From Guitar World · · 1m 10s
Pete Townshend's Smashed 1969 Gibson SG
Pete Townshend smashed his iconic SG guitar during a 1970 Who show, now set to be played by musicians worldwide.
In brief
Pete Townshend smashed his iconic SG guitar during a 1970 Who show, now set to be played by musicians worldwide. Pete Townshend threw his 1969 Gibson SG on the floor after it went out of tune at a 1970 Who show, now available for public play in Paris. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Pete Townshend's Smashed Guitar
Pete Townshend smashed his iconic Gibson SG at a 1970 Who show after it went out of tune.
“He touched the amps and went way off-tune during a cover of Shakin' All Over, which made him angry.”
The Incident
Pete threw the guitar on the floor after it went out of tune, causing the headstock to crack.
“Pete looked at Binky and said, 'You ready?'”
Binky Philips
Binky Philips, a Who superfan, caught the guitar after 56 years and fixed it with a luthier.
“Binky and Pete made eye contact when the SG's headstock got cracked.”
The Fix
Charles LoBue salvaged the guitar by grafting wood onto the headstock, making it playable again.
“He managed to salvage it by grafting a new piece of wood onto the headstock.”
56 Years Later
Philips kept the guitar for 56 years before Matt's Guitar Shop founder Matthieu Lucas contacted him.
“Philips kept it for 56 years until Lucas got in touch with a private collector.”
The Story
Lucas confirmed the guitar was Pete's 1969 SG Special used at the 1970 Who show.
“This guitar was Binky's pride and joy, his connection to his guitar hero.”
Public Play
The guitar is now available for public play in Paris, with plans for musicians to use it.
“Everybody is welcome to come to the shop and play it.”
What matters most
Pete Townshend threw his 1969 Gibson SG on the floor after it went out of tune at a 1970 Who show, now available for public play in Paris.
