According to news breaking on Monday, "keyboardist and synth programmer Casey Young recently donated a rare, vintage Moog Liberation keytar synthesizer to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives. Notable musician and performer Gary Wright previously owned the synthesizer. Manufactured in 1980, its serial number is 8041, and it is treated with a rare white factory paint exterior. It is accompanied by two external power supply and interface boxes."
"The Liberation is one of the earliest examples of wearable 'keytar' synthesizers," a statement reads. "An adjustable, leather strap is attached at opposite ends of the instrument so that it can be held like a guitar. This wearable feature allows an otherwise stationary keyboard performer the freedom to move about and interact with other musicians. Connecting the Liberation to an interface and power supply unit allows it to send audio output while receiving power through a single cable."
"Gary Wright, writer and composer of classic songs including 'Dream Weaver' (1976), was notable for using keytar synthesizers during live performances. The white Moog Liberation appears in his 1981 music video for 'Heartbeat.' Ownership of this synthesizer was transferred to musical collaborator Casey Young, who maintained possession until donating it to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives."
“Getting to work with Gary Wright was one of the best gigs I ever had,” noted Casey Young, whose musical collaborators also included Yes, Madonna, TOTO, Michael Jackson, and Tina Turner. “He did so much to jump-start my musical journey.” Young explains that Moog Music, while sponsoring the band, donated the use of three black and one white Liberation for the “Heartbeat” video. Young was later gifted the white Liberation by Wright while the remaining three were returned.
“This is a meaningful addition to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives and an important piece of synthesizer history," Moog told MC. "Instruments like the Liberation help tell the story of how electronic music evolved, both in the studio and on stage.”
“We are honored by this very special donation to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives,” noted Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. “Gary Wright’s Liberation is a part of synthesizer history. We are deeply grateful to Casey Young for this important donation, and we look forward to sharing this historical gem once it has been restored.”
