Gibson Island launched on Second Life
First major music manufacturer to establish itself within the virtual world
Gibson Guitar has announced the launch of Gibson Island on Second Life.com and has become the first major music manufacturer to establish an official home within the virtual world. The island was launched on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, with an exclusive live music performance by Bob Welch.
Second Life is a 3-D Virtual world entirely created by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown to host over 14 million inhabitants from around the globe. Visitors discover a vast digital continent, teaming with people in entertainment, other experiences and new opportunities. Millions of users launched Second Life five years ago along with Linden Labs and some of the world's greatest musicians have already created their own avatars to explore the virtual capacity of Second Life. The virtual world is free to join and available for Mac, Windows and Linux computer platforms.
In tribute to the Gibson Les Paul guitar and musician, the Gibson Island is in the shape of the famous guitar body and rises up from the ocean in Second Life. The island will feature humbucker mountains, full theatres, mini-theatres and other areas resembling pickups and other aspects of a Gibson guitar.
As part of the launch, the 70s multi-platinum solo artist and former Fleetwood Mac vocalist/guitarist will perform in an exclusive concert with other Second Life musicians. Bob Welch's avatar, Bob Welch Magic, will also appear on stage along with celebrity musicians Cypress Rosewood and Von Johin. The concert kicks off a series of concerts, which will be produced and performed only on the Gibson Island in Second Life over the period of a few months. Wednesday's inaugural concert series is a first for the musical instrument manufacturing industry and features an entire day of exclusive performances on the Gibson Island.
The Gibson Island features various stages including mini-theatres featuring classic blues performances by Matt Murphy, Howlin' Wolf and more. A variety of movie screens scattered around the island provides exclusive audio content and experiences along with news and information sites.
Second Life residents will have the opportunity to experience some of the world's most popular Gibson guitars for free. Over two-dozen high prim virtual Gibson models will be available throughout the Gibson Island only, allowing Second Life residents to own their dream guitar in this virtual world. The models will include Gibson's Hound Dog Dobro Acoustic, Hummingbird Acoustic, Flying V, Slash Inspired By Les Paul, John Lennon Signature Les Paul, Les Paul Robot, SG Diablo, and Les Paul Classic models, among many others
Second Life Gibson avatars will have exclusive opportunities to own Gibson Gear, apparel and accessories virtually. Gibson Entertainment will provide exclusive produced videos and audio programming which will play on the movie screens throughout the 65,000 sq foot virtual island including celebrity interviews, music lessons, fun facts, company history, documentaries and performances. Visitors will be able to explore the island's many areas on the Gibson Tour Trolley or simply fly or teleport through each location.
Features of the Gibson Island will include the Gibson Forest, where visitors can walk the path and learn about the woods that make Gibson guitars, Gibson Radio, playing music from Gibson artists along with live interviews, Gibson Rock and Roll Stage – a full sized concert stage for musical performances, the Gibson Custom Guitar Shop, Gibson guitar of the month boardwalk and much more.
To register and visit the Gibson Island, go to www.secondlife.com