amazing than the first, with rock memorabilia
from the biggest names in the business—Pink
Floyd, The Who, Social Distortion, Alice
Cooper; it is a really fantastic lineup.”
The exhibit brings together items from stars’
personal collections, the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame, and Experience Music Project. This
year’s exhibit was compiled under the themes
of British invasion, rock pioneers, customized
creations and an “altar of guitar gods.”
Some of the pieces on display include:
• Pete Townshend’s 1956 Lincoln and
smashed Rickenbacker guitar sculpture
• Billy F. Gibbons’ 1932 Ford
Coupe “Eliminator”
• James Hetfield’s 1953 Buick Skylark with
matching ESP X-ton PC2-V
• Sammy Hagar’s Yamaha “Red Rocker”
• Mark Farner’s Gibson L5-S used to
record Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re an
American Band”
• Rick Nielson’s 5-neck Korina Hamer
• Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons’ star
guitar and axe bass
Henry Ford Museum is open seven days a
week, 9: 30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14
for adults, $13 for seniors and $10 for youth;
members and children four and under are free.
thehenryford.org
David Williams, 1951—2009
Guitarist David Williams died on March 6 at age
58. A respected sideman, he was the guitarist
behind the rhythm solo on Michael Jackson’s
“Billy Jean.” He was in demand as both a
session player and touring guitarist, working
with acts like Quincy Jones, the Temptations,
George Benson, Paul McCartney, Madonna,
Prince, Johnny Mathis and Marvin Gaye.
He remained a successful guitarist and producer until his death, having worked with
modern artists like Jessica Simpson. He had
also partnered with Hollywood producer
Bruce Edwin to begin producing new acts.
David Williams
Rob Nishida of Ibanez Artist relations spoke
personally about David, saying, “David Williams
was undoubtedly one of the greatest rhythm
guitar players the pop world has ever known…
As an endorser of Ibanez guitars for over 15
years, David was certainly one of the most loyal
and generous artists we worked with. We will
miss him casually dropping by our LA office,
always ready with a new joke, keeping us up to
date on his new projects and, of course, talking
about guitars. Our deepest sympathies go out
his family and many friends.”
