Rare Gibson Les Paul Stolen from The Rolling Stones in the 1970s Found in New York Museum Collection

An iconic 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar, stolen from The Rolling Stones in the ’70s, has resurfaced in a massive guitar collection donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Legendary Stolen Les Paul Resurfaces

Imagine owning a piece of rock ’n’ roll history that vanished for decades only to suddenly pop back up in a world-renowned museum! That’s exactly what happened with a 1959 sunburst Gibson Les Paul Standard, once owned by Mick Taylor, the former guitarist of The Rolling Stones. This prized guitar was stolen during the band’s 1972 recording sessions for their classic album Exile On Main St. at the Villa Nellcôte on the French Riviera.

Keith Richards jamming on the legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul

For years, this guitar was believed to be lost forever, but it has now been uncovered in a collection of 500 guitars recently donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The museum's acquisition has brought this rock relic back into the spotlight, delighting fans and historians alike.

The Backstory: A Notorious Theft

The guitar’s disappearance is tied to a dramatic event in music history. The burglary was allegedly carried out by local drug dealers to whom Keith Richards reportedly owed money. Alongside this Gibson Les Paul, nine other guitars were stolen, including Bill Wyman’s bass and Bobby Keys’ saxophone. Imagine the chaos for the band during such a critical creative period!

Taylor had purchased this particular Les Paul from Richards back in 1967. Its fame is not just about the theft; the guitar was played at some of the band’s most memorable moments — Taylor wielded it during the infamous Altamont Free Concert in 1969, and Richards used it during The Rolling Stones' 1964 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Rock legends like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton also borrowed and jammed on this guitar, adding layers to its rich history.

The Guitar's Unique Signature: The "Flaming" Body Pattern

What makes this guitar so unmistakable? It’s the “flaming” pattern on its body, which acts like a fingerprint for vintage Les Pauls. Marlies Damming, Mick Taylor’s business manager, confirmed the guitar’s identity, stating:

“There are numerous photos of Mick Taylor playing this Les Paul, as it was his main guitar until it disappeared. The interesting thing about these vintage Les Pauls is that they are renowned for their flaming, which is unique, like a fingerprint.”
— Marlies Damming

This striking flame pattern on the guitar’s surface helped authenticate the instrument tucked inside the museum’s vast collection.

Mystery and Questions Surrounding the Guitar’s Journey

Despite the guitar’s dramatic reappearance, Mick Taylor reportedly never received any compensation for the theft and remains puzzled as to how his stolen instrument ended up in the Met’s collection. An unnamed source shared:

“Taylor says he never received compensation for the theft and is mystified as to how his property found its way into the Met’s collection.”

The journey of this guitar from a crime scene on the French Riviera to a revered display in New York remains a mystery, adding an intriguing twist to its already fascinating story.

The Metropolitan Museum’s Landmark Guitar Collection

The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced back in May a groundbreaking acquisition — over 500 of the finest guitars from America's golden era of guitar making. The collection includes instruments owned and played by legendary musicians like Roy Rogers and Mississippi John Hurt.

Among these treasures is the very same 1959 sunburst Les Paul once used by Keith Richards during The Rolling Stones’ debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. The collection was generously donated by businessman Dirk Ziff, turning the museum into a pilgrimage site for guitar aficionados and rock historians.

Rolling Stones’ Recent Activity: New Album and Tour Plans

While fans celebrate the guitar’s rediscovery, there’s exciting news on the horizon for Rolling Stones enthusiasts. Reports surfaced recently that the band is hard at work on a new album and planning another tour. Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, and Steve Jordan have been collaborating since April on a follow-up record to their 2023 release, Hackney Diamonds.

This news is sure to spark joy for fans eagerly anticipating new music from one of rock’s most enduring bands.

Wrap-Up: A Rock ’n’ Roll Relic Reborn

The reemergence of Mick Taylor’s stolen Gibson Les Paul highlights how rock history can sometimes take unexpected turns. From a daring theft to a museum showcase, this guitar’s story reflects the enduring legacy of The Rolling Stones and the magic of their golden era.

Have you ever dreamed of owning a piece of rock history? What’s your favorite iconic guitar story? Share your thoughts!

FAQs

• How was the stolen Gibson Les Paul identified?
  The unique “flaming” body pattern typical of vintage Les Paul guitars helped authenticate it as Mick Taylor’s stolen instrument.
• Who donated the guitar collection to the Met Museum?
  Businessman Dirk Ziff donated the extensive collection of over 500 guitars.
• Was Mick Taylor compensated for his stolen guitar?
  No, Taylor reportedly never received any compensation and remains puzzled about how it ended up in the museum.
• What are some historical moments involving this Les Paul?
  Mick Taylor played it at the Altamont Free Concert in 1969, Keith Richards on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, and it was also borrowed by Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.
• Are The Rolling Stones releasing new music soon?
  Yes, the band has been working on a new album since April 2025, following their 2023 record Hackney Diamonds.

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