Rock’s Greatest Pay Tribute To Les Paul
Keith Richards, Brian Wilson and Slash remember the guitar legend.
Tributes have been pouring in for Les Paul, the legendary guitarist and inventor who died of pneumonia yesterday, 13th August, at the age of 94.
Lester William Polsfuss was born in Wisconsin in 1915, and used Les Paul as a stage name in his career as a jazz guitarist. Paul invented the electric guitar which Gibson Guitars started producing in 1952, naming the instrument after him. Paul was also responsible for innovation in multi-track recording and sound effects.
Dave Berryman, President of Gibson Guitar, said: "I don't think any words can describe the man we know as Les Paul adequately. The English language does not contain words that can pay enough homage to someone like Les.
"As the 'Father of the Electric Guitar,' he was not only one of the world's greatest innovators but a legend who created, inspired and contributed to the success of musicians around the world."
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards commented on the loss of his friend: "We must all own up that without Les Paul, generations of flash little punks like us would be in jail or cleaning toilets. All of us owe an unimaginable debt to his work and his talent."
Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson spoke of the impact Paul's work had on his music: "He was the first guy to do multi guitar, multi track recording and that turned me on to guitars and stacking vocals for our records."
Slash reminisced about his time with Paul: "Les Paul was a shining example of how full one's life can be, he was so vibrant & full of positive energy. I'm honoured and humbled to have known and played with him over the years, he was an exceptionally brilliant man."
Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction remarked: "Les is single-handedly responsible for the direction and evolution of the modern rock movement. Period. If you are a fan of modern music, you owe Les Paul an enormous THANK YOU!"
"Les Paul brought six strings to electricity and electricity to six strings. Les Paul was an innovator, a groundbreaker, a risk taker, a mentor and a friend. Try to imagine what we'd be doing if hadn't come along and changed the world. There will always be more Les to come. That's certified", pointed out Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top.
Blink 182's Tom DeLonge had this to say: "A true musical pioneer whose inventions and innovations have influenced every facet, genre, and spectrum of the industry. The world may have lost an icon, but his name and legacy will live on forever. Thanks Les."
With the fact that Paul continued to play up until his illness, Aerosmith's Joe Perry said: "He was a true genius. The few times that I had met him, he made me feel like I had known him forever. He was always sharp, ready to rock and he was always talking about his next gig. Knowing that he is not walking the earth anymore is sad and I have lost a friend. But every time I pick up a guitar I’ll know that his spirit is alive and well right next to me."
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