Explore how rock legend Brian May's transition from Queen to Gibson signifies a transformative era for the iconic Red Special guitar. Discover the impacts and benefits of this groundbreaking move.
In a landmark event, Gibson Garage London, the esteemed guitar brand's premier flagship store outside the United States, celebrated its grand opening. This momentous occasion was graced by the presence of guitar legends Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi, both of whom have long been associated with Gibson. However, the spotlight unexpectedly shone on Brian May, a figure not traditionally linked with Gibson guitars, marking a significant moment in the music industry.
Brian May, best known for his role as the lead guitarist of Queen and his iconic Red Special guitar, made a surprising entrance at the event. Despite his strong association with his self-designed guitar, which he crafted with his father, May's presence signaled a new and exciting chapter with Gibson. "We are so proud to have him in our Gibson family," proclaimed Cesar Gueikian, Gibson's President and CEO, highlighting the significance of May's inclusion in the Gibson lineage.
For over two decades, Brian May Guitars has been producing affordable replicas of the Red Special, allowing fans and guitarists alike to own a piece of music history. These guitars, known for their distinctive sound and unique pickup switching, are crafted under the meticulous supervision of May's long-standing technician, Pete Malandrone, and Barry Moorhouse of House Music. Despite this, Gibson's collaboration with May hints at the possibility of creating something truly extraordinary that goes beyond the offerings of Brian May Guitars.
While details of the collaboration remain under wraps, the guitar community is abuzz with speculation. Gibson, renowned for its high-quality, detailed replicas in the Custom Shop and Murphy Lab, might be planning to produce replicas of the Red Special. Such an endeavor would not only celebrate the guitar's unique place in music history but also introduce it to a wider audience through Gibson's craftsmanship.
It's speculated that Tony Iommi, a close friend of May and a collaborator with Gibson on the 'Monkey' 1964 SG Special replica, played a role in forging this new partnership. The success of previous collaborations and the potential for creating a Red Special replica through Gibson's expertise has the guitar world eagerly anticipating what's next.
The partnership between Brian May and Gibson opens up a realm of possibilities. From a meticulously crafted USA-built Red Special to an accessible Epiphone version, the potential impact on both brands and the guitar community is immense. However, the question of how this collaboration will align with May's own brand remains.
Gibson Garage London is not just a store; it's an immersive experience for guitar enthusiasts. With its unique offerings and now the exciting partnership with Brian May, it stands as a testament to Gibson's commitment to innovation and honoring guitar legends.
As we await further details on this groundbreaking collaboration, the guitar world watches with bated breath. The partnership between Brian May and Gibson not only marks a new chapter for both entities but also celebrates the rich legacy of one of rock's most beloved guitars. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes coverage of Gibson Garage London, keep an eye on this space.
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