The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City will be showcasing a groundbreaking, rocking exhibition, which will be dedicated entirely to the musical instruments of rock and roll in the 20th century.
Guitars gently weep at The Met exhibit spanning nearly eight decades of rock and roll history
Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll will highlight over 130 instruments from more than 80 iconic musicians spanning nearly eight decades and will explore one of the most influential artistic movements of the 20th century.
It will showcase objects that made this legendary music possible. Also included are posters, costumes, videos, and interviews.
Some of the highlights will include Lady Gaga’s custom-designed piano; Chuck Berry’s electric guitar which he used to record “Johnny B. Goode; John Lennon’s 12-string Rickenbacker 325; Tina Weymouth’s “headless” Steinberger bass guitar played with the Talking Heads; Jimmy Page’s dragon-embroidered costume worn during Led Zeppelin’s live performances from the 1970's; The Beatles Ringo Starrs' drum set.
All of the instruments are on loan, and many of them were provided by the musicians.
Led Zeppelin founder, Jimmy Page was one of those artists on hand during Monday’s press preview at The Met, along with Steve Miller, both of whom donated instruments. And Miller will also be giving up his 1961 Les Paul TV special guitar.
Jayson Kerr Dobney, Curator in charge of the Department of Musical Instruments riffed about artists and their instruments. “Instruments are some of the most personal objects connected to musicians, but as fans, we are used to seeing them from far away, at concerts and performances. Our exhibit will provide a unique opportunity to examine some of rock and roll’s most iconic objects up close and personal.”
Rockers riff on their guitars during a live performance at The Met
During the press preview, we got to be ‘up close and personal’ with renowned musicians, Steve Miller, Tina Weymouth, Jimmy Page, and former Eagle guitarist Don Felder, who gave a live performance of “Hotel California” on his white double-neck Gibson guitar, which he will also be donating to The Met.
After the performance, we caught up with Met Director, Max Hollein, who was instrumental (pun intended) in getting this unique retrospective into the hallowed halls of the museum. “Play It Loud celebrates 20th-century art and culture, and the incredible objects featured in this presentation convey all the innovation, passion, and rebellion that is the true heart of rock and roll."
Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll will open at The Met Fifth Avenue April 8 through Oct. 1 and will then travel to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. It will be on display from Nov. 20, 2019, through Sept. 13, 2020.