Johnny Marr, the legendary guitarist of The Smiths, is auctioning approximately 80 guitars, amplifiers, and other equipment from his career, including the iconic Rickenbacker 330 used on the classic track 'This Charming Man.' The collection of 95 lots will be sold by Christie's in London on September 17, 2026. Estimates range from £1,000 to £150,000 per lot, with Marr donating 100% of the hammer price from 10 lots to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
Highlights of the Collection
The auction's centerpiece is the 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo (estimate: £60,000-£80,000), which Marr acquired in 1983 after signing his first publishing deal. This guitar was used extensively on The Smiths' debut album and early tours, featuring on tracks such as 'What Difference Does It Make?', 'Still Ill', and 'Accept Yourself.' In 1994, the same guitar appeared on the cover of Oasis' debut single 'Supersonic' after Marr lent it to Noel Gallagher.
Another standout lot is the 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355 (estimate: £100,000-£150,000), purchased for Marr by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein in 1984. This guitar inspired Marr to write 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' and its B-side 'Girl Afraid' that same day. It was also used in memorable television appearances on Top of the Pops and The Tube, influencing a generation of guitarists including Noel Gallagher and Suede's Bernard Butler.
A 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard (estimate: £80,000-£120,000) is also up for auction. Acquired for The Smiths' second album Meat Is Murder, it can be heard on tracks like 'The Headmaster Ritual' and 'That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore.' Marr used it on the band's 1985 tour and for the final song of The Smiths' last concert in December 1986. According to Marr, this guitar has been used on more records than any other, including with The The, The Cribs, and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Bernard Sumner of New Order borrowed it to record the 1993 hit 'Regret,' and it most recently appeared on the 2026 Gorillaz album The Mountain.
Acoustic and Other Guitars
For acoustic guitar enthusiasts, Marr's 1971 Martin D-28 (estimate: £30,000-£50,000) will be available. This was his principal six-string acoustic during The Smiths' heyday, used to write and record beloved songs such as 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out', 'Well I Wonder', and 'Cemetery Gates'.
Exhibition and Auction Details
Highlights of the collection will be on public view in New York from June 25 to July 1, 2026, before returning to Christie's headquarters in London for a free pre-sale exhibition from September 9 to 16. The auction takes place on September 17.
Quotes from Johnny Marr and Christie's
In a press release, Johnny Marr said: 'I have loved guitars for as long as I can remember, since the first one I got at the age of five. 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. Writing Marr's Guitars in 2023 gave me the perfect excuse to bring all of these instruments together, to tell their stories, revisit the songs, shows and unforgettable moments they've brought me... 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.'
Amelia Walker, Christie's Specialist Head of Private & Iconic Collections, London, commented: 'Christie's is thrilled to be presenting Marr's Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection for sale this September. When Johnny Marr co-founded The Smiths at the age of 18, the music world had never before heard such a unique and melodic style of guitar playing... His far-reaching influence on countless guitar-driven bands such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, and Suede cannot be overstated.'
