I recently checked out the “Play it Loud” exhibition at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Co-organized with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the exhibition primarily features various instruments from some of rock and roll’s greatest and most influential musicians. It’s the first time that a major museum has had an exhibition of this nature.
Some might think this exhibit is just like viewing rock instruments at a Hard Rock Café but I think the exhibition gives a little more insight into the construction of some of the instruments and the desired sounds that the artists were looking to achieve.
Not only does the exhibit convey the importance of the instruments’ sound, it also highlights the significance of the instruments’ visual appearance. Some rock and roll legends used colorful imagery and graphics on their instruments that were representative of their unique styles.
I enjoyed the artfulness of the instruments and I’d like to highlight a few of my “artsy” favorites.
Jimi Hendrix’s Flying V
Hendrix used nail polish to paint the designs on this famous guitar that was used between 1967 and 1969.
Paul McCartney’s Bass
McCartney played this violin bass adorned with a Union Jack design during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration concert in 2012.
Keith Moon’s “Pictures of Lily” Drum Kit
The custom made drums feature nude pictures of Lily Langtry, British flags and Who logos.
The FOOL Guitars
The FOOL was a group of psychedelic artists who painted instruments for Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker as well as a mural on the Beatles’ Apple store in London.
Overall, I found the exhibition informative and very enjoyable. It was great to get an up-close look at the instruments that make the music. I highly recommend seeing it if you’re in New York City. If you go, be sure to check out the live performance clips of the musicians and their instruments in action too.
The exhibition runs through October 1st.
https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2019/play-it-loud