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Legendary Gibson Les Paul Sparks Ownership Battle at Met

8/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul, donated to the Met by billionaire Dirk Ziff, is at the center of a heated dispute. Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor alleges the guitar was stolen during the band's 1971 recording sessions. While the Met stands firm on its ownership history, Taylor demands an independent investigation into the guitar's origins.

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Story summary

A legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul, donated to the Met by billionaire Dirk Ziff, is at the center of a heated dispute. Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor alleges the guitar was stolen during the band's 1971 recording sessions. While the Met stands firm on its ownership history, Taylor demands an independent investigation into the guitar's origins.