Richie's Tribute to Les Paul

(Thanks, Mys, for pointing me at this).

Richie sat with Rolling Stone magazine (figuratively, I'm sure) and talked a little bit about the Legend that was Les Paul. The entire article is well worth the read, especially if you have fondness for guitars.

I grew up with them all around me, and appreciate the beautiful music these instruments can make. Les Paul was a household name where I grew up, before I knew who Satriani, Eddie VanHalen, and Sambora even were.

Here's my favorite excerpt from the article:

“A mutual friend of mine invited him over my house. It was my birthday — it was 1988. I was making a record with the band, and we were [planning] a double album. For guitar players, it’s quite arduous — especially if you’re writing the songs and also doing all the guitar parts. So the first time I met him, he comes over my house — we’re in the middle of a party — and I’m like, ‘What the hell are you doing here?!’ It was unbelievable. And he hands me this guitar, and it’s this beautiful white Les Paul, with gold pickups that he wound himself. He said, ‘I put these together especially for you. I heard you were having some problems because you have a lot of stuff to do. Son, here’s a sword — go cut the shit.’ ”

I love that. "Go cut the shit".

Les, you are missed.

Love and respect,
Hath