Pete Back Firebird Number 1

Today's post is all thanks to Gavin, who first emailed me back in January to share his experiences playing Pete Back guitars.

Gavin has what he believes was Pete's first ever Firebird. It still works "FAB" apparently!

"Bought it when I was 17 -- ish from his shop in Rotherham 31 Years now... eek! Still works fine..although it has had a few personality changes over the years, following years of gigging. I replaced the electrics ( pots etc ) and had it re-sprayed.. Used to go to School just round the corner ( Kimberworth--demolished now! ) and regularly popped in to see what Pete was up to... "

Gavin goes on to say that he owned two other Pete Back guitars:

• A white double neck (Jimmy Page type thing)
• A Black explorer

Gavin also shares a lovely anecdote about the early years of Pete Back guitars:

"I would often sit in Pete's workshop on the first floor looking over the lovely escarpment of the sewage plant next to the "Marvelous Tinsley Viaduct." He taught me a few things about the different types of wiring you could use and the whole process of putting a guitar together. There was always a very heavy smell of Paint and fine wood dust present ..I don't know how he managed to deal with it as it was very uncomfortable. Prototypes and in-progress guitars lined the walls and any space that was available. There was a music shop downstairs who I think he rented the workshop space from.. ( Can't be too sure ) Pete's guitars were up there on the walls with all the other name one's ( Fender etc )... Pete was very proud of the Thin Lizzy guys ordering a bunch of custom guitars from him. They payed him quite a few visits to check out his latest products.. I would pop over unannounced, hoping to bump into them, but Pete was being respectful of their privacy and only did meet ups with them with their privacy in mind .. very respectful! but annoying for me as I was a big Lizzy fan at that time.. Later on in my music career I would meet up often with Robbo ( Brian Roberton ) and Phil Lynott for drinks down at the infamous Frank's Funny Farm (late night booze club in London for all the famous rockers of the early 80's ).

Great memories Gavin! To cap it all off, here are some wonderful photos of Gavin with Pete Back guitars back in the day - wonderful stuff!

"This picture was from the "Rotherham Rocks" competition that my band entered, held in the arts center. Pete was in the audience... and we won... wowA proud moment ..cash prize £125 ... not so wow!!"

And here is the Firebird around 30 years later - undergone a few changes (and lost its headstock decals) but still playing beautifully. A guitar like this is all about a lifetime of musical experiences of course - totally priceless. I am hugely indebted to Gavin for sharing his Pete Back memories and allowing me to post them here.