Existing comment:
Smashed Gibson SG Special in Lucite
ca. 1973
Gibson
While a student at Ealing Art College in London, Pete Townshend studied with Gustav Metzger, a founder of the Auto-Destructive Art movement. Embracing material destruction as a protest of capitalist production, Metzger's philosophies guided the rebellious anger behind the musician's smashing of instruments. Townshend destroyed this example during a photo shoot with Annie Liebovitz for Rolling Stone that resulted in "How to Launch Your Guitar in 17 Steps" (on view nearby). This sculpture made from the remains has been on display in the Rolling Stone office building for decades since. |