Guitars used by Johnny Marr in The Smiths and on his upcoming solo album The Age Of Everything are to go to auction later this year. The sale, titled Marr's Guitars: The Johnny Marr Collection, will take place on September 17 at Christie's in London.
Key guitars in the auction
The collection includes his 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, which inspired him to write Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, and his recognisable 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, used throughout the recording of The Smiths' debut album and early tours. The Rickenbacker also featured on the cover of Oasis's debut single Supersonic after Marr lent it to Noel Gallagher during early recording sessions for Definitely Maybe.
Marr, 62, 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."
Estimated values and highlights
The Gibson ES-355 is expected to fetch between £100,000 and £150,000. It was purchased for him in 1983 by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein, after Marr joked The Smiths would sign to the label if Stein bought him a new guitar. The Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo, heard on songs like What Difference Does It Make? and This Charming Man, is estimated at £60,000 to £80,000.
Also included is Marr's Cherry 1984 Gibson Les Paul Standard, bought for The Smiths' second album Meat Is Murder (1985) and used on the 1985 tour and the final song of their last ever concert in December 1986. It is expected to fetch between £80,000 and £120,000. Marr noted the guitar has also been used on records by New Order, The The, The Cribs, and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
A Comet Sparkle 2017 Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar is among the 95 lots, estimated at £8,000 to £12,000. It was used on Billie Eilish's James Bond theme for the 2021 film No Time To Die.
Exhibition and charitable donations
Highlights from the sale will go on display in New York from June 25 to July 1, before returning to Christie's London headquarters for a free pre-sale exhibition from September 9 to 16. Marr will donate 100% of the hammer price from 10 lots to benefit the Guide Dogs For The Blind Association and the National Autistic Society.
Musical legacy and upcoming album
Marr announced last week that he will release The Age Of Everything, his first studio album in four years, on October 2. With The Smiths, completed by singer Morrissey, bass player Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce, Marr was a pioneer of British indie rock in the 1980s. The band released four critically acclaimed studio albums: The Smiths (1984), Meat Is Murder (1985), The Queen Is Dead (1986), and Strangeways, Here We Come (1987), before breaking up in 1987. They achieved three UK top 10 singles, best known for songs such as How Soon Is Now?, This Charming Man and Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now. Marr launched his solo career with 2013 album The Messenger, with all of his solo albums charting in the UK top 10.
