Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill – ZZ Top
The “Little ol’ band from Texas” established themselves as icons of the MTV generation with these completely over-the-top furry Bolin Explorer guitars in the video for “Legs”.
“Dimebag” Darrell Abbott - Pantera
This chrome skidplate Washburn guitar was used by the late, great Dimebag Darrell on Pantera’s Reinventing the Steel tour in 2000.
Roy Orbison
This original drawing was done by Roy in 1953. He was the art editor of his high school yearbook in Wink, Texas and this page was used as a section divider. Also on display is a stage-worn suit from Roy’s wardrobe.
Stevie Ray Vaughn
The man they called “Guitar Hurricane” (for good reason) wore this Maori fish hook necklace throughout his career. Also on display is a pair of Stevie’s cowboy boots which he signed, “Soul to Soul”.
Elvis Presley
The King wore this simple black shirt in his 1967 film, Double Trouble. Also on display are a pair of cowboy chaps Elvis owned.
Willie Nelson
The “Red Headed Stranger”, alt-country icon and true American treasure wore this headband on stage at our annual Ambassadors of Rock concert at the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi, MS on October 3rd, 2008. Afterwards, he donated it to our collection. Thanks, Willie!
Buddy Holly
Though his career lasted just over two years, Buddy Holly’s impact on modern music is impossible to overstate. He almost single-handedly created the guitar-slinging singer songwriter and his influence resonates in nearly every aspect of popular music. He rocked these red suede shoes on stage during his late ’50s heyday. Also on display is a stage-worn red blazer .
Ron Blair - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Ron Blair was the Heartbreaker’s original bass player in the ’70s and played on most of Tom Petty’s classic albums, but he left the group in 1982. Twenty one years later, he rejoined the Heartbreakers and has been with the band ever since. That’s one hell of a hiatus. Ron rocked this vintage Framus bass on stage with Tom Petty at Colorado’s Red Rocks amphitheater in ’05.
Tony Iommi - Black Sabbath
The heaviest, darkest, spookiest and greatest guitarist in metal is Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi. That’s not an opinion, it’s a fact. He’s influenced everyone who’s ever plugged in an electric guitar and turned it up to eleven. The super-iconic axeman wore these jeans on stage with the mighty Sabbath many times. They are, of course, black.
George Harrison - The Beatles
The Beatles’ hyper-talented guitarist was a prolific letter writer. On display is a handwritten letter to a fan. George penned this note in ’65.