In 2012, Marshall celebrated a major milestone. It had been fifty years since Jim Marshall built the first amplifier that helped define the sound of rock music. Even at 88, Jim’s drive and love for the brand were as strong as ever.
To mark the golden anniversary, Marshall began the year by announcing at NAMM the release of five sets of very special 1-watt heads and combos. These British-built, all-valve, limited-edition amps celebrated each of the five preceding decades and were released at 11-week intervals, turning the year into a long celebration of sound. Each 50th Anniversary model was inspired by Marshall’s most iconic amps from its respective decade: the JTM for the 1960s, the JMP for the 1970s, the JCM for the 1980s, the DSL for the 1990s, and the JVM for the 2000s. Despite being small, the amps retained full Marshall valve power, with a Low Power switch reducing output to 0.1 watt for “home-friendly” use - though Guitarist Magazine noted even then they were “still loud enough for rewarding practice and quality recording.” Each amp was finished with a commemorative 50th anniversary plaque, creating a collector’s dream. Of course, Marshall’s 50th anniversary wouldn’t be complete without a legendary 1962 Bluesbreaker combo. Marshall created a hand-wired MKII Bluesbreaker, sold only alongside an aged, gold-top Gibson Les Paul, with only 50 units worldwide, the perfect homage to the original 1962 second-series combo and a collector’s dream.
A legendary Wembley celebration. The anniversary also deserved a bigger celebration. By then, Marshall was making up to 200 amplifiers every day, and its impact reached musicians everywhere. In September 2012, this legacy was honoured with a huge show at London’s Wembley Arena. The event featured members of famous bands such as Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Slayer, and The Cult, along with guitar legends Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. Iron Maiden’s drummer Nicko McBrain hosted the event and captured the feeling before the show: Jim Marshall and the team have shaped the sound of rock music for eternity. The show featured three hours of powerful music from different generations and styles. Metal, blues, and rock classics filled the arena, from Motörhead’s Ace of Spades to B.B. King’s Rock Me Baby. Stacks of Marshall amps delivered what the warning signs promised: loud volume and pure rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Honouring Jim Marshall’s legacy. The celebration carried even more meaning because earlier that year, on 5 April 2012, Jim Marshall had passed away. Known for his tireless work ethic, he remained deeply involved with the company well into his eighties, often working long hours and staying close to the craft he loved. Each year on 5 April, the company still pays tribute to Jim with Father of Loud Day. Today, Jim’s influence is still felt in everything Marshall makes. His focus on quality, careful attention to detail, and his unique handwritten logo are at the core of every Marshall amplifier. Even after fifty years, the sound he helped create is as strong as ever.
