A future episode of MTV's show "Becoming" with hot newcomer Avril Lavigne will feature exclusively Gibson gear. A Les Paul Special Humbucker and Les Paul Standard will be front and center in the re-creation of Lavigne's video, "Complicated." A lucky fan will be picked and transformed into an Avril look-alike, get the rock-star treatment and perform in the mock video. Tune in for added surprise elements on the show. Lavigne's debut album, Let Go, was certified platinum in the U.S. within five weeks of its release, double platinum in Lavigne's native Canada, and platinum in Japan one week after its release. She recently won MTV's Video Music Award for New Artist in a Video for "Complicated."

Guitar pioneer Les Paul has donated one of his personal Gibson Les Paul model guitars to raise funds for the Uniformed Firefighters' Association Widows and Children Fund, and it's currently on display at Madison Square Garden near the History of MSG wall. Peter Ortel, a retired New York City fireman from Rescue 3, painted a poignant September 11 scene on the instrument. Following its display, the guitar will be auctioned online through eBay.

The Dixie Chicks, in support of their new album, Home, have made a series of television appearances playing Gibson instruments, including the "Today" show and "The Late Show With David Letterman." Lead singer Natalie Maines has been strumming a new Blues King acoustic from the Gibson Montana division and multi-instrumentalist Emily Robison has been pickin' a Gibson banjo. Bluegrass mandolinist Adam Steffey, part of the Chicks' backing band, has been playing his new signature model mandolin from Gibson's Original Acoustic Instruments division, based on the F-5 scroll body design.

In related news, Bon Jovi entertained football fans as part of NFL Kickoff Live from Times Square, a televised free football and music festival prior to the San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants game Thurs., Sept. 5. The concert was in support and recognition of New York Citys Sept. 11 memorial events. Guitarist Richie Sambora played an array of Gibsons including a Les Paul Classic, 58 Reissue Les Paul, 59 Reissue Flying V, 59 Reissue Flying V with black pickguard and an ES-335 cherry w/ Bigsby tremolo, made in Memphis. He totally rocked out on the Flying V during halftime activities as well.

Two giant 13-foot Les Paul standards flanked the stage for Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace June 4 in London. The concert celebrated the Queen's 50 years on the throne and featured performances by rock and pop legends including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, Tom Jones, Queen guitarist Brian May and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Pictured are the stately-looking standup guitars while under construction.

Golden hipster Wayne Newton has been playing a Gibson Montana J-185 EC, Memphis ES-175, and a vintage Gibson TB-800 banjo while on his latest USO tour in support of American servicemen and women. Newton does an annual USO tour in addition to his regular three-month gig at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas.