A 24-foot-tall handmade guitar sculpture proclaimed as the world’s largest will be coming to the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, Illinois.
The work, called Gigantar, will begin a nearly one-week road trip to the museum with a launch party at the legendary Stone Pony nightclub in Asbury Park, New Jersey, reported WJOL radio in Joliet.
The big guitar will arrive at the museum with a lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20. Rick NIelsen, founder and guitarist for Cheap Trick, is scheduled to appear.
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The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum commissioned world-renowned artist Shannon (MacDonald) to create the 24-foot tall sculpture. Shannon has created artwork for many in the entertainment industry as well as the worlds of sports and politics including Cheap Trick, The Beatles, Sylvester Stallone, James Dean, Jackie Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana of Wales, JFK Jr. and more.
Beginning in New Jersey, GIGANTAR will make its way across 5 states on an open flatbed truck, stopping at prestigious and historical sites on the way to its final destination adorning the entrance to the museum in downtown Joliet. “GIGANTAR will be the museum’s icon,” said Ron Romero, Executive Director of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum. “We are thrilled with the work Shannon has done and we can’t wait to show it to music lovers throughout Illinois and the world.”
“I am proud to bring this amazing sculpture to life,” Shannon said. “From New Jersey to Joliet, everyone involved has worked very hard.” Event sponsors include the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Heritage Corridor Destinations, Old National Bank, Legacy Express Trucking and D’Arcy Buick GMC and Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino.
(Image of the Gigantar on the facade of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 via Facebook)
Rick Nielsen is the name of Cheap Trick’s guitarist.