Key facts
- Johnny Marr is auctioning nearly 100 guitars, including instruments used with The Smiths and Billie Eilish.
- The collection features iconic guitars such as the Rickenbacker used on 'This Charming Man' and a Martin D-28 used for 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out'.
- A 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, gifted by music mogul Seymour Stein, is expected to fetch up to £150,000.
- The auction, managed by Christie's, will be held in London on September 17.
- Guitars will be displayed in London and New York before the sale.
- Proceeds from 10 lots will be donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
Johnny Marr, the acclaimed guitarist renowned for his work with The Smiths and numerous collaborations, is auctioning approximately 80 to 100 of his guitars. The collection includes instruments central to iconic tracks like The Smiths' 'This Charming Man' and Billie Eilish's 'No Time To Die' theme. Marr stated his motivation for the sale is to prevent his studio from becoming a museum and to allow the guitars to continue inspiring other musicians.
The auction, managed by Christie's, will feature 95 lots with estimated values ranging from £1,000 to £150,000. A 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, a gift from music industry figure Seymour Stein, carries the highest estimate at £150,000. Other notable items include a 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, heard on Smiths classics, and a 1971 Martin D-28 acoustic used for writing ballads. The guitars will be displayed in London and New York before the sale on September 17.
Proceeds from 10 specific lots will be fully donated to two charities: the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the National Autistic Society. Marr documented his collection in his 2023 book, 'Marr's Guitars,' reflecting on the instruments' importance and the passage of time.