Music History

Is this the greatest guitar solo of all time? Discuss this Prince performance.

This past week was the 14th anniversary of Prince’s appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony when he peeled off an amazing guitar solo during a tribute to George Harrison.

Prince joined Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty onstage for a rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” About three-and-a-half minutes in, Prince walks onstage and–well, just watch and listen.

Cool right? Much has been written about the guitar solo with some arguing that it was the greatest ever performed. (Go here, here and here for those arguments.)

But a mystery followed: What happened to the guitar Prince used that night. At the end of the performance, he tossed it…somewhere before walking off. It now lives at the home of–wait for it–Oprah Winfrey.

Read the full story here.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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2 thoughts on “Is this the greatest guitar solo of all time? Discuss this Prince performance.

  • My vote for greatest solo would be for the one that Jimi Hendrix pulled off close to the end of his performance at Woodstock.

    Reply
  • loved this – wondering who the young guitarist to the left of Tom Petty is – he looked like he was having the experience of lifetime!

    Reply

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