Gibbons was a young musician weaned on blues and rock in Texas. After years of listening to such greats as Eric Clapton, Gibbons began his search for his first Les Paul guitar. His search included a '58 Flying V but the guitar that he was destined to find and nickname "Pearly Gates" was a '59 Les Paul. It didn't come to Gibbons right away but through a girlfriend, a thirties model Packard automobile and part in a movie. Gibbons notes that in the early days of the band they acquired a Packard automobile. It was a huge vehicle that caused a stir on the road. Not long after they acquired the vehicle one of their girlfriends needed a way to get to California to try out for a movie part. The band gave her the Packard to get there and the girlfriend got the part.
Thinking the car had special powers, they named it "Pearly Gates." Later the girlfriend sold the car to a collector and sent the money to the band. The money arrived the same day Gibbons got an offer to buy an old guitar, a '59 Sunburst Les Paul, he bought it. After calling the girlfriend to discuss the circumstances both agreed that the money went for a good cause and since it came from the Packard they decided to keep the name "Pearly Gates" for the guitar and the rest is history. Billy continues to make divine music to this day on the legendary instrument. The '59 Gibson Les Paul is one of the most desirable guitars today.
And now you can own it. Billy Gibbons' favorite axe has always been his beloved Pearly Gates - a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard with legendary angelic qualities. It has appeared on every track of every ZZ Top album to date, and sings with a "God-like voice" unlike any other guitar. And now, the master craftsmen at Gibson Custom have recreated it in excruciating detail - right down to the last scratch and ding. Gibbons' legendary Pearly Gates - a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard - is like no other guitar in the world, and now you can own a painstaking replica of this sacred instrument. Admit it; this is the artist model you've been waiting for. Now it's here, so don't wait any longer. There are three different models for you to choose from - all in very limited quantities. They won't last long, so act now. The Billy Gibbons 'Pearly Gates' Les Paul Standard is now available. Find your nearest authorized Gibson Custom dealer and check it out. There are only 250 worldwide and you can check it out at http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-Custom/Billy-Gibbons-Pearly-Gates-Les-Paul-Standard.aspx