The Les Paul Foundation, in partnership with Gibson Gives, presented Slash with the 2026 Les Paul Spirit Award at a private October event held at The Les Paul Recording Studio at Universal Master Recordings in Hollywood, according to Guitar.com.
The award recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of the late Les Paul through innovation, engineering, technology and music. The foundation cited Slash’s creative legacy, pioneering musicianship and enduring influence on generations of artists and fans. Gibson interim CEO Anne Rohosy and CMO Beth Heidt attended alongside Les Paul Foundation executive director Michael Braunstein.
Guitar.com reports the award is always made uniquely for each recipient. Slash’s was created from hand-carved acoustic boards that Les Paul built and used in his home recording studio. Previous recipients include Bob Weir, Nile Rodgers, the Edge, Peter Frampton and Steve Miller.
Braunstein told Guitar.com that Slash exemplifies the creativity and curiosity Les Paul had during his life and is a supporter of the foundation. Slash and Les Paul shared a friendship during Paul’s lifetime and often played music together, the publication reports.
According to Guitar.com, Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators are scheduled to release a new album next year, with the single Flying Blind already available.
For more information, visit guitar.com.
