007). ¥ Adrian Belew (King Crimson/David Bowie): east coast tour (2006).

Gleason has performed on/written/co-written numerous studio albums, EPs and scores with various artists through the years. In 2010, she contributed her talents as a lead guitarist and upright bass player on the song "Never Good Enough" by The Good Listeners for the documentary "Don't Quit Your Daydream." The documentary chronicles the process of creating the album.