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1967 Pete Townsend of The Who "Smashed Guitar" from their First U.S. Tour (Superb Documentation)
One of the most iconic objects in rock history, offered is a rare Pete Townsend "smashed" guitar. This historically important piece was birthed on August 12, 1967, in of all places, Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Pete, Roger, Keith & John were playing their groundbreaking "Who Sell Out" Tour, their first in North America and from what is considered the first ever rock "concept" album. It was personally given by Townsend himself, to James McGlynn, the teen reporter for the now defunct Newark Evening News and was later sold in autumn of 1968 to his friend and local musician for the unbelievable sum of $10 (believe it or not!). We obtained this directly from Bob Cianci, still a local NJ musician. A Fiesta Red Fender Telecaster, this is a marvelous of piece of pop music culture and folk art. Perfectly preserved since the day rage first took over the supreme rock icon. Townsend began smashing guitars by accident, the first when his guitar hit a low ceiling thereby breaking the neck. In a fury of frustration over the crowd's seeming complacency, he finished the job smashing it to pieces on the stage. Fittingly, he later wrote in The Who's signature album, "The crowd went crazy as Tommy hit the stage." The Who began making this their signature move with even drummer Keith Moon joining in and destroying his gear in a thrilling but expensive fashion. It later drove Jimi Hendrix to his most famous rock moment when he literally burned his guitar in a sacrificial tribute on the stage of the first Monterey Pop Festival (1967). This was brought on by a need to top The Who's legendary guitarist who was topping the bill and due on next. According to Pete, he and Hendrix had an argument earlier as to WHO would follow WHO. They destruction of Pete Townsend's guitar is ultimate symbol of Pete as an artist, but perhaps of all rock culture. Comes with handwritten letter of authenticity from Bob Cianci. Most importantly, the guitar is PICTURED on the cover of the April, 2010 issue of Premiere Guitar which features an interview/cover story of Pete Townsend. The lot comes with a copy of the issue. Article mentioning this very guitar is shown below. https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Pete_Townshend_On_Guitar_Smashing_Regrets_Stylistic_Evolution_and_Becoming_a_Gear_Aficionado The piece and its provenance is also listed in the ultimate Who website "WhoTabs." http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/gear/guitar/smashed.html
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