Tommy Kessler is an American guitarist from Springboro, Ohio, currently playing with the iconic new wave band Blondie. He joined Blondie in April 2010, succeeding guitarist Paul Carbonara, who departed to pursue other projects during the recording sessions for their ninth studio album, Panic of Girls. Although Kessler only played on two songs, he was credited as a full-time member in the album's liner notes.
Kessler's musical journey began with classical and Latin guitar training, which provided a solid foundation in music theory and taught him to read standard notation. He later developed an appreciation for hard rock, influenced by legendary guitarists such as Randy Rhoads, Slash, Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, and Dimebag Darrell. His natural talent for learning pieces quickly by sight reading or memorizing by ear enabled him to excel in the rock scene.
Kessler's first steady gig in New York City was with the renowned Blue Man Group, where he played zither, guitar, bass, and Chapman stick. He has been a member of the New York City version of Blue Man Group since 2006.
In addition to his work with Blue Man Group, Kessler has also performed as a guitarist in the fictional 1980s rock band Arsenal in the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, a position he has held since the show's off-Broadway premiere in 2008. His exceptional abilities have earned him a reputation as an in-demand session guitarist in New York City since his move to the city in 2005.
Kessler's connection to Blondie was facilitated by the band's keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen, whom he met through his work in Rock of Ages. In 2015, he was asked to join the Fresh Kids of Bel-Air and regularly performs at (Le) Poisson Rouge.
Kessler has also served as musical director for the 2011 Glamour Women of the Year Awards and has written and produced music for The Nickelodeon Network, including the popular shows iCarly and Victorious. He has mixed Joel Hoekstra's album Joel Hoekstra's 13: Dying to Live.
Since 2013, Kessler has frequently worn a denim jacket designed by British artist Ian Berry, known for his work in denim, during Blondie's performances.
