Mike McCready’s Fender Telecaster reunites with McCready on the Temple of the Dog tour 25 years later

We think that one of the great aspects about Collectionzz is the ability to share items with the world which would otherwise be seen by only a few people. Collectionzz is home to a variety of amazing one-of-a-kind instruments owned and used by music legends, including this hand embellished guitar owned and used by Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready.

Mike McCready hand painted and decorated his 1962 Fender Telecaster reissue with Temple of the Dog and Jimi Hendrix stickers, creating a vibrant and colorful collage that matches his face-melting style of play (those who have seen him play live know all about that!).There have been several modifications to this guitar and its presentation and appearance is truly unique and one of a kind. It is a piece of art in and of itself, and epitomizes that era to the fullest.

Apart from its beauty, this guitar has been part of music history. Mike used this guitar to make one of the greatest rock albums of all time, Temple of the Dog’s self titled release, including iconic songs such as “Hunger Strike,” “Say Hello 2 Heaven” and “Reach Down.” It was also used in Pearl Jam’s Even Flow video, numerous early shows (especially 1992) such as Pink Pop, and is in several early photographs of Pearl Jam:

So, when Temple of the Dog went on tour for the first time in 2016, an interesting idea was presented to the guitar’s owner, by it’s prior owner (who was close with the band and Mike). The prior owner said, more or less, “Hey, how would you like to get this back in Mike’s hands for him to use on the upcoming tour? I mentioned it to him and he was on board and stoked about the possibility….” That was music to his ears and captured the exact dynamic that many of us collectors strive for. Being part of that moment, being able to let there be another moment, and seeing a collectible item come full circle. From artist, to owner(s) and then back in the artist’s hands again…. And to be used for its original purpose and intent!!

Jeff Klein, Mike McCready, and Collectionzz co-founder Ian Linde

In fact, not only was the guitar reunited with Mike, but he decided to take it on the entire tour and used it on the songs “Quicksand”, “Jump into the Fire” and “Fascination Street” (we love Quicksand by the way!):

It’s stories like this that we want our platform and community to capture. So many incredible items are out there, with depth, and history and incredible stories attached to them that may otherwise be “lost” with time. The fabric and soul of Collectionzz is to harness that and light that common thread among many collectors and fans alike.

Check out more photos and information about Mike McCready’s 1962 Fender Telecaster reissue here. Want to share a story of your own? We truly want to hear it and WILL listen. Please reach out to us at connect@collectionzz.com.