Jack Bruce’s legendary EB-1 violin bass will be on display at the Gibson Garage London, marking the first anniversary of the store’s UK flagship location and concert space, with the launch of the Gibson Garage Fest.
The exhibit, which opens on February 20, will feature the late Cream bassist’s EB-1 bass guitar. The month-long exhibition kicks off with an intimate, star-studded “Jam For Jack” concert, where music icons such as Mark King of Level 42, Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music, Gary Husband (a long-time Bruce collaborator), and members of Jack Bruce’s Big Blues Band will perform, alongside friends and family.
With only 80 tickets available, all proceeds from the event will go to the Jack Bruce Foundation, supporting young people’s access to music education. Additionally, a bass guitar auction will take place to raise further funds for the charity.
Bruce’s family expressed their excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Gibson Garage Fest to celebrate Jack’s remarkable legacy and support the Foundation. It will be wonderful for Jack’s fans to view his iconic EB-1 violin bass. This guitar was always displayed at our home and meant so much to him—it remains one of Jack’s most beloved treasures.”
The EB-1 is also a significant part of Gibson’s history. Launched in 1953, the bass was introduced in response to Fender’s Precision Bass, aiming to meet the demands of electrified western swing and country music. Known for its player-friendly 30.5” scale length and single-coil pickup, the EB-1 was widely praised for its “lightning fast action.”
By the mid-’60s, the bass became a favorite among rock musicians, including John Entwistle of The Who. More recently, Bruce performed with it during the 2005 Cream reunion shows with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker.
This exhibition raises the possibility of the EB-1 making a return to the Gibson catalog. Could Jack Bruce’s iconic bass inspire a new replica or re-release? Only time will tell.
The Gibson Garage Fest also features an acoustic festival on February 22, headlined by Ben Ellis, with additional events to be announced.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the first anniversary of the Gibson Garage London,” said Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson. “The Garage has made an incredible impact on the local music scene and has become a global music destination. London’s vibrant musical culture makes it the perfect place to celebrate with music fans worldwide.”
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