Brian Ray

Written by Brian on Dec 22 2009 at 08:48 AM | Live Shows News

It’s freezing here in London as we are about to wrap up our Good Evening tour in Dublin and London. I have some news for you all!

So, during my recent stadium tour playing with Paul McCartney, I was invited to dinner with Miami Dolphins owner, Steven Ross, and David Saltz of ABC in NYC. I suggested an idea… “just picture having a big exciting drum line on the field, pounding out a relentless rhythm at a half-time show.. but then… instead of the expected marching band of tubas, trombones, saxes and trumpets…. a big reveal.. 100 kids playing guitars…playing iconic rock riffs together in a celebration of rock and roll.”

The amazing Mr. Les Paul. Performing at the Techie Awards, NYC. Les Paul rose to fame as the guitar-playing-and -producing scruffy half of a great recording duo, his wife, Mary Ford, was an extraordinary singer. Les was dissatisfied with the guitars on offer and proceeded to invent the modern electric guitar. He also saw the need to be able to multi-track and was THE mid- century architect of same.
© Catherine Sebastian/ CSP Images

Steven and David were so taken with the idea that more ideas started flowing and within 15 minutes they set a date.. Dec 27th, halftime show, Texans at Miami!

David suggested we might ask Gibson Guitars to be involved in a tribute to the late great Les Paul, master inventor and incredible guitarist/artist, in the spirit of Les’s muli-track recording techniques. I set about choosing, arranging and making a demo of my concept the moment my summer tour wrapped up.

So, here we are. for the first time ever, a ‘guitar marching band’ all performing under the umbrella of the Gibson Foundation of charities, The Foundation has a site at: http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/GibsonFoundation/

We will be celebrating the spirit of inventiveness which made Les Paul the leader in guitar making and in inventor of modern recording techniques.

When I was a 19 year old kid, I got the job as Etta James’ music director and guitar player.. It’s interesting that all these years later I’m a musical director for a guitar marching band on the field at Miami Stadium.. It’s funny how this world turns around and around, isn’t it?

It’s an honor to be able to bring my idea of a tribute to so many people, in celebration of a true genius, Les Paul.. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Les Paul, his life and accomplishments.. What did he mean to you?

Joining me on the field at Miami Stadium December 27th will be the great Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick and amazing guitarist, Orianthi Panagaris who was set to play on Michael Jackson’s tour, “This Is It”..

I will lead a marching band of 100 local kids from the Gibson Foundation benefiting music in school programs for children all over the USA. Look out for a video of my crazy guitar marching band on my youtube page soon!

I wish each and everyone of you a good holiday season and will see you in the new year! And to each one of you beautiful people who came out in the cold of winter to see us play on our “Good Evening…” tour in the EU/UK and Ireland… THANK you all from the bottom of my heart!

To hear where I first came up with the guitar marching band, please listen to and download “I Found You” here.. It’s free.

Happy Holidays to you and yours,

Love,
Brian

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