When U2 band members get involved around in politics and charity work, typically it is a safe bet to expect Bono and his sunglasses to be the one behind it. This time, it is guitarist The Edge who is making news due to his impressive contribution to a charity.
The Edge has decided to donate his 1975 Gibson Les Paul, a guitar he has used in thousands of hours of studio work and in live performances, to an auction that is benefiting the charity Music Rising. This foundation was co-founded by the guitarist, which was created to help replace musical equipment that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
Why pick such an important guitar from his collection? In an interview with the Associated Press, he said: “I wanted to give something really significant that would really mean a lot for me to give. It deserved something that I would miss.”
Other items being auctioned include an early performance contract for Elvis Presley, one of Jimi Hendrix’s studio guitars, a guitar Bob Dylan used in concert, and even a pair of Madonna’s pants that she wore in that Sex book. Oh yeah, and a pair of Bono’s sunglasses. You totally knew that was coming.
The items are on exhibit as part of the Icon’s Of Music, which will be stopping in Los Angeles, Dublin, London and New York City. If you can’t make it in person, items will also be up for grabs on eBay.
Icons Of Music – Benefiting Music Rising Exhibitions
03.26.07 to 03.29.07 – Los Angeles, CA (Beverly Hilton)
04.03.07 to 04.06.07 – Dublin (The Clarence Hotel)
04.11.07 to 04.13.07 – London (Hard Rock Cafe)
04.16.07 to 04.20.07 – New York, NY (Hard Rock Cafe)
Icons Of Music Live Auction
04.21.07 – New York, NY (Hard Rock Cafe)
