It was 1952 when my mother and father took my twin brother to the Lancaster Ohio Methodist campground to hear Les Paul and Mary Ford. It was the beginning of a musical career that allowed me to perform with the world's greatest musicians. Thank you Les!
Yer right, plus everyone with ears owes him a debt, due to 99.9% of the population on earth hearing Multitrack Recording, his wife was a ***** though..
I don't think people appreciated enough period we live in a time when when basically all we want and sometimes what we don't want is available at our fingertips. I don't know how I found this video I was rocking George Benson period previous to that was Murray Head. Pet Shop Boys. And it brought me here. Music Vining is the only thing left of what used to be RU-vid. I love this stuff. These old guys are classy and classic.
I GOT HOOKED ON THE SOUND OF A LES PAUL THROUGH A MARSHALL AT15.YOU HAVE TO TRY IT,THEN YOURE HOOKED FOR LIFE,NO ONE CAN TAKE .A WHOLE GENERATION DID THE SAME THING.
Being a self-employed freelance advertising photographer, let's just say it's a life of feast and famine. To make ends meet I have done more than a few stagehand gigs. I did a ZZ gig a few years ago and as we worked the load out after the show, the band's tour buses were idling in the parking lot. When we finished our work at 4am and closed the doors on the the last semi at the dock, a number of us were standing around BSing, and here comes Billy Gibbons shuffling across the parking lot in a silk smoking jacket (robe) and slippers and wearing that hat. He extends a hand, shaking our hands every one and thanking us for making his job possible. The only time I have ever had that happen, though I have to say that another band of the nicest guys I ever met was Iron Maiden. The same down to earth unpretentiousness. Cheers
My mom was the cleaning lady at a villa Iron Maiden stayed in when they did a gig in the Algarve back in '93. She was absolutely amazed at how nice, polite and clean they were and became a lifelong fan (she was already 45 at the time and obviously grew up listening to Sinatra, Bennett, Aznavour, etc. so metal was definitely not her thing). She best remembers Janick Gers and Nicko being consummate gentlemen and always talked about how clean and beautiful their hair was 😁.
@@sandroleandro2493 A friend of mine was a hotel housekeeper back in the early 90s, and she knocked on a door to change the sheets, and Kevin Dubrow answered the door, with the rest of Quiet Riot standing in the room behind him. She recognized him and went total fangirl, and they invited her in, and they wound up hanging out all afternoon. She said they were really nice guys. But the best story I ever heard, second hand, was a musician friend of mine whose mom, who knew nothing about rock, came home one day and told my friend she'd wound up at lunch with one of her office's clients. She said, "I had lunch with the nicest man today. It turned out he's a musician too, he's in a rock band. Have you ever heard of a singer called Robert Plant?"
Doesn't get any better than this. Thank you for having Billy as a guest and jamming with him. Was absolutely flawless and history was made. RIP Mr Lez Paul.
He is from central Texas I grew up around a lot of musicians from Houston and Austin brother in-law was a concert production manager for pace productions and a buddy grew up directly across river from Willy Nelson’s house on the pedernales river another friend grew up in around the corner from me plaid the drums for Micky G illy at Houston honkytonk Gillies Hank jr Don knotts merl haggard Chris Chrisofferson all those guys are just like anyone else good ol southern boys like 38 special
The people that are suggesting that Billy was respecting his elders by not taking offence to Les' interview style are clearly not aware of Les Paul's intelligence. Les' approach was very funny, clever, and deliberate. Billy Gibbons was well aware of this. Great post...thanks!
I wish that I knew of Paul's music and I would have followed him all over the country. I only recently saw his playing with Mary. Mary with the angelic faces! So much humility from both. O nly recently I heard them on internet but I miss them so much.
Why would one even try to counter Paul's interview style....? It's well established to act like one doesn't notice any irregularities. Especially with slightly nutty intelligent legends , who keeps going on about that beard and what's under that hat . And above all laugh out of politeness , even when there's nothing to laugh about.
Just to be clear: Les Paul is the genius who literally invented the Rock and Roll guitar with all of its effects, and also happens to play because he loves it. And, BTW he knows exactly what's going on. Billy isn't stupid and shows some class as he pays his respects to the man who made his career possible.
That had to be a thrill for Billy Gibbons to not only get to talk and perform with Les Paul but also get to play one his actual Les Paul Guitars. This is a great session. RIP Les.
Les is the Damn reason I got myself one of his axes, it kinda does the work for me, Les Paul didn't know Jim Marshall but without those two I'd probably be a MF'n Door to Door Salesman with Detergent or Shampoo or some shit! Geniuses!
Les Paul is a legend. Exceedingly talented and funny. Toured with ZZ Top back in the mid 90’s and Billy was a class act. Very gracious and humble. He’s just happy to be doing what he loves.
Van Halen holds a patent for a flip-out support device that attaches to the rear of the electric guitar.[48] This device enables the user to play the guitar in a manner similar to the piano by orienting the face of the guitar upward instead of forward.[49][50][51] However, he is not in the Inventors Hall Of Fame. Check here: www.invent.org/NIHF-hall-of-fame-inductees-list-alphabetical#section-4916
Guitarists owe much to Led Paul He did much in the development of many guitar effects and invented double tracking / overdubbing and was an incredible guitarist . He was even working on the development of a blood pressure medication. Not just a guitar genius, but a genius PERIOD. Thank you Les.
Les Paul used tell a phone mouth peace and the ear peace . I still have my les Paul guitar and still sounds great ..I am 71 but even with my slow hands now it is the Les Paul that touches my heart and soul .... He did so much for rock n roll 👍👍👍👍les Paul Jr 1958 still rocks
It's amazing to see various clips like this of great musicians (typically guitar players) meeting and playing with Les Paul in his "throne room" so to speak. All of them always have stories of his incredible influence. It's wonderful to see them paying homage to him. He was the "grandfather" of a great deal of American music, yet at the same time he was just a humble guy from Wisconsin with a great sense of humor.
Billy Gibbons is exactly what you see is what you get. I met and spent a couple hours with him in 1988. Just a regular guy doing what he loves. Playing Mississippi blues inspired divine music.
Most people don't know Les Paul was a workaholic Creating the famous guitar was a drop in the bucket to put this man achieved in his life. Everything he touched turn to gold
It comes easy when you actually are a ... you know ... a musician. Actually ... i even have a very strong suspicion thats why they named that like that. But thats just guesing things on my part here, what do i know ;PPP
Les Paul was not only a musical genius... he is the father of modern recording. He was doing multi-track recording before there was even a term for it!
I knew Billy Gibbons for being a funny dude but I never though Les Paul would be such fun as well! Real pleasure to see those two goofing around and playing together :)
@@pippipster6767 I almost felt bad for Homeless dude -- BUT - Les is being honest, he's an old guy that doesn't know Billy Gibbons from a hole in the wall. Yes, he embarrassed him, don't think it was meant that way.
Les is hilarious! A regular comedian. And Billy plays along well . . . Even with their mutual teasing, you can see his respect for the old guy. Great video.
How must you really feel inside, when the most versatile, popular, badass guitar in the world is built and named after you? Every kid who can hold down more than two chords dreams of owning one- every rock legend in the world owns at least one, and there is the man himself. Absolute Respect Mr Paul.
Tony Round -Definitely, Les loved playing with everyone, from any style of music, even if they didn't play the guitar he designed. He was a top notch human being first, and a guitar guy second.
We work our a.... off as rule to survive a lot of folks don't have the money or time to stop working to enjoy life take a break so to speak I know no one cares but this is nice. Some other good videos similar to this
Two astounding and innovative musicians obviously having a great time. Thanks for this amazing post. RIP Les Paul, the High Priest of the Electric Guitar and so much more.
This is awesome! Saw Les right around this same time, with his trio. It was incredible! Met him after the show, we chatted for a bit and he showed me the prototype Les Paul. Kindest gentleman.
Any guitar player would be privileged to have a chance to play with les paul.he was the best of his time.and you can thank him for making a electric guitar a reality. And a badass guitar guitar player himself...thank you les!!
That farmer had no idea what he was helping to create. Crazy to think about how if 1 thing in time was changed like if Willie was on his way to that farmer to buy that Les Paul and his car got a flat tire and the farmer ended up selling the guitar to another guy then everything that was created by ZZ Top might not of existed. Any number of things could of changed the course of fate for the bearded boys that day and we wouldn't of had the great music by one of the best bands in the world. You know I call that farmer and Willie's interaction and exchange of money for that Les Paul guitar? I call that gate my friends.
Actually it was a Gibson Melody Maker that was the turning point in the history of rock & roll. Young Billy G. got it for Christmas when he was about 5 ir 6 years old. 💪 🇺🇸
I was too young when Les Paul was at his peak. I realize I missed out on some of the most talented performers ever. Les and his Wife were way ahead of their time.
Im still trippin...to see a legendary L.P....these videos..well i have no words to describe the feelings i get watching them no matter how many times I seen em..LP wasn't for him there might not have been an electric guitar...or any other effects we use today well maybe but not Les made them i love watching Les play with his little black box..on his earlier stage performances...may you rest in peace Les Paul..i hope you wont be forgotten 👊🤓👍
Every guitar player wanted to sit beside Les Paul and get teased...it was just a thing Les Paul did. You have to remember Les Paul is trying to put on a show for the audience...kind of a Vaudeville thing...Les was always nice and had everyone laughing...too bad he is gone...
I played next to him every day for a decade! Kept a poster of him in the studio because it never felt right to have no god looking over my shoulder during practice, believe me it works.
@@quantumsith442 yes you always have to have a guy looking over your shoulder it Comforts The Heart and it gives a thought of mine the feeling the song speaks out more clearly
@@quantumsith442 I also write lyrics and I understand having a god watching over his shoulder at your practice he helps me put words together so far I got 360 8 lyrics
Im just gonna throw this out….. this is a bit staged…. I love them both tho and Billie got that promo in so it’s all good….. a lot of this was pre written…. The other stuff is them. They want ya to think it just happens like that but it don’t…. There’s a lot that goes into this before anyone shows up… however the music is all them. And basically all that really matters.
I always enjoy the Reverend Billy Gibbons claiming he barely plays. Then bends a guitar to his will. Doing it with Les Paul is a good day. TEXAS born and bred.
The beard already said that. Never knew he was that good a musician, not knowing anything other than Legs.. The sound I'm getting from my computer speakers from this clip is fantastic.
got that right. zz top nods over and over to the OG's of the blues- where you think that boogie came from? can you say john lee hooker? billy f gibbons is a huge custom car guy- i'd be peein in my old bluejeans if i was even 50 feet near les OR billy f.
When Les asked him to play one of ZZ’s tunes, Billy being respectful cause there’s a couple of them were inappropriate with his quick thinking, pulled out a good Mississippi blues feel and it was good!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Genius is always a delight to watch ...... It helps us to accept our simple skills ....... Watching these guys just makes me smile from ear to ear ..... Happy Days all the way ..............
Love " Willie Gibson" and Mr Paul joking and playing and telling stories. Just bought tickets for ZZ Top, I hope, coming to my region, Portland Oregon in October 2020. THANKS for your great work.
It’s so special what these two music GIANTS has given the world in their lifetimes. Yes, Les is responsible for the Les Paul guitar which is considered the pinnacle of electric guitars. The 1959 standard is the rarest and most valuable Les Pauls often exceeding a half million dollars. Billy’s Les Paul (Pearly Gates) is a 1959 that he paid only $200 back in the day and it’s practically priceless today. I got to meet ZZ Top backstage in Dallas at the old CocaCola StarPlex amphitheater while AeroSmith was playing on stage. It was so cool to shake the hands of Billy, Dusty and Frank. They autographed a book I have The Beauty of the Burst on the page that shows Pearly Gates and Billy wrote with his sharpie pen a scripted PG next to the full page photo of Pearly Gates. That book was always special to me but since meeting the guys it’s something I’ll cherish forever. They also signed my old original Tres Hombres vinyl album and yeah, that’s kinda special to me now as well. I also have a signed copy of Les Pauls book “In his own words” it’s a non numbered artist proof that Les signed. I would love to have met Les and would loved to seen him play back in his heyday. God Bless you Les and thank you for everything you’ve done even if it only was to give hope to someone and inspire them to keep playing guitar.
chris lentz thanks man!! It sucks. just as I got old enough to go to bars I was planning a trip to see him in New York and that same year I was going he passed away. I was always bumbed.
It's so nice to see a man like LesPaul at that age and so cheerful, and well-disposed, genuinely worried and interested in the circumstances of Billy's life. I really cannot understand how came there are such these abnormal types of guys that come a video like this one to put a “dislike” on it. For sure they do not even touch the surface of the depth of vision of a man of this caliber. And frankly, I think these guys probably never played guitar in their little lives!
Les Paul was a LEGEND, an icon, a gentleman. Without Les Paul, the man who's invention of the electric guitar made Rock and Roll possible, you'd never know who Jimmy Hendrix was. Les Paul transformed music as much as Mozart did!
Wait a minute, didn't Hendrix play a Strat? Me thinks you're completely wrong!! AND, Fender produced the second mass produced, commercially available electric guitar in 1950 (Telecaster), the Les Paul wasn't available until 1952!!! So sorry, I'm sure we would still have Hendrix and Page and all the rest!!! Les Paul was responsible for inventing multi-track recording, not the electric guitar!
@@timsmith9169 - Paul may have made a solid body electric, not first, but "second" (by and for himself by 1941), but Fender made, as I stated before, the second mass produced, commercially available electric (solid body) guitar in 1950! Paul's was NOT available until 1952, so that places his in a solid third place! AND, my comment was in response to Scott Tucker's original post, stating that without Les Paul, we would simply not have rock music or any of the great guitar players that came along!! I totally disagree. As for the *first* "solid body" electric guitar, the winner would have to go to Rickenbacker and Beauchamp for their 1931/32 A-22 lap steel guitar!! But hey, who's really interested in actual history anyway?
Well, he was very nice to Lespaul and full of respect... In front of the very old man whose hands are definitely too old for swinging, he didn't put out his usual technique and energy... This definitely shows his class...
He got in a bad car accident with Mary Ford who slid on some snow or something while she was driving and the car went down an embankment and his arm got all messed up. He couldn't bend it properly after that so he had to have it set in a certain position. He told the doctor the way he wanted to have it set so he could still play the guitar. Tough and classy guy. Didn't give up.