Johnny Marr is auctioning several historic guitars from his time with The Smiths and his solo career, with the instruments expected to fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds at Christie's in London, according to the Press Association.
Key Guitars and Expected Prices
The sale includes his 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, which inspired him to write Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, and his iconic 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.
Also included is a Cherry 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard, bought for The Smiths' second album Meat Is Murder (1985) and used on their final tour and last concert in December 1986. It is expected to fetch between £80,000 and £120,000. Marr noted the Les Paul was also used on records by New Order, The The, The Cribs, and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
Rickenbacker's Oasis Connection
The Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, heard on Smiths classics like What Difference Does It Make? and This Charming Man, also appeared on the cover of Oasis's debut single Supersonic. Marr lent the guitar to Noel Gallagher during early recording sessions for Definitely Maybe.
Marr's Emotional Decision
Marr, who got his first guitar at age five, said he "couldn't imagine" the instruments remaining unplayed in storage. "It's bittersweet to be parting with these guitars but I want them to go to new homes and new people who will love them as much as I have," he said. "I hope they bring as much joy, inspiration and fun – and new songs – as they have given me."
Writing his 2023 book Marr's Guitars gave him "the perfect excuse to revisit the songs, shows and unforgettable moments they've brought me," he added. "The book turned out to be a cathartic experience and when it was time for these beautiful instruments to go back into storage, I couldn't imagine them being put away and left unplayed."
Additional Lots and Charity
A Comet Sparkle 2017 Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar, expected to fetch between £8,000 and £12,000, was used on Billie Eilish's James Bond theme for the 2021 film No Time To Die. This guitar is among 95 lots in the auction, titled Marr's Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection.
Highlights will be displayed in New York from June 25 to July 1, then at Christie's London headquarters from September 9 to 16, with the sale on September 17. Marr will donate 100% of the hammer price from 10 lots to benefit Guide Dogs For The Blind Association and the National Autistic Society.
Marr also announced last week that he will release The Age Of Everything, his first studio album in four years, on October 2.
