A 1959 sunburst Gibson Les Paul Standard once owned by Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones has reappeared after over 50 years, being part of a collection acquired by the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The guitar was used by Richards during The Rolling Stones’ debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 and was later sold to Mick Taylor, who used it during the Altamont Free Concert in 1969.
The guitar was reportedly stolen in 1971 during recording sessions for Exile on Main Street, along with nine other guitars, a saxophone, and a bass guitar, with speculation that drug dealers were involved.
Mick Taylor’s business manager confirmed the guitar’s authenticity based on its unique “flaming” pattern, with an unnamed source expressing surprise at its sudden appearance after years of mystery.
