Gibson has built a limited run of four custom Les Paul electric guitars that have been touring the world, played onstage by the likes of Slash, Maná and Paul McCartney, that will now go to auction to raise money for the Ukraine relief effort.
The Gibson Guitars For Peace Les Pauls all feature the azure blue and gold of the Ukrainian flag, and will be sold at auction via Julien’s Auctions, with bidding open from October 11.
Anyone who attended or tuned into the coverage of Glastonbury would have seen Paul McCartney playing one, and he expressed his support for the people of Ukraine.
“I’m happy to auction this beautiful guitar of mine to benefit the fine people of Ukraine,” said Paul McCartney in a statement. “Hopefully it will help them through this aggressive Russian invasion.”
The guitars have traveled with an accompanying autograph book, which has collected the signatures of a multitude of global stars. Among those supporting the fundraising effort are Gibson brand ambassador Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, Nile Rodgers, The Rolling Stones, Mark Knopfler, Paloma Faith, Margo Price, the Charlatans, Madness, Aquaman himself Jason Momoa, Alex Lifeson, and many more.
“It’s been heartbreaking to watch the innocent people of Ukraine in such turmoil,” said Lzzy Hale. “I’m so proud of my Gibson family for stepping up to provide a bit of hope to our fellow humans.”
“It is an honor to represent the brave sovereign state of Ukraine,” added Slash. “I’m proud to support them during this conflict.”
Alex Lifeson also offered his support, and congratulated Gibson’s charity arm, Gibson Gives, for pulling the relief effort together.
Gibson Gives is also releasing a Guitars For Peace T-shirt, which is emblazoned with its logo on a blue-and-gold heart design. All proceeds from the auction and the T-shirt sale will go to the humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, with the Disaster Emergency Committee allocating the funds.
A portion of the money raised will be used to support music programmes when the war ends.
James “JC” Curleigh, president and CEO of Gibson Brands, said that music has united people throughout history, particularly in times in conflict.
“Despite the dark circumstances, we stand by our amazing artists with our support to launch ‘Guitars for Peace,’ and to envision a better future for Ukraine and its citizens,” he said.
“It is an honor to represent the brave sovereign state of Ukraine,” said Slash. “I’m proud to support them during this conflict.”
The Gibson Gives Guitars For Peace T-shirt is available to buy now, shipping September 26. The Guitars For Peace auction opens on Julien’s Auctions on October 11, with auction wrapping up both in-person and online at the Icons & Idols: Rock ‘N’ Roll event at the New York Hard Rock Cafe on November 11 to 13.
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