Mick Ronson’s family – wife Suzi Ronson, daughter Lisa Ronson, sister Maggi Ronson – and former Spiders From Mars drummer Woody Woodmansey celebrated the unveiling of the Gibson Custom Mick Ronson ’68 Les Paul Signature at Gibson Garage London. Long celebrated as a producer, arranger, songwriter, multi‑instrumentalist, and one of rock’s most distinctive guitar voices, Mick Ronson left an indelible mark on modern music —and his stripped‑finish 1968 Les Paul Custom became a defining part of his sound, style, and legacy.
Musicians, producers and artists including Glen Matlock, Katie Puckrik, Rusty Egan, Colin Newman, Iestyn Polson, Kevin Armstrong and James Stevenson enjoyed an entertaining Q&A with Suzi, Lisa and Woody, hosted by BBC 6 Music’s Georgie Rogers.
Speaking about the guitar Suzi said “As a family, we’re incredibly proud that Gibson has recreated his most famous guitar. I think Mick would have been really surprised, really honoured and very proud. It’s amazing to see an instrument that looks exactly like his, it brings back so many memories. It’s also bittersweet, because I’m so sorry he isn’t here to see it. But I know he would have been deeply touched.”
Lisa Ronson added “It’s been a privilege to work with Gibson on this. My dad was a multi-instrumentalist, producer and arranger, but he’s best known as a guitarist, and this guitar represents such an iconic period of his career. To have an instrument in his name is incredibly special.”
One of rock music’s most distinctive and quietly influential guitarists, Mick Ronson was far more than David Bowie’s right-hand man during the most transformative years of Bowie’s career. He was a producer, arranger, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and a guitarist whose dramatic, melodic, and unmistakably aggressive style helped define an era. His work as an arranger shaped recordings for artists such as David Bowie, Lou Reed, Pure Prairie League, Ellen Foley, and Roger McGuinn, and he contributed to the arrangement of John Mellencamp’s “Jack & Diane.”
The evening, which ended with a performance by Creeping Jean, was part of Gibson Garage Fest London, a series of special events celebrating the two year anniversary of the Gibson Garage London —the brand’s first-ever store outside the U.S. (61–62 Eastcastle St, London). Running until March 1, the anniversary programme brings together exclusive exhibitions, artist showcases, and special events that highlight the legacy and future of music through rare instruments, historic stagewear and memorabilia, as well as intimate conversations with influential creators.
Gibson Garage London is also hosting a rare exhibition featuring three original stage-worn Mick Ronson costumes. These include pieces from his Slaughter on 10th Avenue tour, his time performing with Bob Dylan, and the David Bowie Spiders from Mars era — the groundbreaking 1972–73 period when Bowie and his band fused high-voltage rock with theatrical glam and futuristic style.
For the latest schedule of events at the Gibson Garage London, visit @GibsonGuitarUK.
Only 100 of the Mick Ronson 1968 Les Paul Custom Collector’s Edition from Gibson Custom are available worldwide at authorized dealers, Gibson Garage locations, and on www.gibson.com.
