Gigantar, largest hand-made guitar, dedicated at the Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet

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By Ron Romero, Executive director, founder Illinois Rock & Roll Museum

Gigantar, the largest hand-made guitar sculpture ever created was the focus in a lighting ceremony, Friday, Jan. 20, at Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet.

The worlds largest hand-made guitar sculpture was dedicated Friday, Jan. 20 at the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet. Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet photo

The Museum at 9 W. Cass Street is still being renovated. The opening date is set to be late Spring or early Summer.

It’s a labor of love. And standing next to some of my musical heroes seemed surreal. I am so very proud of the work we have been able to do so far on the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66.

Friday, Jan. 20 was a fantastic celebration of another milestone for us. We appreciate the coverage from all of the press and all of the social media posts!

I want to give a sincere heartfelt thank you to all of our Board members who continue to work to bring the Museum to fruition.

Thank you to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Heritage Corridor Destinations for the grant that made this all possible.

Thank you to Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Jim Peterik and Larry Millas of the Ides of March, Chuck Colbert of American Breed/Rufus, Tom Garrett of Classics IV, and Carl Giammarese of the Buckinghams, Lisa Fielding and Mitch Michaels Salchow for being there!

Here are musicians at the Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet Friday, Jan. 20 who helped to dedicate Gigantar, the largest hand-made guitar: From left: Tom Garrett of Classics IV; Carl Giammarese of the Buckinghams; Larry Millas and Jim Peterik of the Ides of March; and Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick.

The sponsors that made that happen. Old National Bank, D’Arcy Buick GMC, Legacy Express Trucking, Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel, 95.9 The River, and US Sign and Electric!

Thanks Bill Dimitroulas and the staff at Juliet’s for hosting the VIP party!

Gigantar, dedicated in Joliet: Fans jam the site at the Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet Friday, Jan. 20 at the dedication of Gigantar, the largest hand-made guitar sculpture ever create, 24 feet tall. Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet photo

Thank you City of Joliet government, Joliet Police Department, mayor O’DeKirk, Priscilla Cordero from Joliet City Center Partnership! And anyone I may have missed inadvertently!

Visit www.RoadToRock.org to find out more, become a charter member and donate or volunteer to help us to “Open the Doors to Inspiration”!

A very large and enthusiastic crowd watched a star-studded event Friday, Jan. 20 at the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet. – The lighting of a 24-foot-tall guitar sculpture known as “Gigantar.” The switch to light the Gigantar was flipped by Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick.

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