As it celebrates 130 years of music history, Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand, is proud to announce its decades long partnership with the iconic, GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist and songwriter SLASH continues with the release of a very limited Collector’s Edition 1963 ES-335 from Gibson Custom. Made in close collaboration with SLASH and the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee and artfully aged by the Murphy Lab to match the original guitar, only 50 of these Collector’s Edition hand-signed guitars will be available exclusively via the Gibson Garage Nashville, alongside an exclusive VIP live performance at the Gibson Garage with the artist this summer. For more details, call the Gibson Garage Nashville (615) 933-6000.
“I used a beautiful and killer sounding 1963 ES-335 Gibson for more than a few songs on Orgy of the Damned,” says SLASH. “Gibson has now built a fantastic replica of this extraordinary guitar. Same dot neck, Bigsby tremolo, and finish. You have to check it out.”
SLASH’s original ES-335 is a super clean example from 1963 which proved inspirational when recording his latest solo record, the star-studded blues album Orgy of the Damned, out May 17 on Gibson Records. In celebration of the release of Orgy of the Damned, buyers of the Collector’s Edition SLASH 1963 ES-335 will receive a rare assembly of case candy that includes a hand-signed copy of SLASH’s new album, Orgy of the Damned, a signed copy of the The Collection: Slash coffee table book, and a Certificate of Authenticity. In addition, buyers will be invited to attend a once-in-a-lifetime exclusive VIP experience at the Gibson Garage Nashville, where SLASH and his blues band will treat fans to an intimate live performance and signing event.
For each Slash ES-335 purchase, buyers will receive two (2) tickets to attend an “Evening with Slash & Friends in Nashville, Tennessee”* on June 30, 2024. This special evening at the Gibson Garage Nashville includes a live performance with SLASH and his blues band, as well as an intimate, moderated interview with SLASH and Mark Agnesi, Gibson’s Director of Brand Experience, a photo opportunity, receipt of the Slash 1963 ES-335 Collector’s Edition guitar from Gibson Custom, a copy of the new Orgy of the Damned album, and a The Collection: Slash coffee table book, all signed by SLASH. Food and Beverage for the event will be provided onsite.
*Travel expenses for the event are not included, and no cash value has been assigned to the Experience and no exchanges or refunds will be offered or given for those unable to attend the Experience.
SLASH’s first ES-335 signature model, Gibson Custom will release this special Collector’s Edition reproduction of SLASH’s beautiful ES-335, which is limited to only 50 guitars, and features light aging from the Murphy Lab to match his original 1963 ES-335, a Bigsby® B7 vibrato tailpiece, a Custom Made plaque, and a customized pair of unpotted Custombucker pickups constructed with Alnico 2 magnets. This Slash 1963 ES-335 is destined to become a prized instrument for players, collectors, and SLASH fans alike. Each element adds to the authenticity and performance of this collector’s piece, which comes with a Lifton Black leather and Yellow plush interior Hardshell guitar case.
The Gibson ES-335 has always been celebrated for its semi-hollow body design, which offers a unique blend of resonance and clarity suitable for blues, jazz, rock, and more. The 1963 model, with its sleek and comfortable contours and dual humbucking pickups, represents a pinnacle in guitar design, revered for its aesthetic appeal and classic sonic capabilities. The creation of SLASH’s debut ES-335 signature model is a testament to his enduring influence on the music and guitar-making industries.
As the first global Brand Ambassador for Gibson, SLASH’s deep, melodic riffs and solos have influenced a generation of guitarists and impacted guitar manufacturing. His ongoing collaboration with Gibson has produced several signature models that reflect his unique style and detailed book editions from Gibson Publishing about his career and guitar collection.
SLASH announced he will officially release his sixth solo album, a star-studded blues record titled Orgy of the Damned, on May 17, 2024, via Gibson Records (Firebird Music distribution). A collection of 12 dynamic songs that revitalize blues classics, on Orgy of the Damned SLASH reteamed with storied producer Mike Clink and enlisted the album’s diverse guest vocalists, which include Gary Clark Jr., Billy F. Gibbons, Chris Stapleton, Dorothy, Iggy Pop, Paul Rodgers, Demi Lovato, Brian Johnson, Tash Neal, Chris Robinson, and Beth Hart. Rounding out his blues band in the studio and on the road, SLASH reunited with two of his bandmates from his Blues Ball outfit in the 90s, bassist Johnny Griparic and keyboardist Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis, and brought on drummer Michael Jerome and singer/guitarist Tash Neal.
A vibrant homage to the blues, SLASH has released two songs off Orgy of the Damned including “Oh Well” which features outlaw country star Chris Stapleton on vocals, and is a transcendent and electrified, bluesy folk-infused take on the Fleetwood Mac gem, written by original founder Peter Green. Listen to SLASH’s “Oh Well” featuring Chris Stapleton on vocals HERE, and watch/share the visualizer for “Oh Well” HERE. Also, listen to “Killing Floor” feat. Brian Johnson of AC/DC on vocals, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith on harmonica which Rolling Stone hailed “a freewheeling bluesy solo,” HERE and watch/share the “Killing Floor” video for a first look at SLASH and with his blues band in the studio HERE.
SLASH’s Orgy of the Damned is available worldwide digitally, on vinyl and CD via Gibson Records; pre-order HERE. Watch/share the album trailer HERE and for more information, go to www.slashonline.com.
This summer, SLASH has curated an all-star blues lineup to join him on the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival touring North America including Warren Haynes Band, Keb’ ‘Mo, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Robert Randolph, Samantha Fish, Eric Gales, ZZ Ward, Jackie Venson, and Larkin Poe. SLASH’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival, which stands for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance, will bring fans together to celebrate the spirit of the Blues and raise awareness and funds for multiple charities that uplift marginalized communities, support mental health initiatives, and share SLASH’s restorative focus of elevating lives for the benefit of all. SLASH’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival will kick off on July 5; for tickets and VIP packages, visit: www.SerpentFestival.com.
For the latest information and tour dates for SLASH, visit www.Slashonline.com.