Legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel opens up about the death of his brother Phil

Legendary Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel has opened up about the sudden death of his brother Phil earlier this year.

Emmanuel told 3AW Afternoons, Phil’s death was a terrible shock for the family, having only lost a sister a few weeks before.

“It was and it still is (shocking),” he said.

“We lost our sister as well, a month before that.

“So I lost a sister and a brother this year and I certainly didn’t expect it.

“Life has been a struggle for all of us and now that struggle is over for them.”

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Emmanuel has kept himself busy while dealing with his grief, having done seven tours since Christmas.

He’s heading to Melbourne next month to teach guitar masterclasses in the Dandenong ranges alongside fellow guitarists Michael Fix, Simon Hosford and Richard Smith.

“It’s like a guitar retreat, I talk about all sorts of things from arranging songs, how to get a good sound, how to put a show together, everything,” he said.

“Then in the evening we instructors play for the students.”

The Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Retreat Australia is on 15-19th August at Country Place, Kalorama in the Dandenong Ranges.

Tickets are sold out but you can visit tommyemmanuelguitarretreat.com to be placed on the waiting list.

Photo: AAP