New exhibition celebrates 150 years of the iconic guitar brand
“Epiphone’s 150th Anniversary Exhibition: Showcasing Noel Gallagher’s Guitar Collection” at the British Music Experience is a delightful temporary exhibit that traces the storied history of this iconic guitar brand through the cherished instruments of one of its most dedicated artists—Noel Gallagher.
Running from September 27, 2023, to January 14, 2024, this exhibition offers a unique perspective on Epiphone’s 150 years of musical influence from a British standpoint. It highlights some of Noel Gallagher’s most beloved guitars, including the Epiphone Riviera with Bigsby® featured on the “Definitely Maybe” album cover and the Epiphone Frontier FT110 used during the recording of “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory.”
Noel Gallagher’s affinity for Epiphone guitars dates back to his early admiration for The Beatles. Over three decades after the release of “Revolver,” Epiphone instruments played a pivotal role in recording sessions for Gallagher and Oasis. Notably, during the historic 1996 Oasis performances at Knebworth, Noel relied on a 1990s USA-made Sheraton for these epochal shows. Although he has experimented with various guitars, pedals, and amplifiers throughout his career, Gallagher often turned to an Epiphone Les Paul in Cherry Sunburst when recording “Definitely Maybe,” and later used Riviera, Sheraton, Casino, and Frontier models extensively.
Reflecting on his choice of Epiphones, Noel Gallagher says, “I wanted to start playing Epiphones because of The Beatles. I didn’t know much about guitars back then. They looked good; they felt good, and I could make them sound good. I’m a songwriter, not a guitar player. You know, that’s my thing. I’m not one of those people who can sit in a guitar shop and play lots of things. I would literally play an E chord, and if it sounded great and felt good, I would just say, ‘Yeah, I’ll take it.’”
As part of the celebration, the British Music Experience has planned a season of activities, including the transformation of the Gibson Brands Interactive Studio with a fresh lineup of premium Epiphone guitars for visitors to enjoy alongside the Gibson App. The Epiphone 150th-anniversary exhibit will also be integrated into the Learning Programme and included in school tours. The public program will feature a film screening and a quiz night. Lastly, the Museum’s merchandise store will offer Epiphone guitars for purchase, as well as Gibson Brands apparel and gifts.
Lee Bartram, Head of Commercial, Marketing, and Cultural Influence EMEA at Gibson Brands, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Epiphone has been at the heart of every significant musical movement for 150 years. We would like to thank Noel Gallagher and The BME for their support in telling the story of Epiphone. We can’t wait to see what the next 150 years will bring.”
The British Music Experience is located within The Cunard Building, situated amidst the historic Three Graces on the banks of the River Mersey in Liverpool. Admission to “Epiphone 150th Anniversary: Featuring the Guitars of Noel Gallagher” is included with the purchase of general entry tickets, which remain valid for 12 months. Visitors also have the opportunity to support the Museum through voluntary contributions when purchasing their tickets.
“Epiphone 150 celebrations landing in Liverpool is a great coup for the city,” adds Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music for Liverpool. “The story of the brand is fascinating and sits perfectly at the British Music Experience . . . Epiphone tells the story of an immigrant family reaching the shores of the USA and living the American dream. This dream crossed the pond again and formed an important historical part of our music scene, from Britpop to the Beatles. We are thrilled for the BME and Liverpool to host this lineup of iconic guitars.”
To secure general entry tickets to the British Music Experience, please visit www.britishmusicexperience.com.
To discover more about 150 years of Epiphone, head to www.epiphone.com/en-GB/150.
Play an Epiphone Noel Gallagher Riviera in a stunning Dark Wine Red finish today.
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