Dave Carroll

Dave Carroll is a musician who likes to play his guitar. United Airlines broke his $3,500 Taylor guitar in a baggage handling accident. After the rocker’s failed attempts of having United Airlines reimburse him for the Guitar they broke, Dave decided to make a song about United Airlines’ failed attempt of a) properly handling the guitar and b) responding to his customer service requests. The song “United Breaks Guitars” has been viewed over 2.5 million times on YouTube and received widespread international media attention – both online and offline. Dave Carroll now receives thousands of daily visitors to his website (up from 40-50 per day) and his album sales increased from a few per day to probably hundreds. Other airlines have offered free trips and Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars even offered up a couple of guitars to use for hiss future music endeavors.

United Airlines finally offered to pay the $1200 to repair his guitar. But believe it or not, they broke another one of his guitars and his songs just keep on coming.

United Breaks Guitars #1

United Breaks Guitars #2

More Reading

Dave Carroll’s Airline Mishap Goes Viral in “United Breaks Guitars” (Rolling Stone)

Dave Carroll Says No To Guitar Hush Money From United (The Consumerist)

Did Dave Carroll lose United Airlines $180m? (The Economist)

YouTube video on wrecked guitar gets United Airlines to pay up (Guardian)