Rock Band 2 to feature the Billy-Bo Jupiter
Joel Selvin, of the San Franciso Chronicle, recently wrote an article regarding the passing of the legendary Rhythm and Blues musician Bo Diddley.
Joel mentions that Rock Band 2 will have the “Billy-Bo” Jupiter guitar, pictured above, which is a signature guitar model from Gretsch that was designed by Bo Diddley.
“He recently joined with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top to create the Billy-Bo-Jupiter Thunderbird guitar for Gretsch, a model based on the instantly recognizable cigar-box shape of Bo Diddley’s classic instrument that will be featured in the impending video game, “Rock Band 2.”
The original guitar the Billy-Bo was modeled on was designed by Diddley in 1959, and was given as a gift to ZZ Top guitarist Billy F Gibbons as a gift.
Gibbons didn’t want to risk damaging the instrument and had a reproduction model made which was then mass produced, with Diddley’s blessing we assume.
“Some time ago, Bo gave me the guitar as a gift. It was during the recent ZZ Top recordings when the engineering crew and I snaked through the guitar vault searching for that ‘certain-something’ guitar and there it was! We didn’t risk subjecting such a rare instrument to the rigors of the road so this new, reproduction model was recreated with some BFG Mojo thrown in for good measure. It’s now the main stage guitar with a groove.” -Billy F Gibbons
We certainly hope that Rock Band 2 will also have a tribute to Bo Diddley in the form of a song or two.
Thanks to Rock Band News reader Scott for the link!
Source: SFGate.com - Bo Diddley, giant figure in rock, dies at 79
Related Links:
Gretsch - Billy-Bo Jupiter Thunderbird
Posted: June 5th, 2008 under Uncategorized.