Gibson auctions Paul McCartney-played Les Paul guitar for Ukraine relief

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On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine during a televised broadcast, marking the start of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On February 28, 2022, Paul McCartney sent a brief support message to Ukraine on social networks.

During his US “Got Back” tour (from April 28 to June 16, 2022), immediately preceding the encore at each stop on the tour, Paul and his band members left the stage and each returned with a flag, Paul holding the flag of Ukraine.

On July 3, 2022, NBC TV broadcast the programme “Ukraine: Answering The Call”, to raise awareness about and funds for Ukraine. The programme showed Paul McCartney and his band performing John Lennon’s song “Give Peace A Chance” during their 2008 concert in Kyiv.

On June 4, 2022, during a soundcheck at Syracuse, Paul was seen playing a Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, painted with the Blue and Gold colors of the Ukrainian flag. This guitar, autographed by Paul, was auctioned by Gibson between November 11 and 13, 2022, and raised $76,800 to help Ukraine.

From Gibson Brands News, September 7, 2022:

Guitars For Peace: Gibson Launches Ukraine Relief Program To Raise Awareness and Funds For The People Of Ukraine

NASHVILLE, TN (September 7, 2022) Gibson, the iconic American-made instrument brand, and Gibson Gives–its philanthropic arm–are bringing the music community together to stand behind the Ukraine Relief effort, raising awareness and funds to aid the people of Ukraine.

Gibson luthiers have crafted a limited edition run of four Guitars For Peace Les Paul Custom electric guitars, which proudly display the unforgettable Azure Blue and Gold colors of the Ukrainian Flag. Gibson partnered with artists to perform with the Ukraine guitars on stage on tour this summer. Autograph books traveling alongside each guitar have been autographed by Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Slash, Fher Olvera of Maná, Nile Rogers of Chic, Mark Knopfler, Lzzy Hale, Margo Price, Alex Lifeson, Blossoms, The Fratellis, Kasabian, Madness, Maisie Peters, Paloma Faith, The Charlatans, The Vaccines, Toyah, My Chemical Romance, and actor Jason Momoa, among others.

Starting on October 11, bidding will open for the Gibson Guitars For Peace Ukraine guitars and their autograph books as part of Julien’s Auctions—the world record-breaking auction house to the stars—”Icons & Idols: Rock ‘N’ Roll” live auction. Bidding will conclude with the live auction on Friday, November 11, Saturday, November 12, and Sunday, November 13, online via www.JuliensLive.com and in-person at the Hard Rock New York. Registration is required to bid in this auction and can be done in person or online before the sale via the registration page to bid by phone (310) 836-1818, proxy, or in person, or online. For inquiries, please email info@juliensauctions.com or call 310-836-1818.

100% of the funds from the auction of the Gibson Guitars For Peace Ukraine Relief guitars will go to the current humanitarian need for the people of Ukraine, as well as rebuilding efforts once the conflict ends. In addition to the guitars, Gibson has launched the Guitars For Peace T-Shirt to allow everyone across the globe to show their support for Ukraine in an affordable way. 100% of funds from the sale of Gibson Ukraine guitars and the Guitars For Peace T-Shirts will be donated to immediate humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine through the Disaster Emergency Committee, a portion of the funds will also be used to re-establish music programs in Ukraine when the conflict ends. To order the Gibson Gives Guitars For Peace T-Shirt and support Ukraine relief, visit: https://www.bonfire.com/gibson-gives-guitars-for-peace/.

The Gibson Gives Ukraine Relief guitars feature the colors of the Ukrainian flag, which is a worldwide symbol of international solidarity for the freedom, democracy, and independence of the Ukrainian people. The Azure Blue color on top signifies Ukraine’s great blue skies, while the Gold below denotes the massive fields of grain that cover three-quarters of the country; the flag of Ukraine represents its role as the breadbasket of Europe. A strong symbol of pride, the Ukrainian flag was created in 1848 and has flown high as the national flag of Ukraine for over 30 years since Ukraine achieved its independence.

“I’m happy to auction this beautiful guitar of mine to benefit the fine people of Ukraine,” says Paul McCartney. “Hopefully it will help them through this aggressive Russian invasion.”

“It is an honor to represent the brave sovereign state of Ukraine,” says SLASH. “I’m proud to support them during this conflict.”

“Once again, Gibson Gives rises to the occasion!” says Alex Lifeson of RUSH. “I’m proud to count myself in as a supporter of the Guitars For Peace initiative in aid of the people of Ukraine.”

“It’s been heartbreaking to watch the innocent people of Ukraine in such turmoil,” adds Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. “I’m so proud of my Gibson family for stepping up to provide a bit of hope to our fellow humans.”

“For many centuries, music has always played a pivotal role in uniting communities and countries, especially during times of conflict,” says James “JC” Curleigh, President and CEO of Gibson Brands. “Despite the dark circumstances, we stand by our amazing artists with our support to launch ‘Guitars for Peace,’ and to envision a better future for Ukraine and its citizens.”

I’m happy to auction this beautiful guitar of mine to benefit the fine people of Ukraine. Hopefully it will help them through this aggressive Russian invasion.

Paul McCartney

Last updated on December 23, 2022