The 19-String Electric Tennis Racket

Steve Espinola invented the 19-string Electric Tennis Racket in 1992, in the midst of a nervous breakdown.

You may have seen him playing it with cub at Roseland Ballroom, or the Moldy Peaches at Hammerstein Ballroom, or perhaps in just about every bar in New York City.

Above, he plays Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog,” Sidewalk Cafe, 2010. Filmed by Crystal Durant.

Below, he covers a section of Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music for a tribute concert on what would have been Lou’s 72nd birthday. Filmed by Thelma Blitz.