Eddie Van Halen’s Canada Day guitar unearthed after 31 years
Julien’s Auctions’ biannual Played, Worn, & Torn: Rock ‘N’ Roll Iconic Guitars auction is back and standing as the crown jewel of its latest collection is a long-lost instrument once wielded by the godfather of rock guitar, Eddie Van Halen.
The piece in question is a 1993 Ernie Ball Music Man Eddie Van Halen Signature guitar emblazoned with the Canadian flag and played by the legend himself during a Canada Day concert.
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Crafted in March 1993, the guitar was initially listed as a ‘Guitar Van Halen Purple Translucent’. Beyond its striking red-white paint job, the instrument sports a maple neck, basswood body, and signature DiMarzio humbuckers – all of which remain a testament to Eddie’s Meticulous style and eye for craftsmanship. The axe also features the signatures of all the band members on its body.
According to Julien’s, the guitar’s whereabouts for the past three decades remain a mystery. Its reemergence – after 31 years to be exact — is complete with a black hardshell case, a concert ticket, and photographs of the performance.
Image: Julien’s Auctions
“On July 1st, 1993, Van Halen took to the stage at Molson Park in Barrie, Ontario, for a Canada Day concert,” states the auction house. “As the encore approached, he unveiled the Canadian Flag guitar – a surprise for the audience and a tribute to the nation. The encore, featuring iconic songs like Jump, You Really Got Me, and Rockin’ in the Free World, became a historic moment in both Van Halen’s legacy and Canada Day celebrations.”
Footage of the concert below, though grainy and low quality, captures the guitar’s brief but impactful appearance.
The Played, Worn, & Torn: Rock ‘N’ Roll Iconic Guitars auction is set to take place on 21-22 November, and fans can register to be a part of it now. Van Halen passed away in 2020 due to complications from throat cancer. To honour his memory and continue his fight against cancer, proceeds from the sale of the Canadian Flag guitar will benefit the City of Hope, a leading research and treatment centre for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Learn more at Julien’s Auctions.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
