The Gibson Garage London a must-visit location for tourists and a vibrant addition to London’s music scene
The Gibson Garage London—the first international flagship store from the iconic global instrument brand—has just marked its one-year anniversary in showstopping style. Since its opening in February 2024, more than 200,000 visitors have come through the doors, experiencing firsthand the immersive world of Gibson and Epiphone guitars, music memorabilia, live performances, and artist meet-and-greets.
With over 70 live events staged throughout its inaugural year, the Gibson Garage has quickly become a hotspot for London’s music scene, providing an unmatched platform for emerging talent and established artists. Located on Oxford Street, the Gibson Garage London has drawn musicians, collectors, and fans from around the globe to explore and play over 300 guitars in its sprawling showroom.
Notable names who have taken the stage include Sir Brian May, Phil Manzanera, Mark King, James Bay, Tom Walker, Jared James Nichols, Emily Wolfe, and G3 alum Toby Lee. The state-of-the-art live stage has showcased a wide variety of music, spotlighting fresh local talent and rock royalty.
Image: Arielle and Sir Brian May perform at the Gibson Garage London to celebrate the launch of the Gibson Custom Brian May SJ-200 12-String acoustic guitar
What took place during the first year and the Gibson Garage Fest celebrations?
It was a busy first year for the Gibson Garage London. Underscoring its commitment to nurturing up-and-coming musicians, the Gibson Garage London partnered with the Busk in London program—a grassroots initiative that supports emerging artists through performance opportunities.
Standout talents such as Olivia Dean, Sam Tompkins, and Cat Burns have all come through the Busk in London pipeline, and the Gibson Garage now serves as an official Busk in London venue, hosting biweekly gigs to help new artists hone their skills and expand their audiences.
“The Gibson Garage has been an exciting addition to Oxford Street and to London’s world-class music scene,” says Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries. “In the past year, this flagship store has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors, held over 70 live performances, and, crucially, provided a platform to emerging artists as a ‘Busk in London’ venue.
“Grassroots venues are the lifeblood of London’s music scene, and I look forward to seeing the Gibson Garage provide further support to up-and-coming artists as we continue to create a better London for everyone.”
Image: Cream bassist Jack Bruce’s 1956 EB-1 is on display at the Gibson Garage London until March 20
“Happy first birthday to the Gibson Garage! It’s been an incredible year establishing an exciting Busk in London emerging artist circuit in this super cool space,” added Rachel Meir, CEO of Found in Music, and Kate Jones, Programme Director of Busk in London.
“What’s not to love for an emerging artist, getting to pick a Gibson or Epiphone guitar and to play in this intimate cutting-edge venue where many a rock ’n’ roll legend has played?”
Image: Johnny Marr signing one of 20 Gibson ’84 Les Paul™ Standard with Bigsby guitars
To commemorate the milestone, Gibson hosted the Gibson Garage Fest London, which ran from February 18–24 and featured special in-store events and product launches. On February 18, Queen legend, Sir Brian May, unveiled his new Gibson SJ-200 12-string acoustic guitar with an exclusive interview and surprise performance.
On February 21, fans began lining up outside the Garage at 5 a.m. for a chance to buy one of only 20 hand-signed Gibson ’84 Les Paul Standard with Bigsby guitars by music icon Johnny Marr. The proceeds benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust. An exclusive Teenage Cancer Trust x Gibson merchandise collection was also released.
Image: The Gibson ’84 Les Paul Standard with Bigsby® signed by Johnny Marr will be available exclusively at the Gibson Garage London until they are sold out
Throughout Gibson Garage Fest, the store hosted a diverse lineup of emerging acts, including Campbell King, Jasper Hodges, Rachel Croft, The Wild Things, Seb Lowe, Lloren, and Ben Ellis, culminating in an all-day acoustic festival on February 22.
The celebration continued with a performance by punk-rock outfit Kid Kapichi during the launch of the Merc x Gibson Capsule Collection on February 24—a new fashion collaboration between Gibson and the British apparel brand Merc Clothing.
Image: Natasha Bruce, Jack Bruce’s daughter, with his 1956 EB-1 Bass
In a touching homage to the late Cream bassist Jack Bruce, artists Phil Manzanera, Mark King, Gary Husband among others delivered a spirited “Jam for Jack,” with Bruce’s beloved Cherry Red EB-1 Bass on display at the Gibson Garage throughout the week—available for public viewing until March 20
Image: Phil Manzanera and Mark King perform at the “Jam For Jack” fundraising event
What are some other milestones for the Gibson Garage London?
Opened by rock luminaries Jimmy Page, Sir Brian May, and Tony Iommi, the Gibson Garage London has also showcased two free photography exhibitions from legendary photographers Gered Mankowitz and Sharon Latham.
Alongside guitars suspended on a floating conveyor belt—logging the equivalent travel of seven circuits around London’s M25 motorway—the Garage continues to captivate visitors with its blend of music, innovation, and culture.
Image: Kid Kapichi performing at the launch of the new Merc x Gibson Capsule Collection
“Opening the Gibson Garage in London has put the guitar scene firmly on the map as a destination for visitors from all over the world,” says Etaoin Fagan, General Manager at the Gibson Garage London. “An exciting store and experience for people of all ages, alongside Busk in London, we’ve been proud to give grassroots musicians a platform to play, while providing a cultural hub for live music and all things Gibson.”
With a successful first year on the books, the Gibson Garage London shows no signs of slowing down. Between star-studded events, a dedication to the city’s emerging artists, and a commitment to delivering the ultimate guitar experience, it remains a must-visit location for music lovers everywhere.
For the latest news and updates on the Gibson Garage London, follow @GibsonGuitarUK on Instagram.
