Myles Kennedy felt uneasy using Jeff: “I was a little uncomfortable”
In 2019, Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge had a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the late Jeff Buckley by playing his renowned Telecaster during a special performance of Hallelujah in Paris. Despite the honor, Kennedy felt a sense of unworthiness. The emotional ballad was originally released by Leonard Cohen in 1982, but it was Buckley’s interpretation on his 1994 album Grace that truly captivated audiences and solidified the song as one of the greatest of all time. Sadly, Buckley’s life was cut short at the age of 30 in 1997. Playing Buckley’s Tele for the performance in the French capital was a significant moment for Kennedy, who felt the weight of carrying on the legacy of the underrated guitar hero.
Kennedy reflected on his experience, describing how Buckley’s Grace album left a profound impact on him, comparable to the level of awe he experienced upon hearing Van Halen’s Eruption for the first time. Despite his initial discomfort and imposter syndrome, Kennedy eventually came to terms with the honor bestowed upon him. He understood the significance of the guitar he was playing – one that had been previously in the possession of Matt’s Guitar Shop, a renowned vintage guitar emporium in Paris. The shop has loaned out guitars belonging to legendary musicians such as Jeff Beck and Steve Jones, making the guitar’s history even more storied.
The uniqueness of Buckley’s Telecaster lies in its imperfections, according to Kennedy. The way the pickup was wired gives the guitar a distinctive, shimmery sound, making it a prized possession for musicians looking to pay homage to Buckley’s legacy. A year after Kennedy’s performance, Muse guitarist Matt Bellamy acquired the Tele and has since used it in recording sessions to celebrate Buckley’s influence on his own music. Bellamy acknowledges the weight of the guitar’s history and feels the pressure to create songs worthy of being played on such an iconic instrument.
In other news, Jeff Buckley has been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with many in the music industry, including Grammy-winning guitarist Ella Feingold, expressing their belief in his deserving of the honor. The impact of Buckley’s music continues to resonate with musicians and fans alike, cementing his status as a revered figure in the music industry. Kennedy’s interview discussing his experience with Buckley’s Telecaster is featured in a recent issue of Guitarist magazine, offering readers a closer look at the emotional significance of the tribute performance.