Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Jeff Beck to Play Two Iridium Shows in Celebration of Les Paul

Jeff Beck will play two intimate shows with The Imelda May Band

Los Angeles, CA (May 5, 2010) -- The esteemed Iridium Jazz Club of New York City and Gibson Guitar proudly announce “A Celebration of Les Paul,” two intimate evenings with the legendary guitarist Jeff Beck on June 8 & 9, 2010.

These special shows will honor the late guitar great Les Paul, whose 95th birthday would have been June 9. They will take place in the very venue he played weekly for years, including just days before his death. Beck is honored to pay tribute to his mentor and friend; their relationship having spanned decades. Beck recalls his admiration beginning in the ‘60s, “When I first heard Les Paul playing ‘How High the Moon,’ I thought, man, that’s what I want my sound to be like. Now, here I am years later and he’s still a powerful influence in all that I do.”

The two shows promise to be a treat for fans of both Beck and Paul, with a strong mixture of memorable Les Paul classics, as well as some rockabilly favorites. Beck will be joined on stage by the Irish rockabilly sensation The Imelda May Band.

Beck has collaborated with Imelda May several times in the past, including the track "Lilac Wine" on Beck's new album Emotion & Commotion. The two also performed Paul’s “How High the Moon” live at the 2010 Grammy Awards, after which Beck declared of Paul, “I've often sung his praises to the press, but to actually get to play in tribute to him . . . it’s such a privilege.”

Tickets to the two-night event will be available exclusively through various promotions with radio, retail, print and online media partners. Details will be announced soon.

Les Paul played at The Iridium for over 12 years. The club now presents special Monday evenings dedicated to Paul featuring guitarists from all genres of music, where 20% of the door is donated to The Les Paul Foundation.

For more information:
Iridium
Jeff Beck
Gibson