“Unbeatables.” Ya think? Also, “Legends,” “Icons,” and “Badasses.” Gretsch certainly had a pair that represented all of the above—and more—for this 1982 promotional ad. Tony Williams (1945-1997) was a Gretsch user from 1959 to 1993. He used a round-badge kit with Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet (1964-1968), and later a USA Custom set in what has become known as “Tony Williams Yellow.” Prior to this ad, Williams had released his solo album The Joy of Flying in 1978—an expansive suite that featured Jan Hammer, Cecil, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, George Benson, Brian Auger, Paul Jackson, Mario Cipollina, and Ronnie Montrose in various musical configurations. As for Watts, his little rock band, the Rolling Stones, had just unleashed a massive hit with “Start Me Up” from 1982’s Tattoo You. His first Gretsch kit showed up on film around the time of the famously fraught The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus […]