Gibson, the iconic and leading global instrument brand, has today announced Gibson Garage Fest – a week-long series of events celebrating the one year anniversary of the Gibson Garage London – the first-ever Gibson flagship store outside of the U.S (61-62 Eastcastle St, London, UK). Opened one year ago by rock royalty Jimmy Page, Sir Brian May, and Tony Iommi, the Gibson Garage London is the ultimate guitar experience and destination for music lovers across the globe and the place to explore Gibson’s music history which spans over 130 years. More details on Gibson’s Garage Fest are due to be announced in the coming weeks.

From Tuesday 18th to Monday 24th February, the Gibson Garage London will host a number of special in-store events for the public as well as exclusive launches, products and merch only available at the Gibson Garage London store. Still to be announced is a partnership with a world-renowned musician, songwriter and guitarist, for a special run of signed guitars in support of Teenage Cancer Trust. As well as a brand new, collaborative range of Gibson apparel with a renowned British designer.

“We are excited to celebrate the first anniversary of the Gibson Garage London,” says Cesar Gueikian, President and CEO of Gibson. “The Garage was designed to be a part of the local music community and has had an extraordinary impact on the music scene, becoming a global music destination. London is one of the most cosmopolitan cities and influential musical ecosystems in the world, and with Gibson Garage Fest, we look forward to a week of celebration for all music fans!”

Over the course of the last year, the Gibson Garage London has become a vibrant and immersive music destination in the heart of historic London. A part of the London music community with a live stage featuring performances and special events from music icons and emerging artists on any given day, the Gibson Garage London is an exciting place to experience live music and explore through Gibson instruments, sound, art, and apparel. Garage Fest Week London will bring together musicians and music lovers and celebrate the massive impact of the Gibson Garage London on the local music scene.

During Gibson Garage Fest week from Thursday 20th February the public can get up close to an exclusive display of the legendary late Cream bassist Jack Bruce’s EB-1 Violin Bass guitar. On show for four weeks, Jack Bruce’s stunning 1950’s Cherry red stain EB-1 Violin Bass will be available to view exclusively only at the Gibson Garage London. The EB-1 was Gibson’s first ever electric bass and used by Jack Bruce for live performances with Cream and BBM. Most notably, for the Cream reunion shows back in 2005, arguably one of the biggest rock reunion performances of all time. The display is in aid of the soon to be established Jack Bruce Foundation, which will support young people facing barriers accessing music education.
On the evening of Thursday 20th February, an intimate event at the Gibson Garage will also take place to benefit the Jack Bruce Foundation. ‘Jam For Jack’ will feature live performances from Mark King, Phil Manzanera, Gary Husband, Jack Bruce’s Big Blues Band, Art Themen, Liam Bailey, Aruba Red, Kyla Simone Bruce, Marlee King and Nandi. Tickets for this benefit event ‘Jam For Jack’ are available now, with proceeds going to the Jack Bruce Foundation. A special bass guitar will also be auctioned in aid of the foundation.

Speaking about Jack Bruce’s EB-1 bass display, his family said: “We are very excited to be collaborating with the Gibson Garage Fest to celebrate Jack’s incredible legacy and to aid the new Foundation, with the display and ‘Jam For Jack’. It will be wonderful for Jack’s fans to be able to view his iconic EB-1 violin bass in exhibition. This bass guitar has always been on display at the family home, it meant a great deal to him and remains one of our most beloved of Jack’s treasures.”