Chappell Roan’s Grammy stage was lit up by a stunning performance of “Pink Pony Club,” blending exuberance, whimsy, and a brilliant guitar display.
We caught up with Andrea Ferrero, the talented guitarist behind the magic, to dive into the remarkable story of the custom mirrorball Gibson Les Paul that took center stage that night.
Preparation and Collaboration
Leading up to the event, Ferrero had no idea a surprise awaited her.
The only thing on her mind was performing “Pink Pony Club.” But when she arrived for rehearsals, excitement bubbled inside her as she discovered she would be playing atop an enormous pink pony while wielding the dazzling disco ball guitar.
This first encounter with the striking instrument filled her with a sense of anticipation, knowing it had the power to elevate their performance to another level.
This remarkable guitar, based on the Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute model, features a wraparound bridge along with vintage output 490R/490T pickups, all embraced by a sleek mahogany body.
Incredibly, Gibson turned around the design request in just four days before the show, showcasing their dedication and tireless efforts to bring the guitar to life.
Mastering the Performance
Although the band had performed “Pink Pony Club” many times during their tour, preparing for the Grammy performance was a different beast.
They committed four intense days to rehearsals, meticulously coordinating their movements to ensure flawless execution come showtime.
The climax of the performance unfolded as Ferrero climbed atop the enormous pink pony, ready to unleash her electrifying solo.
The day of the Grammy ceremony began with a comprehensive soundcheck, allowing the band ample opportunity to run through their set in the morning and use the afternoon to fine-tune their routine for the live broadcast.
Signature Sound and Impact
Roan’s project, *The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess*, intricately weaves guitar artistry throughout its narrative.
Ferrero revealed that Roan is particularly keen on having the guitar sounds closely mirror the studio recordings, enhancing the audience’s overall experience.
For her performance, Ferrero crafted an enticing guitar tone using a digital setup with a Kemper profiler, exploring different rigs to achieve a signature sound.
Among her top choices was the distorted tone from the EVH 5150 III amplifier’s second channel, which she seamlessly integrated into the song’s chorus and solo segments.
As the performance concluded and the last note faded, the enchanting Les Paul was swiftly taken away.
Ferrero couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia, wishing she could keep it as a memento, especially given its extraordinary sound.
She expressed a genuine hope that Chappell Roan and her band would always have access to the guitar, particularly for their standout track, “Pink Pony Club.”
This incredible collaboration created a mesmerizing blend of music and visual spectacle that resonated with the audience and left indelible memories for everyone involved.
As the lights dimmed and the first notes echoed through the venue, the energy in the air was electric.
The synergy between the performers was palpable, drawing the audience into a world of sound and vision that felt both intimate and grand.
Among the standout moments were Steve Lukather’s memorable jam sessions, where his extraordinary guitar skills and improvisational flair brought an exhilarating spontaneity to the performance, captivating everyone in attendance.