TOMMY BOLIN Tribute Guitar Unveiled At NAMM; Video Interview With Brother JOHNNIE Available

January 26, 2008

The Tommy Bolin (ex-DEEP PURPLE) tribute guitar — the "Teaser" — was unveiled at this year's winter NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show, which was held January 17-20 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The guitar is American-made, and is meticulously based on measurements and specs taken from one of Tommy's surviving axes for added authenticity. The design concept and cosmetics are Tommy-inspired, and the workmanship, materials, and hardware are first-rate.

There was a Tommy Bolin memorabilia display at the Dean Guitars NAMM booth, featuring some of Tommy's personal effects including clothing, rare photographs, and handwritten lyrics to some of his songs. Tommy's brother Johnnie Bolin was there signing autographs and giving away posters of the ad that will be seen in the guitar magazines as soon as the guitar ready to ship to dealers.

Lacey Conner, villainess co-star of VH1's hit TV show "Rock of Love" featuring POISON's Bret Michaels, conducted an interview with Johnnie Bolin at NAMM about the Tommy Bolin tribute guitar. Watch the five-minute chat below.

Tommy Bolin is best known for his work with ZEPHYR (from 1969 to 1971),THE JAMES GANG (from 1973 through 1974),DEEP PURPLE (from 1975 to 1976) and his solo work.

Bolin was found unconscious at his hotel on December 3, 1976 after opening for JEFF BECK in Miami, Florida. When paramedics arrived, he was pronounced dead. Bolin was 25 years old.

(Thanks: Greg Prato)

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