The Mystery of Mick Taylor's Alleged Stolen Les Paul: A Rock 'n' Roll Saga
Mick Taylor, the former guitarist of the Rolling Stones, has been linked to a stolen Les Paul guitar that is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The guitar, known for its sunburst finish and rich history, has been a subject of interest among guitar enthusiasts for years. Despite claims from Taylor's representatives that he once owned the guitar, the museum maintains that he never had ownership of it. The Les Paul, famously played by Keith Richards during the Stones' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, has a well-documented ownership history that contradicts Taylor's account.
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul, referred to as the "Keithburst," has a colorful past that includes appearances by renowned musicians like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. The guitar's journey to the Met was part of a generous donation of 500 vintage guitars by a collector. While Taylor's manager has stated that the guitar went missing at some point, the museum asserts that the instrument has had a public history without any previous claims from Taylor. The Les Paul's provenance includes a notable auction at Christie's in 2004 and a feature in a Met exhibition in 2019.
Despite Taylor's association with the guitar during his time with the Rolling Stones, the museum's research indicates that he never owned the instrument. The Les Paul's ownership trail includes Adrian Miller and Cosmo Verrico, with a gap in the provenance regarding how Miller acquired the guitar from Richards. The Met's detailed record of subsequent owners culminates in the guitar's display at the museum's "Play It Loud" exhibition, where it garnered attention from visitors and music enthusiasts alike.
Taylor, recognized for his blues guitar style, has had a tumultuous history since his departure from the Stones in 1974. His representatives have expressed surprise at the guitar's presence in the museum but have not provided detailed accounts of Taylor's ownership claims. Despite calls for the Met to allow inspection of the guitar to confirm its provenance, the museum has not received any communication from Taylor's associates. The Les Paul's storied past continues to captivate fans and collectors, adding another layer to its rock 'n' roll history.
In conclusion, the saga of the stolen Les Paul guitar associated with Mick Taylor and the Rolling Stones remains a topic of intrigue and debate. The conflicting narratives surrounding the guitar's ownership and history add a layer of mystery to its already fascinating journey through the world of rock music. As the Met stands by its assertion that Taylor never owned the instrument, the Les Paul's presence in the museum serves as a testament to its enduring legacy in the realm of iconic guitars.