Chuck Berry’s stage-played Gibson Firebird – which features on the cover of a 2017 triple-album reissue – is up for auction

[Ivan May]

The refinished Firebird was used by Berry during a headline slot at The Rock and Roll Show in 1972 after his main guitar snapped a string

 

 

 

 

 

A stage-played 1964 Gibson Firebird that was once owned and used by rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Chuck Berry is set to go up for auction in the UK later this month.

Though the Firebird wasn’t one of Berry’s go-to Gibson models – the ES-350T and, later, the ES-355 received that honor – the electric guitar legend was forced into playing this particular six-string during a headline performance at the 1972 Rock and Roll Show at Wembley Stadium in London, when his main instrument snapped a string.

After Berry’s guitar went a string down, his backing guitarist, Terry Gibson, showed impeccable initiative by handing over the Firebird in question, which Berry used to finish the set. 

Berry can be seen switching to and playing the Firebird in the video below around the one hour and 16 minute mark.

After the show, the guitar was given back to Gibson – whose real name is Terry Clemson – who kept it until his death.

Gibson, who had a prolific performing career as a solo artist and session man – his credits include work with Berry, Gene Vincent, Bo Diddley and Screaming Lord Sutch – passed away in 2020, with the guitar moving hands to its current owner around that time.

 

 

 

 

Despite its black lick of paint, the Firebird originally flaunted a sunburst finish, though was refinished sometime between the late ‘60s and 1972, when Berry was snapped playing the Firebird at Wembley.

(Image credit: Gardiner Houlgate)

 

 

One of the pictures captured from the event, which shows Berry in one of his iconic power poses, was later used for a three-album reissue of Rockin’ at the Hops, One Dozen Berrys and New Juke Box Hits in 2017. The Firebird was also used for the artwork of Gibson’s own solo album, Downliner, in 1990.

In terms of specs, the Firebird features a refinished body, rosewood fretboard and a Maestro Vibrola tremolo system, and is being auctioned off alongside a guitar strap that is believed to be the one used by Berry during the gig.

Owing to its association with Berry, the Firebird is expected to fetch a five-figure sum at the auction – as much as £20,000, to be precise – when it goes under the hammer next Thursday (March 9) in Wiltshire, England.

Head over to Gardiner Houlgate to find out more about the guitar.

 

I hope they put this Gibson Firebird in a museum, or at least, if someone buys it, they take extremely good care of that beautiful Gibson Firebird.

[desertbluesman]

He played it one night? Gibson probably gave it to him. I'll bid fifty bucks.🤣

 

[KuruPrionz]

Just now, desertbluesman said:

He played it one night? Gibson probably gave it to him. I'll bid fifty bucks.🤣

 

I don't think Gibson would give Chuck Berry a black paint over sunburst Firebird, do you?

Plus, I'll bid $75. 😇

 

[desertbluesman]

24 minutes ago, KuruPrionz said:

I don't think Gibson would give Chuck Berry a black paint over sunburst Firebird, do you?

Plus, I'll bid $75. 😇

 

It's yours Kuru,

 

If Chuck wanted a painted over Firebird and Gibson knew about it, then no problemo. Gibson would say; get the spray can out, Chuck ain't satisfied with a sunburst paint job,

[KuruPrionz]

I saw a white Firebird with a stop tailpiece today at the pawn shop. They hang funny, not for me. 

Great guitar for somebody!!!!

[Scott Fraser]

Great pickups, body shape & size which is only going to work for some people. Provenance on an instrument which Berry didn't own, but played once for half a set strikes me as a bit spurious.

[Larryz]

Here's the best of the Firebirds IMHO...😎

 

 

[Sharkman]

So Chuck never owned it, he just used it for a handful of songs at one show, and by coincidence, had photos taken of him playing it.  I'll go $76.00, maybe even up to $80 if I have to.