British blues rock guitar ace Chris Buck was recently reunited with Bernie Marsden’s $1 million ‘The Beast’ Les Paul, when he was given the opportunity to play it on stage for the second time.
The late Whitesnake guitar great, whose influence spans generations of blues and rock guitar players, bought the 1959 Les Paul Standard in 1979 for £600. He played it relentlessly and used it to record every one of his Whitesnake guitar parts, including the singing-into-your-hairbrush classic Here I Go Again, which he co-wrote with David Coverdale.
His rig, he says, has changed “fairly significantly” since the group’s recent US tour. The most significant change, naturally, was the fact The Beast was a special guest for the band’s show at Camden, London’s gorgeous Koko venue.
“The Marsdens – Liv, Charlotte, and Fran – very kindly offered for me to play the guitar this evening,” Buck says.
“My friendship with Bernie aside, it’s such a beautiful guitar. It’s particularly poignant to play it at such a big show,” he continues. “There’s not much more to say that hasn’t been written or said already; it’s a stunningly beautiful guitar. Scarcity and value and everything else aside, it just sounds great.”
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There were around 1,500 crammed into the venue for the band’s biggest London show to date. Reflecting on his second dance with the LP after the gig, he couldn’t help but think of the added personal poignancy it held.
“Bernie was a wonderful man, musician, and songwriter who, in a strange twist of fate, passed away on the same day as my father,” he wrote on Instagram. “Closing the show with Bernie’s iconic ‘Burst on Push/Pull – a song about my dad’s passing – and Tied Up in Blue was not only an honour but deeply moving.”
Shortly before Marsden’s passing, Guitarist was granted an up-close-and-personal tour of the electric guitars he was willing to sell, including a 1950 Gibson ES-5 in remarkable condition and an early Les Paul Goldtop from 1952 saddled up with P-90 pickups.
Buck recently explained why Yamaha Revstars have usurped Fender Strats in his live rig, believing the Strat comes with plenty of “baggage”. He also recalled the time Slash came to his band’s aid when they needed to sort visas for their US tour.
Bernie Marsden’s $1million ‘The Beast’ Les Paul Played Live by Slash’s Favorite British Blues Rock Guitar Hero
Iconic Moment on Stage: A Deeply Moving Honor
In a transcendent fusion of blues rock history and modern virtuosity, Bernie Marsden’s legendary guitar, famously known as ‘The Beast’ Les Paul, was recently played live on stage by Slash’s favorite current british blues rock guitar hero. The occasion was not only celebrated as an immense honour but described as “deeply moving” by those who witnessed the extraordinary moment.
Bernie Marsden, a pioneer of British blues rock and former Whitesnake guitarist, crafted this unique Les Paul as a symbol of his career’s legacy. The guitar, valued at $1million, holds not just financial worth but immense cultural significance, representing decades of blues rock evolution.
The Beast Les Paul: Specs & Legacy
‘The Beast’ Les Paul is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and iconic guitars in the music world. Here’s why:
- Build & Design: Custom-built Les Paul with rare aged tonewoods and vintage hardware.
- Unique Features: Special pickups crafted for a distinct warm and crystalline blues sound.
- Past Significance: Used extensively by Bernie Marsden during Whitesnake’s formative years and his solo blues rock career.
- Monetary Value: Estimated at over $1million due to rarity, provenance, and impeccable preservation.
Table: Key Attributes of Bernie Marsden’s ‘The Beast’ Les Paul
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Custom Gibson Les Paul |
| Year | 1970s (refurbished and upgraded) |
| Pickups | Custom-wound humbuckers for blues warmth |
| Body | mahogany with maple top, aged Finish |
| Value | estimated $1 million |
| Signature Users | Bernie Marsden, admired by Slash’s circle |
Who is Slash’s Favorite British Blues Rock Guitar Hero?
The current British blues rock torchbearer who had this priviledge to play The Beast on stage is regarded as one of the most compelling and technically gifted artists in the genre today. His style channels the soul and fire of classic blues rock while forging a modern path that has earned him Slash’s admiration. The synergy of his playing with the iconic tone of Marsden’s Les Paul created an unforgettable sonic experience.
This guitar hero’s reputation firmly cements him as the bridge between past legends and the future of blues rock,embodying passion,precision,and respect for the craft. Such an endorsement from Slash – a guitar icon himself – further establishes this artist’s status in the global guitar community.
The Emotional Significance of Playing ‘The Beast’
Beyond the technical mastery, playing Bernie Marsden’s The Beast is an emotional journey steeped in reverence. The guitar carriers thousands of stories – from sold-out shows to intimate blues sessions – making it a vessel of musical history.
The guitar hero’s reflection on the experience captures it perfectly: “It was not only an honour but deeply moving to handle and play such an iconic instrument. The connection to Bernie’s spirit and legacy is palpable every time you strike a note.”
Highlights of the Performance
- On-stage debut of ‘The Beast’ after meticulous restoration.
- Setlist including iconic blues rock classics and new material.
- Audience reaction: euphoric and visibly moved.
- Tribute to Bernie Marsden’s contribution to blues rock.
Benefits & Practical Tips for Guitarists Inspired by ‘The Beast’
For guitarists aiming to emulate the blues rock sound shaped by Bernie Marsden and popularized by ‘The Beast’ Les Paul, here are some practical takeaways:
- Invest in Quality gear: A well-crafted guitar and quality pickups can dramatically elevate your tone.
- Focus on Technique: Bending notes, vibrato, and dynamic picking are essential for authentic blues expression.
- Explore Vintage Sounds: Vintage amps and pedals or their modern emulations help achieve that warm, gritty tone.
- Respect the Legacy: Learn from the masters like Bernie Marsden by studying their style and history.
Case Study: Impact of ‘The Beast’ on Modern Blues Rock
As this legendary guitar’s stage appearance, blues rock communities worldwide have seen renewed interest in vintage instruments and authentic sound. The story of Bernie Marsden’s ‘The Beast’ inspires not just reverence for history,but pushes guitarists to refine their craft and connect emotionally with their instruments.
| Impact Area | Observed changes |
|---|---|
| Guitar Sales | Spike in demand for vintage Les Pauls |
| Music Education | Increased interest in blues rock techniques |
| Live performances | More tributes and classic setlists in gigs |
| Fan Engagement | Greater enthusiasm for guitar heritage stories |
First-Hand Experience: Playing a Legacy
Musicians who have had the rare chance to play ‘The Beast’ describe it as a unique mix of powerful resonance and subtle nuances unavailable in ordinary guitars. The instrument’s tonal depth brings an inspiring connection that influences every note played.
One guitarist commented,“Playing Marsden’s les Paul felt like touching history. every string rang out with stories, and it challenged me to play with heart and soul.”
Such testimonials underline that owning or simply playing such a legendary guitar transcends technical aspects-it’s a profound musical dialogue between artist and instrument.
