Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Rock legend Slash was honored with the 2026 Les Paul Spirit Award on the evening of October 5, during a private ceremony at the Les Paul Recording Studio located within Universal Master Recordings in Hollywood, California, as per Blabbermouth. The event was organized by the Les Paul Foundation in collaboration with Gibson Gives, the charitable division of Gibson.
Attendees comprised prominent figures from the music industry, artists, media representatives, friends, and distinguished guests, all gathered to celebrate Slash’s notable creative achievements, pioneering musicianship, and lasting influence on successive generations of musicians and fans. The core of the event was the presentation of the exclusive Les Paul Spirit Award, which recognizes artists who exemplify Les Paul’s pioneering ethos through innovation, creativity, technological advancement, and musical excellence.
The celebration also featured a reception and an exclusive tour of the historic recording studio, providing guests with an opportunity to explore the enduring legacy of Les Paul and the ongoing significance of his contributions to contemporary music and recording technology.
Les was so much more than a great guitarist and innovator. He was an actual inventor who changed the instrument itself, built groundbreaking recording equipment and completely reimagined how artists could record music. I feel incredibly lucky that I got to know him, hang out with him and play music with him. I cherish the relationship we had, and receiving an award that carries his name and spirit is a tremendous honor. – Slash
We are honored to present the Les Paul Spirit Award to Slash this year. He and Les shared a special friendship and often jammed together when they could. Not only does Slash exemplify the creativity and curiosity Les had during his life, but he is also an extraordinary talent and a wonderful supporter of the Les Paul Foundation. If Les were still alive today, Slash and he would be jamming onstage together somewhere regularly. – Michael Braunstein, executive director of the Les Paul Foundation
