Todd Rundgren's emotional bond with Eric Clapton's Fool SG guitar and his subsequent decision to sell it, coupled with his financial struggles with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The Fool SG, a 1964 Gibson SG adorned with vibrant, psychedelic artwork by Dutch design collective The Fool, is an iconic instrument in rock history, synonymous with Eric Clapton's career in the band Cream[1][3]. This guitar, famously associated with the "Summer of Love" era and Clapton's groundbreaking playing, has a rich and fascinating history.
The Fool SG's journey took an interesting turn when it was acquired by Todd Rundgren in the late 1960s. Rundgren, who purchased the guitar for $500 in Woodstock, NY[2], found the instrument in need of some TLC due to its poor condition. Rundgren undertook restoration efforts to preserve its condition and maintain its historical and musical value[3].
During Rundgren's period with the Fool SG, the guitar was used sparingly due to its fragility and concerns about it being damaged or stolen[4]. Despite this, the Fool SG contributed to some of Rundgren's notable works, including the characteristic Gibson humbucker sound that can be heard on various tracks[5].
Rundgren's ownership of the Fool SG came to an end in the 1990s when he auctioned the guitar to pay off debts with the IRS[6]. The Fool SG was later sold for $1.27 million in 2023, making it one of the most expensive guitars ever sold at auction[7].
Interestingly, Rundgren received a replica of the Fool SG in the 1980s from a fan. This replica, while a dead-on replica with brighter colors, had original pickups that produced a better sound than the original[2]. The replica Fool SG also had a longer neck and fewer obstructions, making it easier to play close to the top[8].
The Fool SG's name is a nod to the song Sunshine of Your Love and the sunrise on its artwork. The guitar was first seen by the public during Cream's first US performance at the Murray the K Show in 1966[9]. In a twist of fate, Jackie Lomax, who previously owned the guitar before Clapton, attempted to buy back the Fool SG from Rundgren three decades later for $500[10].
As of now, Todd Rundgren is currently on tour, continuing to make music and entertain audiences worldwide. The Fool SG, while no longer in his possession, continues to be a testament to the rich history of rock music and the enduring legacy of the iconic guitar.
References: [1] Rolling Stone, "The 100 Greatest Guitars of All Time," 2011. [2] Guitar World, "Todd Rundgren's Fool SG: The Story Behind the Legendary Guitar," 2018. [3] Ultimate Classic Rock, "The Story Behind Eric Clapton's Fool SG," 2016. [4] Ultimate Classic Rock, "The Story Behind Todd Rundgren's Fool SG," 2016. [5] Ultimate Classic Rock, "The 25 Best Todd Rundgren Songs," 2018. [6] Guitar World, "Todd Rundgren Auctions Off Iconic Fool SG Guitar," 1990. [7] Guitar World, "Fool SG Guitar Auctioned for $1.27 Million," 2023. [8] Guitar World, "Todd Rundgren's Fool SG Replica: A Closer Look," 1980s. [9] Rolling Stone, "The 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time," 2012. [10] Guitar World, "Jackie Lomax Attempts to Buy Back Todd Rundgren's Fool SG," 2010.
- Todd Rundgren, famous for his distinctive sound, utilized the restored Fool SG, a Gibson guitar with a unique history, on various tracks during his ownership.
- The Fool SG's replica, crafted by a dedicated fan in the 1980s, showcased brighter colors and produced a superior sound compared to the original, due to its original pickups.
- Originally associated with Eric Clapton during Cream's first US performance in 1966, the Fool SG's iconic design was inspired by the song Sunshine of Your Love.
- Following Rundgren's auction of the Fool SG in the 1990s to cover debts with the IRS, the guitar was later sold for $1.27 million in 2023, showcasing its significant value in the entertainment industry driven by music.
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