Famous Musicians' Instruments: A Collection of Legendary Reclaimed Artifacts
In the world of music, instruments have the power to tell a story, evoke emotions, and leave an indelible mark on both the musicians who play them and the fans who admire their work. From legendary guitarists to prominent pianists, the journey of these instruments can be as fascinating as the music they produce. This article explores the exciting world of reclaimed instruments among famous musicians, detailing the stories behind some of the most celebrated pieces.
Chris Martin and Queen Latifah: A Piano that Sang with History
Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, and Queen Latifah purchased a piano at an auction that previously belonged to Alicia Keys during her iconic VMAs 2009 performance with Jay-Z. This piano, a symbol of creative collaboration, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of musical performances.
John Lisi and Big Bill Broonzy's Gibson Style O
New Orleans Deltafunk guitarist John Lisi acquired a 1920s Gibson Style O piano, once owned by the blues legend Big Bill Broonzy. This instrument, rich with history and filled with the sounds of the American South, now finds its place in a modern guitarist's hands, bridging the gap between the past and present.
John Oates and Mississippi John Hurt's Guild 1964 F-30
John Oates of the legendary duo Hall Oates invested in another historic instrument, this time a 1964 Gibson Guild F-30 that Mississippi John Hurt used. This guitar, a blend of traditional American folk and blues, carries with it a narrative of the early 20th century, ensuring that the sounds of yesteryears continue to resonate in contemporary music.
Jimmy Page's Sunburst Les Paul
Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, passed down his famed Sunburst Les Paul to Joe Walsh, who later sold it to Eric Johnson. The guitar then disappeared for a while before appearing in Slash's collection, where it served more as a showpiece than a playing instrument. In a twist of fate, Brad Whitford revealed the guitar's whereabouts to Jimmy Page. Page then bought the guitar back from Slash and presented it to Joe as a 50th birthday gift, bringing a full circle to the journey of this iconic instrument.
Sylvain Sylvain's Gibson Les Paul Custom
The Gibson Les Paul Custom, originally owned by Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls, had an interesting journey. It was intended to be taken to London for the Sex Pistols but ended up with Steve Jones due to complications. This history-rich guitar serves as a fascinating example of the unpredictable paths musical instruments can take, showcasing the importance of perseverance and the perseverance of music.
Legends Reunited: The Return of Instruments
Among the notable stories, the guitar named "Lucy" stands out as a multi-faceted artifact. It first belonged to John Sebastian of The Lovin Spoonful and was later owned by Rick Derringer. Eric Clapton purchased it and in 1968, passed it on to George Harrison. Harrison, in turn, gifted it to Badfinger's Pete Ham, who tragically passed away in 1975. The guitar's subsequent discovery by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame highlights the ongoing significance of these instruments in the music world.
This article delves into the experiences and stories of these iconic instruments passed through the hands of legendary musicians. From guitars and pianos to drum sets, each one carries a story of its own and serves as a testament to the enduring power of music.