Back to the Future ES-345: A Tribute That’s Already a Collector’s Frenzy

 

Back to the Future ES-345: A Tribute That’s Already a Collector’s Frenzy

image credit: Epiphone 

Well, that didn’t take long. Within what felt like seconds of Gibson announcing their dual-release Back to the Future ES-345 — one a high-end USA Custom, the other a more wallet-friendly Epiphone — both models vanished from shelves. Sold out. Gone.

Honestly, it’s not surprising. The ES-345 that Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) wielded during the school dance scene is more than a movie prop — it’s a cultural icon. Even though the original guitar is still missing in action, its legacy clearly lives on, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

But here’s the part that has me scratching my head: Gibson released these tribute models before locating the actual guitar. I mean, wouldn’t it have been poetic to unveil the reissue alongside the rediscovery of the original? Still, I get it. The demand was there, and Gibson didn’t want to miss the moment. As a longtime fan of Hugh Gibson’s vision and craftsmanship, I can’t help but admire the boldness.

The Epiphone version, priced at $999, was a beacon for fans who couldn’t swing the $20k Custom Shop price tag. And now? Listings on Reverb are climbing into the stratosphere. One’s up for $4,179. Another seller had two listed for over $7,000 — now “discounted” to just under $5k. Even a third Epiphone is floating around at $5,570.

video credit: Officialepiphone

And the Custom Shop models? One’s been spotted at a jaw-dropping $145,873. Another was marked down from $122k to a modest $97k. It’s wild, it’s excessive, and it’s kind of beautiful.

Whether or not the original ES-345 ever resurfaces, this release proves one thing: Gibson knows how to stir hearts, spark nostalgia, and keep the legend alive. And as a fan, I’m here for it — even if I’m still wondering what happened to that elusive guitar.

-CEALEE MAAG-

In Memory of Ozzy Osbourne: The Eternal Prince of Darkness

 

 In Memory of Ozzy Osbourne: The Eternal Prince of Darkness

Few artists have carved their names so deeply into the bedrock of rock and metal as Ozzy Osbourne. His legacy transcends music—it’s an embodiment of rebellion, raw emotion, and sonic innovation.

👑 The Rise of a Legend

Ozzy’s journey began in the heart of Birmingham, England. As the frontman of Black Sabbath, he helped launch a genre that would change the face of music: heavy metal. In an era dominated by flower power and psychedelic rock, Black Sabbath emerged with a sound that was darker, heavier, and unflinchingly real.

Their self-titled debut in 1970 was groundbreaking—but it was “Paranoid”, released later that same year, that cemented their place in music history. Tracks like “War Pigs” and “Paranoid” remain timeless—thundering hymns of defiance and social critique. For many (yourself included), these songs are not just favorites—they’re masterpieces. “War Pigs” especially, with its sludgy riffs and apocalyptic imagery, feels just as urgent today as it did when it was first unleashed.

🎤 A Voice That Shook the Earth

Ozzy’s vocals were unlike anything else in rock. Haunting, wailing, and unmistakably his. That eerie, nasally timbre—instantly recognizable—became the auditory signature of a movement. Whether whispering in despair or howling with rage, Ozzy’s voice could pierce through walls of distortion and grab listeners by the soul.

Even in his solo career, with hits like “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears”, Ozzy continued to push boundaries while preserving his signature style. He wasn’t just a vocalist—he was a storyteller, a showman, and a cultural icon.

🎸 Coming Full Circle

In a beautifully poetic arc, Ozzy’s final concert with Black Sabbath came just two weeks before his passing. To end his journey with the very band that started it all was more than a farewell—it was a homecoming. The circle was complete. It was as if the universe itself paused to salute its Prince of Darkness.

🔥 His Legacy Lives On

Ozzy will always be known—not just as a rockstar, but as the rockstar. A trailblazer. A legend. A symbol of everything that makes heavy metal powerful: grit, honesty, and uncompromising artistry.

There will never be another quite like him.

Rest easy, Ozzy. You’ll forever reign as the one and only Prince of Darkness.

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