Image: www.thewho.com
Instrumental muse
“I used this guitar to compose 'Behind Blue Eyes' and a number of other important songs. My daughter Minta used it to learn on and I got it back from her about 3 years ago. It is a very good guitar which I bought in L.A. from West LA Music,”said Townshend in a letter written to Oxfam.
Green fundraiser
Originally auctioned at an Oxfam fundraiser, the guitar was back on the auctioneer’s block after being donated by AFS Board member and Treasurer Charlie Crystle of Lancaster, PA and CEO of Mission Research. Crystle donated the guitar "to advance the vital outreach efforts of the Alliance which has been a critically important leader in the sustainability movement in the U.S. for 25 years."
The classical acoustic guitar, with rosewood fretboard and spruce top was signed and inscribed on the body in black felt pen: Pete Townshend, May 19, 2000. Christie’s offered this guitar as part of its Pop Culture: Rock and Pop Memorabilia auction. The starting bid was $19,720.
Rock classic
Behind Blue Eyes was originally written by Pete Townshend for his Lifehouse project, the science fiction rock opera intended as a follow-up to Tommy. When the project was abandoned in favour of the 1971 album, Who's Next, the song was placed on the album instead. Behind Blue Eyes became an instant rock classic and over the years has been recorded by many performers, most recently by the nu metal band, Limp Bizkit.
Anniversary present
The Alliance for Sustainability is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is currently writing the first ever full municipal sustainability plan in Minnesota for the City of Burnsville. Other successful projects include the non-profit CERES Principles, Living Green Expo, Neighborhood Sustainability Conferences, Youth Environmental Activists of Minnesota and Congregations Caring for Creation. It also offers trainings on Sustainability and the Natural Step Framework to businesses, government and citizen leaders, congregations and communities.
Liam McCann is a regular contributor to Green Living Online. He contemplated, briefly, bidding on the guitar.
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