Rock veterans Tesla are back with Homage, a heartfelt collection of classic songs that influenced the band’s journey, while also delivering the brand-new original track “Never Alone.” Ahead of the album’s release and a summer tour alongside Mötley Crüe and Extreme, we caught up with guitarist Dave Rude to discuss the art of honoring legendary songs without losing Tesla’s identity, his lifelong guitar inspirations, favorite gear, the changing music industry, and even extraterrestrials.

From stories about learning Sweet Child O’ Mine by ear to recording with vintage guitars and sharing his thoughts on AI’s impact on music, Rude offers an honest look inside one of hard rock’s most enduring bands.

With Homage, Tesla isn’t simply revisiting the music that shaped them—they’re celebrating it while continuing to write new chapters of their own story. Dave Rude’s passion for guitar, respect for classic songwriting, and optimism about keeping rock music alive shine throughout this conversation.

Be sure to catch Tesla on tour this summer with Mötley Crüe and Extreme, and don’t miss Homage, featuring a fresh take on the classics alongside the brand-new original song “Never Alone.”

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