Joliet Rocks: World's Largest Guitar Sculpture Arrives Next Week

JOLIET, IL — The largest hand-made guitar sculpture ever created is coming to the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, and there will be a ceremony featuring an appearance from Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen to mark the milestone event.

Everyone is invited to attend the downtown Joliet lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, outside the museum at 9 West Cass St. The new museum is next to Juliet's Tavern and across the street from The Forge, Joliet's popular indoor live concert venue.

“GIGANTAR will be the museum’s icon,” remarked Ron Romero, executive director of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum, in Monday's press release. “We are thrilled with the work Shannon has done and we can’t wait to show it to music lovers throughout Illinois and the world.”

The artwork, named GIGANTAR, will begin its nearly week-long trek to the museum this Saturday with a launch party at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. GIGANTAR will make its way across 5-states on an open flatbed truck, stopping at prestigious and historical sites on the way to its final destination, adorning the entrance to the museum in downtown Joliet.

GIGANTAR will arrive in Joliet on Friday, Jan. 20.

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum commissioned world-renowned artist Shannon (MacDonald) to create the 24-foot tall sculpture. According to the press release, Shannon has created artwork for many in the entertainment industry as well as the worlds of sports and politics including Cheap Trick, The Beatles, Sylvester Stallone, James Dean, Jackie Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana of Wales, JFK Jr. and more.

Event sponsors include the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Heritage Corridor Destinations, Old National Bank, Legacy Express Trucking and D’Arcy Buick GMC and Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino.

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Romero said the museum exists to preserve the history of musicians and bands with ties to Illinois, while educating visitors about our rich music history.

The first floor includes a radio station as well as memorabilia collected from several famous Illinois musicians and bands including Cheap Trick, Buddy Guy, Styx, REO Speedwagon and Chicago. The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum gift shop will also be on the first floor as will a large exhibit area focused on guitars.

For more information, please visit www.RoadToRock.org.