(Gibson) A Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop once owned by The Who's Pete Townshend has raised $50,000 at a music auction in London. It was played by Townshend during the U.S. leg of the band's Quadrophenia tour of 1973 and 1974.A circa 1972/73 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, serial # 133625, it is one of Townshend's earliest LP Deluxes. "I lent the guitar to my brother-in-law and studio colleague, Jon Astley, in about 1975–76... When Jon tried to return it, I decided to give it to him," said Townshend.
In the accompanying letter of autheticity, Townshend wrote: "This Les Paul Deluxe guitar was originally sold to me by Bob Heil for the American tour of Quadrophenia in 1973. The majority of these early Les Pauls were in a cherry sunburst finish, but a few were the more distinctive "Gold Top." more on this story
