Lost and Found: The Incredible Story of Joe Perry’s Gibson Les Paul Standard ’59

“Brad said, ‘I know where it is.’ He opened Guitar Player, and there it was — right in the middle of a photo of Slash’s guitar collection.”

The story of Joe Perry’s Gibson Les Paul Standard 1959 is more than just a tale about a rare guitar. It’s a journey filled with music, loss, friendship, and an unforgettable reunion.

The Aerosmith guitarist was forced to sell his beloved Les Paul in the late ’70s. Eventually, it found its way into the hands of another iconic player — Slash of Guns N’ Roses. Years later, it would return to Joe Perry in the most unexpected way.

The Beginning

According to Joe Perry, the guitar had circulated around Boston, changing hands multiple times before he acquired it.

He doesn’t recall the exact price, but it was around $2,500 — a great deal even back then.

During the 1970s, this Gibson Les Paul became his main instrument, especially throughout Aerosmith’s rise.

A Difficult Sale

After leaving the band in 1979, financial pressures forced him to sell the guitar for about $4,500.

At the time, Joe Perry wasn’t a collector — if he needed a guitar, he would simply buy a new one.

After the sale, he completely lost track of the instrument.

The Search

When Aerosmith reunited in 1984, the band was still struggling financially. They even had to buy their way out of an old record deal.

Only after signing with Geffen Records did things begin to improve. That’s when Joe Perry started thinking about finding his old guitars.

He reached out to contacts, technicians, and anyone who might have information. But as time passed, the value of 1959 Les Pauls kept rising.

Still, he remained determined.

The Discovery

At one point, he mentioned it to Brad Whitford.

Brad replied, “I know where it is.”

He then opened Guitar Player magazine, showing a spread of Slash’s guitar collection — and right there was the missing Gibson Les Paul ’59.

The Conversation with Slash

By then, Joe Perry and Slash were already friends.

When Perry asked about buying the guitar back, Slash responded honestly: “Please don’t ask me that.”

Despite offering to pay any price, he refused to part with it.

Over time, the repeated requests created tension. Eventually, Slash stopped answering calls, knowing what the topic would be.

Realizing the strain on their friendship, Joe Perry decided to stop asking altogether.

The Return

Years later, Slash learned that Joe Perry was celebrating his 50th birthday with a big party.

The event was organized by his wife, Billie, and featured a live performance by Cheap Trick, with Perry joining them on stage.

Just before going on, his guitar tech approached him and said, “Slash wanted me to give you this.”

It was the same Gibson Les Paul Standard ’59.

The room fell completely silent. It was a powerful and unforgettable moment.

That’s how the guitar finally returned to its original owner.

What Makes It Special?

Beyond being a highly desirable Gibson Les Paul ’59, this guitar carries deep personal meaning.

Interestingly, the serial number indicates 1960, but experts agree that all construction details point to 1959.

It was likely built using leftover 1959 parts but stamped with a 1960 serial.

Equipped with original PAF pickups, its exact year may matter to collectors — but not to Joe Perry.

For him, what truly matters is that the guitar is back where it belongs.