Pete Townshend's Les Paul Custom
Townshend has been represented in Hard Rock's memorabilia collection since the very beginning. Annoyed that Hard Rock co-founder Tigrett had hung one of Clapton's axes on the wall at the London cafe, a drunk Townshend had this guitar sent over with a note that read, "Mine's as good as his! Love, Pete." Actually, it's better. When Clapton gave us our first guitar, he handed over a relatively low-end Fender Lead II model. The instrument Pete sent over, the second in the collection, was heavily modified, stage-used, and invaluable. It's a truly unique piece that's currently on display as part of the "Treasures of the Hard Rock" traveling exhibit. Check out hardrock.com for tour dates.