Guitar manufacturer Gibson has teamed up with Noel Gallagher to release a limited-edition collection of Gibson ’78 Les Paul Custom guitars. The partnership was forged to celebrate the grand opening of the Gibson Garage in London, and to aid charity. The former Oasis guitarist will donate all profits to the Teenage Cancer Trust. The 20 guitars, which Gallagher signed by hand, are inspired by the guitar originally given to him by Johnny Marr. Gallagher played the Gibson ’78 extensively for both live performances and in the studio with Oasis.
The guitars, which feature a lightly-aged ebony finish, will exclusively be available for purchase in-person at the official opening day of the new flagship store in central London on Saturday, February 24. Gallagher said, “The Les Paul Custom that Johnny gave me in 1994 was always one of my favourite guitars and it carries a lot of history. The reissues are great, they feel almost identical. I am delighted they are being sold to support the Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Lee Bartram, Head of Marketing for EU and UK, Gibson Brands, said, “We have worked closely with The Teenage Cancer Trust for many years, and it’s always an honour and privilege to support them in raising much-needed funds and awareness for the work they do.” Jane Ashton, Head of Music and Entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust also showed gratitude, saying, “These guitars are steeped in their own musical history celebrating the iconic moment one British music legend gifted a priceless guitar to another, like the handing of a baton.”
Gallagher is set to perform at the Teenage Cancer Trust charity gig at Royal Albert Hall, which also features appearances from The Chemical Brothers and Young Fathers. The event marks a full-circle moment for the Britpop icon, as he performed at the charity’s first event back in 2000. Earlier today, the musician announced an intimate gig at Bournemouth’s O2 Academy as part of a series of warm-up gigs across the UK before he embarks on a summer tour.
The Gibson Garage in London is the first-ever Gibson flagship store outside of the US. Its opening follows the launch of the Gibson Garage in Nashville. To find out more about the launch, visit the official Gibson website
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