Stolen Gibson Les Paul from The Rolling Stones Resurfaces at New York Museum

July 19, 20253 min read

A Gibson Les Paul guitar that was taken from The Rolling Stones in the 1970s has been discovered in a recently donated collection at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The iconic 1959 sunburst Gibson Les Paul Standard, which originally belonged to Mick Taylor, the band’s former guitarist, was among a trove of 500 guitars given to the museum. It was believed to be lost forever after being stolen during the band’s recording sessions for their 1972 album, Exile On Main St., at the Villa Nellcôte mansion in France.

According to reports, local drug dealers, to whom Keith Richards owed money, were responsible for the burglary. In total, nine guitars were taken, along with Bill Wyman’s bass and Bobby Keys’ saxophone.

Mick Taylor acquired the guitar from Richards in 1967, and he famously played it at the Altamont Free Concert in 1969. Richards also used it during The Rolling Stones’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Other legendary musicians, including Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, have borrowed and performed with the instrument as well.

Mick Taylor’s business manager, Marlies Damming, confirmed to Page Six that the distinct ‘flaming’ pattern of the guitar’s body proves its identity. She stated, “There are numerous photos of Mick Taylor playing this Les Paul, as it was his primary guitar until it vanished. These vintage Les Pauls are known for their unique flaming, much like a fingerprint.”

Another unnamed source shared that Taylor is baffled about how his stolen property ended up in the museum’s collection, having never received compensation for the theft.

The museum first announced this significant donation of over 500 historic guitars back in May, mentioning the inclusion of a “1959 sunburst Les Paul guitar used by Keith Richards during The Rolling Stones’ iconic Ed Sullivan Show performance in 1964.”

Businessman Dirk Ziff generously donated this collection, which also features instruments belonging to legends like Roy Rogers and Mississippi John Hurt.

In other Rolling Stones news, it was reported last month that the band is currently working on a new album and gearing up for a tour. According to The Sun, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, and Steve Jordan have been collaborating on a follow-up to their 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds, since April.