THE COLLECTIVE CONVERSATIONS

Every artifact has a story. Collective Conversations explores the people, moments, and history behind remarkable pieces from The Collective through original conversations and firsthand memories.

The guitars. The artists. The stories behind the music.

This edition explores the musicians and personal moments connected to guitars in The Collective. Watch conversations featuring Duke Robillard, Paul Stanley, Jon Herington, Al Jourgensen, and more.

July 15, 2015 — Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jon Herington — Backstage with Steely Dan

After a Steely Dan concert in Albuquerque, Terri and I spent time backstage with Jon Herington. Hearing his musicianship that night made the moment memorable; getting to know him and preserving part of his story through The Collective gave the photograph lasting meaning.

The Guitar Edition preserves the people and relationships behind the instruments.

— Douglas L. Rutter
Collective Conversations | Guitar Edition

Al Jourgensen
October 4, 2015 — El Paso, Texas

This photograph was taken in Al’s backyard while I was managing him and Ministry. That work gave me a firsthand view of the music and the people behind it, but some of my strongest memories are of quieter moments like this one with Terri and Al.

The photograph preserves a friendship as well as a remarkable chapter of my life.

— Douglas L. Rutter
Collective Conversations | Guitar Edition

Billy Gibbons
March 30, 2019 — El Paso, Texas

When Billy came to El Paso for a Shriners fundraiser, Terri and I joined our friend Pat “Guitar Slim” Chase for the evening. Away from the stage, Billy was gracious, funny, and generous with his time.

This photograph brings back the conversations and friendships that made the night memorable.

— Douglas L. Rutter
Collective Conversations | Guitar Edition

Explore conversations about the sports, music, and cultural artifacts preserved in The Collective, from Don Haskins’ 500th win ball to the story behind the Lakers championship guitar.

DON HASKINS 500TH WIN BALL
Season 2, Episode 5

Guest host Humberto Fournier, a close friend of Coach Don Haskins, shares the commemorative basketball honoring Haskins’ 500th career win on December 18, 1987, when UTEP defeated Lamar 87–56.

The episode explores the milestone and Haskins’ enduring influence on UTEP, El Paso, and the game of basketball—a legacy built on toughness, discipline, and defense.

TIM HARDAWAY UTEP COLLECTION
Season 2, Episode 4

This episode showcases rare memorabilia from Tim Hardaway’s UTEP career, including a game-worn autographed jersey, a team-signed basketball featuring one of his earliest signatures, and inscribed game-worn shorts from 1989.

Together, these artifacts trace Hardaway’s rise from overlooked recruit to one of college basketball’s most dynamic guards—and preserve his enduring UTEP legacy.

B.B. KING SIGNED GUITAR
Season 2, Episode 3

A rare guitar signed by B.B. King captures both the artistry and personal connection behind the King of the Blues.

Doug Rutter’s memories of their many phone conversations while B.B. traveled aboard his tour bus transform the guitar from a historic artifact into a personal tribute to a legendary artist, cherished friend, and enduring musical legacy.

AL JOURGENSEN STAGE-USED GUITAR
Season 2, Episode 2

This stage-played Schecter Flying V was used by Al Jourgensen during Ministry’s The Defibrillator Tour and personally signed by the pioneering frontman.

More than a performance instrument, the guitar captures Ministry’s relentless live energy and Jourgensen’s enduring influence on industrial metal—a rare piece of modern music history.