Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand, today announces Gibson Garage Fest London, a series of special events celebrating the two‑year anniversary of the Gibson Garage London —the brand’s first-ever store outside the U.S. (61–62 Eastcastle St, London). Opened by rock legends Jimmy Page, Sir Brian May, and Tony Iommi, the Gibson Garage London has quickly become a vibrant, immersive hub in the heart of the city’s historic music scene. With its live stage hosting performances and events from music icons and emerging artists, the Garage has established itself as a dynamic destination to experience live music and explore Gibson instruments, sound, art, and apparel. Garage Fest London will bring musicians and fans together to celebrate the Gibson Garage’s significant impact on London’s music community.
This February, the Gibson Garage London is proud to announce Gibson Garage Fest London, a celebration of music, culture, and iconic artistry taking place this month. The anniversary programme brings together exclusive exhibitions, artist showcases, and special events that highlight the legacy and future of music through rare instruments, historic stagewear and memorabilia, as well as intimate conversations with influential creators.
For the latest schedule of events at the Gibson Garage London, visit @GibsonGuitarUK.
GIBSON GARAGE FEST LONDON:
GIBSON GARAGE LONDON – 50th ANNIVERSARY OF PUNK:
FEBRUARY 16-23
From February 16–23, Gibson Garage London marks the 50th Anniversary of Punk with a special public exhibition celebrating the guitars, stagewear, and memorabilia that defined the movement. Explore rare pieces from Captain Sensible (The Damned), Leigh Heggarty (Ruts DC), Mick Jones (The Clash), Matt West (Neck Deep), CJ Wildheart (The Wildhearts), and Laurent “Lags” Bernard (The Gallows), and more for an up‑close look at the sound, style, and attitude that shook culture and still inspires today. Open during regular hours: Mon–Fri, 11:00am–7:00pm; Sat 10:00am-7:00pm; Sun, 12:00–6:00pm.
Above (L-R): Photo of Mick Jones (copyright: Pennie Smith). Gibson ES-295 used by Mick Jones of The Clash, Guitar is on loan from The Rock & Roll Public Library www.rocknrollpl.com.
Above: Captain Sensible of The Damned and his 2013 Gibson SG 60s Tribute guitar
Above: Laurent “Lags” Barnard of Gallows in his grey suit, pictured with the band Gallows in 2008. Photo credit: Craig Burton
“I read an interview with Swedish hardcore band Refused where Dennis Lyxzén explained their visual switch from band tees and baggy jeans, to button up shirts and trousers,” says Laurent Barnard of Gallows. “He said if you dress smarter, people take you more seriously. In 2008 Gallows were about to enter the studio to record our most serious record to date. For us, Grey Britain was a no-holds-barred commentary on the state of our country, a country lost to corruption and greed. An audio assault revealing the plain-as-day criminality within the political and religious constructs that still has a grip on our lives. The grey suits became our uniform, a symbol of how grave things have got, and a way of separating ourselves from the punk kids we used to be. I’d like to say they were specially made but we actually picked them straight off the shelf at the old Topman store on Oxford Street. Tight fitting clothes were still in fashion back in those days, I dare not try the suit on today! “
SCARLET PAGE IN CONVERSATION: EXPLORING EXPOSED:
MONDAY FEBRUARY 23
5:00 – 7:00 PM
On February 23, 5:00–7:00 p.m., the London Garage hosts an in‑person Q&A with acclaimed photographer Scarlet Page about her forthcoming book EXPOSED: 3 YEARS WITH PLACEBO—a black‑and‑white collection of 225 previously unseen images capturing the band’s defining early years across their first three albums, from backstage and tour life to rehearsals and rare quiet moments. Sparked by Page’s first encounter with Placebo in 1996 and featuring her now‑iconic 1997 angel‑wings portrait of Brian Molko (held by the National Portrait Gallery), the project offers an unguarded, fly‑on‑the‑wall view of a band on the rise. Reserve a spot via Eventbrite HERE.
MICK RONSON –SPIDERS FROM MARS –STAGEWORN COSTUMES:
FEBRUARY 24 – MARCH 1
Above: Geometric suit worn by Mick Ronson from David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust / Spiders from Mars tour era.
Starting February 24 the Gibson Garage London presents a rare exhibit of three original stage‑worn Mick Ronson costumes from David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust / Spiders from Mars era—the groundbreaking 1972–73 period when Bowie and his band fused high‑voltage rock with theatrical glam and futuristic style. As Bowie’s lead guitarist and key arranger, Ronson helped shape the tour’s sound and spectacle; these authentic garments offer a close‑up look at the craft, attitude, and visual language that powered those legendary performances. Open during regular hours: Mon–Fri, 11:00am–7:00pm; Sat 10:00am-7:00pm; Sun, 12:00–6:00pm.
ELLIOT JAMES REAY – LIVE PERFORMANCE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
7:00 – 10:00 PM
On Thursday, February 26, Garage Fest celebrations will take off with a special evening performance from singer songwriter Elliot James Reay.
Elliot James Reay is a singer‑songwriter whose intimate, narrative‑driven songs blend indie‑folk warmth with soulful, guitar‑led dynamics. With close‑mic’d vocals, expressive phrasing, and a knack for turning small details into big feelings, his sets move from pin‑drop hush to rousing crescendos, exploring themes of connection, resilience, and coming‑of‑age. Expect deft guitar work, memorable hooks, and a magnetic, conversational stage presence as he brings his original material to the Gibson Garage London stage. Limited capacity; check @GibsonGuitarUK for set times and details.
GIBSON GARAGE FEST LONDON – LIVE MUSIC ALL DAY:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
On Saturday, February 28, join us at the Gibson Garage London for an all day celebration of new talent and future icons as Gibson Garage Fest takes over the stage with nonstop live music. Catch a special showcase from the Gibson Generation Group Class of 2027—Olly Pearson, Phoebe Winstanley, and Melis Ogut—alongside powerhouse sets from The Soul Revival, Nectar Woode, The Slates, and Crawlers. Eight hours. One stage. Wall to wall performances in the heart of London’s music community.‑day celebration of new talent and future icons as Gibson Garage Fest takes over the stage with nonstop live music. Catch a special showcase from the ‑to‑wall performances in the heart of London’s music community.
12:30 – 1:00PM The Soul Revival
| The Soul Revival are a high energy, soul infused rock band from the UK, blending classic grit with a modern edge—soaring vocals, blues drenched guitars, and an undeniable groove. Rapidly rising on the live circuit, they’ve headlined Tiger Fest, hit FIREVOLT 2025 and HRH 18, and shared stages with Hot One Two, backed by a well received EP. Known for raw, uplifting shows that turn gigs into experiences, they’ve got new music on the way and bigger stages in sight. ‑energy, soul‑infused rock band from the UK, blending classic grit with a modern edge—soaring vocals, blues‑drenched guitars, and an undeniable groove. Rapidly rising on the live circuit, they’ve headlined Tiger Fest, hit FIREVOLT 2025 and HRH 18, and shared stages with Hot One Two, backed by a well‑received EP. Known for raw, uplifting shows that turn gigs into experiences, they’ve got new music on the way and bigger stages in sight. |
1:00 – 1:30PM – Gibson Generation Group – w/ Olly Pearson, Phoebe Winstanley, Melis Ogut
| At just 12 years old, Olly Pearson is already making waves in the UK guitar scene. Inspired during lockdown by a neighbor’s driveway performances, he learned guitar over Zoom with his grandad and began performing publicly in Chester in 2022, where his rendition of “Apache” garnered over 15 million views on YouTube. Since then, Olly has performed solo at guitar shows across the UK; earned endorsements from Fairclough Guitars, Scan Pro Audio, Patrick Eggle Handmade UK Guitars, and Scott Dixon Guitar Flight Cases; regularly demos gear live; and has shared the stage with local rock band The Swillers. In 2024, he was selected as an understudy for an EDF Energy commercial and performed solo at Deva Fest. Now a member of the Gibson Generation Group (Class of 2027), Olly continues to grow as a performer, creator, and future leader in music. |
| Phoebe Winstanley, is a 15‑year‑old guitarist from Staffordshire, UK, and a member of the Gibson Generation Group 2027 class. She started at eight and found her voice on electric at eleven, chasing tone, expression, and feeling. Her playing draws on Prince’s individuality, Slash’s power, Sophie Lloyd’s virtuosity, and the soul of Stevie Ray Vaughan, with atmospherics from David Gilmour and inspirations spanning Fleetwood Mac to John Coltrane and Pantera. Forged at open mics, her stagecraft now includes arena turns playing lead in support of Guns ’2’ Roses at the O2 in Birmingham and Manchester. She aims to make music you can feel: “I want to help people feel the same emotion as I do when I listen to music.” |
| Melis Ogut is a 16‑year‑old guitarist and artist from Istanbul whose passion began early and has evolved into a distinctive voice that blends blues‑rock with jazz‑fusion. Drawing inspiration from Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Marcus King, Mike Stern, and the Brecker Brothers, her expressive playing and creative approach spotlight a soulful touch and dynamic feel. Melis aims to continue her musical education in the U.S.—with dreams of Berklee College of Music or The New School—ultimately forming her own band, writing original music, and touring widely. Beyond music, she channels a love of art and fashion into a vibrant vintage‑meets‑glam aesthetic, believing all three disciplines are deeply interconnected. A bold, multidimensional young artist, currently in the Gibson Generation Group class of 2027, Melis brings clear vision and momentum to a very bright future. |
2:30 – 2:45PM Nectar Woode
| Nectar Woode is a Ghanaian‑British singer, songwriter, and multi‑instrumentalist from Milton Keynes, blending neo‑soul, folk, jazz, and gospel with quiet power and self‑discovery. Raised on church harmonies and Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway, she introduced her voice with Nothing to Lose (Communion, 2022)—featuring breakout “Good Vibrations”—and expanded it with Head Above Water (2024). A BBC Radio 1 Track of the Week honoree, she’s sold out London’s Moth Club, supported Leon Bridges and NAO, and hosts Women in Jazz on Soho Radio. Signed to Since ’93/RCA, her forthcoming EP it’s like I never left—shaped by her first trip to Ghana and collaborations with Jordan Rakei and Accra’s SuperJazzClub—deepens her exploration of identity and community, earning praise from Elton John on Rocket Hour. |
3:30 – 4:00PM The Slates
| The Slates are a young, energetic indie trio from Yorkshire—three mates obsessed with writing big, chant‑along anthems built to move a crowd. Since forming in 2019, they’ve shared stages with ’90s legends Embrace, lit up major UK festivals, and sold out every headline show to date. With hook‑driven songwriting, raw live intensity, and a relentless DIY spirit, The Slates are carving out their place in the new wave of British guitar bands. |
4:45 – 5:15PM The Crawlers
| The Crawlers are an English rock band from Warrington, formed in 2018. They broke through in late 2021 when their single “Come Over (Again)” went viral on TikTok, propelling them to widespread attention. In 2022, the band signed to Polydor Records and released the EP Loud Without Noise, which debuted at No. 22 on the UK Albums Chart that November. Early in 2024, Crawlers joined Canadian rock group Mother Mother as a tour support and released their debut album, The Mess We Seem to Make, in February 2024. |
GIBSON GARAGE LONDON:
Gibson Garage London
TheGibson Garage London, located at 61–62 Eastcastle Street, is Gibson’s first store outside the U.S. following the trailblazing Gibson Garage Nashville, and the ultimate hands-on guitar experience in the heart of the city. Opened by rock icons Jimmy Page, Sir Brian May, and Tony Iommi, it offers music lovers the chance to explore Gibson’s over 130-year legacy through hundreds of guitars, and to plug in andplay all things Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, MESA/Boogie, Gibson Amplifiers, Maestro pedals, and theMade-to-Measure program for custom instruments. Beyond the showroom, the Garage comes alive with live performances, special events, exclusive apparel, and rotating exhibitions that celebrate the past, present, and future of music culture. A vibrant, ever‑evolving home for musicians, fans, and collectors, the Gibson Garage London is the city’s definitive destination for all things guitar.