Noel Gallagher has teamed up with Gibson to release 20 signed ’78 Les Paul Custom guitars for charity.
To celebrate the Grand Opening of the Gibson Garage London, the former Oasis guitarist has inked his signature on a limited run of the instruments that will go on sale in-person only at the official opening of the new flagship store on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Profits from the sale of the guitars will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust, of which Gallagher is an ambassador.
The guitar is inspired by the one the Britpop legend received from his pal Johnny Marr formerly of The Smiths, who recently admitted he stopped drinking alcohol after he happily agreed to replace the smashed-up guitar he kindly gave Noel.
Gallagher used it to defend his younger brother, former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher when a stage invader tried to attack him at a gig in Newcastle.
Generous Johnny had also given Suede’s Bernard Butler another Gibson guitar.
He told The Guardian last year: “It’s just to be nice. As simple as that. Bernard is a good friend and I knew he’d love that guitar. And me giving Noel those guitars has become such a big story over the years, but people don’t realise that at the time he wasn’t who he is now.
“He was just a kid from Burnage. I had no idea Oasis were going to go on to such big things. I did it because he was in need, because I was lucky and had lots of guitars, and because I wished someone had done it for me.”
However, he admitted he was far too kind when he agreed to give Noel a replacement whilst hungover and it was from then on, he decided to ditch booze.
Johnny – who often gets mistaken for Noel – added: “I must confess it’s why I quit drinking. I wasn’t drunk, but the chances are I was very hungover when I agreed to that.”
Noel famously used the instrument on Oasis’ 1994 tune ‘Whatever’ and other recordings.
The Les Paul Customs boast a lightly aged Ebony finish by the Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab and the 56-year-old musician’s handwritten signature.
Noel said: “The Les Paul Custom that Johnny gave me in 1994 was always one of my favourite guitars and it carries a lot of history. The reissues are great, they feel almost identical. I am delighted they are being sold to support the Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Lee Bartram, Head of Marketing, EU and UK, Gibson Brands, commented: “As Gibson continues the relationship with Noel Gallagher there is no better way to start 2024 by supporting a truly amazing cause which is close to both our hearts and minds.
“We have worked closely with The Teenage Cancer Trust for many years, and it’s always an honour and privilege to support them in raising much needed funds and awareness for the work they do.”
Jane Ashton, Head of Music and Entertainment, Teenage Cancer Trust, added: “Teenage Cancer Trust’s musical history started in 2000 with the launch of our iconic annual series of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. Noel Gallagher was there for that very first performance, and as an ambassador of the charity has been relentless in his support of young people with cancer ever since.
“These guitars are steeped in their own musical history celebrating the iconic moment one British music legend gifted a priceless guitar to another, like the handing of a baton. Our sincere thanks to Gibson guitars, long-term supporters of Teenage Cancer Trust, and our Ambassador Noel Gallagher. The money raised will make an enormous difference in the lives of young people with cancer and could fund two Outreach nurses for an entire year, helping us to reach more young people in the UK no matter where they live.”
The Gibson Garage London is located at 61-62 Eastcastle St, London, UK (one block from Oxford Street) and is open daily Monday-Saturday from 10am to 7pm and from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday.
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