Passenger Celebrates 100 Years of Gibson Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars

Passenger Celebrates 100 Years of Gibson Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars with Intimate Performance of “Ghosts”

Passenger shares the story behind his beloved Gibson J-45 and performs his new single “Ghosts” ahead of the release of Wild Love on November 6.

There is something special about the connection between a musician and their guitar. For singer-songwriter Passenger, that connection began years ago while busking on the streets of Australia, long before his music would reach audiences around the world.

As Gibson celebrates 100 years of its legendary flat-top acoustic guitars, Passenger joins the celebration with an intimate performance of his new song “Ghosts,” played on the Gibson J-45 that has become such an important part of his musical journey.

Filmed at his Black Crow recording studio in the English countryside, the performance is part of Gibson Europe’s ongoing 100 Years of Gibson Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars series, which brings together artists to share their music and the stories behind the guitars they love.

For Passenger, whose real name is Michael David Rosenberg, the Gibson J-45 has been with him through some of the biggest moments of his career.

“I remember getting my first J-45 really clearly,” Passenger recalls. “I was in Australia. I’d been doing loads of busking, and I was just about to record an album, which turned into the big one, actually. It was All the Little Lights, with ‘Let Her Go’ on it.”

He remembers trying several guitars before picking up the J-45 and immediately knowing it was the one. He credits that guitar with helping shape the sound of All the Little Lights, the album that would introduce his music to millions of listeners.

Since then, the J-45 has remained his acoustic guitar of choice, accompanying him from those early days of street performances to sold-out shows and festival stages around the world.

Originally introduced in 1942, the Gibson J-45 has earned its nickname, “The Workhorse.” Known for its warm, rich tone and versatility, it has become a favorite among generations of singer-songwriters. It’s a guitar that can deliver everything from delicate fingerpicking to powerful acoustic performances.

In the new film, Passenger performs “Ghosts,” the third single from his upcoming album Wild Love, set for release on November 6.

The song touches on something many of us can relate to—learning to let go of the past and making room for something new. It’s a reflective and emotional subject that fits naturally with Passenger’s storytelling and heartfelt songwriting.

“The older you get, the more baggage you have and the harder it can be to move on,” Passenger explains.

The stripped-back performance gives listeners a chance to experience the song with just his distinctive vocals and the beautiful sound of his J-45.

It’s also a reminder of how much music can come from something as simple as a voice, a guitar, and a story worth telling.

As Gibson marks a century of flat-top acoustic guitars, Passenger’s story is a perfect example of how an instrument can become so much more than something a musician plays. It becomes part of their sound, their memories, and the songs that connect with listeners along the way.

Watch Gibson’s 100 Years of Flat-Tops film featuring Passenger performing “Ghosts” on the Gibson J-45 HERE.

Wild Love arrives November 6, and Passenger will be heading out on his Wild Love Tour in 2027.

For more information, visit Passenger’s official website and explore 100 Years of Gibson Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars.

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