Q&A: Reverend Peyton, Rock Bandleader

IM: If someone put together a museum exhibit about your life, what would it include?

RP: It would start with guitars. I have an unhealthy obsession with them—old flat-tops, electrics, bottlenecks. It’s been the driving force of my life. I started playing when I was 12, and by age 13, I was giving lessons.

IM: What was the first six-string you owned?

RP: A Kay State of the Art. If you know anything about guitars, you know Kays are the cheapest kind there is. It was an electric, but it had no amplifier when I got it, so it was really quiet. But it made my hands strong. Actually, I wish I had that guitar back.

IM: Any ax you’re dying to get your hands on today?

RP: I would love to have an original National Map Guitar. I have a replica, but a real one in seafoam green would be great. But they’re about $25,000.

This article appeared in the June 2013 issue.