One of my favorite rock advertisements has to be this ad for “The Kids Are Alright” rockumentary film released in 1979 about The Who. The ad features Pete Townshend about to smash his Gibson Les Paul guitar with the caption “This Guitar Has Seconds To Live.”
I always wanted to know the info behind this classic photo. So here it goes…
It was taken at The Who’s November 7, 1973 concert here at Newcastle Odeon Cinema.
Townshend smashed his 1973 cherry sunburst Gibson Les Paul custom thirty minutes into the show. Here is another photo taken before the famous photo…
And here is a photo taken right after…
The smashed guitar is now owned by the Hard Rock Cafe.
I think it is funny that a Pete Townshend smashed guitar is more valuable then a working one. Go figure…
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Here's a view from my desk at home. http://www.flickr.com/photos/indiefab/6837639212/
Its the New Musical Express, July 14th 1979, page 21. Its an ad mag from England. I got the entire booklet for $15 on eBay a couple years ago from a guy in England. From what I've seen, original copies are very rare. Its my favorite piece of memorabilia.