The Les Paul's Mysterious Past: A Legacy of Uncertainty

Strategic Insights -

The 1959 Gibson Les Paul, made famous by Keith Richards' distinctive playing style, has had a storied past that spans decades. Despite the claims of Mick Taylor, a former guitarist for the Rolling Stones, who says he purchased the guitar in the 1960s, the Metropolitan Museum of Art maintains that Taylor never owned the instrument. The museum's provenance, which tracks the guitar's history from the moment it was made, suggests that Richards held onto the Les Paul until 1971 and that its subsequent owners, including Adrian Miller, Cosmo Verrico, and Dirk Ziff, were all aware of its rich history. Meanwhile, Taylor's representatives have expressed surprise that the guitar is in the museum, which they claim is in need of verification. As the debate continues, one thing is certain: the Les Paul has been a symbol of rock 'n' roll's golden era.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art's provenance confirms that the 1959 Gibson Les Paul was not taken during the 1971 theft at Villa Nellcôte, a mansion where the Stones spent the summer, despite Taylor's claim that it was among the stolen instruments.
  • Rory Carmel Taylor, aka Mick Taylor, says he purchased the Les Paul in the 1960s, but the museum maintains that he never owned it and that Richards held onto the guitar until 1971.
  • The guitar's history is well-documented, with records of its ownership by Adrian Miller, Cosmo Verrico, and Dirk Ziff, among others.
  • Taylor's representatives have expressed surprise that the guitar is in the museum, but they have not provided Taylor's account in detail, citing a recommendation to hold off on publicity.
  • The Les Paul has made several public appearances over the years, including in 2019's "Play it Loud" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it was viewed by Keith Richards himself.
  • The guitar's ownership is not without controversy, with some owners having claimed to have purchased it from Richards or one of his associates.

Statistics:

  • The guitar is one of only a few "bursts" (1959 Gibson Les Pauls with a sunburst finish) made by the Gibson company that are still in existence.
  • The guitar was up for auction at Christie's in 2004 but didn't sell.
  • The Met's 2019 exhibition "Play it Loud" was visited by Keith Richards himself, and the guitar was on display.
  • The exhibit later moved to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in 2020.

Sources:

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art's provenance of the 1959 Gibson Les Paul
  • "Rolling Stones Gear" by Andy Babiuk (2013)
  • "Play It Loud" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (2019)
  • The New York Times article, "A Guitar's Mysterious Past, or Is It?" by (Date)
  • Mick Taylor's 2009 interview with the Sunday Mail
  • Peter Svensson's statement regarding the guitar's sale in 2006
  • Dirk Ziff's interview with The New York Times
  • Rhonda Palmer's emails to The New York Times