Slash Receives the 2026 Les Paul Spirit Award in Hollywood
The Les Paul Foundation and Gibson Gives honored Slash at Les Paul’s Hollywood recording studio with a one-of-a-kind award made from acoustic boards built by Paul himself.
Oct 9, 2026
Credit: Les Paul Foundation (via source)
Slash received the 2026 Les Paul Spirit Award on October 5 during a private celebration at the Les Paul Recording Studio at United Studios in Hollywood. The Les Paul Foundation presented the honor in partnership with Gibson Gives, recognizing Slash’s creativity, musicianship and connection to Paul’s inventive legacy.
The physical award was made from hand-carved acoustic boards that Les Paul built and used in his home recording studio, making every edition unique. The foundation also emphasized the personal friendship between Slash and Paul, who played together during Paul’s lifetime.
Slash joins previous recipients Bob Weir, Nile Rodgers, the Edge, Peter Frampton and Steve Miller. Before the presentation, invited media heard four songs from Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators’ forthcoming album Flying Blind.
Credit: YouTube
Why it matters
The award connects one of rock’s most recognizable Les Paul players directly to the instrument inventor’s broader legacy in guitar design, recording technology and experimentation.
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