“I sold it to Bob Rock for the same amount I paid for it. Just after that, the ‘Slasheffect’ happened… he sold it for 15times what he paid”: Billy Duffy on the Les Paul ’Burst he sold on the cheap – and why player-grade beats all-original every time

Billy Duffy of The Cult plays his Les Paul Custom live at the Filmore Detroit, in 2010.

GW connected with Cult guitarist Billy Duffy as the band was about to head off to South America, where they’ve maintained a huge following for nearly 40 years.

For the band, 2025 isn’t only about touring their regular show, but also celebrating the 40th anniversary of their previous incarnation as Death Cult, with dates planned where they will focus on material that they haven’t played since 1985.