The mystical guitar Neil Young returned to its spiritual home
Materialism seems to have a free pass in the music industry. Whenever a musical legend passes away, the remnants of their artistry — whether that’s an item of clothing, a musical instrument, or a notebook —suddenly gain newfound significance as admirers appreciate whatever they can to perpetuate their artistic legacy. Though numerous museums house remarkable historical artefacts, Neil Young might just claim the crown for inheriting noteworthy hand-me-downs.
Throughout history, there’s a seemingly endless list of musicians who decided to inherit their heroes’ instruments, whether it’s for the nostalgia of having their legacy gear as a decorative centrepiece or for continuing to use it. Paul McCartney, for instance, adopted Elvis Presley’s bassist’s old guitar and used it well over the years.
Kirk Hammett, too, is the proud owner of “Greeny”, the 1959 Les Paul Burst that was owned by the late, great Peter Green. Although the instrument passed through various hands before reaching Hammett, like Gary Moore and Richard Henry, Hammett became the proud owner after acquiring it for between one and two million dollars. He also takes it on the road as a worthy companion, letting it guide him like an old, wise guru whispering secrets in his ear.
Young, on the other hand, found inspiration in a different muse: Hank Williams. In fact, according to the legend, Williams’ son, Hank Williams Jr, once sold his father’s 1941 Martin D-28 for some guns, and it found itself in the hands of a series of musicians before being tracked down by Young’s friend Grant Boatwright, who obtained it for the singer from Nashville music store owner Tut Taylor.
The guitar, which Young affectionately refers to as “Hank”, is often a noteworthy companion when he’s on the road and a significant talking point for his audience and whoever is lucky enough to listen. One of his most precious moments with the gear was when he performed in Nashville, Tennessee, the exact spot Williams performed over 50 years prior.
Prior to launching into a heartfelt performance of ‘This Old Guitar’, a song Young wrote about his connection with “Hank”, the singer noted the significance of the moment and of bringing the instrument back to its spiritual home. “I’m glad to see it back here,” Young told the audience, who erupted in appreciative applause, setting the scene perfectly for the opening notes of ‘This Old Guitar’.
The song itself captures the significance of the item as Young sings about taking care of something that didn’t originally belong to him. “It’s brought a tear and a smile,” the singer croons, “It’s seen its share of dreams and hopes and never went out of style,” he adds. Young’s artistry would have still carried such weight without the addition of such an important companion, but it sure gifts an extra layer of sentimentality that otherwise wouldn’t be there.
