CALIFORNIA ROCK NEWS

GIBSON ANNOUNCES THE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME BILLY GIBBONS “PEARLY GATES” EXPERIENCE AT GIBSON GARAGE NASHVILLE Limited to just 30 collectors, the October 16 VIP experience pairs a hand-signed Gibson Custom “Pearly Gates” 1959 Les Paul Standard Collector’s Edition with an intimate Billy Gibbons live music performance, a panel interview, and a personal photo opportunity.NASHVILLE, TN – Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand, will celebrate legendary guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and ZZ Top founder Billy Gibbons with the release of the ultra-limited Billy Gibbons “Pearly Gates” 1959 Les Paul™ Standard Collector’s Edition from Gibson Custom, accompanied by an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime in-person experience and intimate live music performance from Billy Gibbons at the Gibson Garage Nashville on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 7:00pm.  For more details and to reserve, call theGibson Garage Nashville at (615) 933-6000.Billy Gibbons pictured with a Gibson Custom Billy Gibbons “Pearly Gates” 1959 Les Paul™ Standard Collector’s Edition. Download photo for media use: HERE. Based on an in-depth examination, cutting-edge 3D scans, and precise measurements of Billy Gibbons’ priceless vintage original, the Collector’s Edition has been meticulously aged by the Murphy Lab to match the current condition of “Pearly Gates.” It also features painstaking recreations of the original P.A.F. humbuckers™, making the instrument a remarkably faithful recreation of one of the most celebrated electric guitars in music history. The “Pearly Gates” name dates back to a 1939 Packard that Gibbons and his friends loaned to an aspiring actress for a journey from Texas to Hollywood. After the car successfully made the trip and the actress landed the role, the group credited the Packard with having “divine connections.” When the car was later sold, Gibbons used his $250 share of the proceeds to purchase the near-mint 1959 Les Paul Standard that would inherit the “Pearly Gates” name.  Read more about the history of “Pearly Gates” on the Gibson Gazette HERE. Only 30 Gibson Custom Billy Gibbons “Pearly Gates” 1959 Les Paul™ Standard Collector’s Edition guitars will be created worldwide. Handcrafted by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee, each instrument is meticulously aged by the Murphy Lab to recreate Billy Gibbons’ legendary original 1959 Les Paul Standard, celebrated around the world as “Pearly Gates.” To complete this extraordinary Collector’s Edition, every guitar will be personally hand-signed by Billy Gibbons. The 30 collectors who purchase the Billy Gibbons “Pearly Gates” 1959 Les Paul Standard Collector’s Edition will receive exclusive admission to the Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates Experience at the Gibson Garage Nashville, an unforgettable evening celebrating Billy, the legendary guitar, and one of the most iconic artist-and-instrument pairings in music history. The invitation-only evening experience will feature: An intimate live music performance by Billy Gibbons.A private, moderated conversation and Q&A with Billy Gibbons and members of the Gibson Custom Shop team.A personal meet-and-greet and individual photo opportunity with Billy Gibbons.A Collector’s Edition guitar personally hand-signed by Billy Gibbons.Light bites, drinks, and additional onsite hospitality.A behind-the-scenes celebration of the history, sound, and enduring legacy of Billy Gibbons’ legendary “Pearly Gates” Les Paul. Access to the Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates Experience is reserved exclusively for the 30 purchasers of the Collector’s Edition guitar—and one guest of their choice. Admission will not be available for individual purchase. RESERVATIONS: Collectors and music lovers interested in reserving one of the 30 guitars and securing access to this extraordinary evening must call the Gibson Garage Nashville at (615) 933-6000. EVENT DETAILS: WHAT: The Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates Experience at the Gibson Garage Nashville, an exclusive evening celebrating Billy Gibbons, his legendary 1959 Les Paul Standard, and the release of the new Gibson Custom Billy Gibbons “Pearly Gates” Collector’s Edition. WHEN: Friday, October 16, 2026, 7:00pm WHERE: Gibson Garage Nashville209 10th Avenue South, Suite 209Nashville, TN 37203 Travel and lodging expenses are not included. No separate cash value has been assigned to the Experience. The Experience is not transferable and is not available for individual purchase. No exchanges or refunds will be offered to purchasers who are unable to attend. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Exclusively for purchasers of the Billy Gibbons “Pearly Gates” 1959 Les Paul Standard Collector’s Edition. Admission to the Experience will not be sold separately.

Click on the photo to watch/share the clip with Billy Gibbons.

Gibson: GIBSON.COM | X | IG | FB | TT | GIBSON APP | GIBSON GARAGE NASHVILLE | GIBSON GARAGE LONDON | GIBSON CERTIFIED VINTAGE | GIBSON RECORDS| GIBSON GIVES | GIBSON TV EN ESPANOL | GIBSON TV  About Gibson:Gibson, the iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie,the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by all Gibson brands. Explore more atGibson.com, Gibson App, and on Gibson TV, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and visit us at the Gibson Garage Nashville, the Gibson Garage London, and the Gibson Garage Miami.