Gibson Guitar and the Gibson Foundation will hold a special tribute to Les Paul on Thursday, November 19, 2009, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The event marks the first tribute held by the guitar maker in honor of Les Paul, and will be free to the many fans of Les Paul and Gibson Guitar.
The 90-minute program Les Paul’s son, Russ Paul, Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum President Terry Stewart will emcee the 90-minute program, which will begin at 8 p.m. Central Time at the Ryman (doors open at 7 p.m. The Les Paul Trio, widely known for its Monday night performances with Les Paul at the Iridium in New York City while Les was alive, will serve as the house band and be joined onstage by musical great Steve Miller, also Les Paul’s godson.
Musical guests include Joan Jett, Ace Frehley, Zakk Wylde, Jennifer Batten, Josh Kelly, John Rich, Emerson Drive, JD Souther, Steve Wariner, Sarah Partridge and Anna Wilson.
“Many years ago Les told me the story of when he was taken to the Ryman Auditorium with his grandmother,” says Juszkiewicz. “He was extremely proud of the fact that she would not leave until he had a chance to play on that historic stage, and based on Les Paul’s recollection, was quite successful in achieving just that. The show at the Ryman will be a celebration of Les’ life through music, storytelling and some very unique video elements. It will serve as a fitting tribute to a man who touched many lives during his 94 years.”
“My father always spoke of the Ryman Auditorium as a very special place,” says Rusty Paul. “It is the place that helped form the early years of my father’s love of music and subsequently drove his passion for his many inventions. I am so thrilled to be back here for this very special tribute and know that Dad is smiling from above.”
Seating is limited and interested fans who would like to register for free tickets are advised to consult www.gibson.com for a future announcement on how to obtain these tickets. Gibson Guitar expects to announce this system no later than October 26, 2009. Tickets will be limited to four per person per household.
