Johnny Marr, legendary guitarist of The Smiths, is set to auction multiple guitars used with the band and on his upcoming solo album The Age Of Everything. The sale, titled 'Marr’s Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection,' will take place on September 17 at Christie’s in London.
Iconic Guitars Up for Auction
The collection includes his 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, which inspired the classic Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now, and his 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, used throughout The Smiths’ debut album and early tours. The Gibson ES-355 is expected to fetch between £100,000 and £150,000, while the Rickenbacker is estimated at £60,000 to £80,000.
Marr’s Cherry 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard, bought for the album Meat Is Murder (1985) and used on tours and the final Smiths concert in 1986, is estimated at £80,000 to £120,000. A 2017 Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar, used on Billie Eilish’s James Bond theme for No Time To Die, is expected to make between £8,000 and £12,000.
Personal Reflections from Johnny Marr
“I have loved guitars for as long as I can remember, since the first one I got at the age of five,” Marr, 62, said. “Each guitar I have acquired over the past 50 years or so has helped me evolve as a musician, bringing new songs, new sounds and techniques.” He added that writing his book Marr’s Guitars in 2023 was a cathartic experience, leading him to decide against storing the instruments unused.
Historical Significance and Charity
The Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo also appeared on the cover of Oasis’s debut single Supersonic after Marr lent it to Noel Gallagher during early sessions for Definitely Maybe. Marr will donate 100% of the hammer price from 10 lots to the Guide Dogs For The Blind Association and the National Autistic Society.
Exhibition and Sale Details
Highlights will be displayed in New York from June 25 to July 1, then at Christie’s London from September 9 to 16 (free entry). The auction occurs September 17. Marr’s upcoming solo album The Age Of Everything, his first in four years, releases October 2.
