Jean-Luc Thievent has been playing guitar since the age of 13, and studied the finger picking technique at 16. Already playing professionally by 1978, Thievent soon met guitar teacher François Lovato, a future mentor who transmitted his passion for sound production to the young guitarist. In 1985, Thievent released a first album, featuring David Richen on drums and Pascal Marin on bass. After a few years of touring and various collaborations, the musician made the bold move to Quebec in 1992, where he accumulated several festival honours and accolades, including first prize in the Grand Prix de la guitare de Montréal in 2007. Vertical Road was released in 2005, followed by Ne tirez pas sur le guitariste, in 2009.