The Remarkable Story of Peter Frampton's Stolen “Phenix” Les Paul Custom

Watch Peter Frampton share the complete story of finding, losing, and then rediscovering his iconic "Phenix" Les Paul, including never-before-heard details

Easily, one of the most interesting, mind-blowing and for guitar collectors, heartbreaking stories of lost guitars is the story of Peter Frampton’s Gibson Les Paul Custom nicknamed “Phenix.”

Now, we know some of you Frampton fans and Les Paul fans in general may have heard the story of Peter Frampton’s legendary “Phenix” 3-pickup Les Paul Custom, but NOT like this, and never in so much detail. The wild story of Peter Frampton's legendary Les Paul Phenix is one of the most captivating tales in rock history, but today, peter sat with mark Agnesi to explain what REALLY happened in unparalleled detail in this excerpt from The Collection with Peter Frampton on Gibson TV. In this excerpt from the full episode, iconic singer, songwriter and guitarist Frampton sits down with Mark Agnesi of Gibson TV to delve deep into the mythos of the Phenix—a guitar that has not only defined Frampton’s iconic sound but has also survived such a harrowing journey that demands guitar players listen up!

The Les Paul Phenix, a '54 or '55 Black Beauty (Frampton is not quite sure), was gifted to Frampton during his time with Humble Pie and became his most used guitar on the live circuit, and can be heard on legendary recordings like “Frampton Comes Alive!” and more - you’ve definitely heard this guitar before. However, the guitar was (thought to be) tragically lost in a plane explosion during a South American tour in 1980, and Frampton and his band thought it was gone forever. But in an extraordinary twist of fate, the Phenix was miraculously rediscovered 30 years later on the island of Curaçao - hidden away in another guitarist's closet for decades.

In this exclusive Gibson TV episode, Frampton shares the full never-before-heard stories about the Phenix, recounting its history from the day he first laid eyes on this brand-new guitar to the emotional moment he was reunited with the guitar decades later and how the story of the guitar actually became part of a tourist attraction for Curaçao. The Phenix’s journey is the stuff of legend, and a really interesting look at how as guitarists, when we find the ONE guitar, we can never really let it go!

For the first time, fans can hear the full story of the Les Paul Phenix as Frampton himself recounts the intricate details that have rarely been shared publicly. This episode of The Collection is a must-watch for any fan of rock guitar history and an incredible look into one of the most famous guitars in existence. Watch "The Collection" with Peter Frampton now on Gibson TV and explore the untold saga of the Les Paul Phenix.

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[KoolBellAU]

Fantastic run down memory lane. Watching Peter's eyes while he tells the story is telling of his love for the instrument and the sound.

[flyonwall]

Peter Frampton put the humble in Humble Pie. He is such a wonderful person and an amazing artist. It's great to see Gibson work with him. The last time I saw one of the 25 limited edition Phoenix guitars for sale, it was going for $35k. Amazingly, 25 people must have had some cash to burn. $7k is still too deep for many guitar players' pockets. Even a Les Paul Studio with it gig bag is a bit steep. Fortunately, I was able to find a like new Faded T series for $600 with a real case. Unless the economy turns around, I can't see myself buying a new Gibson. Let's hope that someday Gibson will remember the average working guy and make an affordable Les Paul.

[michaelr.]

I will never get tired of hearing Peter tell the story of this guitar. Not only because of how amazing the story is..but also because I think it really highlights how some of us are lucky enough to find THE guitar. Growing up playing guitar, I ran into a lot of cats who talked about having their one main guitar that is absolutely perfect and how they would never get rid of it. Until a few years ago, I was never enough to find my one, perfect guitar. However, that changed in 2021 when I bought a normal, off of the shelf, Gibson LP 60s. I've had numerous LPs in my 30 years of playing..and still have 4. But there is something special about this 1 particular guitar. Actually, it is the neck. The way Peter talks about knowing his guitar reminds me of how I feel about my favorite guitar. I didn't think a neck could feel that good in my hands.
...on another note.. you could think that with modern manufacturing and CNC machines, there wouldn't be much variation in the necks of current guitar. However, while I've tried to find a 2nd one of these guitars that has this perfect neck for me, I can't find one. They are close..but there is something special that makes me work for me. I'm sure there are tons of viewers/readers will know exactly what I'm trying to put into words.

[karmicselling]

Peter Frampton has to be one of the most humble superstar musicians that has ever walked this planet. And the Phenix is proof positive that you never find the perfect guitar, the perfect guitar always finds you. Cheers from the Land Down Under.

[paul_domici]

This story never get's old!!! Love it!!!

[theleviathan]

I got chills right as he said I got chills.

[MrBluesilverred]

Great Interview and story! Peter is a complete class act!

[ryanmagno]

AMAZING interview, Mark! You really bring out the best conversations with your guests. I'm dreaming about the day that you might possibly interview Eric Clapton about his 335 and SG.

[RobertMountfort]

Have seen him seven times. Always a great show

[scottwhite]

Primo !! Great up close look at this guitar ..

[midnightblues]

Peter has been my all-time favorite guitarist since Humble Pie released "Humble Pie Performance Rockin' The Fillmore" and "The Phenix" is my all-time favorite Les Paul. I bought the album when it was released in 1971 and it was his playing on it (which was unlike any of his contemporaries) and the pictures of him on it with that absolutely gorgeous Custom, that made me want to play guitar.

I've seen him numerous times over the years since the early '70s, including two weeks before the show at the Beacon Theatre, in NYC, then also at the Beacon Theatre, the night he played the "Phenix" for first time live and my wife and I have met him on several occasions. He's a gentleman and has always been gracious with his time. I hope that he can continue to play/make music, for many years to come.

[Zoso]

A NEW Epiphone version of this guitar is mighty high on my wish list.

[cromBumny]

Since 2020 ive bought 2 new Epis and 4 new Gibsons. The epis are a Bonamassa Lazarus snd a Modern LP. Both guitars have issues. The Modern I paid for the Big Box store to do a setup and it STILL has buzzy frets. The Lazarus has tuning mechanisms that rattle when there are no strings in it and both have bridges that the holes are too big for the screws. The Gibsons are perfect. You get what you pay for

[BURST]

Peter has to be the nicest guy in the business. 🎸

[BradDollar]

What a great story. Had no idea the journey this guitar went through or how cool its setup is. Another great “take my money moment” Gibson. 😂 💸

[MGT_KS]

Peter, congrats on your Rock Hall of Fame induction! Best part of the entire ceremony and long overdue! Thank you for all the music and inspiration! ❤❤❤

[Erock]

what a fantastic story. the spotlight on it with the crowd going nuts gave me goosebumps too, lol.

[leokimvideo]

Didn't Ace Frehley have a guitar that was a similar setup? The crash and burn aspect to this guitar is amazing, Gibson labs did a good crash n burn.

[stepitupandgo]

I'd love to give that a strum or two...poetic justice that Peter got it back...just incredible...I wish I could get my flying v copy back that got stolen. The first good guitar I ever had...

[bryonkidder]

How come current ownership/management act like the Ace Frehley's 3 pickup Custom isn't on the Mount Rushmore of guitars?
Ace's '59 dirty lemon burst is bad as hell too...imo