Meaning: This quote by musician Brian Setzer reflects his desire to revisit the aesthetic and atmosphere of a bygone era, specifically the 1950s. Setzer expresses a longing to "go back to Sun," a reference to Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, which holds significant historical and cultural importance in the world of music. Sun Studio is renowned as the birthplace of rock and roll, having been the recording site for legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many others.

When Setzer mentions that "most of the gear is gone from Sun," he is likely referring to the original recording equipment and instruments that were used during the studio's heyday in the 1950s. This loss of equipment may have affected the authenticity and ambiance that Setzer hoped to experience during a potential visit. The "tourist destination" aspect implies that Sun Studio has become a popular attraction for music enthusiasts and tourists, potentially altering the studio's original character and making it challenging to recreate the atmosphere of the 1950s.

In the latter part of the quote, Setzer acknowledges the difficulty of bringing in all the necessary gear to recreate the ambiance of Sun Studio as it was in the 1950s. This sentiment reflects an appreciation for the specific sound and vibe of that era and a recognition of the challenges involved in authentically capturing it in a modern context.

Brian Setzer, known for his work as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, has been a prominent figure in the rockabilly and swing revival movements. His musical style often pays homage to the vintage sounds of the 1950s, drawing inspiration from the same era that Sun Studio epitomizes. Setzer's quote conveys a profound reverence for the musical heritage associated with Sun Studio and a nostalgic yearning to immerse himself in its historic essence.

Sun Studio's legacy extends beyond its role as a recording venue; it represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of popular music. The studio's raw, unfiltered approach to recording, combined with the groundbreaking talent of the artists who passed through its doors, contributed to the creation of a sound that reverberated across the globe and continues to influence musicians to this day.

Despite the challenges mentioned in Setzer's quote, Sun Studio remains an essential pilgrimage site for music aficionados seeking to connect with the roots of rock and roll. The studio's preservation of its historic artifacts, memorabilia, and original recording space allows visitors to experience a tangible connection to the iconic musicians and recordings that shaped the course of popular music history.

In conclusion, Brian Setzer's quote encapsulates a longing to recapture the essence of a pivotal era in music history and reflects the enduring allure of Sun Studio as a symbol of rock and roll's formative years. His words evoke a sense of reverence for the authenticity and spirit of a bygone musical era, while also acknowledging the challenges of preserving and rekindling that unique atmosphere in a contemporary context. Sun Studio stands as a living monument to the influential sounds that emerged from its walls, and its continued significance serves as a testament to the enduring impact of the music that was born within its hallowed halls.