Joe Perry’s Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute – Aerosmith
Joe Perry’s Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute – Aerosmith
As Aerosmith has just ended its career after more than fifty years of a rich and impressive journey, its members have further cemented their status as rock legends, and their instruments have become coveted relics. Among these, this guitar is a truly special instrument.
As an experienced guitarist, Joe Perry has built a dense and comprehensive guitar collection over the years. Having repeatedly chosen Gibson models, Les Pauls have been an integral part of Perry’s concert arsenal for decades, both with Aerosmith and solo. This 2019 Gibson Les Paul Junior Special Double Cut is a very special example: it was used by Joe Perry on stage during Aerosmith’s 50th anniversary concert in Boston in September 2022, before being signed on the body. It is a special edition featuring Joe Perry’s winged logo on the headstock.
The history of Aerosmith is marked by the band’s strong attachment to their hometown, Boston. After 50 years of success and hits, it was essential for the band to return to celebrate their longevity and exceptional career at Fenway Park, 50 years after their beginnings. On the iconic track “Love in an Elevator”, Joe Perry took hold of this cherry red Les Paul JR Special DC to accompany the band. It was this exceptional guitar that made the Boston stadium vibrate on this historic date marking Aerosmith’s 50th anniversary!
Step into the legendary world of Matt’s Guitar Shop, the guitar store in Paris, and discover unique pieces like the Randy Rhoads Guitar, the iconic Rory Gallagher Guitar, the Cliff Williams Bass, the John Frusciante Guitar, the KISS Guitar, the Gene Simmons Bass, or the legendary Keith Richards Telecaster Guitar.
Biography of Joe Perry: The "Toxic Twin" of Aerosmith
The Axeman and the Sound of American Hard Rock
Joe Perry is an essential figure in American Hard Rock, co-founder and lead guitarist of the legendary band Aerosmith. Ranked among the greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone, he is revered for his instinctive approach and powerful playing. His style is a unique blend of sharp heavy-rock riffs, bluesy feel, and funky rhythms. Nicknamed "The Axeman", his playing not only defined Aerosmith's sound identity but also inspired generations of musicians.
The Gibson Les Paul: His Instrument of Choice
Joe Perry's story is intrinsically linked to the Gibson Les Paul. These guitars, particularly the vintage Burst models from the late 1950s and early 1960s, have been his preferred instruments throughout his career, both for major recordings and worldwide tours. His passion for Les Pauls, which he avidly collects, reflects his relentless pursuit of the perfect rock tone: a warm, thick, and legendary powerful sound.
Aerosmith and the Golden Years (1970-1979)
Formed in 1970 with Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, and Brad Whitford, Aerosmith quickly conquered the world with cult albums like Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976). The Perry/Tyler duo, nicknamed the "Toxic Twins", became the very embodiment of rock'n'roll excess and success. Despite a notable split in 1979, when Perry formed the Joe Perry Project, his influence on Aerosmith's 1970s sound remains fundamental.
Rebirth and Lasting Legacy
The reunion of the original lineup in 1984 marked the start of a second golden age for the band, reinforced by the huge success of the collaboration with Run-DMC on the remix of "Walk This Way". Joe Perry's career is a model of perseverance and lasting success. As he himself stated, highlighting the band's unique chemistry: "I think one of the most valuable things Aerosmith has is the energy we create when we all play together."
From his famous Gibson Les Paul '59 (recovered after years) to his signature models, every instrument associated with Joe Perry is a piece of history. He embodies the raw, untamed spirit of American rock, making his guitars iconic pieces that we proudly honor at Matt's Guitar Shop.
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