Rock icon Slash received the prestigious 2026 Les Paul Spirit Award during an intimate gathering at The Les Paul Recording Studio at Universal Master Recordings in Hollywood. Presented by the Les Paul Foundation in partnership with Gibson Gives, the private event brought together music industry luminaries, artists, and friends to celebrate the guitarist's extraordinary creative legacy and enduring influence on modern music.
The annual award recognizes an individual who embodies Les Paul’s pioneering spirit through innovation, creativity, engineering, and music. Fittingly, the physical trophy presented to Slash was hand-carved directly from authentic acoustic boards that Les Paul personally built and used in his home recording studio, making each award completely unique.
Slash and Les Paul shared a close personal friendship during the legendary inventor's lifetime, frequently jamming together on stage. "Les was so much more than a great guitarist and innovator," Slash reflected during the event. "He was an actual inventor who changed the instrument itself and completely reimagined how artists could record music. Receiving an award that carries his name and spirit is a tremendous honor."
"Not only does Slash exemplify the creativity and curiosity Les had during his life, but he is also an extraordinary talent," added Michael Braunstein, Executive Director of the Les Paul Foundation. "If Les were still alive today, Slash and he would be jamming onstage together somewhere regularly."
Prior to the ceremony, select media members attended an exclusive advance listening session inside the historic studio for four songs—"Good Time Girl," "One of Your Kind," "Flying Blind," and "Looking for a Miracle"—from Slash Ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators’ forthcoming studio album, FLYING BLIND. Set for release on 26 February 2027 via Gibson Records, the 12-track project was recorded largely live with producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette to capture the band's raw, spontaneous energy. The release will be supported by the extensive FLYING BLIND WORLD TOUR 2027, spanning North America, Latin America, the UK, and Europe.
